Page 50 of Motion to Dismiss

“Yes.” I stand after the final replay. “This tape is real. I’ll have this handled by the end of the week, but it may take a month or so for you to get out of here.”

“What’s a month after all these years?” He smiles.

“I’ll be back to finish this visit next week,” I say. “I need to go do something before it’s too late.”

“Oh, I see.” His cheeks redden like a schoolgirl’s. “For that woman you met a while ago…Scarlett?”

“Yes.” I shut my briefcase. “For Scarlett.”

MOTION TO DISMISS (N.):

A FORMAL REQUEST BY A DEFENDANT ASKING A JUDGE TO THROW OUT A LAWSUIT BEFORE IT GOES TO TRIAL.

JAMESON

The Following Morning

“Anyone want to tell me if this prolonged silence in my courtroom is part of Mr. Tate’s usual theatrics?” Judge Ashton stares at me from the bench. “Is he breathing?”

“What the hell is going on with you?” Lucas mutters under his breath. “Announce the emergency motion you mentioned to me…”

“Right.” I smile and clear my throat. “Your Honor, I would like to file a motion to dismiss all charges against my client.”

“Maybe I should’ve asked if you were on drugs.” The judge shakes his head. “Are you out of your mind?”

“It was worth a try, Your Honor.”

“There better be another reason you requested an emergency hearing. Otherwise, I’m tempted to hold you in contempt.”

“There is, Your Honor.”

“And yet, I’m still waiting to hear it.”

“I’m formally requesting to withdraw as counsel for Mr. Hunter,” I say. “There’s a conflict of interest that will prevent me from providing proper counsel.”

“What the fuck?” Lucas roars, shooting to his feet.

“Have a seat, Mr. Hunter.” The judge bangs his gavel. “Approach the bench, counsel. Both of you.”

I move forward, feeling Lucas shooting daggers into my back with every step.

“Mr. Tate, usually the client knows that you’re dropping him before you get to my courtroom,” Judge Ashton says. “Why was that not done?”

“It’s personal.”

He looks at the prosecutor. “Do you have any issues with Mr. Tate withdrawing at this point? It will mean Mr. Hunter gets more time to find replacement counsel.”

“I have no problem with not having to go against Mr. Jameson in court.” Julia smiles. “And I’m sure the feds will have no issue with their case either.”

“Fair enough.” He motions for us to step back. “You can return now.”

I return to my place, and Judge Ashton slides a pair of reading glasses over his eyes.

“I grant Mr. Tate’s motion to withdraw as counsel. Mr. Hunter, you are responsible for securing new representation.” He bangs his gavel and dismisses us from the courtroom.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” Lucas slams a hand against my shoulder the second we step into the hallway. “I didn’t give you permission to fire me, and you’re going to file a new motion to get back on.”

“No.” I straighten my jacket. “I’m not.”