She sent him a quizzical look, before asking, “Bruce, are you coming?”

  He was unable to move. His eyes followed her every movement. Her every shift. Taking in everything about her. This was impossible. How could he work this way?

  He followed the outline of her hips as they swayed when she walked. Now Elizabeth stood beside his desk ready to take notes, and still he hadn’t moved. He saw a frown settle on her brow. He was worrying her. He was worrying himself.

  “Bruce? Mr. Malone?”

  Shuffling forward, Bruce placed his briefcase next to his desk and pulled out a piece of paper. Handing it to her, he gave her time to read.

  “Is this what you want me to do today?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay. I’ll get right on it.”

  He watched Elizabeth gather her things and head back to the elevator. He hoped he wasn’t making a mistake by sending her on this mission.

  ****

  Bruce worked tirelessly for the next couple of hours, losing track of time. When he heard the elevator ding through his open office door, his head rose in anticipation. Elizabeth was overdue. Surely this was her returning.

  When he focused on the person stepping from the elevator, he was disappointed. He rose from his seat, walked around his desk, and held out his hand to his visitor.

  “Mrs. Tillman, it’s good to see you. Did we have an appointment today?”

  “No. But I—I needed to talk to you.”

  “Of course. Please. Have a seat.”

  Before her bottom touched the chair, she blurted, “I want to cancel my case.”

  Bruce felt his cheek begin to twitch. “What? I don’t understand. As I told you on the phone, you have an excellent chance of winning.”

  “Yes, I know. I heard you. But I want to withdraw.”

  “Did something happen, Mrs. Tillman?” Bruce watched as she fiddled nervously with her gloves, twisting them over and over in her aged hands.

  “No, sir. Nothing happened. I just need to withdraw the case, that’s all.”

  “Mrs. Tillman, I don’t know if this will matter to you or not, but if you stop your case now there are quite a few people that will be hurt.”

  “What? I don’t understand.”

  “Let me try to explain. You do know there were other lawsuits against the Winterbottom Corporation besides your own?”

  “Why, yes. My son, John Jr., told me so. But none of those people ever won.”

  “No, they didn’t. That was because they didn’t have the evidence you have. If we take this case to court and you win, then those people will have another chance at winning their own cases.”

  The lady bit down on her lip. She seemed afraid and uncertain.

  Bruce continued. “New information has been found that suggests those cases were tampered with. I can’t go into detail, but I assure you that you will win and so will they. But not if you withdraw. Do you understand?”

  “Yeah. I understand. It’s just, well, I’ve been getting these phone calls, you see. I didn’t want to tell John Jr. because he’s all the way back in Kentucky and he would be worried. Whoever is calling me keeps sayin’ if I don’t drop the suit, then I’m going to regret it.”

  “Is the voice a man or a woman?”

  “I’m not rightly sure. I did record the voice on my answering machine, but these newfangled things don’t have tapes, you know, so you would have to come to my house to hear it.”

  Mrs. Tillman had just given Bruce an idea. “Mrs. Tillman this is what we are going to do.”

  The plans were discussed the rest of the morning. By the time Mrs. Tillman left, it was lunchtime, and there was still no sign of Elizabeth. Bruce was wondering if the errand he’d sent Elizabeth on had been a good idea. Picking up his phone, he found Elizabeth’s cell number and punched it in. The sound of dialing on the line quickened his pulse. After a few minutes, he was certain Elizabeth wasn’t going to answer.

  Bruce had already given Cole a job so he couldn’t call him for help. Grabbing his coat, he decided to go in search of her himself. At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and there she stood. She looked radiant, a broad smile spread wide across her face.

  “Miss me?”

  How should he answer that?

  When Bruce remained silent Elizabeth kept talking, excitement in her voice. “I got everything you asked for. Although I have to say it took awhile. The records office isn’t as forthcoming as I would’ve liked them to be. But it’s all here. Now do you think we could go to lunch?”

