South Row Read Free Page B

that Computer Technology conference was torture. I almost hopped a flight to New York just to surprise her with it,” Wyatt voices.
    “I just wanted to be sure.” You still aren’t, says that pesky, annoying voice.
    “Then why buy the ring if you weren’t sure?” Johann asks.
    The table falls silent. I feel like I’m on the witness stand, wanting to adjust my tie or shift in my chair, but refraining, fearing that I might look guilty.
    I swallow past the guilty-assed lump in my throat, but as I am about to answer, baby bro saves the day.
    “If he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t have given it to her, now would he? Besides, Collin isn’t the type of guy to jump dick first into something without being sure.”
    “Including pussy,” the group adds in unison and we all burst out laughing.
    After what seems like minutes, Luke breaks in, “Collin, dude, I’m sorry I’m second-guessing you, man. I just wanna make sure you’re making the right decision and that you’ll have no regrets in the future.” And there it is.
    “Yeah, I know, man.” We give each other a cursory nod. A nod that says, I’ve got you, brother.

CHAPTER TWO
     
    “In the case of the State versus Fletcher Colfax on the count of rape in the first degree, how do you find?” Judge Reinhart asks.
    We’ve been engaged in this case for three long months and the jury has been in deliberation for a week and a half. Fletcher Colfax, supposed serial rapist, is my client; but let me defend him, he’s not a serial rapist. He’s simply a player who is kinky in bed. Not saying the women weren’t raped, just…not by my client.
    Being kinky and being forced are two different things, and when I brought out that fact to each witness, giving a blow-by-blow of some of the sexual activities they were engaged in with my client, the flush that crept over their faces was indication that I was right and that, at the time, they all liked it. God, for the sake of women out there, I hope I was right.
    It’s a huge case, high profile as it is, considering Fletcher is a multi-millionaire with unusual sexual proclivities.
    “We find the defendant,” Juror number one pauses, for dramatic effect of course.
    The courtroom is still, a nervous cough erupts, but the silence is suffocating. My heart is pounding and the look on Fletcher’s face is tight, but his lips are quivering with anxiety. A trickle of sweat pours down from his hairline down the side of his face and he shifts slightly from foot to foot as he awaits the verdict.
    “Fletcher Orion Colfax,” the juror continues then pauses again, and I have the insane need to punch him in the face to get on with it.
    “Not guilty on the basis of…” the juror’s words are cut off by exuberant cheers and angered remonstrations.
    I heave a huge sigh of relief and Fletcher pulls me to him in an uncharacteristic and, frankly, unwanted embrace.
    “I owe you forever, Collin,” he declares, pounding my back.
    When he pulls back I just smile, not agreeing or disagreeing. He has already paid me and that’s enough. I seriously want nothing to do with his pompous ass anymore.
    “It was nice working with you, Mr. Colfax. I hope to see you again under lighter, better circumstances,” I lie.
    If there is any hope left in the world, I’ll never see him again; but with a man like Fletcher with all his money, status, and sexual preferences, legal woes are bound to follow him in the future. Let’s hope I can tell him no when that time comes, even if he is paying me a shitload of cash.
    The judge says a few words that I scarce recall before adjourning. I just want to go out with the guys and take my mind off of it all. I should be ecstatic, but I just feel exhausted and disinterested in festivities.
    My boss, Kaylee’s dad, Mr. Liam Stone, ambles over to me with a shit-eating grin on his face. I just made him even more money, so of course the rich son-of-a-bitch is smiling.
    “My golden boy!” Mr. Stone exclaims, clutching me to