“You better not.”
Then she looked up at him. Cool. Sharp. Entirely herself again.
“Because if you do, Counselor, I’m going to wipe the floor with you.”
A slow grin touched his mouth.
“There she is,” he said softly.
Her gaze snapped to his. “Excuse me?”
“The woman who pretends she doesn’t know me every time we walk into court.”
Last night, he had stood in her kitchen with one hand at the back of her neck and his mouth against her forehead.
This morning, she looked like she meant to pretend every second of it had never happened.
Before she could answer, the bailiff opened the door.
“Counsel.”
They walked in.
Separate tables. Same current.
Inside Judge Harlan’s Chambers
Eleanor set her file on the table.
Judge Harlan reviewed the docket, glasses low on his nose.
“This matter has drawn more attention than most,” he said. “That will not influence this court.”
“Yes, Your Honor,” Eleanor replied.
His gaze shifted to Reid.
“Mr. Calloway, I expect the same restraint from your office.”
“You have it.”
Harlan folded his hands.
“No commentary to the press. No trial by podcast. We will operate on admissible evidence and nothing else.”
A quiet beat.
“Understood?”
“Yes, Your Honor,” they answered in unison.
“Good. We’re finished for today. I’ll see you both at nine tomorrow.”
He rose. Meeting over.
Outside Judge Harlan’s Chambers
The door closed behind the judge. Counsel spilled into the hallway.
