A BREAK IN A TRIAL OR OTHER COURT PROCEEDINGS OR A LEGISLATIVE SESSION UNTIL A CERTAIN DATE AND TIME.
SCARLETT
In every romance novel I’ve read, the phrases “I need space” and “we should take a break” never lead to a happily ever after. Occasionally, the author writes a few scenes to feed me some false hope, but it’s only taken me five hundred stories to know what’s about to be served.
Heartbreak.
Or tragedy.
Or worse…the real heroine will appear, and the hero will move on with her instead of the woman in the earlier chapters. There’ll be stanzas full of justification, reasons why the first girl was just a “temporary plot device,” a mere stepping stone until he reached who he really belonged with forever.
I stock up on boxes of Kleenex for whenever reality hits.
PENALTY (N.):
IN CRIMINAL LAW, A MONEY FINE OR FORFEITURE OF PROPERTY ORDERED BY THE JUDGE AFTER CONVICTION FOR A CRIME.
JAMESON
Scarlett’s father has a way of making a room feel ten times smaller whenever he’s in it. He has an aura of power that reaches people who don’t even know him.
It’s why no one has bothered to sit on either side of him in the courtroom today, and why Rachel’s hands still slightly tremble whenever she writes “Lucas” on any notes for me.
For some reason, he’s staring at me like I’ve committed a crime against him. Like he’s well aware that I’m hiding something from him.
There’s no way he knows I slept with his daughter… At least, I think?
“Hello, Mr. Tate?” The judge clears his throat. “Are you in the court with us today?”
“Yes, Your Honor.” I stand to my feet. “I’m here.”
“Then please address the issue at hand,” he says. “Do you honestly expect this court to believe that your clients won’t flee the country if given bail?”
“No, Your Honor,” I say. “They’ll probably be on the first flight out of here if you let them out.”
Lucas shoots me a “What the fuck?” from across the courtroom, but I ignore him.
“The state agrees, Your Honor.” Julia jumps to her feet. “Under no condition should these men be allowed bail—at any amount.”
“I wasn’t done.” I roll my eyes. “My clients are willing to surrender their passports, wear ankle monitoring, and commit to any terms under the typical bail structure for cases like this.”
“Men don’t typically beat the hell out of federal agents and launder money.”
“Allegedly, Julia.” I smile at her. “We’re not at trial yet.”
“Enough.” The judge bangs his gavel. “I agree with Mr. Tate and will grant the clientsaone-million-dollar secured bond, with surrendered passports and community monitoring up until trial.”
He bangs his gavel. “Next case!”
I shut my briefcase and slip into the hallway before Julia can say anything to me.
“My apologies for doubting you for a single second.” Lucas steps next to me. “I should’ve known.”
“Yes, you should’ve.” I hand him a folder. “Do I need to explain what you need to do next to pay their bail, or do you have it?”
“I believe I have it.” He smiles. “You’re really a joy to have on-call for legal issues.”
That feeling isn’t mutual.I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
