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Cody didn’t move. “That’s right. You walked into this town expecting to find a bunch of local yokels who don’t know the terms fraud and libel. You thought you’d take advantage of someone with fewer resources than you, and we’d all just be so damn impressed.”
Frederick narrowed his eyes.
“But guess what, asshole? I was raised by a man who used his money to get his way. I’ve dealt with your type my entire life, and now I have the resources to make sure Tova doesn’t have to.”
Frederick’s jaw clenched. “She was nothing but a stripper.”
“And she’s going to teach me how to pole dance,” Vienne piped up.
“She can teach pole dancing?” someone called from the seats, her tone full of nothing but excited interest. “I want to learn.”
I nodded, not knowing who spoke. This wasn’t the time to sign on clients, but I’d hate to pass up on a future student because of my shitty ex.
Frederick glanced around. The energy from the crowd was supportive. Glares were directed his way. It was like I could walk off this stage and be caught in a cloud of understanding.
“Well.” Lauri rose. Her phone was in her hand.
Oh, no. This was it. I was in the coffin, and I thought since the lid was open, I could climb out and scramble for my dreams. Lauri’s grim expression would be the final nail. “I’ve seen all I needed to see.”
She flashed her screen. I thought I caught a glimpse of Frederick, one of the many pictures of him in various financial magazines. Had she researched him that quickly? I was impressed. “I’m Ms. Evanson’s attorney. And you will be hearing from me.”
I couldn’t register what she said. Her claim didn’t make sense. I was nothing but an apt viewer like the rest of the crowd, intent on Frederick’s reaction.
Frederick snapped his spine back in place. His gaze stroked down her body, eying her sensible walking sandals, her navy-blue linen shorts, and the solid white tee covered with a loose-knit navy-blue shawl. It was probably her silver hair pulled back in a simple ponytail that wiped out any credibility in his mind.
He laughed. “My lawyers will have a field day with you.”
“Please, Mr. Baldwin.”
He stiffened at her use of his last name when he hadn’t introduced himself and couldn’t see her phone.
“I’ve been chewing through men like you before lunch for thirty years. It’ll be my pleasure to do it again.”
He rocked back on his heels. “My lawyers—”
“Can call. You need to leave.” Cody gestured toward one of the hallways in the back of the room and advanced on Frederick.
“That man is mean,” one of the kids whispered off to my right, where they peeked out from behind the curtain.
“He’s a loser,” Catherine said with full authority.
Frederick stumbled back a step. His gaze flew to mine, and everything that happened slammed into place. A completed puzzle. Lauri offered to represent me. She hated Frederick just from the few minutes he’d been here, and she supported me. By helping me, she accepted me and Cody, however hard it was for her. I’d figure out how to pay her fees.
Vienne had offered solidarity in front of everyone. So did another person I doubt I’d ever talked to. The kids had my back. I was the one with power and resources because of the generosity of people who cared about me.
I smiled.
Red flushed Frederick’s face. He rushed Cody and shoved him.
Cody flung Frederick’s arms off of him. Eliot, Wilder, and Ansen jumped up and swarmed behind Cody in seconds. Curtis even rose and dusted off his shirt.
Cody didn’t explode against Frederick. He casually glanced at Curtis. “Think that’s good enough?”
“A lawyer’s answer is always, it depends.” Curtis tipped his head from side to side, his lips pursed. “But it’ll look like self-defense to me.”
Cody glanced over his shoulder, sent me a wink, then faced Frederick. Cody’s punch was lightning-quick. Frederick’s head snapped back, and he reeled, almost falling. Then Cody grabbed Frederick by the lapels and dragged him out of the theater.
“What did you— You broke my nose!” Frederick squirmed and struggled, but he was useless against Cody’s strength. “Get your hands off me!”
