TOTAL ECLIPSE: The Evolution (Sin City Heat Series Book 7) (29 page)

“Morning,” Darrell smiled.

For a moment, Jerra could only gape at him like a blasted idiot. He was so damned beautiful.

“Slept well?” he asked when she didn’t answer.

Jerra cleared her throat and tried to keep her voice firm. “I…I did, but you should’ve awakened me, Darrell. Do you realize it’s two o’clock in the afternoon?”

Darrell nodded. “I do.”

“Then–”

“You were exhausted. You needed the rest, so I let you sleep.”

“But I have to–”

“I already called and checked on D.J. a couple of hours ago. He’s fine. I told Nikki you’d be by to get him later.”

“Oh, great.” She scowled and threw her hands up. “That’s just great. So on top of Keisha’s nosy ass sniffing out what happened between us last night, Nikki knows too? You know she’ll mention it to Angel. Keisha is probably enlightening Dom as we speak. She’ll blab it to Aleesha and Dom will tell Marcus the moment they get to their house.”

“So? What’s the problem?”

“I just don’t want to have to deal with everyone immediately jumping to the conclusion that we’re getting back together.”

“They’re our friends, Jerra. They just care about what happens to us.”

“I know, but…” Jerra covered her face with her hands before dropping them to her side. “Sometimes it sucks to have friends that know almost everything that happens in your personal life.”

“Come here.” Darrell pulled her to him and hugged her until she hesitantly slipped her arms around his waist. “Calm down. This is a no stress zone, a’ight? You and I know what last night was all about. I enjoyed it and I hope you did too.”

Jerra nodded. “I did. Very much.”

“Good. That’s all I’m concerned about. Don’t let anything ruin that feeling. I worked too hard to get you to a state of relaxation last night for you to have a setback,” he smiled.

Jerra could hear the light teasing in his voice. “Yeah. You poor baby.”

Darrell chuckled, but when a frown pulled Jerra’s brows together, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jerra pressed her lips together. She was determined not to question him about the pictures, but dammit, she couldn’t help herself. Pulling the photos up on her phone again, she turned the screen towards him. Holding it in front of his face she stared at him in silence and waited.

His frown now mirroring hers, Darrell took the phone and scrolled through the pictures. Snorting dismissively, he shook his head then gave it back to her. “Just a bunch of silly ass women.” He kissed the top of her head then turned her around and gave her a gentle shove towards the bathroom. “Go on and take your shower. You left a few things here a while back if you want to put those on.”

Scowling, Jerra dug her heels in. “Wait. That’s your explanation for letting women grope and kiss you?”

Genuinely amused, Darrell folded his arms. “They weren’t groping me. And she reached up and kissed me at the last minute. Believe me, they got the message loud and clear that I wasn’t looking to hook up with anybody.”

“You clearly have a wedding band on, but I guess that means nothing to some people.” Jerra tried to sound unconcerned but even she heard the bite of jealousy in her voice.

“Does that include Justin?” He took her left hand and ran his thumb over the diamond setting in her wedding ring. “Is he respecting the fact that this is on your finger?”

Jerra rolled her eyes impatiently. “I’ve already told you it’s not like that with him. We’re friends. That’s it.”

“Yeah, I know that’s what you told me. But why did Keisha jump to the conclusion that you’d spent the night with him last night?” The question was asked in a dangerously soft tone.

Jerra realized too late that he’d heard that part of her conversation as well. “I…I don’t know.”

Darrell’s stare was unwavering. Finally, his lips turned up into a pale imitation of a smile that in no way reached his steely, grey eyes, or erased the question she saw in them.

“I’m sure it was a misconception on her part…the same way those pictures could be misconstrued by someone who doesn’t know any better…right?”

Jerra opened her mouth to respond, but thinking better of it, settled on a quick, jerky nod instead.

“Glad that’s settled. I’ll be waiting for you in the front.”

Twisting the edge of the t-shirt around her finger, Jerra nodded again and turned to make her way to the bathroom to take her shower. Hesitating, she paused in the doorway, determined to ask him before she changed her mind. Spinning around, she stopped him just as he was almost to the door.

“I, um, was planning on taking D.J. to the movies then out to get pizza. If you want to go with us, you’re welcome to. For D.J., of course,” she added quickly. “He’d enjoy you being there.”

Darrell reluctantly shook his head. “Thank you, but I can’t. Hawk and I are in the middle of a business discussion. When we finish, we’re gonna head out to dinner before he leaves tonight.”

