They Don't Know {Sequel}

Chapter 12 - JAMILA

"Your honor if I could just get five minutes worth of recess to speak with my client, we could resolve his mistakes-"

"Mr. Thomas I am not in the business of negotiating with you nor Mr. Pryor. I have given you ample enough time to situate this case."

"But your honor, he's an elderly man. Surely you can have some sympathy for the mentally challenged. Please, five minutes. That's all I ask."

The judge frowned, raising her gavel as she rolled her eyes. "The court will go to a five minute recess. Concluding the recess, Mr. Pryor will be re-taking the stand to clarify his testimony."

Knock. Knock.

Our bench stood up and walked out of the courtroom, walking to an empty assembly room where we would sit with Mr. Pryor for the final time.

Before I could walk inside, Thomas grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side.

"Look I've taken every initiative and step to make sure this guy doesn't go down for terrorism. I'm all out of options, what do you suggest?"

I chuckled, "Mr. Thomas I'm only a paralegal, I can't help-"

"You've helped me conduct his case thus far. Honestly your research and helping hand has brought us to this point. I'm confident in your opinion Jamila. You should be as well."

I bit my lip, thinking of a way to try and dig our client out of this deep hole he's buried himself in.

"We haven't taken the family man angle."

"The what angle?"

I sighed, "Listen, he's not taking this case seriously. He's expecting a slap on the wrist because he's old. Therefore he's not going to take this as seriously as he should."

"I'm listening."

"We should go in there and try to remind him of who he is outside of this trial. A father, a grandfather, a widowed husband. Make him remember how much his wife enjoyed that same coffee shop. He'll have no choice but to think long and hard about his stance."

"And what if he doesn't?"

"Then you'll be losing your first case in seventeen years."

Thomas paced the hall for a few moments before scratching his scalp in frustration.

"And you're sure this will work."

I looked through the cracked doorway at Mr. Pryor as he sat in his seat, frozen in his tired expression.

"I'm more positive about this than anything else sir."

"Alright," he rubbed my shoulder, "let's pray he learns something from this."

I nodded and watched him walk into the room with our client. I quickly unlocked my phone and checked my notifications while I could.

As I was scrolling through my emails I received a text message that turned my exhausted expression into a joyful smile.

Maya💗
I'll pick you up at 7. Dress comfortable...

I didn't realize how tight my smile was until my cheeks began to hurt from the tension.

Me
I'll see you then!

She hearted my message and I could feel the butterflies swimming in my stomach until-

"Jamila!" I jumped, cursing to myself as my hand flew over my heart. "Let's go, we're about to reconvene."

"Yes sir," I replied before cutting off my phone and following Thomas into the courtroom.