C'mere (Paul Banks fanfic)

The Witness

- We're going to nail this. Just wait and see. - Rhi texted Paul on the morning of the audience.

He didn't dare answer. He didn't even care about the trial anymore. He just hoped she was fine. He knew the right thing to do was to never contact her again after it was finished. He too, hoped he would be strong enough to do that.

-

Lydia jumped from the seat next to Paul when she saw Rhiannon walk in. He looked swiftly at her, but tried not to stare long. She looked wonderful, the sun had made her skin a little darker and her hair a little lighter. And that weird haircut really became her.

- Hi. - She murmured, taking the seat her assistant had left for her.

- Hey. - He answered, smiling shyly. - I'm glad you're here.

Rhi looked at him right in the eye and smiled back.

- I needed to see the look on your face when I called up my witness. - She joked, as the judge began speaking.

Indeed, Paul could not believe his eyes when he saw Carlos D sit on the witnesses chair. He knew Rhi had an ace up her sleeve, but it was beyond his wildest hopes to think it would be him. Yet it was. Carlos sneered when their eyes met. It had been a long time since they last saw each other. Paul smirked and looked away as Carlos returned him a crooked smile.

Rhi saw the exchange with a satisfied face. She then proceeded to interview the former bass player.

He not only confirmed the writing process was as Paul and his lawyer had stated in previous hearings, gave his word Paul was very careful regarding credits and hinted Wilson was just doing it out of jealousy, but also vowed to pay himself any compensation Wilson requested if he could factually prove his allegations. All of this, with the flyest tongue-in-cheek attitude.

- I know Aiden Wilson wants to mess with Paul because his wife has a crush on him, but as far as I'm concerned, no law prohibits a dude from being attractive. - He finished, chuckling.

Paul made a puzzled face and Rhiannon turned around an amused expression on. Wilson stood up, screaming incoherently and the judge dismissed Carlos. Rhi saw the jury talk between them. She turned to see Paul, who was still frowning and looking back into the public. An attractive blond woman was staring back at him. She looked like she was about to burst into tears, and horror marked her face when he stood up and started walking towards her.

Rhi could not react fast enough, and before she knew it, her client was in front of the woman, speaking softly but firmly to her. She was pale and nodded. He was clutchint the back of the seat right in front of her so tight, his knuckles went white. When Wilson saw what was happening, he ran to them and looked like he was about to attack Paul. The security agents were reaching them, when the woman stood between them and begged Wilson to stop, she was crying and shaking, hugging him.

By the time Rhiannon ran to her client's side, she heard him say:

- Just tell him the truth, tell him and this will all be over.

- Paul, let's go back, please. - Rhi whispered into his ear, but he seemed not to have heard her.

The woman looked dead humiliated and said, with a faint voice.

- He's right, Aiden. I lied. He's never so much as touched me... I never thought this... I just...

Wilson turned to see Paul with an embarassed face and the latter nodded, victoriously. He turned to see Rhi, who watched and listened to everything with a frown on. He took her by the elbow so they could return to their places. The judge was screaming for order and called a recess.

- This case is super won. - Rhi told Paul, when they walked out of the courtroom and he smiled.

- It wouldn't have been if she hadn't admitted she was lying. - He murmured and Rhi shook her head. He was way more self-righteous than she would have imagined.

She had to admit something in the back of her mind always wanted to believe Paul hadn't had an affair with one of his friends' wife. She was incredibly relieved when she found out he indeed hadn't.

When they came back, one of the jury members stood up to read the verdict, as expected, favouring Banks and they were all dismissed.

- Well, that was eventful. - Rhi commented when they exited the room.

Paul permitted himself a little laugh. He had been awkwardly uptight all this time and Rhi was relieved to see him relax at long last.

- Think you owe me. - A voice called from behind them.

Paul turned around and shook Carlos' hand.

- Fair enough. - Paul granted and Carlos walked away, not without winking at Rhi, who just snorted.

- You have to admit he did great. - She commented, and Paul nodded.

- So this is it? - Paul asked when they were walking out of the building.

Rhi assented, looking down.

- Unless you want to counter-sue Wilson? - She suggested, not completely seriously.

- I'll consider it. - He answered.

Rhi rolled her eyes.

- We can go grab dinner so that you can sign the final papers and then, yes. That will be it. - She spoke quieter with every word.

- That's an excellent idea. Grabbing dinner, I mean.

- Arrange the detalis with Lydia and I'll see you then. - She concluded.

They shook hands awkwardly and walked each to their car.

-

When Rhi got into her car, she let out a big sigh. The case was over. He actually didn't have to see Paul Banks ever again. She didn't know why she had proposed to dine with him one final time. It was dangerous, yet she had to admit she wanted it badly. She wanted a reason to see him again. And something told her she didn't want that to be the last she saw of the client.