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Cypher listened as they bantered back and forth while Cutthroat arranged things and took his seat. At the other table, the defense attorney kept giving them sideways looks, as if he was trying to figure out what was going on. The look on his face told Cypher that he didn’t want to ask. He was terrified, either of them, or more likely, of Cutthroat. His was a face that most attorneys in the county, hell, in all of Alabama, hated seeing across the courtroom. It usually meant you were destined to lose.

A door to one side of the judge’s bench opened and an older looking woman came out. She sat at the odd-looking typewriter that Cypher recognized as a stenotype machine, making her the court reporter.

“Zip it. Mercer will be in soon and you don’t want to get thrown out or in a cell.” Cutthroat leaned back in his chair, looking as at home here, in a fucking monkey suit, as he did in the clubhouse in his cut. If he didn’t know from talking to his brother that he thought if it was part of the job, looking like he belonged and as no one should question his word, Cypher might think it was armor. Designed to protect the wearer rather than intimidate his foe.

Another door opened, a man who appeared to be in his mid-forties shuffled in wearing an orange body suit with the words Mobile County Jail printed in large letters across his back. He was cuffed and shackled, preventing him from walking normally or attempting to run.

Cypher noticed his hair was combed but he looked older than he would have expected after having seen photos while researching the man.

“I thought they let them wear normal clothes for trial,” Wrath whispered.

“They do. This isn’t a trial, it’s a hearing to decide if it goes to trial. There’s no jury, just the judge, so no need to bother changing him. Now shut up. The judge will be in a minute,” Cutthroat said quietly.

Cypher sat back on the bench and waited. This would probably be a long day, but it would be worth it, he was sure.

Chapter Ten

Lauren finished with her last client then spent an hour finishing up the notes on everyone she’d seen during the day and sending information to different people who had requested information. By the time she finished, it was nearly seven, but only then did she pack her laptop, grab her bag and water bottle and leave.

She wondered how the hearing had gone today, but hadn’t heard from either Jenna or Cypher, so she assumed it had gone well. She assumed one of them would have reached out if it hadn’t.

Wishing she wasn’t so exhausted, she headed home. Her mind on what she had in the freezer because she didn’t feel like cooking tonight, she drove on auto pilot. When she pulled into the driveway she blinked and stared at the house for a moment before killing the engine. She didn’t remember more than a couple of minutes of the fifteen-minute trip. She hoped she hadn’t pulled out in front of anyone and mentally berated herself for not paying better attention as she dragged herself inside. After locking the door, putting away her bags, and kicking off her shoes next to the door, she fell boneless on the sofa and wished there was someone who would cook for her or maybe just bring her something. Tonight, she didn’t even care what, she was too tired to think about it.

Maybe she’d just skip dinner and go straight to bed. She lay sprawled on the sofa, staring up at the ceiling and wondering why she was so tired. She’d been busy today but no more than usual.

Knowing she likely wouldn’t get an answer, she sighed and pushed herself to her feet. She had to get something for dinner, even if it was only a bowl of cereal. She was halfway to the kitchen when her phone rang. She made a U-turn to the table beside the door and pulled her phone from her bag.

“Hey,” she said in way of greeting. “I was just wondering how the hearing went today, and if I would hear from you.”

“It was fine. Mostly just a hearing to determine if there was enough evidence to go to trial. Nothing remarkable. But the judge held him over for trial, and that’s what matters. Getting him and the other fuckers like him off the streets is what I’m after so this is good.”

“Good. How was the rest of your day?”

“What rest of my day? We were at the courthouse until nearly five. Then I came back to the clubhouse and took care of a few things. This has been my first chance to call you since the end of your office hours. I wanted to come by, but got busy.”

“I just got home maybe ten minutes ago? I’m trying to decide what to do for dinner now.”

“What are you going to have?”

“I don’t know. I’m too tired to cook and I don’t think I have anything I can just warm up. I’ll probably end up getting something delivered or having a bowl of cereal.”

“Up for company tonight?”

“I like having you around. I don’t mind, but I don’t know that I’m all that good of company or that I’ll be up for anything fun tonight.” Lauren shook her head. “I’m worn out.”

“You don’t have to entertain me, sweetheart. How about I grab a laptop and head your way, picking up something for us to eat on the way? We can find something to watch and relax together.”

“That sounds heavenly.”

“Great. What sounds good?”

“Anything I don’t have to cook.”

“10-4. Give me about half an hour. In the meantime, why don’t you take a shower and put on something comfortable. If I know you, you’ve already taken off your shoes. Finish and settle in for the evening. I’ll be there soon.”

Lauren let her shoulders drop as the weight of what to do for dinner fell away.

“I think I’ll take a quick shower. That should help me feel a little better. I’ll leave the door unlocked for you.”