Trust Me by Anna Wells Read Free Book Online Page B

Judge Wallace), she returned to her
seat and waited to hear Donovan Prentice’ s arguments
with a little trepidation.
    As Donovan rose from his seat, she couldn't help but
notice how he looked more like an FBI agent than a lawyer, although, she
thought that probably came from working for the Bureau.  One thing that
didn't coincide with the FBI image was his looks.  He was just too
striking to be with the FBI, weren't they all supposed to look alike? 
Thankfully, the Judge wasn't a woman, because certainly no woman could go
unaffected by his imposing presence.  Alaina was an example of that since
she was sitting here concentrating on him during the most important court
appearance of her life.  Maybe, she thought derisively, I'm becoming
obsessed with him.
    Donovan now stood before Judge Wallace and began the
arguments for the FBI, “The public and the judicial process are entitled to
every man's evidence.  Full disclosure of evidence on the part of all
parties is necessary for the judicial system to work.  The OAS is being
charged with responsibility for several terrorist bombings across the country. 
Tom Simmons' papers represent part of the OAS' records and as such may contain
evidence pertaining to the bombings.”
    “Any archival privilege asserted was canceled by the
act of allowing scholars to access the papers.  My brief clearly outlines
the number of times access has been granted by Alaina Simmons under the
specific instructions left by Tom Simmons.  There are numerous cases
illustrating that once information is disclosed outside of a privileged
relationship that the action of disclosure nullifies privilege.  The FBI
advocates that there is no legal basis for denial of access and asks that the
Court uphold the subpoena.  Thank you, your Honor.”  Donovan Prentice
finished his argument and returned his seat awaiting, as Alaina did, the Judge's
comments.
    Judge Wallace shuffled some of his papers and
addressed both Alaina and Donovan.
    “I will take both your arguments into consideration on
this case and provide you with my decision by the end of next week.  Until
that time, no access to the documents in question will be allowed.”
    Alaina collected her coat and briefcase and left the
courtroom.  As she exited she was halted by a familiar voice.  She
had thought she had fled quickly enough to avoid Donovan, but it was obvious
she was wrong.  They stood outside of the doors to the courtroom facing
each other.
    Alaina sighed as she said, “Yes Mr. Prentice?” 
Her tone definitely transmitted her feeling of annoyance at being delayed by
him, but Donovan chose to ignore it.
    “I just want to tell you that you did an excellent job
arguing your case.  I was surprised considering your lack of experience in
this area of law.  Maybe you should consider changing your
specialization.”
    “Mr. Prentice I wasn't even aware you knew I had a
specialization or what experience I had in a courtroom.”  Alaina was
annoyed with both his knowledge of her and his patronizing compliment.
    “Please don't take offense.  Your court
appearances are a matter of public record and there’s a pretty thorough
description of your practice on your law firm’s website.   I always
make it a habit to know everything I can about my opponent and Google makes
that pretty simple.  Listen, the motion is over, and it's just a matter of
a week until the judge makes his decision and our courtroom relationship will
be over.  I'd like to try and put it behind us.  Why don't you join
me for lunch now?”
    Alaina couldn’t imagine having to sit through an
entire lunch with this man.  She was convinced that her attraction to him
was only going to cause her trouble; after all, look at the effect he had on
her after only two meetings.  Was she a complete idiot?  She should
just go for it. When had she ever been this attracted to someone?  She was
definitely feeling conflicted, but she found herself looking up into