  Bruce’s stomach started to settle, the worry dissipated. “Yes. I think we can.”

  Chapter Forty-Three

  The next few days were a flurry of activity. Bruce and Cole kept regular attendance at Julie’s home. While Cole and Julie planned their wedding, Bruce and Elizabeth worked on the Tillman case.

  The office was abuzz with rumors that Mr. Hampton had suffered a massive heart attack. Some said it was brought on by work-related stress, while others pontificated it was brought on by George’s marriage to Tina Winterbottom. Whatever the case, the fact was no one really knew what had placed Mr. Hampton in the hospital.

  When he was released and sent home to recuperate, Elizabeth went to visit him. She was surprised to find him all alone.

  “Ah, Elizabeth, dear. So nice of you to come and visit me.”

  “Yes, of course. I had to come by and see how you’re doing. Is there anything that you need?”

  “No. I’m fine. Janice has hired around the clock care for when she can’t be nearby. Tell me, Elizabeth, were you in my hospital room?”

  She swallowed. “Yes, Mr. Hampton, I was.”

  “Praise God.”

  “Excuse me.”

  Charles motioned Elizabeth forward and urged her to sit. Leaning up in a conspiratorial manner, he whispered, “Please tell me you took the letter from my pocket and hid it somewhere safe.”

  Elizabeth gnawed at her lip. “Mr. Hampton, I did take the letter.” A sigh of relief escaped his lips, but it was sucked back in when she said, “But I put it back. I was afraid someone would notice.”

  “That’s not good. Not good.”

  “Mr. Hampton, I don’t understand. The letter didn’t say anything of great importance. In fact, I can’t figure out why you were so adamant I read it in the first place.”

  Charles leaned back against the pillows, focused on the ceiling above. “The letter does say very little, you’re right about that. But it said enough for me to grasp its meaning. George has left because that tramp is blackmailing him for something Henry did. I don’t want Janice to know, you understand. I need to get the letter and hide it.”

  Elizabeth wondered if she should tell him about the people that had broken into her home? Before she could say another word, the door opened and in walked Mrs. Hampton with a tray of tea.

  “Hello, Elizabeth. It’s wonderful to see you again.” Looking at her convalescing husband, she said, “Charles, how are you this afternoon? See dear, I’ve brought you some nice hot tea.”

  “Thank you,” He answered, sending convert glances Elizabeth’s way.

  Janice served her husband then looked to her. “Elizabeth, would you care to join us?”

  Shaking her head, she said, “No, thank you. I really must be going.”

  “You can see yourself out. Yes, of course, you can. Very well, off with you. We’ll see you later.” Janice waved her away, turning all her attention on Charles.

  Dismissed, Elizabeth had left the Hampton estate and headed back to Julie’s home. That had been three days ago.

  Staring out the front window of Julie’s and Cole home, Elizabeth sipped coffee and watched Austin play. The boy flourished and blossomed under his father’s eye. It was such a joy to see a family get back together as they were meant to be. Thinking of family reminded her of her own.

  Elizabeth’s mother and father hadn’t been happy in the least that she was staying at Julie’s home. They wanted to send Thomas to stay with her. Poor Thomas. Whenever she’d needed protection he was the one who was always there. She had six other brothers and none of them coddled her like Thomas. But this time, Elizabeth staunchly refused his help. He had a family that needed him. She argued she was being well taken care of. When she told her parents about the two strong men she already had watching over her, she hadn’t received the reaction she expected.

  “You’re staying where? With who?”

  “Mom, I already told you this. I’m staying with Cole’s ex-wife. They’re getting re-married.”

  “But Cole is there? What kind of house of sin is this?”

  “Mother! Listen, you have to trust me. Cole isn’t staying in the house with us. He’s outside in a garage apartment. Only Julie, Austin, and myself are inside. Before you start asking who Austin is, I already told you he’s Julie and Cole’s nine-year-old son.”

  “So who is this other huge man watching over you?”

