Page 38 of Dirty Judge

“Are the other clerks expected to come in at that time?”

“The other clerks aren’t criminals who owe me.”

“What?” I arched a brow. “What did you just say?”

“Every clerk in my chambers serves a different function,” he said instead. “Yoursrequires you to be here at five thirty. Every morning. No exceptions.”

I bit my tongue.

“This is the part where you ask me why, Miss Spencer.”

“I think it’s best for me to say as little as possible to you right now.”

“Good point.” He nodded. “You also need to get the coffee and breakfast orders for my support staff, and you’ll need to make sure the bailiff is briefed on my red flag dockets.”

“What’s a red flag docket?”

“Figure it out.” He paused, and I figured his list of demands was over, but then he stepped closer.

“You’ll also need to make sure that my courtroom is spotless. My janitorial engineer is feeling ill, so I figured I’d give him a break for a few weeks and let you handle it.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier to just hire a temp until he gets back?”

“No.” He clenched his jaw. “It would be easier for you to just follow my instructions and not question them.”

So, this is why they made me sign that six-month promise…

“Make sure you finish reading my guidebook as soon as possible, Miss Spencer,” he said. “I’m assuming you haven’t finished it, since you’re doing a lot of talking back.”

A sarcastic rebuttal was begging to escape my lips, but I kept my mouth shut.

“Anything else you want to say?” He looked as if he could read my mind. “You don’t have much time to rest before you’ll have to return…”

“I’m really looking forward to working under you, Judge Ashton.” I forced myself to be professional. “I have a very good feeling about it.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” He stepped back. “I can assure you that we’re going to have a lot of fun together…”

PROBABLE CAUSE (N.):

SUFFICIENT REASON BASED UPON KNOWN FACTS TO BELIEVE A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED OR THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY IS CONNECTED WITH A CRIME.

OLIVIA

Boop-deeee-boop! Boop-deeee-boop!

“Noooo, shut up!” I grabbed my phone and hit the side button, silencing the alarm.

There was no way in hell it was time for me to get up. I felt like I’d just shut my eyes ten seconds ago.

Snuggling under the covers again, I attempted to drift back to sleep.

Boop-deeee-boop! Boop-deeee-boop!

“Oh my god!” I grabbed my phone, ready to turn it off, but I realized it was a phone call.

Judge Ashton?

“Hello?” I answered.