Page 78 of Choose Us
It was just another day in court. I had learnt to detach myself over the years. The more complex, and challenging the cases became, the more I emotionally disconnected myself in order to do my job. I wished it was that easy when it came to Brooke.
*
It was 5 p.m. The sun was shining, and the trial had gone without too many unexpected surprises. I liked a curveball occasionally. Sometimes thinking on my feet allowed me to excel; you either thrived under pressure or you didn’t. Luckily, pressure had served mewell so far.
I parted ways with Mr. Wilde; he was extremely gracious and thankful formy support.
“I’m only doing my job,” I said.
“Yes, but you’re good at it. Let’s hope we never have to meet again, but if I need a lawyer you’ll be the first person I call.” He shook myhand firmly.
I was only doing my job. That part was true, but there was more to it. I always performed my duties to the best of my ability, regardless of who I was defending, but a small part of me pushed through that extra hour before I fell to sleep or woke up an hour earlier than normal to prepare when I believed in the character of the person I was defending.
Outside the courthouse Mr. Carlton’s family scowled my way before climbing into their blacked-out Range Rover. I couldn’t imagine the marriage would last much longer after the trial. Even if by some miracle he didn’t get convicted, the evidence regarding his extramarital affairs would certainly give his wife some food for thought. I wasn’t proud of breaking up a marriage, but on the flip side, there was a certain force generated by a person’s actions and I liked to callthatkarma.
Paula came running out after me, seemingly to warn me about something.
“Holly. Wait. I need to tell––” She stopped dead in her tracks. “Never mind.” She smirked and went in the opposite direction.
“Paula? What the hell?” I tutted to myself. She pulled stupid stunts all the time, but this was a new one. Did she want me to chase her? The lines in my forehead seeped deeper than theyhad all day.
She turned, smirked at me and flicked her head in the direction ofthe carpark.
“What?” I mouthed, conscious there were now ten people between us, so shouting would’ve been inappropriate.
I turned to see what, or should I saywho, she’d been referring to.
“Is that?”I whispered.
It can’t be.
*
I froze.
The hairs on my arms stood on end.
My breathing turned to short sharp spurts.
The sun was shining on a female figure leaning against the wall across the carpark. The glare made her features difficult to see, but I would recognise her anywhere. The sun bounced off her blonde hair giving it a sharp healthy shine. She wore long white high-waisted trousers that elongated her figure splendidly, combined with a yellow vest top and a denim jacket slung over the wall beside her, she looked amazing.
She gave off a European tourist look, like she’d just stepped off a plane from Milan. Her bronzed skin glistened in the sunlight. She was a picture of perfection. She didn’t wave immediately, which made me question if it was her or if she was a figment of my imagination. It wouldn’t be the first time I’d imagined a similar scenario.
I wandered down the steps slowly, taking each at a snail’s pace. The slower I walked the less chance she would disappear and the more time I had to prepare for the encounter.
Brooke was here, in London. She stood in front of the crown court, casually leaning against a wall like she belonged, like this was a regular occurrence for her.
Why?
I passed through the parking lot. I was close enough now to see the corner of her mouth lift into a charming smile. She pulled her jacket from the wall and walked three steps, closing the gap between us to arm’s length.
“Hi,” shesaid softly.
“Hi.”
I raised my eyebrows, unable to contain the shock at seeing her. “What are youdoing here?”
“I did call.” She shrugged.
