Page 110 of Love Is an Art
“No further questions,” I say.
I call Mrs. Humming to the stand. She testifies that Mr. Howard left nearly every Saturday morning and returned Sunday night or Monday morning during the time period he was supposedly in a monogamous relationship with Mrs. Robinson. She also testifies that she never saw them display any romantic affection toward each other. And that Mrs. Robinson was not entirely with it that last year, so she wasn’t sure if Mrs. Robinson was checking her accounts or would have known if he’d added his work check to her account. Mrs. Robinson also referred to him as Mr. Howard or her attendant. She never used his first name.
Opposing counsel objects that this is hearsay.
I counter that the grandmother is now deceased, so it’s allowed as an exception.
The judge overrules opposing counsel.
Mr. Howard’s attorney cross-examines Mrs. Humming, but he makes her look even more like an upright citizen.
She is unflappable. “I’ve lived a long time, and I call it the way I see it.”
I call Mr. O’Brien to the stand, and he testifies as to the chain of custody for the footage. Mr. O’Brien frankly looks a little bit disappointed when Mr. Howard’s lawyer says, “No questions.”
The judge asks if I have any other witnesses to call, and when I answer in the negative, he says, “Let’s take a five-minute recess while I weigh both sides of the case.”
Those five minutes feel like forever. We presented a strong case, so I have to be confident that the judge will see it our way. When he steps back into the courtroom, I feel Taylor freeze.
Once seated, the judge steeples his fingers, looks long and hard at Howard, and then glances quickly at Taylor before straightening. “After careful deliberation, the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, Ms. Taylor Robinson.”
Taylor turns to me with the hugest grin.
And this is what makes it all worthwhile.
Tears come to my eyes at the joy in hers. I don’t cry easily, but I’m so relieved and happy. I hug Taylor and Mrs. Humming.We did it.
I’m wiped out from the tension of the hearing. Frankly, I’d like nothing better than to go home, order in, and take a nap. But I have to go to the office and put in a few billable hours. I’ve spent the whole day on this.
I enter the marble building entrance as Jack Miller, my mentor and favorite partner, is leaving.
“Tessa, good to see you,” he says. “Great work with the Capital Management Comidas en Canasta investigation. The corporate team appreciated the business referral, and it was clever to wrap that work into this investigation.”
“The client told me that’s one of the reasons they’d hired us, so thank you for putting me in touch with the right team so fast. He liked that we were solving two problems with one action. And it gave our investigation a great cover.”
Behind Jack, a courier arrives and hands a package off to the guards at the reception desk. We stand off to the corner in the vast, marble hallway.
“What happened with your pro bono case? Did you win?” Jack asks.
“Yes.” I grin. “It was great.”
“Way to go.” He shakes my hand. “And congratulations on winning FLAFL Associate of the Year. That’s fabulous. And the firm is thrilled to be honored as well. That accolade is already up on our corporate website.”
“Do you think pro bono work can be counted toward the mid-year bonus?” I ask. “As you know, I try to always have a pro bono case. I wasn’t going to take on this housing case, but I couldn’t say no. I’m obviously asking because it will help me, but it will also benefit the firm. It would reflect better on White & Gilman if those hours were counted as well.”
“That’s true. The Management Committee meeting is next week. I’ll coordinate with the pro bono coordinator to bring it up. It may be difficult to persuade the partners that it should count for the extraordinary bonus. The regular bonus may be easier, but I’ll persuade them.” He pats me on the shoulder. I can see why people pay big bucks to have him represent them. He radiates assurance but also trustworthiness.
“I appreciate whatever you can do,” I say.
We chat about my other case for a few minutes, and then I take my leave. I’ve done what I could. He’s the one who told me that you should always ask for what you want, because if you don’t ask, then you already have the no. He’s such a giving mentor.
I take the elevator up. It’s empty, and I lean against the wall and text Zeke.
Me:We won the case!
Zeke:Yes! Can I take you out for dinner to celebrate?
Me:I have to put in a few hours here.
