Xo Novel
Chapter 34
Chapter 34
The
e day of the trial had arrived, and I felt a peculiar mix of anticipation and dread as I approached the imposing courthouse. My steps echoed on the cold, marble floors as I made my way inside. I spent the entirety of the car ride here reviewing reciting my points, attempting to sound as confident as possible.
I spotted Timothy standing near the entrance, a worried look etched into his features. I approached with a tight smile and waved to get his attention.
“Evie,” Timothy said as he caught sight of me, his expression looking more relaxed. “Good morning.”
“Morning!” I replied, trying to sound pleasant despite my nerves. “We’ve got a tough battle ahead of us. I have our notes here if you’d like to look over them before we start?”
Timothy managed a weak smile, and I could see gratitude in his eyes. I was determined to help him clear his name today, regardless of Mr. Fitzgerald’s threats.
I turned away from him and started charging toward the entrance. He rushed ahead and held the door open for me as I walked in.
The air conditioning was refreshing, but that did little to calm my nerves. My eyes darted to the clock and I saw that it was a quarter ‘til. My heart stuttered.
Timothy guided me toward the courtroom, but he stopped me just outside the doors. There were hundreds of people standing around, one of them being Mr. Fitzgerald himself dressed in a suit in tie. There was a younger man in front of him, speaking intelligibly from where I stood.
“Yeah, a lot of folks just showed up,” Timothy said. He placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “Mostly paparazzi, unfortunately.”
“Great.” My eyes scanned over the crowd, a disorienting mass of flashing lights and loud interjections. I didn’t get to hear what Timothy said to me before he charged to the water cooler on the other side of the room and started filling a plastic cup.
Suddenly, a large microphone was being shoved in my face and I found myself face to face with a reporter.
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“Evie, how does it feel to be going up against the club leader on Timothy’s behalf?”
“Is it true that Timothy has inside knowledge of the club’s secrets?” asked another, shoving the woman aside.
“Are you intimidated by the club’s influence in this case?”
“Evie, do you think you can win this case?”
Their questions came at me like a relentless onslaught, and I felt like a deer caught in the headlights. It was disorienting, and I struggled to respond amid the cacophony of voices.
I took a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure as I replied, “I’m here to defend my client to the best of my abilities. It’s my duty as a lawyer to ensure a fair trial.”
“Are you concerned about the club’s power affecting the outcome?”
“Everyone deserves a fair trial, regardless of who they are or who they’re up against,” I stated more confidently.
The paparazzi didn’t let up, their questions escalating in intensity. The flashing cameras blinded me, and I felt a wave of anger and frustration welling up inside. I had never sought the spotlight, and this relentless intrusion was overwhelming.
“Evie, is it true that you’ve received threats because of this case?”
“Are you afraid for your safety?”
“Enough! My safety and my client’s safety are not up for public discussion. Excuse
me.”
I turned and walked away, my steps quickening as I sought refuge from the intrusive paparazzi. Their shouts and cameras followed me for a while, but eventually, I managed to escape into a quieter corridor.
As I leaned against a wall, I took a moment to collect myself. I couldn’t let fear or distractions derail my focus.
There was a soft tap on my shoulder, and I looked up. I nearly choked on my own. spit at the sight of Jasper cheesing at me, more arrogant than ever. I squinted at him as a scowl emerged on my face.
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It must have been some sort of practical joke. To think that Jasper of all people would end up being the prosecutor going against me was cruel for the universe’s standards. Still, there he was staring me down, arms crossed over his chest.
“I take it that this was the big client of yours?” I asked, leering up at him.
Jasper sneered. “Well, ‘hello‘ to you too, Evie,” he said, tossing the hair out of his eyes in the most arrogant way possible. “My client did inform me that I would be going against an amateur of sorts.”
I rolled my eyes. He never missed a beat when it came to insulting me. Hopefully, he would keep it professional and leave that outside of the courtroom.
“But I suppose I should’ve expected it to be you since you kicked Ms. Turner off the case.”
“Well, I exceeded Mr. Erickson’s expectations,” I said.
“Hmph.” He tilted his chin up, then scrutinized me with his beady eyes. “You look a little sloppy as well. Is this how you’re choosing to represent your clientele?”
I looked down at my clothes. The pantsuit had been easy!
slip on, but without some extra touch–ups it appeared slightly frumpy on my thin figure. My hair, freshly straightened and tucked into a bun, had begun to frizz from the humidity.
Worst of all, the exhaustion was eating away at me, but I wouldn’t give Jasper the satisfaction. He seemed very prepared for me to fight back, but then the grin disappeared. He trained his gaze on something behind me and I turned to see what had caught his focus.
Timothy was standing there, cup of water in hand, as he frowned at Jasper’s presence. Jasper gulped and took a step away from us, likely recalling their last. meeting. Timothy pressed the cup into my hands, and I smiled gratefully.
“Is there a problem here?” Timothy asked me, although he kept his glare on Jasper.
“W–We were just discussing business,” Jasper said, his hands fluttering to adjust his tie. There was a stretch of silence among us, but I couldn’t help but smirk at the fresh sheen of sweat on Jasper’s face. He took another step back and cleared his throat.
“Really. There’s no trouble here.”
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“I would hope so,” said Timothy. He stood by my side, a storm brewing in his eyes. “Let’s see who’s gloating after we end this case.”
Jasper was about to laugh, but another glare from Timothy made him think better of it. “Let’s hope it does end quickly. I’d like to have my lunch in a timely manner, and it will surely taste delicious beside my victory.”
“You’re awful cocky,” Timothy said with a snort. “But you’re right. Victory does taste great with lunch. Maybe Evie and I will get that experience as soon as she’s able to do her job without you breathing down her neck.”
Jasper wrinkled his nose, looking between Timothy and me before cracking. another grin. While he wouldn’t dare try to challenge Timothy on any physical level, he knew he had the law on his side above all else.
“Whatever you say,” he mumbled.
“Jasper!” Mr. Fitzgerald called from the doorway of the courtroom. People were filing in, looking about as stressed as I was. He waved Jasper over impatiently.
Jasper nodded, then stuffed his hands into his pockets as started backing away. “Duty calls, or rather justice calls. See you inside.”
He turned and gave us a half–assed wave before ducking into the court room. The doors slammed behind them, and I looked at Timothy with
regret
“It’s going to be all right,” I said, though those words were meant to be more self- soothing. “He acts high and mighty, but I’m the one that steered him in the right. direction whenever he’d fall short. If he’s picked up any tactics, plenty of them might be mine.”
Timothy smirked slightly, then nodded. “You’re ready, right?”
I finished my water and tossed the cup into the nearest trash can. “No one said getting justice was easy,” I told him. “But I’m as ready as I can be.”
Timothy watched me closely, then turned and started walking toward the door. He grabbed the handle and pulled it open, waving for me to enter.
As I passed him, he whispered, “We’ve got this, right?”
“Right!” I said, even as the attempt at cheer died on my tongue.
475
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