Justify My Love: An Interracial Romance (BWWM) (16 page)

“Try telling that to Ken Soloman. He thinks he’s been passed over.”

“If he’s a professional, he’ll get over it. Lord knows there are more than enough cases to go around,” Marnie said.

“That’s for certain.”

“Oh, before I forget, Frank sends his regards.”

“What does he say about this?” Scott asked.

“You should deal and not prosecute,” she replied lightly.

“Yeah, right. What does he
really
say?”

“What could he say? Don’t forget we’re on opposite sides.”

Changing the subject, Scott said, “I thought we’d go to La Strada tonight for dinner.”

“Sounds fine. Look, Scott, about the trial…” She began.

He looked directly into Marnie’s eyes, giving her his complete attention. That look made her want to melt into his arms and nearly forget to say what was on her mind.

“I’m so worried about us and what the trial can do to our relationship.”

Scott covered her hands with his. They felt warm and inviting. “Don’t be. We’re a team and nothing can come between us.”

Even though Marnie didn’t possess his unshakeable belief, she nodded. The waitress brought their food and they began to eat.

Scott broke the silence. “How long do you think the trial will last?”

“That depends, Scott, on us.”

He reflected on that for a moment and then replied, “You realize that I have to pursue this as a murder case. My department dictates it.”

“Yes, but there are several ways to handle it.”

“Such as?” He picked up his coffee cup and took a sip.
“Making a deal.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Third-degree manslaughter, community service or probation,” Marnie said hopefully.

“Out of the question.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s sending out the message that it’s okay to kill someone with a terminal disease because you think it’s best for them or it’s more convenient for you.”

“You know that wasn’t the case with my client.”
“The only thing I know about your client is that he’s a wealthy businessman who decided it was time to end the drain of money going to a useless cause. So he shot his wife.”

“That’s so cold, Scott. This case is not so cut and dry. How can you ignore the emotional issues here?” Marnie replied in a voice filled with raw emotion.

“Marnie, please, let’s not try the case here. Let’s just have a nice quiet lunch between two people who care for one another.”

“You’re right. Not another word about the trial.” But, she feared from that point on, they’d only be tiptoeing around each other as if they were stepping on eggshells.

* * *

That night Scott and Marnie drove to La Strada, their favorite Italian restaurant. It was a small, family-owned restaurant that served good food with warm efficient service. They both steered clear of any discussion about the trial trying to concentrate on enjoying each other’s company, instead.

“I hope you don’t mind if we make this an early night,” Scott mentioned as they were having dessert.

“Of course not. I’m exhausted, myself. Besides, I need to prepare for tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait for this trial to be over,” Scott replied and when he saw the expression on Marnie’s face, added, “Why the surprised look?”

“You just came on. Besides, I thought you were thrilled that it was given to you.”

“It felt terrific at first, but it seems to have come with a price. I’m not certain it’s worth it.”

“What do you mean?” she asked wondering why he chanced bringing up the trial now. The evening had been going so smoothly.

“After court, I went back to the office to touch base with Irving and saw Ken Solomon. I said hello but he walked away from me. He refused to talk to me. He’s made some nasty comments about me and has galvanized those people in the office who feel he’s been wronged.”

“He really should grow up.”

“Unfortunately, you can’t disregard the others who agree with him.”

“Sheer jealousy, if you ask me.”

That wasn’t the only thing weighing heavy on Scott’s mind. He dared not mention their ideologies were at loggerheads. She intended to make a crusade out of the trial, while his sympathies lie with the State. Taking another’s life was murder, no matter how you looked at it. And putting the bad guys away was his prime objective.

Marnie was about to say something when Scott abruptly changed the subject. “Pick a movie for Saturday night. The distraction will do us both good. We could have a quick dinner first.”

“I haven’t the foggiest notion what’s playing.”

“Does it matter?” Scott asked his eyes mirthful.

