Page 73 of A Trial of the Heart
“It’s best you keep your mouth shut. Remember, my name and this office rings in the streets, and I can make it so you won’t ever practice law again. Keep at it, and the only job you will be able to obtain is cleaning toilets for buildings like this one.”
All movement stopped abruptly “Arthur, you aren’t doing me any favors, so understand that. This office may be highly recommended in the streets, but let’s not forget that it’s not because of you. It’s because of me. You and your ass-kissing son presented in court, but I was the one that put my blood sweat and tears into the cases that were won. Me, not you, andsurely not your prematurely balding ass son. This placewastop ranked, but I can guarantee you after today’s loss and the way I’m going to bury this place, you won’t mean shit. The white stuff that rests on the corner of your wide face will hold more weight than you do.”
“You stupid nigger. You’re done.” Spit flew from his mouth.
“Dad!” Even William seemed shocked.
“Nah, don’tdadhim now. Let his true colors shine.” I looked William’s way before my eyes shifted and settled back on Arthur. “There it is.” I smiled, watching the anger brew in Arthur’s eyes, and I could actually see his temperature rise. “How long have you kept that inside? How many times a week do you go home to your Stepford wife that you couldn’t be faithful to and spew those nasty words? How many times a week do you look your black daughter in the eyes and mutter those words? How many times does your needle dick ass get aroused at the thought of being with a black woman and calling her such a name? How many times, Arthur?” I taunted.
“Get out.” His voice was shaky, and his lips trembled. All the authority he thought he possessed diminished right before my eyes.
“Gladly.” The smirk I wore never faded, and I knew it pissed Arthur off more than my words already had. Gathering what I could, I headed for the door “Somebody will be by to get my things, and no worries… I’ll be sure it’s a couple of niggers just to make you happy.” I winked, swinging open the door before stepping over the threshold. I didn’t know what tomorrow held for me, but I couldn’t lie; the invigorating feeling that consumed my body felt amazing. That horrible chapter in my life was closed, or at least I assumed it was.
Chapter
Thirty-Six
Shiloh:
Two slow, long excruciating weeks had passed since Rashad’s case was dismissed and I walked away from the office. The first two days I was on a high from the choices I’d made, but with each passing day, that happiness faded into worry. I was thirty, pregnant, jobless, and because of my choices, without a support system from my baby’s father. This feeling was one of the many reasons I put up with so much from Arthur. My job allowed me to live comfortably.
Though I hadn’t said it out loud, I missed Rashad. Since he appeared in my life, I had finally had the time to live, and it was snatched away so quickly. The fact I was breathing life into his child, and we had no communication bothered me daily. Having a father growing up was a staple in my home since a lot of my peers didn’t have the luxury. Each time I thought about how I was ready to dismiss Rashad as a father and him and the baby not having the relationship I did with mine made me sick. I sabotaged Rashad and I even before the dismissal of his charges, and I couldn’t do a thing about it except accept our fate.
Pulling into the only available parking spot, I pulled the sun visor down, staring back at my reflection. The beauty I possessedwas there, but it was slightly masked by bags under my eyes, the redness from crying often, and the puffiness in my cheeks from not resting well. So much yet so little had changed and altered me almost instantly. With a heavy sigh, I pushed open the door, swinging my legs out of the car, my designer heels hitting the asphalt. The cool morning breeze kissed my waxed legs with ease. So much consumed me. However, I refused to allow it to overwhelm me even if for a second.
Summer was fading and fall was approaching, yet the courthouse hadn’t adjusted the thermostat, so the cool air blew in my face the second I stepped inside. The breeze was so intense I found myself shivering to attempt to warm my body. Finally getting myself together, I stepped through security, getting the all clear, and once I did, I headed to the elevator, catching it just before the doors closed. There were only a few floors to go, yet it felt like we’d traveled many floors before it finally stopped.
“Have a good day,” the guy in the elevator that hadn’t even given so much as a hello when I stepped in said.
“You do the same.” I offered a forced smile, stepping away from the elevator to head to my destination.
Once I stood in front of the door, I lowly exhaled before saying a silent prayer. I needed today to be a good day. Not wanting to waste any more time, I raised my balled fist knocking.
“Yeah. Come in.” The thick wooden door almost made the response inaudible.
Doing as I was instructed; I twisted the knob while pushing the door open to step inside. The instant smell of cinnamon paired with a simple cologne filled my nose, and a calmness took over my spirit. Standing in the middle of the office, my eyes bounced around to the many degrees, certificates, and acknowledgments. I was impressed to say the least.
“Good morning.” I finally spoke.
“Have a seat.”
Taking small, concise steps, I pulled one of the available seats back, giving me enough room to sit. I was early on in the pregnancy, but it was no denying my hips had already spread, and I still had a ways to go. Once I sat, silence filled the room. The only sound came from the small ticks from the clock on the wall. Nervously, my eyes dropped to the name plaque on the deskJudge Marshall Fairbanksis what it read.
“Thank you for meeting me, Your Honor.” I finally spoke.
Judge Fairbanks gave a weak smile. For a man well in his sixties, he had aged well, and I could tell he was probably very much active in the gym. He stood over six feet tall with toasted brown skin, an athletic build, salt and pepper mane with a perfectly lined beard, and mustache that matched. Just by looking, I could tell he broke a lot of hearts and feelings back in the day.
“What can I help you with?” He came off as a mean person, but I knew that wasn’t his character. He just didn’t beat around the bush and didn’t waste time.
“It’s about the Carter case.”
His eyes narrowed and confusion took over his features.
“The one that was dismissed?” he questioned but didn’t wait for a response before he spoke again. “You were on that case as the prosecutor. What would be the need for you to discuss it further?”
I no longer worked at the office, but even if I had, what I was about to do would have still happened.
“The woman on the tape is Lauryn.”
