Just Be True To Me

Chapter 4

Mia was already in the courtroom when Clifford entered. He had already prepared for her badgering. Business didn’t stop. Not for her. Not for a trial. She didn’t look at him after he sat down.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

“It’s not my reputation on the line.”

“After we’re done, I’d like to take you out. To talk.” He placed his hand on her thigh. “To apologize about the last time we saw each other.”

The judge entered the room.

His hand slid off as she stood. Retaking her seat, she said, “There’s nothing to apologize for.”

For the first time since she stepped foot in a courtroom, she was thankful that she didn’t have to speak first. Jury selection went smoother than anticipated, resulting in a trial date that was only a week later.

It wasn’t nearly enough time for her to recover. Her mind was still scrambled. Questions of all types presented themselves both during waking and sleeping hours, the most pressing concern being why Clifford hadn’t answered the call. No matter how many times she told herself that they didn’t have a personal relationship, she couldn’t help but feel anger, disappointment, that he wasn’t there for her. Focusing on such trivial things left her unprepared. She would be winging her opening statement.

“You’ll see throughout the duration of this trial that that man—“Rosario pointed at Clifford “—is not only a liar, but a cheapskate. He’s only interested in how much money he can make. It doesn’t matter what the corners he cuts costs. He doesn’t care about the people he takes advantage of. When I’m done, you’ll have no other choice but to find him guilty.”

“Thank you, Ms. Rosario. Ms. Bishop, you’re up,” the judge said.

Mia clasped her hands behind her back as she made her way to the jury. She’d learned that people were more adept at telling if someone was lying to them than the self proclaimed experts led on. Walking back and forth, she quickly determined which were open to being influenced—four of the twelve, three women and one man. They were the key to her strategy.

She needed to make him attractive; make the women want to be with him and make the man want to be him.

“If you were allowed to answer,” she began, “what would you say is the most attractive thing about my client. Would it be his wealth? His business acumen? His mature features. Would it be that you see him all the time, yet, he is completely inaccessible?” She eased her way back to the table, positioning herself behind him. She then grabbed his right shoulder. “Clifford Knight is a self-made man.”

***

Clifford became more relaxed as her hand swept across his back and kneaded his shoulders. There’s no way she’s still mad at me. He couldn’t concentrate on anything other than her legs as she stood in front of the jury once more. Each stepped further stirred his imagination. He followed them up to her waist, continuing until he reached her bre*sts, where he spent a few seconds in appreciation. His eyes continued their path until they reached his favorite part about her: her lips. He approved of the color change, Mia choosing a darker shade of lipstick than usual. It added to her mystique while also calling for her audience’s attention. As attractive as she was physically, he found her much more so mentally. He switched his focus, keying in on every word spoken.

“Mr. Knight is what you think he is. He’s a charming, good-willed man.” Looking back, she caught his eyes.

***

As she scanned the gallery, her stomach tightened.

Aaron waved at her from the back of the courtroom.

“Uh”—she swallowed hard “–Clifford, I mean, Mr. Knight, is the same as all the other self-starters who have made something of themselves.” Though she turned her back to him, she was still able to feel his laser-like gaze. Her mind went blank. “I uh…Mr. Knight is…” She attempted to smooth out the wrinkles in her forehead. “Mr. Knight…”She supported herself on the railing.

“Are you okay ,Ms. Bishop,” the judge asked.

“Yes, Your Honor. I’m sorry, I’m fine.” Examining her target juror’s faces, it was clear that she’d lost them. “Mr. Knight isn’t any different from the rest of us. Who hasn’t cut corners? Who hasn’t cheated the system? Aren’t we all guilty of attempting to get over someone else? We’re human. It’s what we do.”

A quiet murmur began to build.

“During this trial, I’ll show you how Mr. Knight, though he is a sleazebag, is not guilty. I remind you that this trial isn’t about his personality or lack of morals. My client didn’t hide money overseas. He’s cheated the system, but not in this way. Thank you.” Mia closed her eyes to avoid looking at him.

“What the fu*k was that? Sleazebag?”

“It’s called strategy. If you don’t trust me then you can find yourself another lawyer. I know what the fu*k I’m doing.”

“Prosecution, you may call your first witness.

Clifford was waiting for her when Mia exited the courtroom. She walked past him, continuing on her path despite him calling her name. Pushing through the doors, she was bombarded by an army of flashes and an onslaught of questions.

Ms. Bishop, was that opening statement planned?

Ms. Bishop, do you really believe Clifford Knight is a scumbag?

Ms. Bishop, why did you keep your representation of Mr. Knight a secret?

Ms. Bishop, do you expect to be fired? If not, can you give an estimation how long you’ll think you’ll last given Mr. Knight’s reputation?

“You can address your questions to me.” Clifford was in business mode as he descended the stairs. His shoulder brushed against hers after he reached her side. “I have the utmost confidence in Ms. Bishop and her abilities. She informed me of her strategy long before the trial started.”

“What made you choose her,” another reporter asked.

He looked down at her. “She’s an excellent lawyer. And from what I’ve been told, one of the best in the city.”

The session lasted another five questions then his bodyguard led them to the car, silence surrounding them after they closed their doors. Clifford chuckled as he cracked the top of a mini bottle of Jose Cuervo. His offer to share rejected, he swallowed the rest down. “Are you going to apologize now?”

Mia shirked back. “Apologize? For what?”

“For that debacle of an opening statement. If the trial were to end today, I would be found guilty.”

“Good thing it doesn’t end today.”