“What are you implying?”

“With you beside me I can think of better things to do in a darkened theater than look at the screen,” he said softly.

Marnie couldn’t suppress a smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Mr. Langley,” she said primly.

“Oh, yes, you do, you little tease,” he laughed.

Scott drove Marnie home and walked her to the door.

“Would you like to come in for a while?” She asked tentatively. He had been silent on the drive home, and she wondered if he was still thinking about their coming confrontation in court.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t ask.”

With a fake pout, she said, “Well, the silent treatment you gave me in the car hurt my feelings.”

“Let’s go inside and I’ll try to make it up to you.”

Once inside, Scott pulled off his coat and then Marnie’s. Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her slowly, tenderly. “I know just the thing,” he whispered in to ear before slipping his tongue between her parted lips.

“Umm, show me.”

Scott picked her up and went into the kitchen. There were several papers and a pad on the table. With his free hand, he swept everything off and placed Marnie down on the edge. She gripped the sides and leaned forward as he knelt down and pulled off her shoes, tossing them aside. Then he pushed up the hem of her skirt and slipped off both her pantyhose and panties.

Marnie squirmed in anticipation of what Scott was about to do.

“Relax,” Scott said as he grabbed the cheeks of her ass and spread them. He surprised her by swirling his tongue around her tightly puckered anus several moments before licking her labia. The pleasure zinged through Marnie like electricity.

Scott gently inserted a finger into her anus and moved it in and out. Marnie sucked in her breath at this new, exquisite sensation. However, when he continued doing this as he began to lick her pussy, she exploded unexpectedly. Scott showed her no mercy. He continued to lick and stroke her until she had a second orgasm. It wasn’t until she collapsed on the table that he stopped.

“Have I cleared my good name?” Scott asked.

Marnie turned around and sat up. Suppressing her smile she said, “I guess.”

“I guess? Are you kidding me?”

“Yes. Come closer and drop those pants,” she commanded.

Scott freed his engorged penis and pushed into Marnie. Then he lifted her onto his rod and wrapped her legs around him. He walked over to a chair and sat down. Straddling him in the chair, Marnie rode him as he teased her taut nipples through her silk blouse with his teeth. Marnie moaned in pleasure. He grabbed her hips and increased the speed of her movement.

In seconds, he closed his eyes and grunted as his seed jetted into her with the force of a geyser.

* * *

Scott was exhausted and fell asleep quickly. As tired as Marnie was, she couldn’t shut her mind down. She tried to think of the hot sex they’d just had, but it was the trial that kept coming into focus. She prayed they got through the trial quickly and especially without too much collateral damage to their relationship.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

When Scott had gone home to change early the following morning, Marnie hopped into the shower. However, because she couldn’t decide on what to wear, she was nearly late for court. She’d wanted to send the jurors the right signals, however, the outfit she’d chosen the night before to wear, felt like a bad choice in the morning. Then, when she opened her closet and looked at her suits, nothing seemed quite right. Luckily she realized she’d been allowing her subconscious anxiety about the trial dictate her actions. Clearly, that was usually the first step to losing a case.

She shook her head, thoroughly annoyed with her own childish behavior, and put on the same suit she’d selected the night before.

* * *

Marnie nodded to Scott as she quickly joined Victor DeMarco who had been waiting for her at the defense table.

“I thought you finally realized the futility of all this and decided not to come.”

“Victor, you stopped your wife’s terrible suffering. There was nothing futile about that.

Besides, when I told you that I would do my damnedest to help you, I sincerely meant every word.”

The bailiff ended their conversation by announcing the arrival of the judge. By the lunch break, they hadn’t added any new jurors. Scott was proving to be quite knowledgeable about jury selection. Since he had a meeting with his supervisor, Wallace Irving, she decided to get a quick bite in the cafeteria.

