Chapter 3

Early the next morning, I had just walked into my office with a cup of coffee when I saw two unwelcome guests sitting on the couch.

The first was Kirk Wagner, the deputy chairman of the State Bar Association—and the other was Todd, who'd just threatened to come after me yesterday.

Kirk was a pot-bellied man in his 50s with a phony smile on his face. The moment he saw me arrive, he stood and said with a display of friendliness, "Look at you, Mr. Carter! I can't believe you get into work this early. You truly are the best role model in the legal community."

I went behind my desk and took my seat, lightly setting down my coffee cup.

"I'm sure you didn't come here without a reason, Mr. Wagner. Let's just get straight to the point," I replied.

Kirk gave an awkward chuckle and rubbed his hands together. "Well, you see, I've heard about the case involving Ms. Lowry. She's been a part of our legal community for many years now, and she has made contributions to the state's legal environment, too. Now that she's in trouble, it's only right for us to help out one of our own."

After a pause, he continued in an earnest tone, "You're the top criminal defense attorney in our state. If word got out that you refused to help her in her time of need, it won't be good for your reputation, and it'll also affect the image of the entire legal community, you know."

I leaned back in my chair and quietly enjoyed his performance before commenting, "Mr. Wagner, I believe Article 47 of the Attorney Practice Regulations stipulates that every attorney has the right to refuse a case on reasonable grounds. When did the Bar Association start forcing attorneys to take on cases?"

"And what are you claiming as your reasonable grounds for refusal?" Todd, who'd been observing on the side, suddenly cut in, his expression frosty.

Sneering, he got up, placed both hands on my desk, and eyed me aggressively.

"Don't think I don't know what you're really thinking, Mason. You're just holding a grudge against Christa because she dumped you back then, aren't you? Don't you think it goes against the image of professionalism you've crafted for yourself if you abuse your position for a personal vendetta?"

The moment he finished speaking, comments flooded my vision.

[Screw you! How dare a scumbag like you, who stole someone else's woman, bring up the past!]

[Christa was the one who'd used false evidence to frame Mason's dad and hook up with Todd right after, just for the sake of money and power!]

[This pisses me off so much! How can these two monsters be so deplorable? Put him in his place, Mason!]

15 years ago, right after they had Dad taken to court on trumped-up charges, Christa broke up with me, claiming we were incompatible. The very next day, I saw her sitting in Todd's sports car.

As I stared at Todd's shameless expression now, I quelled the loathing and disgust churning inside of me and eyed him impassively.

"I will submit my reason for recusal to the Bar Association's disciplinary committee in writing. As for the personal vendetta you're talking about..."

I leaned forward slightly, lowering my voice.

"Todd, you should be praying that I'm only refusing this case because she dumped me. Otherwise, it would mean that, sooner or later, the depraved things you two did back then will come to light."

Todd's expression stiffened. A flash of panic appeared in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a menacing glare. He slammed his hand down on the desk, making the coffee in my cup splash out.

"Don't even try to use the regulations to brush me off, Mason! And don't bother pretending like you have something over me!" he snarled as he wagged his finger at me, dropping all pretense of civility.

"This is your final warning. If you don't take on this case, I'll have your reputation ruined by tomorrow! Who do you think you are, huh? You think a puny ant like you has what it takes to challenge someone with my level of money and influence?"

"Go right ahead."

I pulled out a tissue and calmly wiped off the coffee stains on my desk, not even sparing him another glance.

Scoffing in fury, Todd growled, "So be it. You've got guts. I'll give you that. But we shall see who wins!"

He then grabbed his car keys and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Kirk sighed and shook his head before rising to his feet. "You're too young and hot-headed, Mr. Carter. It is always wise to know when to concede. You'd best be prepared for what's about to come."

At last, silence returned to the office.

Staring out the window at the overcast sky, I knew the storm that had been brewing for what felt like forever now was finally about to arrive. However, my heart was strangely calm. In fact, I even felt a hint of exhilaration.

My prey had lost its patience and was finally falling into the trap by itself.