Page 58 of Savage in the Streets
“Oh, I think we will be,” I say, shooting my gaze to Mr. Alvarez. “I’d like to hear the offer on the table.”
Chapter 16
Ashton
Of all thethings that could have gone sideways during the discovery hearing, I hadn’t expected this.
I’m no stranger to evidence. I know exactly what the cops look for, which is why I searched Bailey’s place myself. Some time, after I left her apartment, someone went in and planted evidence.
We follow Alvarez into a conference room and take our seats.
My eyes can’t stop looking at Bailey. She’s just too perfect for words, whether she be in full leathers or in an ankle-length skirt with a cardigan. She’ll always be gorgeous.
“I’d like a public defender to represent me instead of Mr. Ward,” Bailey says.
My brow furrows in confusion.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Bailey, but I can’t just snap my fingers and make one appear.” Alvarez smiles politely at her, but his gaze is mocking. “Why don’t we go over my offer, and if you decide not to take it, you can file for new representation.”
I want so badly to hold her and tell her that everything’s going to be okay. That I’ll do anything to ensure her freedom, but it’s clear that she’s lost all faith in me.
“We are prepared to offer you ten years in prison, two-year probation, five hundred hours of community service, and—”
“Wait, what?” Bailey cries out. “I thought—”
“The USB found in your toilet tank incriminates you in several other crimes. I’m being kind enough to bundle them together.”
Bailey’s face falls. I want nothing more than to pound Alvarez’s head in, but that would do her no good.
Instead, I say, “My client is innocent, and she won’t be spending a minute behind bars.”
Alvarez leans back in his chair, casting me a cocksure grin. “You know, the case I have against your client is very strong.”
“I am aware that Bailey Savage was set up. There have definitely been some curveballs thrown our way, and I aim to make sure that her case is handled properly, which is why I will be recusing myself from her case and calling in a new lawyer.”
“I should have known you’d be handing me off to a public defender…” Bailey says morosely.
“You know that takes time.” Alvarez frowns, but his look of confidence remains.
“Oh, it won’t take that long. You see, I’ll just be making a call to my father.”
Just as I had suspected, Alvarez’s jaw drops.
Bailey casts me a confused look. “Your father?”
“If you were expecting your win ratio to go up after this, you were mistaken. My father is as ruthless as he is cunning. He’s gonna mop the floor with you and make a public spectacle of it.”
“Everyone knows you’re estranged. You don’t even talk to him,” Alvarez says.
“Oh, but I will.”
“The judge isn’t going to like this. He’s been accused of—”
“Accused. Never charged.”
I give Alvarez a minute to mull over my words, knowing how anxious he’ll become.
“Or, we could work together to catch a bigger fish,” I offer.
