by Caine, Candy
“So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“ Yeah, but before I go, I want to apologize. I owe you an apology for the other night,” Scott said.
That statement captured Marnie’s complete attention just as effectively as if he stood up in a crowded room and shouted, “Fire!” From what she’d gleaned of this man she hadn’t thought, apology was a word normally used in his daily vocabulary.
“I came into the Laundromat angry having just had a nasty encounter with some guy. I guess I took it out on you. I’m sorry.”
“I understand,” Marnie replied, suddenly recalling how Jason had stood her up. The memory still riled her. “Apology accepted.”
“Phew! That was much easier than I thought,” he said, grinning.
“What did you think I was? Some kind of a man-eating shrew?”
“Uh…No, of course not!” he replied.
“Really? If I believe that, you’d soon be offering to sell me some bridge.”
“Not so. I think you are the sweetest, most genial type of woman who would love to go out to dinner with a kind-hearted soul like me,” Scott said, his grey eyes twinkling in amusement.
“Now you’re pushing it,” Marnie said, trying to suppress her laughter.
“But will you?”
“Will I what?”
“Have dinner with me?” Scott suddenly realized that he was anxious about what her answer would be.
“You want me to have dinner with you?”
“In the woist way,” he said, hands clutching his heart, as he tried ineffectually to put on a beseeching puppy-dog look.
Marnie chuckled at the hopeless acting job and the terrible Jersey accent. “I’d like very much to have dinner with you,” surprising herself.
“Saturday, then?” he said with a grin and left.
Marnie stared at the door long after he’d left. Scott’s decision to become an ADA had caught her by surprise. She wondered what Frank really felt about Scott’s decision.
* * *
Scott was surprised at his attraction toward Marnie. He’d always preferred blondes or redheads. What was it about this fetching woman with the soft molasses skin that he so wanted to taste? When he saw her standing there in his godfather’s office like a vision in that suit showing off those outrageous curves, he could hardly believe his eyes. He’d never expected to see her again. He took her all in slowly. Her short, black hair framed her delicate oval face and those large, dark brown eyes. They were slightly up-tilted at the corners and surrounded by long, black eyelashes that swept down over her high cheekbones. Her full, rounded plum-colored lips looked so kissable…He stopped himself. The last time he daydreamed about a woman like this he was in high school. And this woman was not one to be easily toyed with. She was sharp and had steel in her backbone. However, he liked a good challenge and she seemed up to the task. He’d like to tame the tigress, but nothing more. After his previous debacle with Connie, he wasn’t looking for a new relationship—especially one that led to a ring.
Chapter Three
Marnie saw Scott only briefly the next day. He was busy readying his office on the first floor. No favors there. Like everyone else, he had to earn an office on the higher floor.
Preparing for court, Frank Conway stopped by for a chat.
“You’re really clobbering the other side in the Reynolds case. I never imagined it would go so well.”
“Neither did I, but we’ve been lucky. Every time Ralph Reynolds opens his mouth, he switches feet. I’m surprised his lawyer doesn’t put a muzzle on him.”
Frank chuckled before adding, “Duct tape works better.”
Marnie laughed with him.
“You and Scott have worked out your differences, I hear.”
“Yes, we have,” she replied, and smiled.
“I’m glad. We sometimes forget that first impressions are often misleading.”
Marnie knew exactly what Frank was referring to. One of her first cases involved a young girl accused of fatally shooting her brother. On the surface, it looked like an easy one to defend. He had repeatedly abused her and she had finally snapped. The girl herself came off as a sweet, innocent victim. It wasn’t until she was halfway through the trial that Marnie discovered that the sex was consensual and when the brother wanted to end it, she shot him out of anger. So much for first impressions.
“I’m hoping to wrap it up today.”
“Good. There’s another important case I’d like you to take over. As soon as this one is cleared from your plate, I’ll brief you.”
“Thanks, Frank,” Marnie said, as she grabbed her briefcase and left.
* * *
Approaching the courthouse, Marnie noticed the news trucks. She knew it was to be expected with any high profile trials. It was simply grotesque how people flocked to the most gruesome trials. The media with their inflammatory coverage were partly to blame, yet they were merely tapping into and exploiting the public’s desire for sensationalism. Sex and gore sold newspapers. The more sensational the news, the better; William Randolph Hearst’s lasting legacy to journalism.
Compared to most custody battles, the one she was fighting was complicated and far from straightforward, though even so, it was still relatively low key. Up until now, there had been no real outbursts from either side, though, Ralph Reynolds, the less-than-happy husband of her client, reached his simmering point on a few occasions. Thus far, his lawyer had been able to keep his lid on and prevent the man from exploding. However, she realized as the hearing was nearing its conclusion, Reynolds was becoming increasingly agitated and Marnie wanted to exploit this.
Marnie continued this strategy and it finally paid off when she started to present evidence that he’d physically abused Marie. “Only a coward would hit a defenseless woman—” Marnie sneered.