When Court resumed that afternoon, Marnie sensed that Scott’s meeting with Wallace Irving hadn’t gone well. The man couldn’t have faulted Scott for the job he was doing. She knew that first-hand. He wasn’t giving her an inch. He’d done his homework diligently. She wondered what had been discussed.

After court she went back to the office to brief Frank. He hadn’t been able to attend that day, either. She had the distinct feeling that not having him with her may have contributed to her anxiety. He handed her a cup of coffee as she collapsed into the oversized leather chair in front of his desk.

“Rough day?”

“Tedious is a better word. I can’t remember how many people we’d questioned. No takers.”

“There are days like that—but you already know that. Wallace Irving called me.”

That was a conversation stopper. Marnie sought his eyes. This had to have some connection to Scott’s demeanor.

“Somebody saw you and Scott kissing the other day. Irving doesn’t think the fraternizing will go over well with the public.”

“I understand.”

“Let’s not jeopardize the case. Whatever you and my godson do, do behind
very
closed doors.”

She nodded. They chatted a few minutes more and left at the same time.

She wondered who ran to Irving with the news. Could it have been Solomon or one of his buddies? No wonder Scott was upset. Irving probably read him the riot act. Suddenly, a very evil thought occurred to her. A little more fraternization could get him yanked from the case.
And
her, as well
. Aside from the fact it would be professional suicide, she’d never do anything to purposefully hurt Scott.

Marnie called Scott when she got home. “Frank told me. Irving called him to complain about me.”

“It had to be Solomon, or someone close to him. No one else had anything to gain.”

Except maybe a jealous woman
, Marnie thought, remembering the attractive one sitting next to Scott at the prosecution’s table. She’d been one of the women she’d overheard discussing Scott and how she’d like a go at him that day outside the courthouse.

“We’ll just have to do nothing more than cordially shake hands in public,” she replied

He sighed. “Maybe we shouldn’t even do that.”

“What we need is a speedy trial.”

Scott chuckled. “Did you plan this?”

“Nah. It was you who kissed me first, remember?”

“That’s what Eve told Adam. Well, if I’m not too careful I’ll be added to the prestigious list that boasts both Adam and Samson.”

It was Marnie’s turn to laugh. “I’ll see you in court tomorrow, Counselor.”

“Goodnight, Counselor.”

“Goodnight.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Leaving the next morning for court earlier than usual, Marnie stopped at the diner near the courthouse for breakfast. She was about to slide into a booth when she heard her name. Recognizing the deep voice instantly, she broke into a broad smile and walked over to the table where Scott was sitting. He had been writing notes on a legal pad.

“What are you doing here so early?” he asked, slipping the pad into his briefcase.

“I left the apartment early and I’m hungry. I might ask you the same.”

“I was taught that breakfast was the most important meal of the day,” Scott replied.

“I don’t know about that. Judging from the way you eat, I’d say you find them all important.”

He chuckled. “Guilty as charged. Join me.”

“Do you think it will be all right if I sit at the same table as you? I don’t want to cause any unnecessary grief.”

“Of course, Marnie. That entire incident was ridiculous. Irving definitely overreacted.”

“I know, but for your sake, we’ve got to cool it in public. You’re the one with the fire-eating dragon looking over your shoulder.”

The waitress brought coffee over to Marnie and she reached for the milk.

“Perhaps we can have dinner together tonight,” she said.

“Why not eat in at my place for a change. We can order some Chinese,” he suggested. “If you’re not followed, no one will know we’re together.”

“You’re not serious, are you?” Marnie asked.

“About which part?” He teased.

Marnie rolled her eyes.

“Seriously, come for dinner. We’re always at your place.”

She nodded.

The waitress brought her cheese omelet and rye toast. Marnie spread some grape jelly on the toast and took a bite. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she started to eat.

“Hungry, huh?” Scott asked.

“I guess I am,” she answered, wondering why she always had a healthy appetite around him. At this rate, she’ll be two dress sizes larger next year. Even so, she thought about how nice it was to have breakfast with Scott. She could see herself doing this every day for the remainder of her life.

