Page 89 of Dirty Judge

I didn’t understand why he would risk everything on a case where none of the strings were tied to his fate at all.

Or why he lied to my face multiple times about it…

INVOLUNTARY DISMISSAL (N.):

THE TERMINATION OF A COURT CASE BY A JUDGE WITHOUT THE PLAINTIFF'S CONSENT, TYPICALLY USED AS A DISCIPLINARY PENALTY WHEN THE PLAINTIFF FAILS TO FOLLOW RULES, OBEY ORDERS, OR MOVE THE LAWSUIT FORWARD.

LIAM

One Week Later

“My son’s name has been dragged through the mud for years.” Grant Jenkins’s father was on my television, speaking to the press outside the courthouse. “And with this upcoming trial, we are looking forward to putting this tragic chapter behind us.”

Looking as hideous and overdressed as I remembered, he pulled a Kleenex from his pocket and pressed it against his eyes for nonexistent tears.

“Is your son mentally okay?” someone off-camera asked. “How is he holding up about all this?”

“Grant is as hopeful and well-balanced as ever.” He faked a sniffle. “As always, he’s remorseful about the five lives that were lost during this accident, but it was just an accident.”

I hit mute, watching him pretend to cry through a few more questions.

Why can’t anyone see through this man’s bullshit?

All these years that had passed by, and I was shocked that he hadn’t paid for any acting classes.

Unable to take the sight of his face anymore, I turned off the television.

I had better things to do tonight.

I walked to my dining room to make sure the table was set for tonight’s raincheck dinner with Olivia.

As I was uncorking the wine, my phone sounded with a call from my condo’s office.

“Yes?” I answered.

“Sir, Miss Spencer is here,” my bellman said. “She’s on the elevator.”

“Thank you.”

I moved her favorite pasta off the stove and to the table.

My doorbell sounded seconds later.

When I opened the door, she didn’t blush or smile at me like usual.

Instead, she looked as if she’d just seen a ghost.

“Are you still feeling ill?” I placed my hands on her shoulders.

“I’m fine,” she said. “At least, I will be.”

So, you’re still sick…

I held back a sigh and escorted her inside, showing her to her seat at the table.

“Do you want orange juice instead of wine?” I asked.

She shook her head. “Wine would be amazing right now, actually.”