“I did,” Laird answers, calm but cold.
“Do you realize you risk your license for that?It’s highly unusual and could be considered unethical.”Mr.Evans tilts his head, one hand in his pocket.
“Because I saw wrongdoing and greed,” Laird says in a low, measured voice.
The Shark clasps a hand to his chest and paces.“So, you’re a hero?Not because of personal feelings toward the defendants, your high school classmates who bullied your girlfriend?”
“Objection.That’s out of context,” Golden interrupts.
“Sustained,” the judge says.Mr.Evans puckers his mouth but moves on.
“What made you confident the defendant was involved in criminal activities?”Mr.Evans presses, stepping closer.
“I reviewed the contracts and noticed irregularities,” Laird says evenly.
“Specify,” Mr.Evans leans forward.
“The shareholders of several companies are foreign investment firms.Some contractual arrangements show similar patterns between companies that claim to be independent,” Laird explains, his voice controlled and precise.Something I could never pull off.
“And what did you do with that information?”
“I investigated further, traced the financial links, and then reported my findings to the prosecutor.Everything I did was coordinated with the authorities and done under their guidance,” Laird replies, glancing briefly at Alan.
“You’re a lawyer, not an FBI agent.Why bypass usual channels if not motivated by personal animosity?”Mr.Evans asks, hands clasped behind his back, his challenge clear.
“Because the law obliges someone who has evidence of serious wrongdoing to act.I made sure all steps were coordinated with the prosecutor and the FBI.I wasn’t motivated by personal feelings—I acted on evidence and duty,” Laird says firmly, his eyes unwavering.
“But you should care.It’s your reputation and your career at stake,” Mr.Evans snaps.
“No.Doing nothing would have been worse.I can accept any consequence, because what matters is justice, not personal safety,” Laird says, piercing and precise.
“Objection.This is getting personal and argumentative,” Golden interjects.
“Sustained.Mr.Evans, you agreed to represent the defendant professionally.Questions must remain relevant and respectful.If you cannot maintain that, I may have to appoint new counsel.Court is adjourned for five minutes.”
41
You and I
Fenella
A month later…
Istand at the edge of the balcony, my hands wrapped around the iron rail as my eyes settle on the nighttime scenery below.Puerto Vallarta, quiet waves hitting the cliffs, the kind of view that makes everything softer and unreal.A whole different universe from New York City and its trial rooms.
People say bad memories need to be replaced with good ones, and maybe they’re right.Ever since we got here, every terrible moment has been pushed aside and traded for the dizzying calm of a honeymoon with the love of my life.It’s not bad at all.
Despite the exhausting back and forth of the trial, we finally get a little peace.The night breeze slips through my hair.There’s a pull in my chest, a small, stubborn knot.I don’t walk back inside.Not yet.
Laird steps out from the balcony door and hugs me from behind, his warmth melting into my back.“Hey, baby.”
“Hi, hubby.You done showering?”I tilt my head up to look at him.
“Yup.”
“You smell good.”I breathe in the bergamot and tangerine on his skin.
“Then you should’ve kissed me more.”His voice dips low against my ear, teasing.
