by Shenda Paul
"Thank you, I appreciate it," I say sincerely, placing my hand in his. Then, unable to help myself, I ask. "How is she?"
Dark eyes bore into mine. He’s assessing my motives, I can tell. I ignore the stares of my companions as I steadily return his gaze. "She's struggling," he finally says.
I want to ask what exactly that means but hold my tongue, only too aware of our interested audience. It seems as if he's about to say more, but his attention’s diverted by the defense team’s exit. He glares at them venomously before turning back to me. "Thanks again," he says brusquely and then follows in their wake. For a fleeting moment, I wonder whether he’s about to accost Justin, but he stops suddenly as if he’s reconsidered and veers off in another direction.
Cait places a hand on my arm, to ask about my exchange no doubt, but I turn to Matt. "It's going to be chaotic out there, why don't you get Mom and Cait out of here?" He nods, already grasping Cait’s arm as I lean in to kiss Mom goodbye.
"I'm going to have to answer questions," I tell Jodi and Jon. "I'll keep it brief, and then we'll make our way directly to the car parked out front; you can't miss it. You two get in the back, I’ll take the front seat."
It's absolute bedlam outside. There's no sign of Justin, his mother or Cynthia, but Tom, his second chair and Josh are fronting up to the media. Several of the reporters peel away as they spot us.
We descend the steps to loud calls of, ‘Adam’, ‘Counselor’ and ‘Mr. Thorne.’
"I wouldn't want your job," Jon mutters, taking a protective hold of Jodi's elbow.
"Too late for me to have second thoughts now," I reply grimly. Jodi giggles.
"Oh shut up, the pair of you. Neither of you would swap jobs; you both love what you do too much."
We’re engulfed before either of us can respond. "What do you have to say about the verdict, Adam?" the first reporter to reach us asks.
"My opinion on the verdict is of little consequence. Eleven jurors believed the defendant to be culpable and one didn’t. As you all know, criminal cases require a unanimous verdict to find someone guilty; so the verdict, although not what I would have wished for, is clear."
"Will Senator Wade be retried?" another asks.
"We’ve only just walked out of this trial. I think it would be reasonable to allow the DA's office a suitable timeframe to respond to that question, don't you think?"
"Surely you'll be making the decision, Adam?" he presses.
"And I work for the DA's office," is my short reply. "Two more questions," I announce firmly before glancing at Jon to indicate they should leave. He looks up, sees the vehicle and with a short nod, leads Jodi away.
"Adam, will you be making the decision or will the DA?" someone else calls out.
I keep walking. "I’ll be consulting with the District Attorney on the matter, certainly."
"Will Angelique Bain be charged?" I tamp down my annoyance and keep my face passive.
"I think I've made the Commonwealth’s position on that matter clear," I say dismissively and hurriedly make my way to the car. The driver takes off as soon as I shut my door.
I call Rita as soon as I’m settled in my office. "Come up whenever you're ready, he's expecting you," she says.
"What do you want to do, Adam?" Bristly asks once I’ve briefed him.
"He’s guilty in my view, and the evidence clearly supports our case, but I'm not sure a retrial would produce a more definitive verdict. We may well end up with the same outcome or worse."
"Sound reasoning, and I agree with you," Bristly replies, indicating that I continue.
"I'd like to hold off for a day or so to consider it," I say. "I have no doubt that his attorney will petition against a new trial, citing double jeopardy. If that fails, I think they’ll insist on the same jury. Either way, it will be costly on the public purse with no guarantee of a different result. As much as it pains me to have him get away with this, I have to weigh up the cost versus the chances of gaining a guilty verdict. I'd value your input, of course, Sir, and I also intend to discuss the matter with Jodi."
"I really don't have anything more to add, Adam, you've already articulated all the issues. I continue to be impressed with your level of thinking; and in this case, particularly, where your impartiality could so easily have been questioned, you've demonstrated professionalism and even-handedness. I couldn’t have asked more of you or any other prosecutor, for that matter. Take the time you need, I’m confident you’ll come to the right decision. Just let me know before you make any announcement."
