Drop Dead Gorgeous

So I take Jeff’s advice and leave but forego Martha’s, running to Holly’s to hide. But now I really want to drown my sorrows in some cookies.

Chapter 22

Blake

I’m listening to Frederick, getting more and more frustrated as he and Mr. Monroe make Everlife sound like nothing more than a scam.

That’s not who we are, not who I am. I’m damn proud of what I do and the sense of peace I give my clients while they’re living, and their families after their death.

But we also don’t rush through claims willy-nilly because someone is in a hurry, and we certainly don’t pay out benefits when there’s a reasonable question of cause of death.

My blood is boiling, and I desperately want to look at Zoey to commiserate, but I can’t do anything that could highlight our connection. Especially after everything we’ve done the last week to prevent any accusation of conflict of interest.

When Zoey runs out of the courtroom, I get up to follow her, but Frederick’s assistant, Mason, glares at me with the smallest shake of his head. So I sink back into my chair even though my heart is in the hallway with Zoey.

What’s wrong? Did Sheriff Barnes do or say something to upset her and that’s why he ran out after her?

The urge to gather Zoey in my arms battles with a desire to tell Jeff, and everyone else in Zoey’s life, to sit on their thumbs and take a good, long, dry spin. They deserve to get fucked for the way they treat her, carelessly taking shots at her fragile heart.

But Mr. Monroe is still taking aim at Frederick, and this case is anyone’s guess right now. “Just how far would Everlife, you, and Mr. Hale go to not pay a widow what is rightfully hers?”

Frederick is utterly calm, nearly unflappable. “A rightful claim? We would pay without question, and with our utmost sympathies. Once due process had been completed.” Frederick’s no-nonsense style only adds sharp validity to his next words as he stares Mr. Monroe down. “However, a problematic claim by a widow, where there is a question that perhaps she sped up the policy holder’s demise to get access to the funds and is attempting to sue her way into a quick payout before due process has even been completed? We would exhaust every avenue legally owed Everlife under the policy contract itself to ensure that criminal matters are not rewarded with civil luxury.”

Damn, Frederick. He’s not holding any punches, flat-out calling Yvette a money-grubbing murderer.

We have a lot of questions, even more concerns, but I don’t have full evidence of all that . . . yet. But it’s hard to mitigate those kinds of charges once they’re put out there, especially when the law and the policy contract are on our side, not Yvette Horne’s.

Judge Hopkins looks thoughtful while Mr. Monroe and Mr. Walsh give closing statements, but he makes up his mind quickly.

“I’m ready to rule. In the motion by Yvette Horne against Everlife Insurance, I find for . . .” I hold my breath, even though I know what the outcome should be.

But things work differently out here in Williamson County, and at the end of the day, Yvette Horne is one of their own. Hell, for all I know, she has coffee with Judge Hopkins every Saturday morning.

Judge Hopkins puts us all out of our misery. “The defendant, Everlife Insurance.”

I finally exhale, my lungs thankful for the reprieve. But while I’m breathing again in relief, Yvette Horne is inhaling sharply and loudly in shock. “What?”

She sounds defeated, and actual real tears slip down her cheeks. For the first time, I believe she’s actually feeling loss. Not the loss of her husband, but of the money.

Judge Hopkins narrows his eyes at Yvette, and I see no friendliness there, so my worries on that front were obviously not needed. “Mrs. Horne, once your husband’s death has been fully investigated and cause of death has been fully determined, I’m certain Everlife Insurance will be able to process your claim appropriately. I know time feels like it is not on your side, especially when you’ve had such a great loss.” He lifts his eyebrows as he dips his chin in challenge, and I’m pretty sure Judge Hopkins has a solid read on Yvette Horne’s true intentions. “The truth always comes out, and those who should pay, will.”

Judge Hopkins turns his attention to Frederick, but all the heat and accusation has melted from his expression.

“This is not over,” Yvette snaps as she rises. Pushing past her lawyer, her heels click on the floor as she stomps her way out of the courtroom.

Judge Hopkins adjourns court, and Frederick shakes Mr. Walsh’s hand. To Mason and me, he says, “Well done, gentlemen. Let’s get a bite before I head back to the office.”