They arrived at the base of the steps leading to the Law Courts. Hillcroft raised a brow, but that was the extent of his reaction to Kate’s revelation. “Well, if I were you, I would go to one of the boutique defense firms and get more criminal law experience under your belt. It will give your application weight when something opens up.” He must have sensed her dismay, because he added, “Many prosecutors have worked on both sides, Kate. It is the best preparation for the job. A good defense is the best offence. And vice versa.” His phone chimed. He turned toward the broad concrete stairwell that led to the Law Courts “You can call me any time if you have questions.”

“Thanks, John. I appreciate your help. Maybe I will give Eddie Bent a call.” Eddie Bent had been instrumental to her success in her very first criminal defense case. “He told me the door was always open.”

John Hillcroft threw her a sideways glance. “I would suggest you look elsewhere, Kate.”

Her stomach tightened. “Why?”

“Nothing specific. Just a sense that all might not be well.” His phone chimed again. “Before I go, I wanted to touch base about the Kenzie Sloane case.”

Kate forced herself to not react to the name. “Yes?”

“As you know, she was very unhappy that bail was denied.” The judge had deemed her a flight risk, especially given the fact that there were no family members who had agreed to act as surety. “Her defense team has made a request to proceed with a preliminary inquiry.” A preliminary inquiry was a special proceeding which determined whether there was enough evidence for the accused to stand trial.

Kate’s stomach sank. “On what grounds?”

“She claims that you tried to attack her and that she had hit you by accident.”

“I see. So I’m going to have to appear as a witness?” The thought of seeing the red-haired, blue-eyed, multi-hued tattoo artist who had tried to kill her made Kate nauseated.

She wished she hadn’t left Venice.

“I’m afraid so. And the matter is scheduled next week.”

“Next week?”

“We are trying to work around the judge’s vacation schedule.” He gave her a sympathetic look. “Sorry, Kate. I must run. Good luck. I’ll call you when I need to prep for the Sloane matter.” He sprinted up the stairs to the entrance of the Law Courts, his robe billowing behind him.

Kate watched his retreating back. What the hell…?

This meeting had not gone in the direction that Kate had hoped. At all.

She had planned—naïvely, it now seemed in retrospect—to find career fulfillment. Her work at McGrath Woods felt faceless. Empty. She didn’t want to focus on billable hours, or defend large corporate interests. Especially when the partners for whom she worked no longer wanted her on their plum files.