Reasonable Doubt 2 Read online

  “I lost something very special in New York six years ago.” There was regret in his voice. “Something I’ll never fucking get back, something I’ve spent the last six years trying to forget, and if it’s okay with you I’d like to make it to year seven.”

  I opened my mouth to say sorry, but he continued talking.

  “I’m not sure if I’ve made this apparent over the past six months or not,” he said, “but I’m not the ‘sit up and talk about my feelings’ type. I’m not interested in deep conversations and just because I’ve fucked you more than once and can’t seem to get you or your mouth off my mind, that doesn’t entitle you to things I haven’t told anyone else.”

  I immediately unbuckled my seatbelt and flung my door open, but he grabbed my wrist before I could get out.

  “I meant what I said a few months ago, Aubrey...” He cupped my chin and tilted my head toward him. “You are my only friend in this city, but you have to understand that I’m not used to having friends. I’m not used to talking about personal shit, and I’m not going to start now.”

  Silence.

  “If you’re not going to open up to me, what incentive do I have to continue being your so-called friend?”

  He said nothing for a few seconds, but then he smirked. “Get in my lap and let me show you.”

  “Is this a joke?”

  “Am I laughing?”

  “Do you really think you can just demand for me to have sex with you whenever you want?” I raised my eyebrow. “Especially since you just said you’ll never be that open about your personal life?”

  “Yes.” He unbuckled his seat belt. “Get in my lap.”

  “You know...” I looked down, noticing his cock slowly stiffening through his pants. “I've let a few things slide the past few times we've had sex, but I have to tell you...” I bit my lip as I slipped out of the car. “I'm really not into the possessive caveman shit.”

  He narrowed his eyes at me as I grabbed my purse and stepped back.

  “I think we need to give your cock a rest don't you think?” I crossed my arms. “You have a pretty big hearing coming up next week. Don't you need to save all your energy so you can be better prepared?”

  “Get back in the damn car, Aubrey...” His voice was strained.

  “Are you begging me?”

  “I'm commanding you.”

  “Did you not hear what I just said?”

  He didn't answer. He reached out for my hand, but I shut the door.

  “I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Hamilton.” I smiled and walked away.

  Liability (n.):

  Legal responsibilities for one’s acts or omissions.

  A week later...

  Andrew

  There was only one thing in Durham that held no comparison to New York: Court. The lawyers in New York actually took their jobs seriously. They pored over their research all night, polished their defenses to perfection, and presented their cases with pride.

  In Durham, “lawyers” didn’t do shit, and in a moment like this—when I was listening to a young and inexperienced prosecutor embarrass herself, I almost missed those days.

  Then again, I wasn’t paying too much attention to the proceedings today. I was too busy thinking about Aubrey and how many times we’d fucked in my office this morning.

  We’d said our usual, “Good morning Mr. Hamilton,” “Hello Miss Everhart” greetings and locked eyes as she set my coffee down. She’d opened her seductive mouth to say something else, but the next thing I knew, my hands were in her hair and I was pulling her sexy ass against my desk.

  I was ruthlessly pounding into her from behind as I massaged her clit, and when she collapsed on my carpet, I’d spread her legs and devoured her pussy.

  I was completely insatiable when it came to Aubrey, and being around her for more than five seconds was enough to send me over the edge.

  There’s no point in even counting how many times we’ve fucked anymore...

  “As you can see...” The prosecutor’s voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, all of the evidence that I’ve presented will prove—”

  “Objection!” I’d had enough of this shit. “Your Honor, last time I checked, this was an evidentiary hearing, not a trial. Why is Ms. Kline being allowed to address a nonexistent jury?”

  The judge took off her glasses and shook her head. “Ms. Kline, as hesitant as I am to agree with Mr. Hamilton, he does have a point. Have you concluded with your presentation of evidence? Barring a closing statement to the jury?”

  “I have, Your Honor,” she said, puffing out her chest as if she’d just presented the case of the century.

  “Mr. Hamilton...” The judge looked my way. “Do you care to surprise me today by refuting any of the evidence presented?”

  “No, Your Honor.” This hearing was a waste of time, and she knew it as well as I did.

  “I see.” She put her glasses on again. “Let the record show that while the prosecution has presented a compelling and rather large collection of evidence, it’s this court’s ruling that it is not enough to warrant a trial.” She banged her gavel and stood up.

  Ms. Kline walked over to me and held out her hand. “So, I’ll file an appeal, get more evidence, and see you on this matter again soon, right?”

  “Are you asking me or are you telling me?”

  “Your client committed the highest degree of fraud, Mr. Hamilton.” She crossed her arms. “Someone has to pay for that.”

  “No one ever will if you remain on top of it, will they?” I put my files in my briefcase. “I’ll be waiting for your next move. And yes, you should get more evidence since the judge clearly ruled that what you had was not enough.”

  “So, that means I should appeal? Do you think I could win this thing?”

  “I think you could go back to law school and fucking pay attention.” I scoffed. “Either that, or do your clients a favor and find them a better lawyer.”

  “You mean someone like you?”

