AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You.” Her voice cracked. “I can’t do this anymore.”
“You need more romantic things?”
“I need you to be someone you’ll never be.”
I clenched my jaw. “What is that supposed to mean?”
She didn’t answer.
“Elizabeth, don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re not the center of my universe and I barely know you,” I said. “I enjoy fucking you and I like being your partner, but I don’tneedyou.”
“That’s how you really feel?”
“That’s what I just said.” I kept my voice firm. “Now, maybe we need a break from each other so feel free to work with another associate for the week. When you come to your senses, call me.”
I left her in the hallway and returned to my office to work on things I actually got paid to do.
RECESS (N.)
A BREAK IN A TRIAL OR OTHER COURT PROCEEDINGS OR A LEGISLATIVE SESSION UNTIL A CERTAIN DATE AND TIME
ELIZABETH
There’s a scene in every theater production when things backstage go awry. No matter how well the things in front of the house are going, something backstage will go wrong.
It’s up the staff at the back of the house to fix it without getting any credit. The show must go on, as they say.
In the past, that’s how I treated things with Frank.
With Damien, I decided to give him—us—another try because maybe just maybe, it was a heat of the moment and we both said things we didn’t mean.
At the courthouse,I grabbed a latte and took a seat next to Nancy Early, one of the firm’s top forensic lawyers.
Damien avoided eye contact as he approached the table.
“Good morning, ladies,” he said.
“Good morning,” Miss Early responded.
I said nothing. I just handed him a fresh printout of his closing statement.
“Thank you, Miss Tanner.” He looked at me. “Did you have a chance to read over it?”
“Yes, Mr. Carter.”
“Good.”
“All arise for the honorable Judge Mateo Asher.”
I stared at Damien as the judge entered and we sat when we sat.
“Ladies and gentlemen, prior to this session, I met with both parties in my chambers,” Judge Asher said. “So, this is just a formality. They’ve agreed to a plea deal and sentencing will take place at a different time.”
What?I looked over at Damien.
“Does the defense have anything to say or submit ahead of that time?”
“No, Your Honor.”