Jerra lifted an eyebrow in surprise. “Oh. I understand.” But her expression clearly said she didn’t. “Are you going to the club again tonight?” She knew it was none of her business, but hell, she wanted to know.

“I doubt it. Just hangin’ around here.”

“What type of business are you two discussing? If you don’t mind me asking, that is…”

“You know you can ask me anything you like. Hawk’s planning on opening a club in Miami. We’re bouncing a couple of ideas off of each other, that’s all.” He tilted his head to the side, his eyes gently holding hers captive. “Otherwise, I would love to spend the evening with you and my son.”

Jerra kept her face expressionless, but she couldn’t deny the tiny burst of pleasure she felt. “Okay, well, I guess I’ll take that shower now. Thanks for reminding me about my clothes. I’d forgotten I’d left a few things here.”

“No problem.” Just before she closed the bathroom door, Darrell stopped her this time. “And Jerra?”

“Yes?” She looked at him curiously when he hesitated.

“I wanted to let you know…uh…” Darrell paused and stared at the floor for a few seconds before lifting his eyes back to her face.

Curious about what he wanted to tell her, Jerra leaned against the doorjamb and waited expectantly. Darrell was hardly ever at a loss for words about anything.

“I been in touch with a psychologist Marcus recommended. Had my first session earlier this week. Just wanted you to know.”

Jerra couldn’t hide the surprise on her face. That certainly was not what she’d expected him to say. Counseling was something he’d always been adamantly opposed to so she knew what a big step this was for him. Still a bit shocked, she watched as he turned to leave out of the room again.

“Darrell.”

He stopped and half-turned to look back at her inquiringly.

“I…I’m glad. I think it’ll be good for you.”

Darrell shrugged. “I know it seemed like I wasn’t listening whenever you brought up the subject, but I was. It just took me a while to come to the conclusion that you were right,” he smiled, his expression hopeful. “I’m hoping it’ll be good for
us
as well?”

Jerra heard the question in his voice. Her brown eyes glowed brightly in response. All she’d needed to know was that Darrell was willing to do this for her. For
them
.  His love had never been in question, but she knew this was far outside his comfort zone. Even so, it was a sacrifice she’d needed him to make if they were going to make any progress in their marriage.

A tremulous smile spread across her lips as she answered his question. “I think it will be.”

Giving her an answering smile in return, he tapped the door on the way out, and said “Good enough.”

CHAPTER 33

Jerra was working on a legal brief for an upcoming trial when her secretary buzzed her phone. “Yes, Heather?”

“Mr. Sullivan would like to see you in his office right away.”

Jerra frowned as she slipped her glasses off and placed them on her desk. “Alright. Thank you.”

Standing, she went to the small closet in her office and slipped the black pinstripe jacket that matched her skirt off the hanger. After making sure her gray blouse was tucked in, she made her way to Justin’s office, curious as to the reason for his call. He’d mentioned earlier this morning that he had an appointment with an old friend of his father’s who needed legal representation. Jerra glanced at the diamond-encrusted watch Darrell had given her for her birthday. The appointment had started thirty minutes ago. Surely they weren’t finished already.

After Justin’s secretary smiled and told her to go in, Jerra opened the door and immediately saw Justin half-sitting on the front of his desk, legs and arms crossed talking to an older, distinguished looking man reclining in the chair in front of him. Jerra assumed he was the friend of his father’s.

Jerra’s gaze went to another chair in the room occupied by one of the other lawyers at the firm, Melissa Bryant. Melissa was a hotshot lawyer several years younger than Jerra, and was known for her cutthroat tactics in
and
out of the courtroom. Jerra could see that Melissa seemed surprised to see her and not entirely pleased, but quickly hid it behind a fake, ice-cold smile.

Justin looked up from his conversation. Straightening from the desk, he slipped his hands in his pockets and gave her a warm look. “Jerra, there you are. Come. There’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.”

As Jerra walked towards them, she was aware of the younger woman’s eyes on her the entire time. Jerra gave her a brief glance and saw jealousy, as well as out and out dislike on Melissa’s face. The tension between the two women developed the moment Jerra joined the firm. Jerra could honestly say she’d done nothing to warrant the icy attitude the woman projected towards her, but she had an idea of the cause: Melissa was intimidated by her. Not only did she resent the fact that Jerra had been courted for years to join the firm, but she was envious of the friendly relationship Jerra had with Justin. In addition to that, Jerra sensed Melissa had a thing for him, but from what Jerra could see, the attraction wasn’t reciprocated.

Pasting a smile on her face, she gave her full attention to their client as Justin made the introductions. As soon as Jerra heard his name, she immediately knew why he’d sought out their services. Albert Abrams, Sr. was one of the wealthiest jewelry dealers in the U.S…and his twenty-three year old son had just been arrested for murdering his girlfriend.