  “There’s no one like me.” I slid a pair of shades over my eyes. “But anyone would be better than you.”

  “Are you always this rude to your opponents, Mr. Hamilton?” She cracked a smile. “I mean, I’ve heard stories, but you are really—”

  “Really what?”

  “Intriguing.” She stepped closer. “You are really intriguing.”

  I blinked and looked her over. If I’d met her on Date-Match she might’ve been worthy of one night, but I never mixed business with pleasure.

  At least, I didn’t used to.

  “I’m not sure if you’re seeing anyone or not,” she said, lowering her voice, “but I think you and I have a lot in common, and—”

  “What exactly do we have in common, Miss Kline?”

  “Well...” She stepped even closer and rubbed my shoulder. “We were both staring at each other during the hearing, we both have high profile careers, and we both have a passion for the law—a passion that could clearly be transferred to other things.” She licked her lips. “Right?”

  I stepped back. “Miss Kline, I was staring at you during the hearing because I was trying to comprehend how someone could show up to court and be so unprepared, unprofessional, and utterly annoying. We do both have high profile careers, but if you continue presenting cases like the one you presented today, I’ll be interviewing you for a secretary position at my firm within the next six months.” I ignored her gasp. “And if your passion for the law is anything like the way you fuck, then you and I have absolutely nothing in common.”

  “Did you...” She shook her head, stepping back as her face reddened. “Did you really just say that to me?”

  “Did you really just proposition me for sex?”

  “I was simply probing—seeing if you were interested in going out.”

  “I’m not,” I said—noticing that I wasn’t even the slightest bit aroused. “Am I free to leave the courtroom now or would you like to probe me for something else?”
/>
  “You are an asshole!” She spun around and grabbed her briefcase off the floor. “You know, for your clients’ sake, I hope you’re a lot nicer.” She spat out as she left the room.

  I wanted to tell her that I actually wasn’t nicer to my clients. I didn’t put up with bullshit from anyone, and since I hadn’t lost a single case since moving to Durham, I didn’t have to.

  Looking at my watch, I figured I’d wait a few minutes before leaving. I didn’t want to run into her in the parking lot, and since the remaining courts were adjourning for lunch, I figured I’d wait a while.

  I stuffed my hands into my pocket and smiled at lacy fabric that grazed my left hand. Pulling it out, I smiled at Aubrey’s black thong from this morning.

  I took my phone out of my briefcase to text her about it, but she’d emailed me first.

  Subject: Wet Panty Fetish

  I’m not sure if you’ve realized that I left my thong in your pocket yet, but I want you to know that I did it for your own good, and that your secret is safe with me.

  Ever since you fucked me in the bathroom at the art gallery, I’ve noticed that you have a tendency to stare at my panties before taking them off.

  You run your fingers across them, pull them off with your teeth, and then you stare at them again. I have no problem continuing to appease your panty fetish. I’m sure you place them over your face at night, and if you ever need more feel free to let me know.

  Aubrey

  Subject: Re: Wet Panty Fetish

  I did realize that you slipped your thong into my pocket this morning. I’ve noticed that you’ve done this all week.

  Contrary to your unfounded and silly assumptions, I do not have a panty fetish and I do not sleep with them over my face at night. I do, however, have a new fetish for your pussy, and if you’re interested in letting me sleep with THAT over my face at night, feel free to let me know.

  Andrew

  I waited for a response—watched my screen for several minutes, but then I realized it was Wednesday and she wouldn’t see my email until later.

  I made my way outside and slipped into my car. I didn’t feel like going back to the firm—my case files were all up to date, and it was too early to go home.

  Revving up my car, I coasted down the street in search of a decent bar. As I was turning past the law school, I noticed Duke’s dance hall across the street.

  I wasn’t sure what came over me, but I made a right turn and pulled into the parking lot. I followed the signs that read “Dance Studio” and parked in front.

  There was a sign on the double doors of the auditorium that read “Private Rehearsals: Dancers Only,” but I ignored it. I followed the faint sound of piano keys and violin strings and opened the door to a colossal theater.

  Bright lights shone directly on the stage, and dancers dressed in all white were spinning. Before I could come to my senses and make myself leave, I spotted Aubrey in the front.

  Wearing the same feathered headband she wore at the art gallery, she was smiling wider than I’d ever seen her smile before—dancing as if no one else was in the room. There was a gleam in her eyes that I never saw while she was at GBH, and although I didn’t know shit about ballet, it was extremely clear that she was the best dancer onstage.

  “Extend, Miss Everhart! Extend!” A grey haired man walked onto the stage, yelling. “More! More!”

  She continued dancing—stretching her arms out further, extending her hands. “No! No! NO!” The man stomped his foot. “Stop the music!”

  The pianist immediately stopped and the director stepped in front of Aubrey.

  “Do you know what the characteristics of the white swan are, Miss Everhart?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Yes?” He looked offended.

  “Yes, Mr. Petrova.” She stood still.

  “If that’s so, why don’t you enlighten us all as to what those special characteristics are...”

