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Jenny snorted angrily, “I have an obligation to defend my client, and therefore, cannot reveal my source. It falls under attorney-client privilege, Your Honor.”
Drake pulled out his phone and set it on Judge Matthew’s desk. He made sure the volume was turned up and hit play. Everyone was silent as they listened. When it ended, Jerry didn’t look pleased.
“I need time to think about this. You’re dismissed for now. I expect you to remain close. I’ll render my verdict soon.”
* * *
Outside on the steps of the courthouse, Drake attempted to draw in air. His career was ruined despite his efforts to uphold the law. His friendship with Jerry wouldn’t change the outcome. Things ended the moment lust outweighed his better judgment at the altar.
Drake had won the real prize. It was time to put her first and respect her no matter what. Alessandra wasn’t his to use. Home with him should be her safe space. Their marriage shouldn’t feel like a life sentence.
Alessandra’s soft voice broke through his reverie. “I’m sorry about your case. I can’t believe my father would stoop so low.”
“Your brother was facing felony arson and murder. With the evidence disappearing, the case is circumstantial at best,” he replied steadily without looking at her.
“Marcello didn’t know anyone was going to be in that warehouse. You need to understand that he never intended to hurt anyone.”
Drake rounded on her, “You think that fucking matters? Someone died! The man was a father with two young children and a pregnant wife. Where is the justice for them?”
“I know that, Drake!” She threw her hands up. “My brother was facing the possibility of life in prison for his mistake. He’s not a killer. You don’t know him.”
“And you’re blinded by your love for him. You’re giving him too much credit. He had a choice!”
“You’ve met my father, you’ve met Luca—you know he never had a choice.” Alessandra wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I never had a choice….”
The words were barely audible, but Drake heard her. For the first time, he finally heard her, and it gutted him. Everything she ever told him fell into place. She gave him glimpses into her life through stories of abuse and torment. But now he finally saw her. His beautiful queen was a manipulated pawn, and his strings kept her that way. She clearly had regrets when it came to their relationship, and he had no one to blame but himself.
“What the fuck does that mean, Alessandra?”
Unmistakable hurt shone in her eyes. He reached out to touch her, but she flinched.
“It wasn’t my choice to marry you. My father did this to us. Just like he put my brother in his situation. Don’t you see that, Drake? Do you understand now? Given the option, I never thought I’d choose to stay with you. I never thought we’d fall for each other.”
“I’ll offer him a deal for you. But I’m warning you, bella, you will regret this one day. Marcello will eventually show you his true colors and only disappoint you.”
Alessandra threw herself into his arms, and he caught her. He would always catch her. They clung to each other in a moment of desperation, finally breaking through the most painful barrier.
Maybe this was indeed for the best. With this case behind them, they could put one foot in front of the other and move forward with their lives. The expectations of the case and the deceit that brought them together would be in their past.
Drake ran his fingers through his wife’s soft auburn hair. Despite everything, he wanted his marriage to work. With the world burning down around them, as long as the day ended with his wife in his arms, he would survive.
“Why don’t you head home without me? You don’t need to wait for the judge’s decision. I have work to finish up here. Maybe some time alone will do us good.”
“Drake, please don’t do this. Come home with me.”
Drake cupped her cheek, and her eyes fluttered shut. Humiliation washed over him, and he couldn’t stand his wife witnessing it. He kissed her forehead and turned back to the courthouse.
***
Chapter Twenty-Four
Drake knew the verdict before Jerry called them back to the office. With disappearing evidence, they would now need to prove tampering. Unfortunately, that would never happen.
“We are agents of justice, and this situation is abhorrent. Mr. Rommer’s family deserved justice for his death, but with the dishonest way the defense comported themselves, it’s no longer possible. Due to lack of evidence, justice may not be served,” Jerry said in disgust.
“I will file a motion to dismiss the case immediately,” Jenny said.
“You do that, Miss Nguyen. My clerk will set a date for the hearing.”