  Elizabeth wasn’t happy with the sarcasm she sensed in her mother’s tone. But she deserved it. She should’ve said her house phone wasn’t working and to just call her cell. Then her mother would never have known she wasn’t at home. Why did her mother need to know where she was at all times anyway? She wasn’t a child anymore. Honor thy father and mother… Ran through her head.

  “I was speaking of Bruce.”

  “My word. Is he staying there too? How big is this place?”

  “No. He’s not here. At least, not all the time.”

  “Fine. I vote you should come home. You can go back after this all blows over.”

  “I can’t.”

  “And, why is that? If you need money, we’ll send you some. I know you can’t be saving a penny up there with that townhouse payment. Just let us send you some money and you can come home.”

  “Mom, you’re not listening. I can’t leave. I’m a witness.” As soon as Elizabeth said the words she wished she could take them back. The silence on the line spoke volumes. For a brief time, Elizabeth thought her mother had hung up. But then she heard the clear resonant voice of her father.

  “Elizabeth, you’re a witness?” He moaned.

  “Dad, it’s okay. It’s not that big of a deal. I just have to tell what I heard in my apartment.”

  “And what if those people you overheard in your apartment disagree? What if they think what you say is a big deal?”

  “I don’t know,” Elizabeth said in a forced whisper.

  “Call us later. I need to check on your mother,” her dad said. Then the line went dead.

  That was the last Elizabeth had spoken to her parents. Her world was unraveling around her, and she had nothing to hold on to.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  The day of the trial arrived. Bruce was in the chamber waiting on the judge. Elizabeth sat on the couch behind him, her hands folded demurely upon her lap. She looked classy in her knee length black skirt and purple silk shirt. Her hair was wrapped up in a bun, accenting the heart shape of her face. Her green eyes stared at him with confidence.

  Bruce was glad one of them was confident. This meeting had been called by the Winterbottom’s new lawyers. A rival firm owned by an old friend of his: James Moore. The only reason Moore could be calling this meeting was to get Bruce’s evidence thrown out of the courtroom.

  In every trail transcript Bruce had read regarding the Winterbottom Corporation, this had been their MO, modus operandi, or plan of attack. First get the evidence dismissed, then attack the plaintiff until they looked stupid for trying to sue you in the first place.

  He gritted his teeth and paced the room like a caged animal. By the time the judge entered, his robes streaming out behind him as he raced to his position behind the desk, Bruce was ready to snap.

  “Your honor,” Bruce began, and was halted mid-sentence by a raised hand.

  “Mr. Malone. I’ve already spent time with Mr. Moore, and I assure you, I’m well aware of the situation.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Yes, of course. Let me explain. Mr. Moore and I have already conferred, and I believe he is correct. Your evidence is not admissible in court.”

  “What?”

  “Mr. Malone. You will refrain from yelling at me, or I’ll have you escorted out of the building and put into a cell. Do I make myself clear?”

  Bruce trembled from head to toe with anger. How had this happened? He hadn’t even been allowed to plead his case. Staring at the judge behind the desk, he noticed beads of sweat dotting his forehead. This man was guilty. Somehow the Winterbottom Corporation had information on him, and they had taken this moment to use it.

  He wasn’t convinced the case could be won without the evidence he’d collected. He had to give it one last try. There had to be something he could do. His family was powerful in this town. Maybe he should throw around a little of the Malone name and see if it would get him anywhere.

  Puffing out his chest and throwing his shoulders back, Bruce attempted to mimic his father’s blustery attitude he used in the boardroom. Before he could speak, Elizabeth interrupted.

  “Your Honor, I have a question.”

  “Who are you?”

  “I’m Mr. Malone’s assistant. And one of the witnesses.”

  The judge’s eyebrow rose, but he allowed her to continue.

  “Your Honor, if I may. Is it not highly irregular for you to speak with only one counsel at a time? Should Mr. Malone not be allowed to hear why the prosecution believes his evidence is inadmissible?”