"Thank you, Sir, I really appreciate your support, and please, I meant what I said. I would value your input."
"I've said all I have to on the matter," he says and then wiggles his brows to emphasize his next point. "Except to remind you that our legal system isn’t perfect, but that it’s served this country well. We need to accept the good with the bad and feel satisfied in the knowledge that, in most instances, juries get it right."
I've only been back in my office for around twenty minutes before Jodi turns up to ask how I’m coping. "I'm fine. Take a seat. I was going to call to update you on my meeting with Bristly."
"Before you say anything, I want you to know that I think you were phenomenal. It isn't your fault we didn't get a guilty verdict. You know that don't you?"
"I do, Jodi, thanks. It doesn't mean that I don't feel like I should have done more, though. One juror, we failed to reach that one juror!"
"Adam, you said it yourself; Justin Wade was good on the stand. His decision to testify made the difference."
"Not what he said, though; it was all charm and reputation," I can’t help commenting.
"You’re so right about that. Anyway, what have you decided to do?" she asks, and the next hour is spent going over my thinking and weighing up the pros and cons, which we basically agree on. We maintain our original view that the evidence against Justin is irrefutable. Some may doubt whether he knew about Fidelity's ownership of Liaison and the other clubs, but our belief that he did remains. Either way, there can be no doubt that he knew of the prostitution before entering into a business partnership with Joseph and that he accepted the profits from the deal, whether he drew down on them or not. They were in a bank account, in his name. There’s nothing tangible about our strategy that we’d change in a new trial, we decide.
We also agree that the best strategy for Defense, were a retrial to proceed, would be to petition for the same jury. If that happens, we accept that the chances of getting a guilty verdict could lessen.
Today’s verdict ensures that there’ll always be a cloud hanging over his head. He may well serve out his current term in office, but his opponents in a re-election campaign would, almost certainly, use the fact that eleven jurors found him guilty against him. I'd love nothing more than to haul him back into court, but I accept that, perhaps, this jury’s decision is as much justice as we’ll be afforded. Jodi and I agree to think about it and reconvene to discuss it again in the morning.
Cait calls me some time later. "Hey, you," I answer.
"Hey back. I hope you're not moping; you did so well, Adam. One of your best courtroom performances, actually."
"Thanks, Sis, and I'm not moping. I just need to come to terms with the result, that's all."
"Good, because we're going out to celebrate your victory tonight."
"Cait, it's not a victory, it was a mistrial. Do I have to explain verdicts to you again?" I groan in mock frustration.
"No, please, don’t bore me… not again… please," she pretends to beg.
"My freezer’s empty, and I've been living on take-out recently..." I hint.
"I'll tee it up with Mom for the weekend. Matt will be next door, checking on building works anyway. You and Dad can join him while Mom and I cook."
"Sounds good. I just have to do some work on Saturday morning, I have a lot to catch up on."
"It's good tha
t we're going out tonight, then," she says decisively.
"Who's going…Mom and Dad, you and Matt?"
"No; Jodi, Jon, Matt, me and you. Do you want to invite anyone? You know, it's been some time since you’ve dated," she teases.
"No one. It’ll be good to catch up with you four."
"Are you sure you're not interested in anyone, brother? " she insists.
"No one I can ask. Now drop it, please."
"Where would you like to go? It's your celebration, after all."
"Why don't you and Jodi decide? The only stipulation I have is that it’s low-key."
"I'll book a table at Deuxave for seven-thirty. Will you meet us there?"
"Sure. Shouldn’t we invite Mom and Dad?"
"I already asked. Mom said, ‘you young people should go out’."
"Okay. Do you want me to tell Jodi?"
" No. I will."
"You two are getting along well."
"She's great."
"She is, and I'm pleased you think so. See you tonight, Sis."
.
.
We’re gathered in front of the restaurant as a trio approaches. I'm about to step aside to allow them to enter when I recognize Samuel. Angelique and her female friend from court make up their group. There’s a moment of awkward silence before Samuel speaks.
