VERSUS (Second Chances 2)

Peggy and I travel in some of the same social circles.

She’s two decades older than me, generous, and funny as hell. In the courtroom she’s tough-as-nails, fair, and firm.

I’ve never expected a favor from her, and not one has ever been granted.

She rules by the law.

“I knew an Eden Conrad years ago.” I look over at the woman claiming to be Eden. “She’s not that Eden Conrad.”

“In my defense, your honor…”

“You’re not on trial, Ms. Conrad.” Peggy smiles gently at the woman. “Is there a history here that the court needs to be aware of?”

“We went to the same high school.” The woman sighs. “Mr. Colt doesn’t recognize me. I’ve changed since the last time we saw each other.”

I want to point out that we saw each other last night. The only thing that’s changed is her assertion that she’s Eden Conrad.

For fuck’s sake, if she were Eden, she would have said something when my dick was buried inside her.

I would have known.

Christ. There’s no way in hell I can be in the same room breathing the same air as Eden Conrad and not know it.

“The Eden Conrad I knew would never have pursued a law degree.” I take a deep breath. “That’s not who she was. You may be the same height as her and have the same eye color, but you’re not her.”

Kurt hasn’t said a word throughout this until now. He clears his throat. “Your honor, may I say something?”

“Please.” Peggy waves a hand in the air as the muted chatter from the gallery floats in the air behind us.

“You obviously weren’t brought up to speed on the change of counsel.” Kurt glances at me. “I mentioned it in a courtesy call to Gunner two days ago. You might want to ask your assistant why he didn’t pass the message on to you.”

He likely did. It was probably noted in very large bold type in that envelope he dropped off for me last night.

“Here’s her bio in short form.” Kurt faces me head-on. “I’ve known Eden since the day she was born. Her dad, Walt, and I met when we were kids. She was enrolled in the honors program in a high school in Chicago. She was all set up to go to Ohio State for dance, but had to bow out for personal reasons. She earned her degree at Harvard Law. If any of that rings a bell, you’re looking at an old friend.”

I reach for the edge of the bench to steady myself.

“Does that clear things up, Dylan?” Peggy taps her finger on my hand. “Is she the Eden Conrad you used to know?”

I look past Kurt’s shoulder to where she’s standing. I study her face. My gaze finally lands on her neck and the star-shaped sapphire pendant hanging from a thin silver chain.

She used to wear that pendant for good luck. I always thought it made the color of her eyes appear more vibrant. It still does.

“I’m the Eden Conrad he used to know,” Eden says softly.

“Is there any reason why we can’t proceed at the end of the month?” Peggy asks Eden.

She shakes her head. “I can’t think of a reason. Can you, Dylan?”

I can think of a million reasons why I can’t do this, but I can’t get a word past the lump caught in my throat.

“That’s settled.” Peggy leans back in her chair. “We’re in recess until the thirtieth. Good luck with the surgery, Kurt. I’ll see you two back here in fourteen days.”

***

By the time I’m out of the courtroom, Eden is gone.

A million reasons why I can’t go toe-to-toe with her in court morphed into a million questions that I want to throw in her perfect goddamn face.