As I'm leaving out for work I hear the doorbell ring. Not expecting anyone I'm hoping it's not a random pop up from a relative. Unfortunately, it's worst. It was Bobbi but I'm Having a great morning so it doesn't even phase me.
"Good morning Bobbi, what are you doing here?" I ask cheerfully.
"Heyyyy Lance, you know I'm here to take care of your wife while you're gone." She replies loud and obnoxiously.
"Well these days I don't need much help." I say still smiling as I pass her by the door on my way to the car.
I'm glad I'm in such a good mood today because it's taking away from my nerves for meeting with Quick this morning before we go back to the court room.
When I arrive at the office I see Zach in the lobby, lounging as he normally does. Seeing him had me more nervous than having to speak with Quick again. This guy is my best friend and I have just been giving him the cold shoulder.
"Yo, Lance!' It didn't take long for him to spot me.
"Hey man." I wasn't as excited to see him since I know he's probably hurt.
"Yeah, hey. Where ya been dude? I've been hitting you up and nothing. Haven't seen you around here lately. What's going on?" His tone changes drastically at at this point.
"Well it's just been a lot going on. You know how it can get sometimes." I reply somberly.
"Yeah, well. I'll just let you get to it. We sound like we're sleeping together." He laughs lightly then turns and leave.
As much as I'm hurt that I'm not as close to my best friend like I should be, I also realize that being around him isn't in my best interests right now. He is everything I do not need to be and I cannot say I'm strong enough to be around him and end up like him. Even if it's just a fraction of him rubbing off on me, I just can't risk it. Now for awkward moment number two. I have to convince Quick that I have everything under control, which I do, I just need him to be on board.
As I approach my office I see that Quick is already in there and I swiftly turn around to talk to our receptionist.
"Tracy, hey good morning." I say gently
"Good morning Mr. Ely, there's a ma..." I interrupt her.
"Uh yes, there's a man in my office, why...how did he get in there." I'm very confused at this point.
"He's scary. I had maintenance let him in. I'm so sorry." She was very apologetic.
"It's fine." I really meant that when I said it too because she's right, he's scary. I hurry back to my office.
"Mr. Ellis, how are you?" I say firmly as I reach out to him for a handshake.
"This witness, are you handling him or am I." He doesn't stand to shake my hand, shit he doesn't shake my hand at all.
"I want to assure you that I have everything under control. This witness will ever be heard from again after today's hearing." I'm ,hoping he believes me at this point.
"Well, you better be right."
In the courtroom I'm confident because I am certain this is all about to come to an end as I ready to bring Mr. Watkins to the stand.
"Your father wrote that note for us, correct Mr. Watkins?"
"Yes"
"Is it true that your father likes to write stories frequently about things that go on around the neighborhood?"
"Yes, he does."
"So was it a note you read or was it a part of one of his stories."
"Well it was in his journal..."
"So this can be on of his stories?"
"Yeah but why would he lie about that.?" Mr. Watkins is now clearly disturbed about what I am saying about his father.
"I believe in regards to stories it's called fiction Mr. Watkins. Does your father watch a lot of news broadcasts?"
"Yeah." He is clearly annoyed at this point.
"Has he ever seen my client on the news?"
"Of course, we all have."
"How does your father feel about Mr. Ellis?"
"He shares the same hatred for him like the rest of the community."
"Hmm, is it also true that your father suffers from dementia." I got him. I can see the other lawyer's devastation in his eyes.
"Yes." He softly replies as his teeth cringes.
"So your honor if we are going to let a dementia ridden writer who apparently hates my client decide this case we should just end this here." I say confidently as I approach my seat.
"You just earned a mother fucking bonus my nigga." Quick whispers as I take my seat as he tries to hide his grin.
"I hope you have another witness Mr. Hale. With no no murder weapon and now a discredited witness I'm leaning towards dismissing this case." Judge Pratt said also showing obvious discomfort.
"I um..your honor, I do no..." Hale is quickly interrupted.
"Yes he does." The voice is faintly familiar but I cannot pinpoint it. Both Quick and I turn to see who interjected and we are both shocked to who we see.
"If you don't have a plan for this one it will definitely be handled by me personally and I will be glad to do."
Well there goes that bonus.