  “Light, airy, elegant—”

  “Elegant!” He stomped his foot again. “The white swan is all about smooth, gentle movements... Her arms are well poised, graceful.” He grabbed her elbow and pulled her forward. “Your arms are erratic, rough, and you’re dancing like a pigeon on crack!”

  Her cheeks reddened, but he continued.

  “I want a swan, Miss Everhart, and if you’re not up to the part—if your heart is elsewhere, like that other major you have, do me favor and let me know so I can groom someone else for the role.”

  Silence.

  “Let’s try this again!” He stepped back. “On my count, start the song from the second stanza...”

  I leaned back against the wall, watching Aubrey effortlessly dance again and make everyone else look like amateurs. I watched until I couldn’t watch anymore, until her old director spotted my shadow and yelled at “the goddamn intruder” to leave.

  ***

  Later that night, I walked into the kitchen and pulled out a bottle of bourbon,—pouring myself a shot. It was two in the morning and I was beyond restless.

  I hadn’t been able to sleep since I came home and spotted a note from Ava on my door: “I’m not leaving until we talk—Ava.”

  I’d balled it up and thrown it into the trash, wondering which person at GBH had been stupid enough to give out my address.

  As I tossed back a shot, my phone rang.

  “It’s two in the morning,” I hissed, holding it up to my ear.

  “Um...” There was a slight pause. “May I speak to a...A Mr. Hamilton, please?”

  “This is he. Did you not hear me say what time it is?”

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Hamilton.” She cleared her throat. “I’m Gloria Matter from the parole board in New York City. I’m sorry to call you so late, but I didn’t want to turn in until I returned your inquiry from last week,” she said. “The inmate you called about is no longer an inmate. She was released recently and is now on parole.”

  “I’m aware that she’s on parole.” I poured another drink. “However, I’m pretty sure leaving the state is a direct violation of those terms. Is New York soft on crime now? Do you let previous offenders roam the world as they please?”

  “No sir, but she checked in with her officer this morning. We also checked her monitor the second we received your phone call so she’s still in the state...I must warn you that we don’t take too kindly to false reporting, Mr. Hamilton. If this was some type of—”

  “I know what the fuck I saw.” I seethed. “She was here.” I hung up. I didn’t care enough to think about Ava right now.

  I headed into my bedroom and lay against the sheets, hoping this second round of alcohol would work better than the first.

  I lay there for an hour, watching the seconds on my clock tick by, yet no sleep came and thoughts of Aubrey began to fill my mind. I was thinking about the things she’d told me when we we’d first met, things she’d told me about her sex life, and I had the sudden urge to hear her voice.

  I rolled over and scrolled down to her name.

  “Hello?” She answered on the first ring. “Andrew?”

  “Why haven’t you sucked a cock before?”

  “What?” She gasped. “How about ‘Good morning, Aubrey’? Are you awake?’ How about asking those things first?”

  “Hello, Aubrey.” I rolled my eyes. “You’re clearly awake, so I’ll bypass that unnecessary question. Why haven’t you sucked a cock before?”

  She was silent.

  “Do I need to drive to your apartment and make you answer the question in person?”

  “Are you really in need of this information at three in the morning?”

  “Desperately,” I said. “Answer the question.”

  “It’s just something I never wanted to do.” There were papers shuffling in the background. “One of the guys I used to date would ask me to do it to him from time to time—to reciprocate, but I just...I didn’t like him enough to do it.”

  “Hmmm.”

  Silence.

  We
hadn’t had an actual phone conversation since the last time we had phone sex, right before I found out her real name was Aubrey and not Alyssa.

  “Were you thinking about me?” she suddenly asked.

  “What?”

  “Were you thinking about me?” She repeated. “You’ve never called me this late before. Are you lonely?”

  “I’m horny.”

  She let out a soft laugh. “Would you like me to tell you what I’m wearing?”

  “I already know what you’re wearing.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Yes, really.” I put a hand behind my head. “It’s Wednesday, which means you had practice until midnight, which means you went home and showered and immediately put your feet in an ice tub without putting on any pajamas.”

  She sucked in a breath.

  “And from the way you’re breathing right now I take it you’re still naked, and the reason you picked up my call on the first ring is because you want to touch yourself to the sound of my voice.”

  Another gap of silence.

  “Am I wrong?” I asked.

  “No...” Her voice was low. “I don’t think you’re horny right now though.”

  “Trust me. I am.”

  “Maybe, but I think you called me because you like me—because you want to hear my voice since we haven’t talked on the phone in a while.”

  “I called you because my dick is hard and I want to make you cum over the phone.”

  She laughed again. “So, you don’t like me?”

  “I like your pussy.”

  “So, the white roses and the “He’s just yelling at you because he knows you’re the best/Don’t let him get to you” note that was on the hood of my car today weren’t from you?”

  I hung up.

  Retraction (n.):

  The legal withdrawal of a promise or offer of contract.

  Andrew

  “How do you think we should proceed with the client, Harriet?” I leaned back in my chair the next night, dreading my “Let the Interns Help with One Case per Month” required hours.

  “Um, Mr. Hamilton...” She twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “My name is Hannah.”

  “Same thing,” I said. “How do you think we should proceed with this case?”