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“We will keep looking. If you figure out what Leathen was talking about, let us know. We will do some snooping of our own,” Countee said.
“As always, I appreciate you and your team. Let me know if you find anything, and we will keep working on our end,” Samuel said while standing from his chair.
Countee and Laila walked us back to the front of the building. Samuel followed the same routine and opened my door and helped me into the car. Samuel rested his head against the headrest and closed his eyes. I checked my phone and saw the official notification that the DA had amended the charges.
This was not the end of the world…we would figure out another angle…we had to figure out who they had that had given them the confidence to pursue the additional charges…
“Hey,” Samuel opened his eyes when I spoke. “We are going to figure this out.”
He turned to look out the window and loosened his tie.
“I was in this same situation. You know, being accused of something I didn’t do. Except, in my case, I didn’t have a team of people to fight for me, but even with this whole team, the outcome might be the same. I remember thinking, ‘if someone with some power or influence would just listen to me then I know I can beat this.’ We have power and influence, and we still can’t help,” he shrugged.
“We are going to win this case. Princeton and Deyshonda have the smartest team of lawyers in the Midwest, hell maybe even the country. We will figure it out.”
He didn’t respond immediately. After a few minutes, he replied.
“I would say the smartest in the entire country as well,” he smiled and finally looked at me.
Seeing him smile helped relieve some of the pressure of the news we’d received today.
“When I am really bogged down with something, I have a special place I go to clear my head. Would you like to see it?”
“I would.”
I gave Ray directions. We sat in mutual silence until we stopped at my destination.
“We’re here,” I smiled.
“The Arch grounds?”
“Yes. Come on.”
He got out the car and opened my door. Ray offered us a blanket from the truck. Samuel took the blanket and turned to me.
“Follow me. I go to the steps under the Arch and watch the Mississippi River.”
I showed him to my favorite spot on the steps. He put the blanket down, and we both sat down on top of it.
“I love all bodies of water, but I particularly enjoy the Mississippi because it’s always moving. It never stays in one place. If you get in its way, it will carry you away with it. It doesn’t move in silence, it makes noise. It wants people to see it and recognize its power. Some people just see a brown body of water. They believe they can control it or play around with it not realizing what you see on the surface has nothing to do with what’s going on underneath. There are layers of currents ready to sweep you away if you test them. I want to make a mark like this river and make all my tributaries proud that took the time to pour into me. I want to be strong, powerful, and resourceful. So somedays I sit here, think and let the mighty Mississippi wash those concerns away.”
We settled on my step and looked out toward the river. I didn’t know what Samuel was thinking about, but he was silent for a long time, and I didn’t disturb him.
“This is a great spot, Averie. Thank you for bringing me.”
“You are welcome to come back anytime. I don’t mind sharing,” I smiled.
“I just may take you up on that offer. Are you ready to go?”
“I am.”
He stood and offered his hand to help me up. He pulled up the blanket we sat on, and we walked back to the car.
Samuel
Sitting on the steps of the Arch gave me time to clear my head about Roc’s case. My biggest fear was him being incarcerated when I had promised my Father I would do everything I could to keep him out. The DA’s case seemed almost impenetrable, airtight. I knew there had to be another angle, but I couldn’t see it. It may be because I am so close to the case that’s why it was good to have Averie working with me. She had become a rock-solid ally. Someone I had grown to trust and respect. Not to mention the intense attraction I had to her. She was gorgeous and commanded attention with her strong personality and charm. She said something about her Midwestern charm wearing me down, she was right, it had.
* * *
