Trial & Tribulations

by Rachel Dylan

  “I told you, Sofia. I have a feeling about this. The Lord brought Olivia into this church. And I think we have a role in this fight. A critical role.”

  “So where are we on telling the congregation?” Chris asked.

  “I think we should next Sunday,” Beverly said. “That will give Dan enough time to review the app more closely.”

  “All in favor of that?” Dan asked.

  Every hand went up—even Sofia’s.

  “Great,” Dan said. “We can’t let the forces of darkness take over Windy Ridge. We must get ready for battle.”

  Chapter Four

  The weeks flew by with each side in the lawsuit feverishly working on reviewing documents. Olivia readied herself for the scheduling conference in front of the judge based on an aggressive motion that Grant had filed citing her stalling tactics. But he was the one being unreasonable. Yeah, she’d given the standard excuses for why it was taking her some time to produce the documents, but they were legitimate.

  Grant was also seeking to push for a very quick timetable for trial once the discovery period was finished. So this hearing was really important and would set the pace of the case.

  With each passing day, she felt more beaten down. No matter how much sleep she tried to get. And sleep was a problem too. Her dreams were becoming more and more troublesome.

  So as she walked into the courthouse wearing a classic navy pantsuit and sensible heels, she tried to think about the positive. And that was that this judge was probably going to be much more annoyed at Grant for filing this frivolous motion for a scheduling conference and motion to compel at this stage in the litigation.

  She walked into the courtroom and saw that Grant was already sitting in the back row. They had a ten a.m. calendar call, but another judge was currently hearing other cases.

  Taking a seat on the bench right beside him, he looked at her and smiled. They both knew better than to talk in the courtroom so they sat quietly waiting their turn.

  When their case was called, they approached their respective counsel tables. Their assigned judge had an emergency, and the court clerk let them know that for the purposes of this hearing today, the on call judge was presiding.

  “I’m Judge Louise Martinique,” the older woman with her long gray hair pulled into a tight bun said. “I’ll be hearing your arguments regarding the scheduling order and motion to compel today while Judge Wingfield is out of town due to a personal issue.”

  Olivia made eye contact with the judge and the hair on her arms started to rise. Suddenly a wave of coolness flooded over her. She hadn’t had a case of bad nerves in front of a judge since her first courtroom appearance many years ago. And this wasn’t going to be a difficult hearing.

  But after Grant argued his motion and it was her turn, she stood behind the podium. Silence rang throughout the courtroom. A serious case of nerves seized her. She could barely speak. It was as if someone was gripping onto her neck, and she couldn’t get the necessary air. Fear filled her heart and a bead of sweat formed on her brow. Her body flashed from cold to hot.

  “Do you need a few more minutes, Ms. Murray?” Judge Martinique asked.

  “No, Your Honor.”

  The judge nodded for her to proceed. And finally she could actually breathe again. She’d never had a panic attack before, but she wondered if what she experienced was how it felt.

  An hour later, they were walking out of the courtroom, and she couldn’t believe what had happened. The judge had sided with Grant. It seemed impossible given the facts, but it was like the judge wasn’t even hearing a word she said. Once she was finally able to get the words out, and that part was still bothering her.

  Judge Martinique had also set a three month discovery period to commence immediately with a trial to come shortly after although that date was still to be determined.

  “Tough day, huh?” Grant asked.

  “You can wipe the smug grin from your face.” She walked quickly, anxious to get away from him. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you had bribed the judge.”

  He laughed. “That’s a pretty serious charge, Olivia. Maybe it had more to do with the fact I was right and that you could barely present your weak case.”

  She felt her cheeks flush. “I don’t know what happened at the beginning. I have never experienced any issues speaking in court.”

  “Happens to everyone. Like I said, maybe it was because you knew your arguments were weak.”

  “Weak?” A strong gust of wind had her tucking her hair behind her ear. “Don’t you mean entirely reasonable? What judge grants a motion to compel document production this soon? These things take time. You know how it works. She was relying on a very literal interpretation of the discovery rules.”

  He grinned. “Let me buy you lunch. It’s the least I can do.”

  “Why would you think I’d want to spend more time with you after how that hearing just went?”

  “Because you enjoy spending time with me when I’m not in scorched earth mode. I’m funny, charming and witty.”

  “You are so full of yourself, Grant.”

  “Of course I am, but I’m also good company when I want to be. Don’t be a spoilsport.” He tugged on her arm. “Come on. I’m paying.”

  She relented mainly because she was starving and not necessarily because she wanted to spend more time with Grant Baxter.

  At the restaurant, she almost salivated when the server placed the huge gourmet cheeseburger and steak cut French fries in front of her. And she planned on enjoying every bite. Once she had ordered the burger, he did the same.

  “So have you had any more issues?” he asked.

  “Nothing like what happened before.” She questioned how much she should share with him. Their relationship was strange in that he was her opposing counsel, but there was also a lot of other stuff going on that made things much more complicated than normal.

