I arrived early at the small café D.A. Josh Peters agreed to meet me at. Usually, I’d arrive a few minutes late to show that my time is more important than his. Not this time though. It is I that needs the favor. Things were going smoothly until Adam fucked everything up by coming to my office and attacking Bob and Anne. I had Josh wrapped around my finger. He was about to do my job for me—find out who that third set of DNA belonged to. Now I’m left with more work, and I’ve lost the upper hand.

I tap my fingers on the square wooden café table. The hum of those around me, the whirring of a coffee machine and the clanking of dishes is a nice break from the noise and worry that has filled my head since before the case started. I swirl the straw around my peach mango smoothie. I couldn’t eat solid foods now if I tried. My stomach is in knots. My anxiety at an all-time high. My patience is worn thin.

I spot D.A. Peters as he enters. He doesn’t look around for me and instead walks to the counter to order. He’s late. He knows it. But he doesn’t care. He knows he’s at an advantage. We’re days away from the start of the trial, and I’ve never been more unprepared for a case in my life. I blame Adam and his antics for throwing me off. I blame Anne and her lies. I blame Bob and his odd connection to the victim. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken this case on. I’m the best when it comes to criminal defense, but maybe I’m not the best for this case. I thought I could help Adam.

As D.A. Peters finishes flashing his perfectly symmetrical grin at the cashier, he spots me sitting off to the side. His smile partially disappears, but there’s still enough of it there for me—enough I think to sway him into helping me, at least, I hope. He gestures to the menu asking me if I want anything. I shake my head and hold up my smoothie. He nods, takes his receipt and joins me at my table, taking a seat across from me.

“Mrs. Morgan, to what do I owe the pleasure?” He unbuttons his suit coat.

I pause before speaking as I can’t sound too eager. Casual is the name of the game. I take a sip from my smoothie. “Just wanted to see if you were ready for court…”

He gives me a quizzical look. He’s not buying it. I am so fucked. “I’ve been ready. But that’s not really why we’re here is it, Sarah?” He raises an eyebrow.