Being the professional that she was, Jerra let none of her thoughts show on her face as she accepted the handshake he offered. “Mr. Abrams, I’m very pleased to meet you.”

“Likewise, Mrs. Monroe.”

“Please, call me Jerra.”

After he nodded in acknowledgment, Justin gestured for them to move to the conference table. He waited until they were all seated, then directed his attention to Jerra and Melissa.

“I asked you both to be here in order to bring you up to speed on the reason for Albert’s visit. Although I’m sure you both probably recognized his name, and are aware of the unfortunate situation that he and his family are going through, I’m going to give you an overview of what happened.”

Jerra and Melissa nodded, but remained silent. There was no need to respond, because of course both knew that the handsome and wealthy Albert Abrams Jr. had been accused of bludgeoning his beautiful, blonde girlfriend in a jealous rage. Hell, half the world had heard about it and was tuned in, and ready for the public spectacle that was sure to follow the case.

“Before I go over the facts, I wanted to say that Albert has asked our firm to represent his son. I would take the case, but I’m in the middle of this Ryland Pharmaceuticals lawsuit as you both know.”

The case Justin was referring to was a multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit brought forth by patients with serious health conditions stemming from a new drug prescribed to them by their physicians. The drug turned out to have major defects in the chemical composition that resulted in debilitating health problems for the patients, and in some cases, death.

“I’m assigning Albert’s case to the two of you. Whatever you’re working on now will be reassigned.”

Jerra and Melissa kept their professionalism intact at the news, but Jerra knew for a fact that the other woman had to be just as excited as she was about the unexpected surprise. The Abrams murder case was huge. High profile. It was being reported by news outlets all over the world, and had all the markings of a sensationalized story that everyone loved to tune in to.

Jerra was chomping at the bit to dive into it. As stoked as she was about what Justin just told them, his next words all but floored her…and undoubtedly pissed Melissa the hell off.

“Jerra, you’re going to take first chair on this.”

To her credit, Jerra’s only reaction was a slight widening of her eyes before she nodded once. However, inside, she was jumping up and down and clicking her heels with pure, unadulterated glee.

Melissa’s reaction, however, was just the opposite. Sitting up ramrod straight, she surged forward in her chair. “
What
? Justin…I…are…are you
sure
?” she hissed.

Jerra looked at her in disbelief. Did she really just say that? And in front of a client, no less.

Albert frowned. His narrowed gaze reflected his uncertainty as it landed on Jerra.

Justin’s eyes turned artic blue. His voice was razor sharp as he addressed Melissa’s question. “Of course I’m sure. I don’t take any of my client’s cases lightly, least of all Albert’s. He and my father grew up together, and were the best of friends up until the day my father died. If I thought you and Jerra weren’t the best litigators to defend Albert’s son, neither of you would be in this room. For that matter, you wouldn’t be employed at this firm.” He sat back and pinned her with a cutting glare. “If I’m wrong and you are doubting
your
abilities about being able to defend our client, Melissa, please let me know. As far as
Jerra
is concerned, she has my complete confidence.”

A sheet of silence covered the room. Although his outward appearance never betrayed his emotions, Jerra knew Justin was seething inside as he stared at Melissa.

The other woman squirmed in her chair before regaining her composure. Lifting her chin she met Justin’s chastising eyes head on. “Of course. My apologies.”

She parted her lips to say more but his piercing stare stopped her. Melissa ducked her head down and reached for the pen and note pad that had been placed on the table by Justin’s secretary.

His body relaxed somewhat as he began to give them a quick overview of the case. “Two days ago, Albert Jr. and his girlfriend were in his room which is located on a separate wing at his parents’ home. From all accounts, the couple has always had a volatile relationship. Matter of fact, the girlfriend’s been arrested several times for attacking our client. On the night in question, the two of them had just returned from a party when they got into another one of these violent confrontations. Albert Jr.’s girlfriend accused him of having sex with a woman at the party. The argument escalated into a physical altercation; the young woman was killed. Albert says he snapped. The only thing he remembers is trying to defend himself after his girlfriend came after him with a bat. He didn’t intend to kill her.”

Jerra had been jotting down notes as he spoke, but looked up and asked in a brisk tone,  “Were drugs and alcohol a factor?”

