I don't dare to move an inch from the position I am in. Damn, he still has his hand around my waist, pressing his muscles against my stomach. I fell my face getting redder and redder, until the point where I look like a crab.
He is still sleepy because he doesn't seem to realize that he is basically using me as a pillow.
As his eyes begin to adapt to the daylight that is coming trough glass-walls he seems to understand the situation. If I wouldn't be so terrified I would laugh my heart out at his face. His messy hair and sleepy eyes, the pillow marks on his cheek (actually there are marks from my dress but, still) and then his confused look. All of this form quite a picture. Unfortunately, I don't have time to laugh because he put himself together faster than I expected.
"Well, if you have time sleep Mrs. Coner, I think you finished your work from the last night and I have my plea ready for the hearing. That, by the way, is in two hours."
My jaw drops three floors. How dare he to pretend that I am the only one who fell asleep. Five seconds ago he was clinging to me like a 6.4 feet baby.
Does this guy really think that no one ever will answer him back when he is an asshole? Then this is his unlucky day.
"My apologies, sir, I am soo ashamed that I fell asleep while you stayed up all night working like there is no tomorrow. Please teach me how to stay awake, just like you did."
I am starting to think I signed my resignation when he starts laughing. Now I am the confused one.
"I hired you because I need more people to speak their minds, but I didn't expect you to have a sense of humor." Was he a human for a second? I almost think I judged him wrong, but he continues. "But you know, I have too, so here is a joke: if you can't finish the plea for my client you can't come to the court today."
He smiles and lean-to me so our eyes can be at the same level. I smile back and turn around so I can finish the work at my desk. No way I throw out the window the chance to go to court today.
But still, he is such an...
Asshole!
"What?"
"Nothing, Mr. Parker"
Ups, I let that out loud. Not like he doesn't know who he is, anyway...
I don't know how I finished putting together all the pieces of evidences in one file, but I know I did it just in time. And now I can't keep myself still in the car while my dear boss is lashing over someone on the phone. I pity the poor creature, but at least it's not me so I can't complain.
We meet with his client in the waiting room at the court. He looks like a typical middle-aged rich man. His Rolex and expensive suit can't hide the baldness of his egg-shaped head and huge belly. I take a few seconds to realize that I know him. The news were filled the last week with images of the arrest of Carl Marlton. But that doesn't make any sense, the man in my files in named Loren Martin. I start to panic thinking I messed up, but more than that, I start to panic thinking I am about to help to keep out of jail man that above any doubt is guilty.
I try to catch Alan's eyes, but he is avoiding looking at me.
What the hell?
We are told to enter, and my head is spinning, so I am grateful to take my place behind Alan. Since I am not an actual lawyer I can't sit next to him, so I have to stay with the audience.
I try to give him the file but he makes me a sign to sit and not to worry. I am even more confused now, why did he make me work all night at something that he didn't need?
The hearings start and I hear people praying quietly to God to make that man end up in jail. I can't blame them, I agree with them, he deserves punishment for what he did.
"Mr. Marlton, I was noticed that you changed your lawyer in the last second, is that right?"
Even the judge seems to hate him, although he hides it well.
"Yes, your honor!"
"Then we should start the hearings. Mr. Marlton, please stand, You are accused of money laundering and tax evasion. The money were destined for the children's hospital that should have been ready a year ago. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty, your honor."
I feel disgusted. He stole the money, he received donations for the last ten years, promising desperate parents that he will build a children's hospital since the municipal one cant handle the rising number of kids under 15 sick with cancer. He told heartbreaking stories and used the pain of the parents to steal. He accumulated a fortune of five million dollars and he was about to run out of the country when he was arrested. He is the type of guy that everyone hates. And I am in the team that is defending him...
After three long hours, the judge stops the parts argumentations and declares that the court will be reunited in terms of two weeks for more deliberation. He gives Alan a murderous look, but he has no choice, but to accept for Mr.Marlton to remain undetained.
When the judge leaves the chaos starts. From all directions, reporters, but mostly angry people are screaming questions, insults, or curses to Carl Marlton and... to Alan. I get pushed and almost trip on the stairs, blinded by the camera's flashes when I feel someone taking my hand and dragging me to the parking spots. I raise my head and see Alan keeping a protective hand in front of me, pushing through the waves of reporters that are coming to us.
A huge man holding a microphone steps in front of me, pushing a camera in my face.
"Miss, are you with Alan Parker? You are involved in the case?"
I try to walk away but he continues to push the camera and the microphone in my face. I feel Alan tightening his grip my hand and putting himself in front of me, blocking the man. He answers something but I can't concentrate. I start to feel dizzy and I lean on Alan. He turns to me and I see the worry in his eyes. He almost carry me to the car, with a hand holding mine and the other holding my waist.
Who is this man and what have you done with my asshole boss. And please don't let him come back.
Before the door closes the huge man manages to get close enough to ask another question. This time to Alan:
"Sir, how do you feel to be the devil's advocate?"
I look at the man who is sitting next to me in the car, at his gorgeous face, hair, eyes. I look at the man that thought I got to know in the last week. I look at the man that, if you asked me this morning, I would have defeated in front of anyone that says he is only cruel and heartless.
I take a look at this man and wonder:
When did I let the devil under my skin?