Rogue Hearts

Her first day for Vladimir Stavenoff’s trial felt like déjà vu all over again. Judge Hughes presided over the court yet again. Victoria had done her research on Stavenoff ‘s defense team, but she found out early that morning that he’d fired them and hired a new team to represent him. It was too soon to find out who his new hires were, but that night she was going to research every last person on that defense team.

She wasn’t going to let anything stop her from winning this case. This was her redemption, a way to get back in the game, and no one was going to keep her from completing it. She came to win.

When Vladimir Stavenoff finally walked in with his new team, Victoria felt like the air had been sucked out of the room.

Andrei and his team stood next to Vladimir Stavenoff.

Why didn’t she put the thought together after seeing Roman Vasin’s name on the witness list? She was completely off her game, and it was all because of Andrei Rusak.

She gripped her chair’s armrests so tightly that she thought she’d break them. He seemed just as surprised to see her too. Focus was her main thought. She had to focus, or she’d lose the case before she even gave her opening statement.

Same judge and same defense team. If there was a worse case scenario, she was in it and had no way out. She could feel the flames biting at her skin already, and if she wasn’t careful, they would engulf her completely.

“All rise for the Honorable Judge William Hughes,” the bailiff said. The people in the room stood before the judge came out and took a seat. “You may be seated.”

Judge Hughes spoke, breaking Victoria out of her shock. “The prosecution will now present the case of Vladimir Stavenoff versus the People.”

She rose and took a deep breath. “Your Honor, ladies and gentleman of the jury, I present the case of Vladimir Stavenoff, who has been accused of breaking and entering the residence of Mr. Vasin, stealing his gun and pick-up truck then using it to commit murder. The lab will submit evidence of the DNA ballistic report from the gun and finger prints found in the truck and in the business, which will all be submitted by the Crime Scene Investigation team of the state of New York.” She sat down and waited for Andrei to speak.

“Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury,” he said, “the prosecution would have you believe that my client broke in and entered the residence of Roman Vasin, stole a firearm and a truck all before committing murder. There is no proof that Vladimir broke into the house, stole the firearm, or stole the car, which I will prove in the duration of this case.

Victoria finally glanced over in his direction, and he met her gaze with one of confusion but determination. As the case continued, they both exchanged looks several times. Victoria could not stop looking at Andrei, remembering that special weekend with him only days before. Now, he was representing one of the most dangerous men in the city. As their eyes met again, Andrei smiled at her. It wasn’t the full one she’d come to enjoy from him, but it was one that still made her hold her breath. A dull pain went through her, but she had to push it away. Apparently, she wasn’t fast enough, because the judge noticed.

“Attorneys Bellamy and Rusak, approach the bench immediately!” The shock of the judge addressing them made her nervous as she walked up to him with Andrei.

They approached with horror in their eyes, because they both knew what he was going to say. There was no avoiding it now.

“What in the hell is going on here! Is there something you want to tell me?” He paused with cold fury in his eyes. “I…am…waiting.”

What could they say that wouldn’t get them thrown off the case? They both remained quiet instead of saying something they might regret later.

“Fine. Have it your way. I am advising both parties to assign another attorney to assume the responsibility of this case. I will be contacting each of your respective offices to ensure my recommendation is taken seriously. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Your Honor,” they both aid at the same time.

“Court is dismissed until further notice,” Judge Hughes said before banging his gavel. He looked at them both and said, “I’ll see both of you in my office. Now!”

Victoria and Andrei sat as the judge paced in his chambers.

“I won’t tolerate this behavior in my courtroom.”

“What behavior, sir?” Andrei asked.

The judge snorted. “You know. You must find alternate attorneys for your replacements.”

“We’ll be happy to request a substitute for each of us, Your Honor,” Andrei said.

Victoria shot him a look. Of course he’d be fine. This wasn’t the case of a lifetime for him.

“Ms. Bellamy, do I have your word as well?”

“I’ll do my best, Your Honor,” she finally said.

“Oh, you’ll need to do better than that if either of you hope to present in my courtroom again,” Judge Hughes said. “What you’re doing could be seen as ethically immoral for those in your position. I suggest you figure this out sooner rather than later. Now if you are kind enough to excuse me, I have a job to get done that doesn’t involve personal matters. We’re done here.”

They left his chambers, and Andrei pulled her to the side. “We need to talk.”

“I’m not in the mood right now, Andrei.”