“And he thought it was appropriate to take out his frustration on poor Seth.”
“You’re not helping me to be less nervous.”
“And he sits here wasting his time instead of going to apologise.”
Vanessa wrinkles her forehead. “Maybe I should have come earlier.”
“Don’t blame yourself, he was on the wrong track from the moment he walked into the courtroom this morning, maybe even before.”
“There are three children’s futures on the line, Paul,” I remind him, in case it had slipped his mind.
“I’m sure Rowan will know how to make things right once he wins this case.” Vanessa gives me an encouraging smile.
“See?” I point at her and turn to Paul. “That’s what friends are for.”
Paul rolls his eyes.
“I’m going to say hi to Seth and the kids,” Vanessa informs us. “Are you able to not make any more messes in my absence?”
“Hey!” Paul groans. “I didn’t do anything!”
Vanessa gives him an eloquent look, before walking away towards Seth and the kids. I watch her as she approaches, brushes his arm, then she hugs him, because he needs support, presence, trust even, all the things I should be giving him right now, and not just as a lawyer.
I knew I would complicate everything by sleeping with him, yet I went ahead anyway.
Vanessa also hugs the kids, then hands a tissue to Seth, who has once again let go of his emotions.
“You better marry that girl before she realises you are not the best on the market.”
Paul laughs.
“I mean it.”
“I know you mean it because I know you are right.”
“You know too many things.”
“Uh, and you know what else I know?”
“You’ll tell me anyway.”
“You don’t find guys like that. Good, true and willing to do anything for the sake of those around him.” He nods at Seth as if I need help understanding who he is talking about. “You’d better make it up to him, and soon, because there are hundreds of boring, arrogant, muscle-bound lawyers like you out there.”
“Fuck off, Paul.”
“You haven’t sent me there yet today.”
“There’s always time to make up for it.”
* * *
ROSS’ TESTIMONY brings nothing more and nothing less to the case. A friend testifying on your behalf is never a great asset, it rather serves to show that you are surrounded by a community. Fortunately, the other side is not making much of the fact that Ross works in the same club as Seth, at least for now. I have three interviews scheduled for him next week.
I glance at him. He is sitting in his chair, in silence. His hands in his lap. The pained expression. He remains calm, despite what I have just said to him, which impresses me greatly. And I know he is making an effort. Just as I know how much it cost him to decide to change job.
“We have one last witness for today, Your Honour,” the opposing lawyer says in surprise.
I stand up immediately. “What witness are we talking about?”