Reynolds exploded. “Hit her? That woman deserved whatever she got. She’s nothing more than an incompetent fool!” Reynolds spat, his eyes flashing. Pointing at Marie, he stabbed the air with his finger. “Just look at her sitting there shaking like a leaf. What kind of parent do you think she actually is? I wouldn’t entrust a puppy in her care!”
Suppressing a smile, Marnie patted her client’s hand to calm and reassure her as she watched as Jake Piperno, Ralph Reynold’s lawyer, tried in vain to silence him. The damage was done, though.
Now it all depended on the judge who had to decide what was best for the twins and who made the better parent. It was great, though, when the other side helped her cause.
During a short recess requested by the other side, Marnie and Marie Reynolds went outside for a breath of air. They left stealthily by way of a back door to avoid newspaper reporters. There was no way Marnie wanted the case harmed by the media’s distorting something she or Marie said in the name of selling news.
Listening to Marie go on about Ralph, Marnie’s thoughts drifted to Jason, whom she hadn’t given much thought to since her encounters with Scott. She wasn’t exactly certain how she felt about Jason any longer. They did have such good times together and he could always manage to make her laugh. Whenever they had an argument, Jason would always make up by doing something special. He had his good points, but more and more, she wasn’t sure she could live with his bad points. She was still waiting for that explanation for canceling the dinner date the other night. Her thoughts were interrupted by Marie who had asked a question.
“I’m sorry, Marie, what did you say?”
“What will I do, if the judge doesn’t find in my favor?”
Marnie gently squeezed Marie’s hand and said, “Let’s think more positively. We did the best we could. Have faith that the judge will do the right thing.”
“Thank you for everything,” she said grabbing Marnie’s hands and gently squeezing them.
Marnie smiled. “You’re welcome. We’ve got to go back. Recess is over.”
Both sides were immediately called to the bench. Ralph Reynolds’ lawyer looked as if he spent the last half-hour in battl
e with his client. He informed the court that he was ready for closing arguments. Judge Nesbitt nodded. He looked at his watch and decided to recess court for the day.
The next day would be a full day. Marnie was becoming weary of the case. She hoped the judge would reach his decision quickly. Running the damn media gauntlet every time she entered or left the courthouse was wearing her down.
Chapter Four
When Marnie returned to the office, she went straight to Frank’s office where she found Scott comfortably seated in a leather chair. His large hands were casually resting on the arms of the chair. Her heart fluttered. As she walked inside, their eyes locked and held for a beat. She had to be blind not to have seen the smile on Frank’s face when she sat.
“How did it go today?” Frank inquired.
“Closing arguments tomorrow,” she said, sitting down after giving Scott a hello smile.
“Great! How does it look?”
“Reynolds snapped today and I used it to my advantage.”
“Music to my ears. Since the media has sunk its teeth into the case, it’s become a fairly well reported one. Which, by the way, puts a nice feather in your cap if you win.”
“I know. I’m reminded every time some hound dog reporter shoves a microphone in my face.”
“The price of fame, my dear.”
Marnie smiled wryly and rose from her chair. “Maybe, but right now I need a strong cup of coffee.”
“Mind if I join you?” Scott asked.
“Come on.” Turning back toward Frank, Marnie said, “I’ll keep you posted.”
He gave her the symbol for victory and a huge smile.
When they were both settled in Marnie’s office sipping their coffee, Scott mentioned that the District Attorney had called him today.
“Checking to see that you haven’t changed your mind and switched sides?” Marnie asked jokingly.
“No. He wanted to know if I could join his staff a little earlier.”
“Like when?”
“Monday.”
She peered over her mug at him. “You told Frank?”
“That’s what we were discussing when you walked in.”
“He seemed to have taken it well.”
“That’s our Frank—the embodiment of the perfect poker player. No tells. Never let your opponent read your true feelings.”
“Which were?” Marnie asked, trying to drag her eyes from Scott’s wide shoulders and how his suit pants hugged his muscular thighs.
“He wasn’t happy, but wished me the best, just the same.”
“So like Frank. He must have enjoyed having you around.”
“I’ll miss him—and you, too.” His grey gaze was enigmatic.
Marnie felt her heart trip at the almost seductive rumble of his voice and his unwavering silver eyes.
“We’ll still see each other in court. And don’t forget we have a date on Saturday,” she reminded him.
Scott rose from his seat and smiled. A lethal weapon if ever she saw one. “How could I forget?” His long fingers curved under her chin. The touch of his skin on hers roiled her senses.
He put his cup down on the side of Marnie’s desk and walked out. She envied him. He seemed so confident and relaxed just being in his own skin. He would succeed in most everything he tried because of it. She had no doubts that he’d soar through the ADA hierarchy like a rocket to become its shining star.
How she wished she could be like him instead of the insecure person she truly was down deep inside. In court she play-acted; making believe her world was indeed a stage. By becoming the consummate actress, she was able to succeed. No one knew how much she feared failing. And because of it, she pushed herself twice as hard.
Gathering her things, she left the office. It would be a long night for her. She’d write out her summation and practice it until she knew every word by heart. She’d play an Academy Award-winning role tomorrow that would have the judge sitting on the edge of his chair.
Back at her apartment, there was a message on her answering machine from Jason. “Just want you to know I’ve been thinking about you and will be back tonight. Call me.”
