Chasing Innocence | ✓

17 | truthful conversations

"Two weeks until trial begins."

Davina sits to my left with David on the end as we all stare at Brax. I'm staring the hardest. Or glaring, more accurately.

For the past hour, all I've wanted to do is question him on his brother's stupidity. How could any of them think I'd break into a dangerous stranger's house to find a murder weapon?

I'm trying to be a lawyer. I'm trying to stay on the right side of the law, thanks very much.

Brax finds my eyes, cocking his head. It's the first time I've seen him since the fiasco at his infamous party. I feel my blood curdle just from the memory of his words.

I hate him.

The admission to myself feels startling, but not surprising. He's done nothing but make all of this hell. His words were the final blow.

"These next two weeks we just want everything to be tied up, ready for trial," Davina shuffles a few pages on her desk. "Is there anything else you'd like to add? Any details you think are important for us to know?"

This time, I cock my head. I raise a brow, waiting for Brax to say something about the supposed Matthew Daniels. He doesn't say anything. His gaze stays focused on mine, daring me to speak.

I turn towards Davina, but the words stick. I don't admit anything. I stay silent.

"Alright then," she clears her throat. "Great work today. Everything is— everything's coming together. We'll see you soon."

My phone begins to vibrate as I stand, picking up my  leather binder. Casey's caller ID fills the screen and I frown. I try not to panic, remembering the last time he called me.

"Is everything alright?" I ask, exiting the conference room as Davina holds the door open for me.

Brax shoves his way past, gaining the lead towards the exit. I grit my teeth.

"Um... sort of?" Casey says, apprehensively. "I need a favour."

"A favour?" I say, dubiously. "What kind of favour, Case?"

He sighs and I hear muted voices from the other end. Casey pulls away from the phone, answering whoever is there, in the background. "Marco may have borrowed Brax's car for the day and popped a tire coming home. He's trying to change it now, but Brax hates waiting and he'll be pissed—"

"This is my concern, because..."

As I watch Brax take the elevator, I decide it would be better if I aim for the stairs.

"Could you maybe, I don't know... give him a lift home?" he says sweetly.

I stop in the middle of the corridor once I make it down the flight of stairs, watching Brax's tense shoulders as he slams the double doors open. He earns himself a glare from the receptionist, but she simply goes back to painting her nails.

"Really?" I grit. "Can't he just call himself a taxi or something?"

"Please, Rhea. You'll be doing me a huge favour. Brax will be so grumpy all night and I don't want to have to deal with him. He's been really stressed about the trial lately," he whispers the last part, like he's letting me in on a secret.

I bite my thumb, closing my eyes. "You owe me," I sigh.

I pull my phone away from my ear, turning back to say goodbye to Davina. She's in a deep conversation with David, but offers me a small wave. I can only imagine how much stress she must be currently under.