The Law is Hard

Chapter 20

Alec's POV

I walk out of the court room with a huge smile across my face. That was a complete success. I was a bit worried that the judge or jury would stall and order another court date, but I had airtight evidence that the defense was in fact abusing funds from their non-profit. It had taken hours of research and phone calls, but the client, the new secretary of the charity who had noticed the missing funds, was now happy. I would probably be helping them in the future draft new policies regarding their finances and protections, which is great: more business. Plus, it's a good cause, so that helps too.

I nod to a few of the jurors as we pass them in the hallway.

"Mr. Wood, I cannot thank you enough, I was so stressed—"

"Ms. Ross, it's okay," I interrupt, trying to calm her down. She was an excitable woman and naturally nervous. The fact that she had the guts to call out and then take her bosses to court was admirable. Especially since she was only 22. Her nervousness making her seem younger. "Everything went according to plan, and hopefully you can go home and enjoy the rest of your day."

I open the door for the much shorter woman, and she hurries through. "Thank you," she murmurs. Maybe it's her short legs that makes her seem like she hurries everywhere.

"You're welcome," I say and cross the foyer, moving towards the outside doors. I can't wait to share this good news with Magnus. Oh, and I guess it'll be good to tell Lydia and Underhill too. We always share updates after big court dates.

But with Magnus, I want to impress him. Which as a client, I suppose that makes sense to prove that I can do a good job and deliver on promises. But as a...different words cross my mind friend? Potential boyfriend? Hotness embodied? Well, as I person I'm romantically interested in, I want him to like me and be impressed by me. Especially since he's had such great success in his life, and comes from a wealthy and successful family, I want to be able to be at least close to his level. Another reason my new laptop, that now fills my briefcase while I carry my notepad, has come in handy has been researching Magnus Bane.

A small hand on my arm interrupts my thoughts, I look down at Ms. Ross, "Did we forget something in the court room?" I ask politely, wondering why she's stopping me in the middle of the court hall foyer.

"Uhh, no, I just was..." She trails off and ducks her head, looking at our feet.

I try to be patient knowing that she is natural nervous. But I am not naturally patient. I've gotten better at being patient since I started kickboxing with Will, but it is not easy. I remind myself her parents pay well. The non-profit certainly couldn't afford my fees and I'm not in a financial position where I can I afford to do pro bono work. Hopefully, her parents will remember my success if they need a lawyer in the future.

I try to subtly look at my watch that the firm lends to lawyers specifically to use on court days. I'm not in a particular rush, but I did send Mr. Carstairs and Ms. Gray an email this morning that basically barred my soul, so I'm feeling a little antsy to hear what they have to say.

After a few more seconds of her mumbling and not meeting eyes, I say in what's hopefully a kind voice, "Ms. Ross, if you have any follow-up questions, you have my phone number and my email. You also have the firm's contact information. I can definitely help look over or draft new financial policies for your non-profit too."

She shuffles her feet, "No, that's not what I'm trying to say..."

"Are you not happy with the sentence?" I prod.

"No, no. 30 days in prison and 100 hours of community service is sufficient. Plus, they're obviously removed from the Board."

"Then what is it?" I ask, ducking my head try to catch her eyes. Staring at the top of her plain, brown hair was getting old.