Page 25 of A Trial of the Heart
Judge Fairbanks sighed. “Ms. Monroe, is there anything you’d like to add before we set a trial date?”
Quickly closing my mouth, I looked to both Arthur and William, and they both wore looks filled with rage, but Arthur was the one to speak.
“What the fuck?” he muttered.
Shifting my gaze from Arthur and William to the judge back to Arthur, I slightly shook my head.
“I can’t do this,” I muttered.
Not only could I not do this because Rashad knew me more personally than I cared to admit and he was damn near a stranger, but I was also sure his smooth-talking ass would win without the help of his distinguished lawyers.
“Your Honor, may I have a moment with my team?” I looked back to the judge.
Already seeming annoyed, Judge Fairbanks snatched his thin glasses from his face before pinching the bridge of his nose while gesturing for me to take the time I needed.
Leaning into Arthur and William, I shook my head once more.
“I can’t do this b?—”
“You’re doing it, or you can bet your last breath you will never work in the entire state of Virginia again,” Arthur said, not even giving me a chance to explain why.
The slight gasp left my lips without realization, and I had to look past Arthur to William. The smirk he wore didn’t go unnoticed. My thick lips parted for me to plead my case, but the look, once again, in Arthur’s eyes let me know it was best not to try him. Arthur’s name and office held weight, and even if I moved from Virginia to try elsewhere, I was positive it would still follow.
“Counselors, today, please. This is only the arraignment. There is no need for all the sidebars.” Judge Fairbanks spoke up, causing the three of us to look his way. “Is there anything you would like to add before a trial date is set?”
Feeling Arthur gently nudge me under the table, I looked his way, and his face resembled a grandfather who wasn’t about to play with his grandchildren. Swallowing hard, I knew that once I agreed to this, I was going against every oath I took in law school. Not to mention, I was already selling my soul for who I was as a person.
Standing, I smoothed over my skirt while my eyes wandered over in Rashad and his lawyer’s direction. They all seemed to rock the same expression, except Rashad’s was more sinister. Right or wrong, I wasn’t backing down from him. I faced Judge Fairbanks with a smile.
“No, Your Honor. Everything is okay.”
I put my game face on. Rashad knew me sexually, and though he had thrown me off, it was time for him to know Shiloh Monroe.
Chapter
Twelve
Rashad:
Adjusting my silk tie over my tailored button-up shirt, I followed my legal team closely as we entered the fifth district court room in Williamsburg, Virginia. It was some bullshit that I was even here to begin with. Being honest, I wasn’t the least bit fazed. I had the best damn legal team in thearea. My team was unstoppable for sure, but I was also innocent of all charges. At thirty-four, I owned and operated a nonprofit organization that helped youth in need calledMelanin Hive Youth Center.Along with the youth center, I volunteered occasionally for a local homeless shelter. Being a young black man who came from a loving, two-parent home built the foundation for my success today. It was a blessing. Sadly, I had gotten myself caught up with a female who couldn’t let go, and instead of walking away, she caused major problems in my life. That happening was another reason the cruise was needed for me.
“You good, man?” the head lawyer on my team and best friend, Barret, questioned.
I looked his way with a nod. “Just ready to get this shit over with so I can get my life back to normal.” I spoke in a blasé tone.I was being charged with money laundering and tax evasion, which was bullshit and mind blowing at the same time.
“Welp, let’s get this shit over with.” I knew if it was up to Barret, we wouldn’t even be standing there.
Stepping inside the courtroom, my mind drifted back to a time I couldn’t forget… almost one year ago.
Lauryn:Rashad why the fuck are you not answering me?
Lauryn was a chick I met at a club a few months back, and at first, she seemed cool and down to earth. Lauryn played the role well. It wasn’t until after we kicked it and had sex that she allowed her crazy to show. I’d told her from the jump I really wasn’t looking for anything serious since the youth center took up most of my time. She’d said she was cool with that. At first, I thought her tantrums and outbursts were normal women things, but I noticed hers were excessive, and she showed signs of someone needing to be committed.
Lauryn:I will ruin your fucking life don’t play with me.
Seeing her text, I chuckled. I didn’t do well with threats. Those who met me now saw the educated black man trying to change the lives of underprivileged kids. Fortunately for them, they didn’t know thugged out, gun toting, kicking ass, not to be played with Rashad. I’d buried him some years back, but at any given moment, he could surface. I tried my best to keep that part of me buried.
Me:Do what you gotta do.
