VERSUS (Second Chances 2)

Jesus.

“My friend, Corinne, told me all about you.” She lets out a stuttered breath. “Why do you think I called you to represent me? I can’t wait for us to celebrate the win.”

I stare at her. “Nothing is going to happen between us whether we win this case or not.”

“Says the lawyer who has screwed half of Manhattan.” She shakes her head. “Corinne says the view from your penthouse is to die for, but the view under your suit is even better.”

“I’m not saying that I haven’t met fun guys at the club.” She fans her hand in front of her face. “None of them measure up to you. If you know what I mean.”

Regret pools in my gut.

Regret for all the years I’ve wasted with other women; years that I could have been building a life with Eden.

I glance to the left when Troy passes by.

I turn in my seat to catch a glimpse of Eden, but that’s not who is trailing behind him.

Martin Durtow, a lawyer who works at Kurt’s firm, tosses me a wave. “It’s good to see you, Dylan.”

I can’t say the same.

Dread washes over me.

Something is wrong. Something is seriously fucking wrong.

I push to my feet and face him. “Where the hell is Eden?”

Chapter 45

Dylan

Martin points at the bailiff as he enters the courtroom.

I remain standing, yanking my arm away when Trudy latches onto it as leverage to get herself out of the chair.

Tapping my shoe impatiently on the floor, I listen to the bailiff call court in session.

The Judge takes her seat, sips her water, runs a hand over her hair, and finally looks up.

Her brow pinches as she catches sight of Troy and his attorney.

“What’s going on here?” Her finger points in their direction. “I wasn’t informed of the change in counsel.”

“I’m a last-second replacement, your honor,” Martin says. “I haven’t had time to get up to pace with the case. I’m requesting a short continuance.”

“Is he serious?” Trudy grabs hold of my forearm. “I need this to be over, Dylan. Make it happen.”

Turning to face Martin again, I repeat my question. “Where the hell is Eden?”

“Mr. Colt,” Judge Mycella calls out. “Watch the language.”

I glance at her briefly before I level my gaze on Martin. “Where is Eden?”

“This is my courtroom, Mr. Colt.” Judge Mycella reminds me with a sharp note in her tone. “I’ll ask the questions.”

I open my mouth to repeat my question, but she continues, “Mr. Durtow, are you replacing Ms. Conrad as counsel for Mr. Alcester?”

A sudden burst of applause escapes from the gallery.