Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 59287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
“Because it’s a good example of how there are two justice systems and they’re both unfair.” My eyes clouded over. “One lenient for the rich, and one punishing for the poor.”
“He can’t help that he was born to rich parents, Liam…” She paused. “If you had a son, wouldn’t you try to help him get out of trouble?”
“It depends on what he did or who he hurt.” My voice was now hoarse. “I would never shield him from consequences, though. Never.”
“What about your dad, then?” She smiled. “Would he protect you if you caused a car accident?”
“Let’s talk about something else.” I changed the subject. “Anything else.”
She sighed and moved out of my lap, but I grabbed her hand and pulled her back down.
“I’m sorry,” I said to her. “I despise Grant Jenkins and his entire family, and it’ll never change—whether he’s in prison or not…But he deserves to be there.”
“Did you know that some of the original jurors were on the fence?”
“Yes.” I could still remember it like yesterday. “It was originally eight to four…Until someone paid them all seventy-five thousand dollars apparently.”
“I thought only two were paid off…”
“His father tried to pay them all off at the beginning.” I paused. “I guess they retaliated somehow.”
“I never saw that fact in my research.”
“Why would you?” I looked at her. “Why would it ever come up at all?”
Silence.
She held my gaze. “Did you know him personally?”
I didn’t answer.
“Liam.” She looked into my eyes. “Did you know him when you presided over the case?”
Nothing.
“I would hope you didn’t,” she said. “Otherwise—”
“Otherwise, what?”
“I’d have to start questioning if the rumors about you being a ‘dirty judge’ had any merit.”
“You should go into comedy someday.” I kissed her hair. “It would fit you.”
“But for the record…” I gently lifted her from my lap. “No, I had no idea who he was back then. I just thought he deserved to be punished.”
“Okay.” She smiled and I felt a small pang of guilt. “Ready for me to go home yet?”
“I would prefer it if you stayed for the rest of the week,” I admitted. “But that’s entirely up to you.”
“I’ll stay.”
“I’d also like it if you came over more during the work week.”
“Why?”
“It’ll make it easier for me to take you on dates,” I said. “It’s still up to you.”
“Hmmm.” She blushed, and the look in her eyes told me all I needed to know. “I’ll have to think about it...”
SETTLEMENT (N.):
THE RESOLUTION OF A LAWSUIT (OR OF A LEGAL DISPUTE PRIOR TO FILING A COMPLAINT OR PETITION) WITHOUT GOING FORWARD TO A FINAL COURT JUDGMENT.
LIAM
The following Friday
Icouldn’t remember the last time I made plans for after the final court session.
Everything pre-Olivia was simply work, go home, work some more, get in a midnight workout. Rinse, wash, repeat.
But nowadays, for some reason, I found myself looking up private restaurants on my lunch breaks. I was researching small things she brought up in conversations—like her penchant for red roses and “any type of tulip.” She loved reading romance novels, but she was currently on a legal thriller binge, so I figured tonight’s date would be perfect for her.
“Do I have to wear this blindfold the entire time?” She turned her head as I drove. “I could just put it on when we get there.”
“For someone who claims to like surprises, you sure do insist on spoiling them…”
“Sorry.” She laughed. “I’ll be patient.”
“Thank you.” I clasped her hand behind the gearshift, ignoring the strange warm feeling in my chest.
Forty minutes later, I pulled into the VIP parking lot behind One More Chapter. The lights on the sign above the entrance flashed with tonight’s big event:
Meet The Author: #1 NYT Bestseller, Ryan Kenneth
The Legal Beast: A Thriller
I walked over to the passenger side and helped Olivia step out.
Taking advantage of the fact that she couldn’t see me, I admired her one-shouldered red dress.
“Are you okay?” I ran my hand along the back zipper. Then I smoothed the fabric and watched her skin tinge pink.
“I’m fine.” She smiled. “Thank you.”
“Good.” I gently held her against my side, leading her inside the bookstore.
“Welcome to the VIP signing!” A woman greeted us at the door. “Are you registered?”
“Yes.” I nodded, grabbing the blue gift box that was meant for Olivia. “Thank you.”
I led her to the main floor, where we had VIP seats, right at the center of the stage.
“Can I take this thing off now?” she asked, smiling. “I don’t think I can take any more of the suspense.”
“I guess it’s time.” I slid my hand through her hair and gently untied it, letting the thick cloth fall to the floor.
She gasped as she looked around the room. “A signing? For which author?”
I looked up at the stage and realized they hadn’t unveiled the banner yet.
“It’s the one in the box.” I handed it to her. “It’s a special edition.”