All My Heart (The Clover Series) by Stewart Danielle

Author:Stewart, Danielle [Stewart, Danielle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Rebecca

I can’t stop staring at my lawyer. He’s not particularly attractive: his nose is too large for his face and his ears are lower than they should be, but something keeps my eyes glued on him. Maybe it’s the shininess. His gold cufflinks, his expensive shoes, even his slicked back golden hair seems to be reflective. He stormed into the small meeting room at the Clover penitentiary as though the heels of those very expensive shoes were on fire. He slammed his boxy tan leather briefcase down on the table and began speaking so fast I thought perhaps he was kidding. Luke was just steps behind him, and I was happy for the familiar face.

“Miss Farrus,” the lawyer begins, “I’m Titus Steubenville of Tivoli, Tivoli, and Steubenville. We’re one of the most aggressive and prominent firms in New York and also one of the most expensive. That means whoever retained me for your case must really want you out of here and that’s what I intend to make happen.” He looks around the room and the wrinkles in his forehead grow deeper as he takes in his surroundings. “What the hell is this place? The jail is part of the police station, and the police station is practically deserted. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Luke clears his throat as he tries to explain. “The police force here have all been relinquished of their duties and replaced by private security. That’s why it’s so quiet out there. Everyone is still getting settled into the changes.”

“And does Clover not have an actual prison? Just holding cells here at the station?”

“It’s bigger than it looks,” Luke continues. “There are actually twenty-five cells, a small section quartered off just for women.”

I extend my handcuffed hand toward him with the intention of a greeting. “It’s a pleasure to—” Mr. Steubenville cuts me off with the mocking motion as though he’s running a zipper across his lips.

“I don’t do formalities or niceties, Miss Farrus. Just call me Titus and let’s get on with this. The rest is a waste of time. I don’t waste time while I’m on the clock and especially not when the clock is in a countdown like this. We’re about to walk into a bail hearing. You will sit there quietly unless I indicate otherwise. You will look worthy of sympathy without being transparent. Do not cry. I find it repulsive, and it is not nearly as effective with judges as it is with jurors. There is no jury in the courtroom today so save the water works. Understand?” I go to nod, but he charges forward. “I’m here pro hac vice, which I’m surprised a small town like this granted, but it bodes well for us that the judge we’ll be appearing in front of allowed it.”

“What is that? Pro—what? And what does that tell you about the judge?” I ask tilting my head and wondering if this is what the whole case will be like. Words and conversations that don’t make sense to me.

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