Conflict of Interest

2. Disclosure

Hello all you lovely people! This took me quite a fair bit to write as I have work in a law office of my own, but here it is! And a huge thank you to EmeraldWindows for the fantastic cover she made me, check out her story if you want to :)

Oh and, as usual, if you vote or tell me what you think in the comments, it makes my day :) <3

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“Regina.” Paul McIntyre greeted Regina coolly as she walked into his office on the top floor of the courthouse. Paul was one of the senior prosecutors of New York City Criminal Court and a first class-prick who believed that he was success exemplified as he was appointed to the high-level position at only thirty-four years of age. His arrogance, although not that uncommon among lawyers, very much succeeded on getting on her nerves when combined with the fact that he simply did not believe that women could also be capable attorneys.

“Paul.” Regina gave him a curt nod, sitting down in one of the chairs in the office without an invitation.

“I didn’t know you were assigned to this case.” His mocking surprise, no doubt, was used to question her supposed lack of competence in contrast to the importance of the case. “I would think they would give this client to Foster himself or one of the partners.”

“You would think wrong then.” Her clipped tone gave little away about the situation she was in. “It appears that Mr. Foster finds me proficient enough for this case. Now, shall we cut right to the chase? I am here only for the witness statements that were supposed to be sent to my office two days ago.”

“A slight oversight on my part, I’m sorry.” Paul answered, equally cold as he slid a large stack of papers across the desk to her. “This contains the full disclosure: all witness statements of those not testifying on defence, descriptions of several exhibits that will be presented during trial, the pathologist and forensic statements. It might prove to be a very challenging task for you, Regina. The evidence against your client is quite strong.”

“Well, I would hope you would think that, as the prosecutor who is leading the case and all.” Regina smiled a smile that did not reach her eyes as she picked up the papers and carefully placed them inside her briefcase, making sure none were crumpled or damaged. “We’ll find out just how right or wrong you are at the pre-trial conference in two months. Until then, we’ll keep our opinions to ourselves.”

“Feisty.” Paul chuckled, discreetly raking his eyes over her slim but curvaceous frame. “Could all that professionalism be concealing imminent defeat?”

The only thing it’s concealing is how much I want to deck you in the jaw, Regina thought to herself, lowering her eyes to a chipped nail for a second to prevent giving away her thoughts with her expression. “It would only work to my advantage if you think that and let your guard down, McIntyre.” Regina stood up sharply, not giving him a chance to reply. Taking the handle of her leather briefcase, she turned around, long hair whipping sharply to fall in messy waves around her shoulders, and walked to the door. “Oh, and by the way, thank you for doing your job properly.” She said sarcastically before exiting the small office.

Paul watched her round, pert behind sway with every step she took, her tight black skirt doing little to conceal the movement. She was way too hot for her own good – her looks would’ve been better used on a typical, not-too-bright girl with little ambition and dominance, a girl he could bed easily; not a dragon lady like her. As she walked out of the door, he shot a sharp glare at her back. Although he very much disliked Regina Iverson, her looks and charm could sway the jury, forcing him to lose the case that his career depended on. But, all in all, the evidence was against her, and he was a good enough lawyer to make sure she couldn’t get away with even lowering the sentence.