The Risk Takers

Part 15 - Secrets

I arrive back to work and all I want to do is lock myself in my office and scream into a throw pillow. I glance to Emma and know I'd come across as a complete psychopath if I did that, even though she should know that that's what being a lawyer does to you. Screaming into pillows to muffle the sound from coworkers and stashing a bottle of vodka in your desk for days the prosecutor is a total bitch.

I slump into my chair and Emma eagerly fills into her usual spot. Kavanaugh comes striding into my office right as I dump my bag on the floor and asks, "How'd it go with John Gates? What's the verdict on that one?"

"As of now I am taking him on as a client. According to him, he was set up and of course is innocent," I reply back and Kavanaugh raises an eyebrow. He glances to Emma but continues, "Do you think he's innocent?" I bite the inside of cheek and swallow my lump of conflict down into my soul.

"I don't know. A part of his story makes sense, another part...I don't know." I'm being as honest as I can, but I know I can't explain the complexity of this case to the partners here. Kavanaugh nods his head and narrows his eyes at me, "This case could bring a shitload of coverage if it makes it to trial. Are you prepared to handle all of that?"

I don't break eye contact and respond, "If his story is true he'll be let off before it even goes to trial. If I can find who supposedly set him up then all charges will be dropped. This might be wrapped up in a few weeks."

"You'll understand that you won't be able to work with your husband on this. You'll have to have another contact in the police department. We can't afford any conflicts of interest."

I want to laugh and tell him I have no business being this man's lawyer because it's a huge conflict of interest, but instead I smile and nod my head. Kavanaugh glances to me and Emma quickly before gliding out of my office. I slump back into my chair as Emma flicks her gaze over to me, "I thought you weren't taking this case? Isn't that what you told Officer Greysor?" I rub my hands down my face as she scootches up in her chair, "This is the guy that blew up the lab right? Why wouldn't your husband want you on the case?" I look to her and wonder what lie I can tell her that will make her understand why I am going against what I said to Liam

"He thinks this man is guilty. And highly dangerous. He doesn't want me spending time with him but he doesn't understand that this case can skyrocket my career. I need to figure out whether I think this...John Gates is guilty or not."

"Do you only take on innocent clients?" Emma asks me with such naivety that I wonder how she decided to go into law school. I'd hate to be the one that broke her innocent spirit, but with her happy-go-lucky attitude, I know she's going to get eaten alive in the court room.

"Here's the thing Emma, not every client you're going to defend is going to be innocent. Of course you want them to be, but in some cases, how can you really be sure that they are being honest and are truly innocent? You have to trust your gut and do your job. That's why you really have to believe in your client if you decide to take them on. You have to defend them to the world and you want to believe what you are saying on their behalf."

Emma nods and from her furrowed brow I can tell she's really contemplating my words. She studies my face and then asks, "So do you believe John Gates is innocent? Do you believe him?"

I stare back at her but I don't have a response. I haven't come to any kind of conclusion about John Gates yet. I purse my lips together and she notes my lack of response. After a few moments I look to her and respond, "I think I have a lot of work to do before I can answer that question."

********

I sluggishly move to my front door after the hectic day at work and drop the heels I have in my hand to the floor as I fiddle with the house keys. Before I can even get the key in the lock the front door swings open and I find Liam looking stern on the other side.