"Counselor, nice to see you again. I'm Samuel Beauvais." He offers his hand.
I accept it. "Call me Adam, please."
A feeling of sweet agony blooms in my chest as I take in the sight of Angelique. Her smile, so evident before she saw me, has vanished, but she's still so goddamned beautiful. She looks at me with those wide eyes, which always seem to unnerve me. I notice her full, bottom lip tremble. She's nervous, and my chest hurts at the knowledge that I’m responsible. Time stops, and I don't quite know what to do. The need to touch her is overwhelming, so I extend my hand.
"Ms. Bain, I hope you're well?" I feel foolish, certain that she'll ignore my overture. She glances at Samuel nervously and then her friend. After what seems like an eternity, she places her hand in mine. The feeling that courses through my entire body from that small point of contact nearly buckles my knees.
"I'm well, thank you," she says in a near whisper. I'm still holding onto her hand like a love-struck adolescent when take-charge Jodi steps forward. How the hell she beat out steamroller Cait, I'll never know.
"We can't stand out here all night. Why don't you join us at the bar while we wait to be seated?" she suggests, addressing Samuel.
"Angelique?" he asks. She glances up at me nervously, then down at our clasped hands. I reluctantly let go.
"I…I'm not sure," she says.
"Oh just one drink, Ms. Bain." The steamroller finally finds her voice.
Angelique shrugs shyly.
"Good," Jodi announces decisively and tugging on Jon's arm, leads the way inside.
I’m momentarily transfixed, unable to believe my good luck at having her actually agree to be anywhere near me. Even Matt, for once, appears to be at a loss for words. Frankly, I don't care about anyone else’s response; all that matters is that I have the opportunity to finally engage in real conversation with Angelique.
I'm delighted to note, as we enter the restaurant, that Samuel isn’t any more attentive toward Angelique than her friend. I don't know if I could stand watching him fawn over her the way he did at lunch.
"Whose name’s our reservation in?" I ask Cait.
"Bannen. I didn't think you'd want to advertise your presence."
"Thanks." I give her a one-armed hug before leaving to register our arrival and request that our now large group be seated for pre-dinner drinks. Samuel secures their reservation before we're shown to the bar. Much to my disappointment and thanks to Cait’s pushiness, I miss out on a seat beside Angelique. Cait smiles smugly, and I narrow my eyes in response as I take the seat beside her. Matt be damned, I'm not sitting any further away.
I’d intended to order a bottle of champagne, but not wanting to appear insensitive by celebrating in Angelique’s presence, I ask what everyone would like to drink. Noting everyone’s request, I turn to Angelique, who’s yet to speak.
"What would you like, Ms. Bain?"
"Umm… a soda with a twist of lime, please?" Her face heats when our eyes meet. "Of course," I say, reluctantly breaking our gaze to place our orders.
I wait until everyone has a drink before speaking. "Let me introduce everyone properly, this is Jon Holmes, my brother-in-law Matt Bannen, Jodi Maddox, a colleague of mine as you know, and finally, my sister Cait. I'm Adam Thorne." I extend my hand to Angelique’s female friend."
"I'm Mandi Benson. Angel and I have been friends since kids." She smiles at me before greeting everyone else
"So, do you live in Boston as well, Mandi?" Jodi asks.
"I'm from New York, I've just been visiting Angel to …" she breaks off, glancing at Angelique apologetically.
"It's okay, Mandi." She leans across Samuel to touch her hand.
"Mandi and Samuel are in Boston to support me through the trial, they're flying home in the morning," she explains.
"So, you're from New York?" I ask Samuel, unable to deny the thrill I feel at learning of his imminent departure.
"No. I'm originally from Florida, that's where Angelique and I met, but I live in Connecticut now with my wife Nic and our boy Flynn." I smile. He gives me a knowing look in return, and I wonder whether he’d added the last bit specifically for my benefit.
