Read Online Panther's Prey by Lachlan Smith - Free Book Online Page B

think?” She paused. Then she looked at me. “You’re new here. Unlike most of our lawyers, you came in with experience trying felony cases. We took a chance that you’d be able to mesh with our system.”
    â€œI appreciate that.”
    â€œOn the plus side, you’re not afraid to bring a hopeless case to trial. You’ve proved you can win against the odds. Don’t get a big head about that. Any lawyer who can’t work miracles won’t last long.”
    â€œOkay.” I didn’t say that I wasn’t planning to last any longer than I had to. It was moments such as this that made me determined to be my own boss.
    â€œSo you’re over the first hurdle. You’ve got talent. But do you have judgment?”
    I tried to play off the question, but my response fell flat. “No one’s ever accused me of that.”
    â€œWith your backstory, I imagine you’ve learned a lesson or two.”
    I remembered Jordan examining my scars, the light touch of her fingers on my belly. “I never learn. If I’d learned anything, I’d be sitting in some cubicle downtown, reviewing documents for fifty bucks an hour. I’m here because I try criminal cases and you’ve got a steady supply.”
    â€œYou’re all messed up by Jordan’s death. I can see it in your eyes. You’re here, but you’re not here.”
    â€œI’m all right.”
    â€œNo, you’re not. I heard about what happened in Department Eighteen yesterday. You think that’s competent representation, a lawyer who drifts off midsentence?”
    I’d thought I’d gotten away with the mess I’d made of the prelim. I’d convinced myself it didn’t matter. “I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been.”
    â€œYou weren’t a lot of things you should have been.”
    â€œJordan and I won the case together. If our relationship is the problem …”
    â€œI’m trying to figure out what the problem is. A lawyer on my staff is dead and her client will soon be going to prison for it. Obviously, something went very wrong.”
    â€œVery wrong or very right. Either we were wrong about Rodriguez or we were right about him—that the police arrested and charged the wrong man. And now it’s happening again, except this time the real killer planned that Rodriguez would confess.”
    Gabriela studied me for a moment. “I want you to take leave. You’ll need to see a doctor, bring me a medical certification. You’re not thinking clearly and I don’t want you representing clients in this state.”
    I thought I’d argue but I was ready to go. “Fine.”
    â€œYou’re not Rodriguez’s lawyer anymore. Now we’re on the other side. I’m sure you can think of half a dozen theories why he might not be guilty, or why he shouldn’t be held criminallyresponsible, but that’s not your job.” A different concern passed through her eyes. “Have you been in contact with Rodriguez’s new lawyer about this?”
    â€œAll she has to do is read the file. All my theories are there.”
    â€œShe’d have to get it first.”
    â€œShe hasn’t requested it?”
    â€œEverything but the evidence is our work product. We don’t give up work product without a court order. So far, no court has ordered me to turn it over.”
    â€œShe’ll get it from the DA, won’t she?”
    â€œNo warrant has been served. The minute one is, we’ll file a motion to quash it. We have the papers ready to file. I doubt it’ll come to that.”
    â€œI’m sure Chen and Cole would love to sift back through our file and figure out what we were hiding from him. But you’re telling me they’re too lazy to serve the warrant?”
    Her eyes narrowed. “I’ve earned a lot of credit at the DA’s office. Not just for winning cases, going toe-to-toe