Page 50 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

Sabre wasn’t sure she believed her. “What is your name?”

“Bay Mercer.”

“You said you’d tell me something.”

“I just did.”

“That’s not enough.”

“It’s enough to keep you here.”

Sabre studied her. Bay didn’t look away. Didn’t break. She just held it, daring her. Sabre knew she wasn’t getting any more information right now.

She stood.

“Are you going to be my lawyer?” Bay asked.

“That’s up to the judge now. She’s not happy with your lack of cooperation.”

Chapter 17

Wednesday late morning

The courtroom settled as they returned.

Bay walked in first this time, flanked by the bailiff, her posture straighter than before. Vale followed and sat next to her at the table.

Sabre remained standing, not far from Bay.

“We’re back on the record,” the clerk announced. “People versus Mercer.”

Judge Hammouri looked down from the bench, her expression tight. “Mr. Vale, are you willing to accept this case?”

He stood. “Yes, Your Honor. However, I’ve had the opportunity to speak further with my client, along with Ms. Brown, and—”

Thirty minutes hadn’t changed the judge’s attitude, and she interrupted him. “I’ve made my decision.”

The courtroom stilled.

“Mr. Vale, you are still appointed as counsel of record. Ms. Brown will not be appointed.”

Bay’s head snapped toward the bench. “No—”

The judge lifted a hand. “You will remain quiet.”

“She has to—”

“You do not get to choose your attorney,” Judge Hammouri snapped.

Bay shook her head, panic rising again. “You don’t understand—”

“I understand perfectly,” the judge cut in. “You have competent counsel standing beside you.” She nodded toward Vale. “And he will represent you.”

Bay looked desperately at Sabre. Sabre didn’t intervene. She knew once the judge made her decision, she wasn’t going to change it.

Hammouri continued. “It would be different if Ms. Brown had represented you previously. But neither the court nor Ms. Brown has found any record of that. Have you Ms. Brown?”

“No, Your Honor, but—”