  “I’m sensing a but here?” He popped a French fry in his mouth after he slathered it with ketchup.

  “I can’t pinpoint one thing, but I just know that things are off with me. Especially while I’m in the office, but it’s not just there. It’s getting to be all the time.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Next thing you’re going to say is that your loss today was because of these spiritual forces.”

  She shook her head. “It’s not nice to mock me. You were there that night at the hotel. You saw exactly what I saw.”

  He immediately frowned and put down his burger. “You’re right. I shouldn’t make light of what happened at the hotel.” He paused. “But is it possible that you’ve let it get into your head? Sometimes after a traumatic event, that can happen.”

  She took a bite of her burger and carefully considered his statement. “Honestly, Grant, I would prefer this to be my mind playing tricks on me, but I know deep down that’s not it.”

  “How do you know?”

  She took a deep breath. “It’s just a feeling, but one so strong that I can’t just deny its existence.”

  “Once again, you’re jumping way out of my realm here. But I admit I’m really intrigued by hearing your thoughts. I see you as a very professional, smart, and rational person.”

  “Uh, that sounds like a compliment but not really?”

  “It’s just a bit inconsistent to me. What I’m trying to say is because you are so level headed, it’s strange to me that you’d have this emotional and spiritual side that would be so strong.”

  She nodded. “I’ve always had it, though, for as long as I can remember. When I was growing up, I felt so connected to my faith. And the flip side of that is being afraid of very real threats to my faith.”

  “You’re talking about demons or ghosts or something?”

  “Demons, yes. Probably not in the sense that you’re thinking, though. Not red tailed beings with pitchforks sitting on our shoulder trying to get us to sin.”

  “Then what is it?”

  “I believe there are angels and demons.
Forces of the Lord that are supremely good. And then those forces of evil that come from the evil one—the devil himself.”

  “Are you talking about tangible beings that you can see with your own eyes?”

  “Most often they are invisible, but there are instances where people have actually seen them.”

  “Where are you getting these ideas from?”

  “The Bible. There’s a key verse in Ephesians. It says: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

  He leaned back in his chair. “That sounds quite ominous. Rulers of the darkness? Like a horror or sci-fi movie?”

  “It is ominous, but it’s not like the movies. The bottom line is that there are invisible forces at work here on this earth—both good and evil. They’re all around us. Even now.”

  “How can you tell which is which? Especially if you’re saying they are invisible most of the time.”

  “That’s a very discerning question for you to ask. It’s not always so cut and dry because evil forces can attempt to masquerade as good ones. But the most basic answer to your question is a very strong foundation of faith that allows one to tell the difference. And like I said, for me, the evil forces sap the life out of me. Fill me with depressing and dark thoughts. The devil comes at people in many different forms, but the outcome is the same.”

  “That’s an awful way to live. Like you’re trying to fight off forces of evil? And you live like this every single day?”

  “No, it isn’t really like that. When I was very young, I had some issues with all of this. But then it basically faded away. Of course, everyone faces struggles in their lives, but this is different. I haven’t felt this type of aggressive spiritual opposition against me since I was a young girl.”

  “And you think it’s all connected to the work we’re doing here?”

  She nodded. “I absolutely do. And I know that you don’t believe your client is involved, and that’s just a point on which we’ll have to disagree.”

  “I’m sorry you feel badly, but at least nothing else threatening has happened to you. I’d take that as a positive.”

  “For now it is.”

  “So, enough about all of that. Was being a big firm lawyer always your plan?” he asked.

  She laughed. “It was my plan based on necessity from student loans. I enjoy the work, but I don’t feel passionate about it like I do other areas of the law.”

  “Like what?”

  “I participated in a domestic violence clinic in law school for a semester. It really changed my life. Once I can pay off my student loans, I would love to shift from the big corporate law firm practice to using my legal skills to help those who have been victims of domestic violence. I’d even love to start my own clinic.”

  He leaned forward. “That’s sounds like a very difficult path.”

  “It may be, but it’s one I feel strongly about. And what about you? Are you going to stay in plaintiff’s work for the long haul?”

  He nodded. “That’s my intention. My firm is starting to flourish, and it’s an amazing thing to see something I worked so hard for come to fruition.”

  “You should be proud of that. It’s quite an accomplishment.”

  “Thank you.” He smiled.

  They finished up lunch and, as promised, he picked up the check.

  “I guess I owe you documents now, given the judge’s order.” She sighed. “But she gave me seven days to comply, and it will take me the full seven.”

  “I’m sure it will.” He grinned.

  **

  While Layton had developed the New Age app that Nina Marie had stolen, in his dark heart he still believed the best way to bring people to the evil one was through old-fashioned means of power and persuasion.

  And right now he had his sights set on the young strawberry haired woman who had visited the Indigo bookstore each week for the past month. She obviously had an interest in the books that Indigo carried—everything from New Age to more substantial books on witchcraft and demonic worship. His best subjects were those that were drawn to the New Age philosophy. New Age was like a gateway drug—and a beautiful and effective one at that.

