But it had all paid off.
The other lawyers on the case offered their own brand of insincere platitudes and half-hearted handshakes, and I took them all with a smile. Just like the good southern girl I was.
When I got to the end of the line of lawyers, my defendant was standing there, seemingly lost in thought. I cleared my throat, and his dark brown eyes snapped to mine.
“You did it,” he said softly.
My smile returned. I wanted to pump my fist and make a celebratory lap around the courtroom, but instead, simply nodded.
“I did.” I was sick of sharing the win with the other attorneys. I’d done the research. I’d done the interviews and fact checking. I’d been putting in the overtime for the past few months, and damn it, I would take the credit.
“I don’t know how I can ever thank you. You saved my life.”
His words hit me hard, but I recovered quickly. That I’d had such a huge positive effect on this man’s life humbled me.
“I did my job and made sure you weren't convicted of something you didn’t do. It’s so tragic that your wife took her own life, but it would have been made worse if you’d gone to prison over it. I’m just glad it all turned out the way we’d hoped.” The way I’d planned all along.
Without warning, Henry launched his short, pudgy frame at me, and wrapped his stubby arms around my waist. I’d never been comfortable with displays of affection, and this was no different. My face burned with what I’m sure was a fierce blush as I awkwardly patted his back.
“There, there,” I muttered, hoping I’d placated him enough to get off me.
Henry pulled back with a sniffle, and I pretended to not see the wetness in his eyes.
“It was nice working with you, Henry. Hopefully, our paths won’t cross again professionally.” My attempt at dry humor did its job, and Henry’s face cracked into a small smile.
“Yeah, no offense, lady, but I hope so too.”
I gave him another smile and a nod before making my way out of the courtroom, and into the warm North Carolina day.
It was only May, but the air was humid and the sun was hot. I slipped my suit jacket off my shoulders and folded it over my arm as I made my way to my car.
I zipped across town, making good time in the light midday traffic. When I got to my office building, I rushed inside and over to my cubicle. If I could get out of here in the next thirty minutes, I could make it to my apartment and be on the road before rush hour.
“Heard about your win, Montgomery. Nice work.”
I froze at the voice behind me but didn’t turn.
“Thanks, Ben.”
“So, are you free Saturday night? There’s this new French Bistro that just opened downtown, and I thought you could accompany me.”
My eyes squeezed closed, and I took a steadying breath before facing him. “Sorry, Ben, but I have plans.”
His eyes narrowed, and his lips tightened. “Is that right?”
“Afraid so. I’ve rented a cabin out in Asheville. I’ll be away all weekend.”
“Who are you going with?” His voice had a touch of belligerence.
I straightened my spine and sent him a withering look. “Nobody. This is a solo trip. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get on the road.”
Ben was one of those guys that thought, since I was single, I was fair game. I was not. I didn’t have time to date, and if I did, it wouldn’t be with someone who gave me the creeps like Ben did.
I swiped the rest of what I thought I’d need into my briefcase and stood. Ben still hadn’t moved from his spot, so I had to walk around him to leave my cubicle.
My brisk pace took me through the office, and as I reached out a finger to call an elevator, I heard my name being bellowed from the corner office on my right. I slowly retracted my pointer finger and curled it into a fist. With a deep breath, I spun around and made my way to where my name had been called.
Mr. Hildebrandt was a hefty old man with only small tufts of white hair left on his shiny head, and liver spots on his hands. He looked up when I walked in, and a rare smile graced his withered face.
“Good work on the Walker case, Montgomery. That’s what we like to see around here.”
I nodded. “Thanks, Mr. Hildebrandt.”
“I know you’re heading out for the long weekend, but I expect you in my office Tuesday morning for an important meeting. Eight a.m. sharp, got it?”
My palms began to sweat, and my stomach erupted in butterflies. This was it, I would finally make senior associate.
I nodded again. “I’ll be here.”
“Good, good. Now get out of here. Have a good weekend, Ms. Montgomery.”
He’d put the “Ms.” in front of my name. That was a good sign.
“Thanks, Mr. Hildebrandt. You too.”
I closed his office door before practically sprinting to the elevators. I needed to get out of here before someone else called my name or needed something from me.
When I finally stepped back into the bright Carolina sunlight, I let my lips stretch into what felt like the first genuine smile all day. With the windows down and my music blaring, I drove the fifteen minutes to my apartment on the other side of Raleigh.
The dash clock showed I had about half an hour to get changed, take care of Charlie, and get out of the city before
