And, right now, neither of those elements looked so good for her client.

In fact, as Kate gave her client one last, concerned look through the glass door, things looked pretty bleak.

Kate exhaled and headed toward the elevator. Hillcroft caught up to her.

There was nothing for it but to walk together to the elevators.

“She’s in bad shape,” Hillcroft said. “I’m sorry.” He pushed the down button on the elevator panel.

Kate exhaled. “I hope they can stabilize her. It seems like today’s proceedings pushed her over the edge.”

Hillcroft threw her a sideways look. “The arraignment had to be done. Otherwise, a sharp defense lawyer might try to have the charges thrown out.”

Kate’s mouth lifted in a reluctant smile. “I had heard that you don’t miss a trick, my friend,” she said, using the term of courtroom etiquette.

They stood, waiting for the elevator, both of them conscious of the woman fighting for survival just feet away. Hillcroft pulled out his phone and began scanning his messages.

The elevator arrived. Hillcroft courteously waited until Kate had stepped in.

The elevator announced its arrival on the main level with a gentle chime.

“After you,” Hillcroft said.

Kate felt Hillcroft’s presence right behind her as she stepped out of the elevator.

She knew without a doubt that Hillcroft would be right on her heels for this case. She just hoped that she could keep one step ahead.

But as she watched him stride toward the main entrance, she knew that very few defense lawyers had achieved that feat.

There is no rest for the wicked, Kate.

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

3:05 p.m.

Kate strode through the hospital doors, stepping to one side to allow a man pushing a woman in a wheelchair to pass by. The woman’s IV pole rattled over the sidewalk. It was hard to tell her age, but Kate guessed she was in her fifties. Blankets had been carefully tucked around her, and she wore a pale blue knitted hat. Her face bore the unmistakable pallor of serious illness. She had turned her face to the sun, her eyes closed as she breathed in the warm July air.

“Ms. Lange, Mr. Hillcroft, could I have a word with each of you separately?” Natalie Pitts approached them with an outstretched microphone, cameraman in tow. She was made up for the camera, her dark blond hair smooth and gleaming. If Nat was surprised to see Kate acting on Leah Roberts’ behalf, she gave no indication of it.

“As I said, after you, Ms. Lange,” Hillcroft said, his face expressionless. Kate knew he wanted the last word, so that he could discount Kate’s comments and garner as much sympathy as he could from the public.

Nat glanced at her, her blue eyes flashing at Hillcroft, and then back to Kate again. “Mr. Hillcroft, we’d like the Crown’s statement first.”