  The judge wiggled in his leather chair, but Elizabeth didn’t stop. She leaned forward over the desk, peering directly into his eyes. “Your Honor, I understand you’re under an oath to uphold the law. I also understand you are human and not infallible. I’m sure in your decades of service, that in your personal life, you have made a mistake or two. Yet you must not let your mistake ruin the lives of so many others. You know as well as I do that Mr. Tillman died from cancer brought about by his position at the Winterbottom plant. The facts are plain and simple. Even the prosecution knows it. That’s why they have threatened you.”

  The judge looked down at his desk, his skin took on a pale hue, his lips trembled. Elizabeth placed her hand over his and patted lightly. “You know, sir, God is justice and worthy to forgive.”

  The judge nodded.

  “You know you have to do the right thing. I realize this might cause a great and personal sacrifice to you, but ask yourself this. How will you sleep at night if you don’t do the right thing?”

  There was no answer.

  “Your Honor, if I may be so bold. I suggest you call Mr. Moore into the room and ask him to state his request correctly. He can ask for the evidence to be thrown out in front of you, in front of the court stenographer, in front of Mr. Malone, and myself. Then if you feel he has legitimate legal grounds, you can dismiss the evidence. But if not—“ Elizabeth’s words drifted away, but it was enough.

  Bruce was surprised when the judge, with renewed optimism, stepped from behind his desk and walked to the door. Elizabeth had given the man a hope of redeeming himself. She’d presented a way for him to do his job by his principles. If he went by the letter of the law and anything was ever said about his decision, then the proof would be there. He would do his work with dignity and honor, which was all that mattered.

  The judge summoned Mr. Moore and the stenographer inside. Mr. Moore’s face was covered in a smirk of satisfaction. Bruce’s hands, which were balled into fists by his sides, barely stayed put. The desire to wipe the smirk from Moore’s visage was almost more than he could take.

  Bruce watched as Elizabeth settled back on the couch. She blended into the background and tried to keep from being noticed. He didn’t think it was possible for her to go unnoticed. Her slender legs seemed to take up the entire room. He gulped. He needed to think of other things. Like how he couldn’t wait to get her alone and tell her how proud he was of her.

  Once the opposing counsel was all the way in the room, Bruce looked at him. Go ahead and present your case old buddy. Let’s see what you got.

  A hand shot out in a formal greeting, and Bruce grasped it firmly.

  “Good to see you again.”

  “James. It’s been a long time.”

  “Indeed it has. I heard you were doing criminal law. So how did you get this case?”

  “It’s a long story. How about you? The Winterbottom Corporation has been with the Hampton firm for almost thirty years. Don’t you think it’s odd they would switch to a new firm?”

  James Moore shrugged and laughed under his breath. “I guess the corporation wasn’t convinced they could be defended by the same set of lawyers that are suing them.”

  They shared a smile, and Bruce said, “I understand you have something you want to discuss before we start.”

  James appeared stunned. He ran a finger under his collar, pulling it away from his neck. “Well, I thought—”

  “Yes, you thought?”

  James shocked look turned to one of understanding. His raised eyebrow lowered and his lip twitched. “Of course. We wouldn’t be in chambers otherwise, right? Here it is. You’re medical information on John Tillman. You can’t use it. And you can’t use that ancient letter you found.”

  “Why not?”

  The two of them weren’t addressing the judge as they stood toe to toe. This was a showdown. One like they’d had in their college days. Except Bruce was ready. This time he would win.

  “One reason. They won’t help you.”

  “I think the jury should be the judge of that.”

  “Listen Bruce, this is how it is. That medical information doesn’t say anything except that your client had cancer. Okay, lots of people get cancer. Big deal. And the letter you have on that crinkled paper is half burned, and no one can read the thing. So let’s just leave it out and save you some embarrassment.”

  “Why, if neither one of those pieces will help me, should I bother with leaving them out? And why would you threaten a judge on behalf of your client if the information meant nothing?”