  He didn’t really believe in the more traditional New Age crap that was out there about cleansing the body and mind. No, he believed in the darker arts. Those were the ones that gave him power and prestige—both within his group and outside. And those were the powers that it took to get rid of his predecessor once and for all and to gain the top position at Optimism.

  It was time to make his move on this unsuspecting woman engrossed in the stacks. He walked further into the bookstore and smiled at Morena. She worked part time at Indigo and also just happened to be one of his best members. Her long curly blonde hair fell softly over her shoulders. To anyone else she looked dainty and pretty. But he knew better. Morena could be lethal if it was required.

  It helped to have people everywhere. It also helped that he could use his good looks and charms on naïve women. He’d pegged his target correctly as he fixed his eyes on her. She stood reading a book in the New Age metaphysical section. As he drew closer to her, he guessed that she might actually be college age as opposed to high school. For his purposes, that was even better.

  “Reading anything good there?” he asked.

  Startled, she looked up at him with big blue eyes. A dusting of freckles covered her small turned up nose. He immediately flashed his best smile to disarm her. He was also counting on some help from Morena who was nearby. She had great powers of persuasion and really connected with other young women.

  “I could spend all day in here,” he said. Then he waited to see if he would get a response.

  When her eyes softened and she smiled, he knew it was game over. Too bad because he enjoyed a little challenge.

  “Yeah, after I found this place, I just keep coming back,” she said. She gripped onto a book tightly. “So many things to read and so little time. Especially with my course load.”

  “You’re in college?”

  “Yeah. Windy Ridge Community College. How about you?”

  Wow, could he really pass for a college student? Doubtful. And he shouldn’t start the lies just yet. Especially about something like this. “No, I actually have my own business.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I’m majoring in business.”

  This was far too easy and as Morena winked at him, he took another deep breath. Knowing Morena, she had been practicing her witchcraft on this woman, probably for weeks, now to soften her up. “If you’re interested in the New Age subject matter, then you would probably be quite intrigued with my company. It’s called Optimism, and we provide a variety of New Age services including the latest technologies.”

  “Really?”

  “Sure. Would you be interested in an internship?”

  Her breath caught. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Why not? You’re obviously motivated. We could use more people like you in the company.” And that was the truth. He could see the fire brewing in her eyes.

  “I’m Stacey Malone.” She outstretched her hand, and he took it carefully into his own.

  “Layton Alito. I’m CEO of Optimism. Nice to meet you.” He pulled a card out of his jacket pocket. “Call this number to set up coming into the office. We can work around your class schedule.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Alito. I won’t let you down.”

  “I’ll hold you to that, Stacey. And please, just call me Layton.”

  He turned around and walked out of Indigo. His plans were falling into place. His cell rang, and he saw it was Louise calling.

  “How did it go today?” he asked.

  She laughed. “It was priceless actually seeing her reaction to me. She is strong, no doubt. But I caught her off guard, and she had no conception of what was happening to her. I gave her a negative ruling, too, so that should add fuel to her stresses reg
arding the lawsuit.”

  “A defensible ruling I hope?”

  “Of course. You don’t have to tell me how to do my job.”

  “Good. I can’t afford to lose you and what you bring to the table.”

  “I trust other preparations are going well?”

  “Yes. And I think it’s time to start testing Olivia more. We need to know just how capable she is.”

  “Do you need any help with that?”

  “No. I’ve got it under control. I’ll keep you posted.” He ended the call. Louise was a great ally.

  It was time to put Olivia Murray to the test.

  **

  Olivia walked out of Astral Tech and sucked in a breath of fresh air. That place was continuing to take it out of her. But the good news was that she had the first wave of documents identified to hand over to Grant based on the court’s unexpected order.

  Although two could play at this game. She wasn’t going to turn them over until the deadline, and she’d drafted up her own very aggressive requests. He wasn’t the only one who could litigate hardball style.

  The Chicago summer breeze hit her cheeks as she walked toward the car. She hummed to herself and was thankful to be out of the office for the day.

  As she took another step, a tremendous pain hit her. Engulfing her body and causing her to moan. Like a punch to the gut. She stopped and crouched down to the ground in the parking lot as searing pain shot through her from the top of her head to the bottom of her feat. She tried to scream but no words came out.

  It was like at the courthouse but so much worse. Being held in a chokehold that she couldn’t get out of. An ever tightening grip around her neck. Her world became dark with the fog of evil threatening her life. Awful wailing flooded her ears, and the pain enveloped her entire body. Her pulse thumped strongly.

  She was under attack. It hadn’t been since she was eleven years old that she felt something this evil coming after her. The difference was that this felt much stronger than when she’d been attacked as a child. But she’d fought this battle before, and she had no doubts that she was on the winning side. She couldn’t let the forces of evil overtake her.