Jacqueline
In the conference room of our impressive law firm sits Marcus, Jason, and I. They're congratulating me on my performance in court today when I was busting the balls of that crooked businessman, Mr. Shumann. I knew he was lying even before Damian confirmed it. He seemed kind of twisted the moment I laid eyes on him like something was just not right. I always trust my instincts when it comes to people in the courtroom. It's what I do. It's like I can sniff out deception and it's my job to shed light on it.
"Okay, we have to break out the best champagne for this occasion." Jason has pulled a bottle of Dom Perignon from the wine room and he's proudly pouring us each a glass. "We deserve a little bit of celebration in the midst of this tough case."
Jason's right. We've not slowed down much since beginning this case. It's not as simple as just proving Damian's innocence. Now that we know the murderer is still out there, it has become our unofficial job to find him. I've never felt so passionately involved in my job before. Maybe the fact that I'm working side by side with my two sexy guys is bringing this passion out of me? Or maybe it's for the sake of Emma? I just want to bring her justice. So even though we're celebrating here, it's with a heavy heart that it's still not solved.
"Babe, you did unbelievably well in there today. Makes me proud to be your partner."
"Aww, thanks, Jason. And thanks for letting me be the one to tackle Schumann's agenda. He had it coming."
I sip my champagne and remember how it felt to be in charge of the courtroom today. I loved bringing some good attention to Damian's case.
"He definitely had it coming," Marcus says. "I can't believe the way he just broke down and admitted that he was jealous of Damian."
"Yes," I agree. "I knew I had him, but I never thought he would admit it so readily."
"No way Jacqueline," Marcus says. "You pulled it out of him. Like you led him in the direction you wanted and then he was just eating out of the palm of your hand. You have a real way with men." He winks at me.
"Thanks, I think? But, I believe the fault lies with Wolff bringing in these terrible witnesses to take cred away from Damian."
"Yeah, it looks like Wolff is not bringing in the best of the best for this case. In fact, it's weird because he's usually so on point and thorough about his investigation. He normally only brings on star witnesses, because Wolff hates to lose." Jason, a senior partner, has worked with Wolff a lot. I find it odd that he finds his behavior unusual on this case too. It can't just be because Wolff is impressed by Cain's infamy and he wants to capitalize on it. There must be more.
"The courtroom is certainly a circus, with all the media attention," I say.
"Yeah and Wolff is just playing into their hands. Maybe he wants the limelight in himself," Jason remarks.
"Who knows?"
I sip my champagne and ponder the issue. What is Wolff hiding?
Jason takes a call and Marcus and I are left together.
"Hey Marcus, I'm really grateful that you were proud of me today."
"Of course I was. I'm always proud of you. But, especially today, seeing you take that guy down."
"Yeah, well it felt good, but we need more evidence. Marcus, we need so much more evidence and if we don't find it soon we might lose. There's not any more time left. Cain's life is hanging in the balance."
Marcus sits back in his chair, downs his champagne, and says to me, "Jacqueline, I have to tell you something okay? It's not something I'm sure of yet. I need to go find out some things, but I think I may have a way for us to garner evidence."
I'm shocked. Is Marcus going to come through for us? What is he sitting on?
"Marcus, if you have a lead, you have to get it checked out, quickly!"
"I know, I know. Just cover for me with Jason. Tell him I had to leave for some reason. I don't want to get his hopes up until I have something concrete."
"Okay, okay. Just go. Do it now."
He kisses me deeply for a moment, takes a final look in my eyes, and then he's off. I hope beyond hope that his inkling leads to something promising for us. It would be nice if it was Marcus who came through for us so the firm would know how valuable he is. It's only his first case, but I want him to prove himself. He's a genius at law and that is so obvious to me. I want others to know too.
Jason comes back. "Where's Marcus?"
"Oh, he had to take off to do something...important."
"Well did he say what it was?"
I hate to lie to Jason, but I don't want to put Marcus on the spot either, so I just omit information.
"I just know it's urgent. What he's doing is something urgent."
Now Jason comes down to kiss me and I wish all my men were here. But, in the back of my mind, I am also hoping Marcus finds what he's looking for and that he stays safe.