As if. She had no idea where he had been for the past several days and she certainly wasn’t going to call him. Somewhere along the line, she’d missed something. However, at the moment, it didn’t matter one iota, because she had to focus her energy entirely on her summation. She would worry about Jason and his vanishing act another time.
* * *
The next morning, Marnie was nervous, but she knew her summation as if she were born to recite it. As soon as she entered the courthouse, Jake Piperno, the opposing counsel, asked to speak to her in private. She was required by law to listen to any deal that his client was willing to make and pass it on to her client. However, she’d scrutinize it carefully before she brought it to Marie. It had to be a favorable one before she’d allow the woman to accept it.
Obviously, Ralph Reynolds worried about losing custody and its effect on his visitation rights. If the verdict went against him, the judge could temporarily deny him visitation rights or severally limit them at best. Marnie had suspected Piperno might pull an eleventh-hour move like this one and was curious about the offer herself.
Piperno was a veteran. His physical appearance may have been nondescript and unimpressive, but his reputation was that of a ruthless, astute adversary. He knew his way around a courtroom and Marnie reckoned there was a great deal she could learn from him, but at the same time, she didn’t trust him. His first and last responsibility was to his client—not forgetting his own bank account, of course.
“Take this proposal to your client,” Piperno said and explained the details to her.
Marnie listened carefully and jotted down a few notes. “I’m surprised Reynolds’s is allowing this especially without his being here.”
“It was a tough sell, but I think he’s got enough smarts to know when to quit and let the experts take over.”
Marnie had an inkling that Piperno had had a rough time convincing his client to allow him to speak privately to Marnie. She imagined he’d told his client that he’d only get one shot at a compromise before the judge handed down his ruling and if he screwed it up, he just might end up with nothing. Personally, she was more comfortable without the man being present. As far as she was concerned, she thought his main spring was wound too tightly. She couldn’t, even in her wildest dreams, ever imagine living with such a controlling, abusive person for a week, let alone ten years. How had her client managed such a feat?
“What do you think about our proposal?” Piperno broke into her thoughts.
“It has potential. There are a couple of things that need to be modified. And of course, my client has to agree to it.”
Jake laughed. “You know your client will agree to whatever you tell her.”
“I just make it look that way.”
Jake laughed again. “Perhaps sometime soon we can go out and have a meal together.”
“Are you asking me out on a date, Jake?”
“I guess I am.”
“Will your wife be joining us, as well?”
“You certainly have a way of getting your point across in and out of the courtroom, Counselor.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Marnie replied, knowing she’d scored a point.
Jake smiled, revealing expensive dental work. “Get back to me on our offer quickly. I’d like to wrap this one up.”
“Now that’s something we both can agree on.”
* * *
Marnie and Marie discussed the proposal, taking it apart, point-by-point. The real deal-breaker was the visitation rights provision. There was no way that Marie would allow Ralph unsupervised visitation rights, especially in light of his volatile, abusive behavior.
Forty minutes later, Marnie found Jake Piperno outside and they walked back into the courthouse together.
“What have you and your client decided about our proposal?”
; “It’s acceptable except for the unsupervised visitation rights. Contrary to what your client has said about her, my client isn’t certifiably stupid and won’t let that one slip by.”
“I thought as much. I’ll try and get him to agree to supervised visitations for now. Let’s meet in the judge’s chambers in about thirty minutes.”
“All right. Good luck, Jake. I know you’re going to need it.”
He grinned and nodded once before walking back to where he’d left Ralph Reynolds pacing. Marnie didn’t envy Piperno his job. The task he was about to do wasn’t going to be an easy one. Poor Jake, she mused. This case was making him work hard for the big bucks he was most likely getting. Marnie returned to Marie who hadn’t seemed to have moved from the spot in which she’d left her.
Marie was anxiously waiting for Marnie in the waiting room. She looked up when she heard Marnie’s approach, her expression sad. Following all the blows she’d taken recently, she apparently seemed to be preparing herself for the next one. Marnie wanted so much to help her gain back her self-respect and pride. Even so, it would be a long time before Marie would trust another man.
“What happened? Do you think Ralph will go for it?” Marie asked, anxiously, wringing her hands.
“Ralph’s lawyer is going to try and convince him to settle for supervised visitation rights.”
“He’ll never agree to that,” Marie said.
“If he knows what’s good for him, he will.”
“Ralph,” she sighed, “can be so…rigid.”
“His lawyer will emphasize what’s at stake here. He has to be crazy not to listen to him. His outburst yesterday hurt his case. That’s why we were offered a deal.”
“No matter how this all ends, I thank you for your help from the bottom of my heart,” Marie said softly.
Marnie nodded. “When we go back in there, I want you to walk with your head held high. You want your daughters to look up to you, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Now let’s go see what Ralph has decided.”
Despite all the apprehension, Ralph Reynolds agreed on the payment of alimony and child support. For the time being, he had to be content with seeing his daughters at Marie’s residence. Marnie could read in Marie’s face how little she trusted the system, but that was no surprise. It had already failed her too many times.