"How old is your son?" Cait asks eagerly, and I leave her to bombard Samuel with questions. Everyone seems to be getting along well. Jon’s joined Jodi’s conversation with Mandi, and Matt’s been drawn into the discussion Cait and Samuel are having on the habits of little boys
Angelique, like me, is watching and listening. I take a deep breath. Serendipity’s played a hand in this evening's meeting, and I won’t let it be wasted.
"Ms. Bain? Could I have a private word, please?" I ask, standing up.
Her eyes cloud with indecision as she nervously bites her lip. I shove my hands deep into my pockets to stop myself from the overwhelming urge to release it from her teeth.
"We'll just be over there," I add persuasively. "There are things I need to say that I'd prefer no-one else hears." She glances around anxiously, but everyone’s engrossed in conversation. She nods finally, and I move to cup her elbow to help her down from the stool. I guide her to a spot at end of the bar where she takes a seat and stares out at the view, avoiding my gaze.
"I live close to here," I say, trying to lighten the growing tension.
"You're from Southie?" She turns in surprise.
"You've learned a lot about Boston," I smile at her use of the local term. "I was born and raised there."
"I live close by too," she says, and I bite my tongue before I can tell her I know.
"Well, I'm glad you chose the area I call home to settle in." She smiles tentatively. The small concession gives me the courage to speak.
"I owe you an apology, Ms. Bain. My behavior when we first met was appalling…well, perhaps not only when we first met. I apologize for our subsequent meetings as well, and I'm sorry I was so hard on you on the stand, but I had a job to do. I just wish …" I stop; not really knowing what to say about how deeply I regret what happened to her. She responds before I can continue.
"I accept your apology, Mr. Thorne. I was angry and hurt and a lot of other things, but I understand you were just doing your job. You and Ms. Maddox gave me a choice; I just couldn't accept the one you wanted me to make.
"I really resented you; well, I still do to a degree, but not for doing your job. Samuel spoke to me at length about that… and I admit to still harboring some grievance… probably unjustly, but I've come to understand your point of view more," she says.
My heart pounds like a sledgehammer against my chest, and I wonder, a
s I look into her upturned face, whether she can hear it. I take a deep breath, hoping she sees my sincerity. "Thank you. I'm grateful for your graciousness, undeserved as it may be. I, in turn, have come to better understand your point of view. I'd call that a good start, wouldn't you?"
Her tiny, hesitant smile gives me hope.
"Won’t you please call me Adam?"
Chapter Twenty-Four
The moments after our exchange remain awkward, but I feel a sense of relief, coupled with exhilaration at being here with her. Angelique’s obviously still wary, but I understand her mistrust. For now, I'm simply grateful that she's willing to engage me in conversation. She lowers her eyes and takes a deep breath.
"I owe you an apology, too," she says, raising those incredible eyes to look at me.
"Please just let me say this," she stops my protest. "I should have said it when we met after the accident. I apologize for damaging your car and for not providing my proper details."
I smile ruefully. "I have to be honest and admit that I did act like the ass you accused me of being. It's no excuse, but it wasn’t just the accident. I'd had a difficult day, and I wrongly directed my frustration at you. I also admit to being incensed on discovering that you gave me a false name; but on the bright side, Cait and Jodi found it hilarious. And even if I didn't think it funny at the time, I have to admit, in hindsight, that it was deserved." I smile apologetically.
"Well, at least you managed to get my insurers to pay for the damage," she returns, with another tentative smile.
I cringe, thinking of her not working. "I hope my actions haven’t cost you too much?"
"No, it's fine, and it’s right that I pay. As I said, I'm sorry I drove off."
"Apology accepted," I say quickly, hoping to make her feel more comfortable, but she goes back to staring out of the darkened window. I can't believe how nervous I am. I’ve faced down hardened criminals without a hint of trepidation, but this delicate woman has my heart pounding at the thought of her possible rejection.
"Ms. Bain…" I clear my throat. "Do you mind if I'm frank?"
"When haven't you been?" she asks with just a hint of accusation.