Ghosting Around (Watty Awards 2012)

Chapter Eight

“Sentence is for life,” The judge’s voice boomed through the court. His gavel slammed three times and I smiled in triumph; I knew I could do it. George Lerrick, murderer of Meredith Hacky and Derek Lore was led out. Exiting the courtroom, I sauntered down the crowded halls, my heels clicking loudly. I gripped my briefcase tightly in my right hand and held my chin high. I brushed past a man and he did a second take, “Miss Devonshield? Is that you?”.

Turning around to face the man’s voice I widened my eyes in surprise, “Mr-”

“Yes it’s me,” He laughed, “What are you doing here?”

“I was just finishing up a case,” I said, pointedly.

“A case?” He asked, rubbing his chin, “What was the crime and were you the prosecutor?”

“It was murder and yes I was. I also won, the man was sentenced for a year,” I put in, smiling triumphantly.

“That’s interesting. What would you say to a job proposal?” He asked.

I gasped in shock, “You, the owner of the best law firm in Edinburgh would like to hire me? I must be dreaming.”

He chuckled, “I am serious Miss Devonshield. Come in Monday and the job is all yours.”. With that he walked off towards the judge’s office and disappeared through the double, wooden doors. I shook my head in disbelief and walked towards the exit, with a skip in my step. Opening the courthouse doors, a cool breeze passed over me and I breathed in deep. A few strands of hair escaped my bun but I ignored them, enjoying my moment of victory.

I advanced towards the car park and jumped into my silver car. I put my keys into the ignition and started the engine. The ride home was filled with thoughts from the case and my new job. I drove past various sceneries, all forming into a similar blur of motions. So lost in thought, I almost missed my street and I had to make a sharp turn. Stopping in the drive way, I parked the car and slid out quickly.

I gazed up at the cottage that sat in front of me. It was painted white, with a tiled, grey roof. A chimney came out through the middle and was between two large windows. The stone path was surrounded by green grass and the whole house was protected by a low, white fence and slightly taller hedges.

Rushing towards the house, I unlocked the door. Derek will be so excited, I thought. Calling out loudly I shuffled into my living room, “Derek?”. No reply. I tried again, “Derek?”.

Panic seeped through me and I dropped my briefcase in the middle of the room. I ran around the house, frantically searching each and every room. I passed by my bedroom quickly, but then took slow steps backwards. Growling with annoyance, I found Derek sitting on my bed, “Derek. Are you deaf?”.

Derek gave me a sheepish look, “I was thinking...” He trailed off.

I laughed, “Oh, I see. I know how you find that hard, so I’ll let you recover for a minute.”. Derek’s lips thinned and I stuck my tongue at him in defiance. I stretched my arms out wide and yawned from the day’s events, “How did it go?”.

“How did what go?” I asked absentmindedly, kicking off my high-heels.

Derek rolled his eyes, “The case!”

“Oh, that. Yes it went well,” I smiled, “We won. George is sentenced to life.”

Giving me a triumphant smile, Derek leapt off my bed and wrapped his transparent arms around my small frame, “Derek, you’re smothering me.”. Derek chuckled and stepped away slowly. He gave me a look, “We make a great team you know,” He mentioned.

“Is that true?” I said, jumping onto my bed. Derek nodded as he followed me and landed next to me. We lay there, staring up at my ceiling in a companionable silence.