Are they here?
“One of them is. I’d hoped both would be here by now.”
Can you stall until they’re both here?
“I can try.”
The judge asked the DA if he had another witness, and he said, “None at this time.”
“Does the defense have any witnesses to call?”
Good. You’re up, Roz!
She rose and said, “Yes, your honor. But one of my witnesses hasn’t arrived yet. May we recess until all are here?”
The judge fidgeted in his chair and asked, “Does it make any difference if they’re all here at the same time?”
“I think so, your honor.”
“Fine. Ten-minute recess.” The judge banged his gavel, and Konrad let out a deep breath of relief. All the lawyers reached for their cell phones.
***
Roz looked behind herself for the first time since the trial had begun. Sure enough, jerk-face was there, and he was moving toward her through the crowd as people were filing out for their cigarette breaks.
“Aw, crap,” she mumbled.
“What’s wrong?” Konrad asked.
“Stan’s here.”
“Your stepfather?”
“The one and only. Listen, when he gets here, please don’t say a word. Not even to defend me.”
“You mean I can’t punch him out?”
No.
“Are you sure?”
I’m sure.
“C’mon, just one little punch in the face.”
Not in the middle of a courtroom. Maybe later. I’ll let you know.
Stan finally came within speaking distance. “Roz, how do you think you’re doing?”
“Just fine, thank you.”
Stan straightened and put his hands in his pants pockets. “Frankly, I think you could use a little advice.”
“Nope, I’ve got all the help I need,” she said.
A couple of the other lawyers noticed the interaction and were watching despite being on their phones.
His brows knitted and his lips thinned. She recognized his brewing anger and figured she had two choices. She could placate him, which wasn’t going to happen, or she could ignore him and hope he went away. He wouldn’t like the second option, but as far as Roz was concerned, he could raise his voice all he wanted, and he’d only embarrass himself.