“Have you picked out a movie yet?”

“No. To be honest, I‘d forgotten all about it.”

“Try to remember.”

“I’ll look in the paper tonight,” she said as the waitress refilled their coffee cups.

They were able to stay a short while longer before they had to head over to the courthouse.

The morning went by quickly. The rest of the jury had been selected by the time the court was adjourned for lunch. Only the alternates remained. Frank had been at the courthouse and all of them went out for lunch. He hadn’t spoken to Scott for a while, so they took a few minutes to catch up.

“How’s the new grandson, Uncle Frank?”

“Just fine. That sucker is really growing. Both of you will see him Sunday when you come for dinner. Louise told me to twist both your arms.”

“She means it. When Louise invites you to dinner you’re coming dead or alive,” Scott added.

“I think it has something to do with her not wanting to eat leftovers,” Frank said, as he tried to mask a budding smile.

“Forget it you two. I know Louise and she’s a doll. How she puts up with the likes of you both is what surprises me,” Marnie replied, eliciting laughter from the two men.

The subject of the trial came up. Marnie knew it would. She only hoped it wouldn’t have a negative ripple effect. Things had been copasetic lately with Scott.

Frank decided to give his take on it, trying to be impartial. “Both of you are doing a fine job so far. Here’s my take on the situation. Of course, one can dismiss what I’m going to say as the ramblings of a man who’s stood in front of one too many jury boxes.”

“I think I can speak for the both of us, Uncle Frank…” Scott stopped to glance at Marnie who nodded. “We both admire you and regard your advice highly.”

“Good. Now listen up. This trial is going to get hot and heavy—perhaps dirty. Things will be said and done, especially by the media. And while I’m on the topic of the glorious third estate, don’t get cut by its double-edged sword. Keep your mouth shut in front of the rolling cameras unless you’re absolutely certain the media has taken up your cause, which is dicey because of its inherently fickle nature. Keeping all of the above in mind, despite your feelings for each other, you’ll end up sparring. My advice is to keep it in court. Do not take it home or you will destroy whatever relationship you have. Trust me on this.”

Marnie knew Frank was right. She’d already mentioned her fears to Scott. Perhaps now

Scott would view it differently. As for the media, she whole-heartedly agreed with Frank and knew he was speaking from experience. She’d been there.

During her third week at the firm, she’d accompanied him to court and sat in the second chair. It had been a murder case based on circumstantial evidence. All the prosecution had was the testimony from an eyewitness. One of the reporters only had Pulitzers in her eyes and wrote inflammatory articles that tried and convicted the poor guy in her newspaper. She did a great deal of damage. When Frank began to question the eyewitness to the crime, a pleasant-looking middle-aged woman, he noticed she was squinting at him. As he neared her, he noticed there were red pinch marks on either side of the bridge of her nose. He knew she was probably being vain and left her glasses off. Perhaps she hadn’t been wearing them at 3:00 a.m. when she got out of bed to look out her window and allegedly saw his client. He incorporated this hunch into his subsequent line of questioning and ended up blowing the prosecution’s entire case to smithereens. Things might have ended differently had he not picked up on the woman’s nearsightedness.

Lunch sped by much too quickly and they returned to the courthouse. Marnie had enjoyed the lunch and was glad Frank had been able to second chair that day. She never felt him watching over her shoulder second-guessing her. Instead, she felt he had her back, giving her the extra boost and support she needed.

The afternoon session in court went just as quickly. Even though they had added only one new alternate juror, the pleasantness of the lunch carried over into the courtroom. Marnie felt more relaxed than she had been in days and noticed an easing of the lines around Scott’s mouth, as well. If only this mellowing could continue. Being the realist that she was, she knew it wasn’t possible no matter how she played her cards, but she’d enjoy it as long as it lasted.