“Yes. Both had been drinking heavily all night. We’re still waiting on the results of the toxicology tests, but according to Albert Jr., pills were involved and they both snorted several lines of cocaine. ”

Jerra directed her attention to Albert Abrams. “Sir, the victim died from blunt force trauma to the head. The police never found the murder weapon. Do you know what happened to it?” When Albert hesitated, Jerra gentled her tone.  “Mr. Abrams, we need full disclosure in order to defend your son effectively. Anything you say here is privileged information and will go no further than this room.”

Albert took out a handkerchief and nervously pressed it to his damp brow. “His mother and I…we disposed of the bat. There’s absolutely no possibility of it resurfacing.”

Jerra didn’t even blink. As she said, she just needed all of the facts. Nodding, her pen flew over the pages of the notepad. She, Justin, and Melissa continued to speak to Mr. Abrams for the next two hours and made plans to meet with Albert Jr. before he was arraigned. Justin’s tone was sympathetic as he walked Mr. Abrams to the door, assuring him his son was in excellent hands now.

However, the moment he closed the door, the amiable expression he’d worn gave way to an anger so powerful Jerra expected the windows in the room to shatter from its force. His steel blue eyes reflected his unflinching fury. They never left Melissa as he slowly advanced into the room.

“Just what in the hell do you think you were doing? It’s bad enough you question a decision I made, but to do it in front of a client is completely unacceptable!”

Melissa cleared her throat. She’d obviously been prepared for the reprimand and was ready to plead her case. “Justin, I–”

“Shut up!” Justin roared. “Not one word, Melissa! Not one got damn word!” He pointed his finger at her. “You have no idea how close I am to firing your ass right now. As long as you continue to work here, don’t you ever, ever contradict me like that in front of a client again, do I make myself clear?”

Her face beet red, Melissa nodded and whispered, “Yes, Justin. I’m…I’m sorry.”

“Keep your got damn apology, because frankly it doesn’t mean shit to me right now,” Justin spat out and he stalked past them to his desk. “We’ll discuss this later, but for now, I don’t have to tell either of you how important this case is. The arraignment is in a couple of days. I suggest you get started on your defense.”

Knowing they’d been summarily dismissed, both women nodded as they left the office.

“I suppose you enjoyed that,” Melissa huffed once they were out of earshot of Justin’s secretary.

The little bit of sympathy she’d felt for Melissa getting chewed a new asshole disappeared in an instant. Biting her tongue to keep the stinging retort from passing her lips, Jerra ignored the comment as they both waited on the elevator, but Melissa refused to let it go.

“There are lawyers with more experience at this firm than you who deserved to have this case. It must be nice to have everything handed to you because of your
friendship
with the boss,” she sneered suggestively.

Jerra had had enough. She was well aware of the whispers and innuendos making their way around the company about her and Justin, and she was tired of it.

“Listen to me and listen well. You may not like me, but you
will
respect me and respect what I bring to the table. But first, let me give you a freebie and clue you in on a few things you seem to be too stupid to realize.”

Melissa scoffed and jabbed the elevator button. She stared up at the lighted panel of numbers, watching as the elevator descended the floors. It was clear she meant to ignore Jerra and anything Jerra had to say.

When the elevator doors glided open, Jerra stepped in front of Melissa, blocking her from getting on. “We’ll take the next one,” she told the employees who looked at them expectantly. “Thanks.”

After the doors closed, Melissa rounded in on Jerra. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’ve known Justin Sullivan for a long time. Newflash: His bottom line is winning and winning big.
Nothing
else matters. There’s a reason why Sullivan, Baker & Lewis pursued me for almost six years, and it wasn’t so Justin could get in my panties. I’m damned good at what I do. Check my record if you don’t believe me, but I suspect you’ve already done that. That’s why you act like such a jealous little bitch whenever we’re in the same room.”

A crimson blush of embarrassment mingled with guilt spread over Melissa’s face letting Jerra know she was right on the money.

“You and every other lawyer who’s busy gossiping behind my back and spreading rumors know how good I am. That’s the main reason I was chosen for this case. The second reason is the fact that I’m a woman.”

Confused, Melissa frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Jerra shook her head. For such an excellent lawyer, the woman really was clueless.  “We already know the jury will be hostile towards our client. The women
will
dislike him, be disgusted by him. It’s not going to help if a man represents him and argues his case. Maybe, just
maybe
, they’ll be a little bit more receptive if his lawyers are women.”

“So…that’s why Justin assigned the case to us.”

Jerra rolled her eyes. Give the girl a gold star.

“I don’t know about you, but I really don’t give a damn how or why this case fell into my lap. Think about it. If we win then we can more or less write our own ticket. I suggest that you give this case your all. A win is a victory for both of us. But if we lose…”