ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 79

               Tuesday September 23 , 2025

" You look like shit," Richard said with amazement as he stared at assistant state's attorney Paul Paterson who stood before him in his chambers. The man really did look hideous. Yes. He knew that the man had been assaulted the night before in the parking garage but he was just now seeing the extent of it.

Paul Paterson had been beaten severely enough that his right eye was puffy and his bottom lip swollen. Not to mention the broken arm that was in a sling.

Paul smiled slightly. " I feel like shit too."

Richard sighed deeply. He put his robe on over his own suit. " You can always step down as assistant state attorney in this case. I can request a replacement for you. Nobody would fault you on it. Not after what happened. "

Paul shook his head and his eyes were steelly. " No. I'm not running because of assholes. This is my case and I will win. The police assigned me a officer for protection anyway. Although I did email Claire Lowen with a plea offer a few minutes ago. Ten years in prison with a thousand dollar fine. "

Richard hoped and prayed that the plea had been accepted. If Claire had an ounce of the good sense he was remembering she had had in their law school days she would definitely break the sound barrier convincing Dodie to accept it. " Any response back?"

Paul laughed. " Of course. The response was no. Apparently this woman Dodie Angeletti refused it point blank. She actually thinks she will win. So the jury is sequestered and we have an alternate replacement? "

Richard nodded. He was not altogether certain it would be enough though. Personally he would be glad when this whole thing was over and done with. He wasn't a cowardly man but he didn't appreciate his courtroom being disrespected with ridiculous defenses , his direct orders being ignored, his prosecutors being beaten and his family being threatened over a hit and run case. He almost wanted to laugh ironically but the man staring at him currently would swear he had lost his good senses. He was starting to feel like Chief Judge Arnett. His courtroom. His prosecutor. This whole thing felt too surreal to him. He was starting to regret accepting the appointment from the governor. Maybe he should have thought more about his father in law's "suggestion" that he run for political office instead.

" Yes. Today the defense will begin their side of this current circus from hell. Depending on how long they take with their current bullshit it should not be long until closing arguments and then it's onto the jury to wrap this mess up once and for all. I can't wait. "

Paul replied," You and I both. "