AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Now is not the time,” the judge stated, giving me a hard look.
I’d never disobeyed protocol, but it was necessary, or I knew without a doubt that Sergei would find a way to have Alexei murdered behind bars. I moved from my seat, refusing to take no for an answer. “I’m sorry, Judge Markham, but you should know that on the night in question, Mr. Kozlov spent the entire night with me.”
The judge shrank back, his eyes darkening. “You do understand the penalty for perjury, Ms. Morgan. Do you not?”
“Yes, sir. Furthermore, I have some evidence that will exonerate Mr. Walker’s client.” I held up one of the drives. I was taking a huge chance, but it was one I was willing to take.
“This isn’t a trial, Ms. Morgan. I’ve taken your statement under advisement. I suggest you sit down before I choose to ignore it.” The judge’s glare was harsher than before.
“I’m sorry, Judge Markham, but I can’t do that. If I do, I’ll be forced to take this important piece of information to the press as well as the grand jury.”
“What the fuck are you doing?” Bradley hissed.
I twirled the drive as I walked closer.
“My chambers, Ms. Morgan. Now.”
* * *
Alexei
Stunned.
Few people in my life had ever stunned me, certainly not in a good way. As I’d watched Stephanie lie for my sake, I slipped into a moment of utter shock. Why in God’s name would she do something like that when my attorney was perfectly capable of handling the situation?
Unless she knew something that she’d neglected to tell me.
“What is she doing, Bradley?” I asked through clenched teeth as the bailiff ushered Stephanie into the judge’s chambers. The fact the man of honor had become furious with her piqued my curiosity; however, whatever she was up to could explode in her face.
“She wouldn’t tell me a damn thing. I thought you had fucking control over her.”
Snarling, I refused to take my eyes off her. When she turned just before she walked into the room, there was no doubt she’d used the time spent away from my house to her benefit.
What the fuck did that mean?
“Sit down,” Bradley huffed. “You have no idea how long this is going to take.”
“Are we set for bail?”
“I’ve been around this block a few times, Alexei. I think I know what I’m doing.”
As I sat in the chair, I turned in his direction. “Don’t fuck with me, Bradley. My father keeps you around because he believes you have loyalty to the family.”
“And you don’t?”
“Let’s just say I believe you’re an opportunist.”
He seemed appalled then shifted his attention to the papers in front of him. “Did you kill him?”
“You know better than to ask.”
“I’ll take that as an affirmative.”
“Take it as you will.” I shook my head, realizing my explosive mood wouldn’t help the situation. “No. He was alive and well when I left his house.”
“But it’s possible they found your fingerprints.”
“Yes.”
