Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
Parker
I entered the courtroom and buttoned my suit coat before sitting behind the defendant’s table and next to Roman, who was second chair, and my client, a decorated firefighter accused of arson. Across from me stood ADA Jacobs, who was already playing to the jury.
“Your Honor, the ADA said, stepping forward. “The evidence will show that the defendant didn’t just respond to the fire. He started it.”
I didn’t say a word as I flipped through my notes. I would let him have his moment before I pulverized him.
He called his first witness. Dr. Carter, an arson expert. Once he finished questioning her, it was my turn.
“Dr. Carter, you’ve testified in over a hundred arson cases, correct?” I asked.
“Yes. That is correct.”
“And you’re very good at what you do.”
“I’d like to think so.” She smiled.
“I’m sure you are. Tell me. How many cases that you testified in were overturned?”
“Objection. Relevance?” ADA Jacobs asked.
“Goes to credibility, Your Honor.”
“Overruled. Answer the question.”
“I would say very few,” Dr. Carter said.
“Define very few,” I said.
“Two cases.”
“Two,” I repeated. “And in those two cases, what was the issue?”
She hesitated for a moment. “New evidence came to light.”
“Do you mean new evidence or a flawed analysis of what really happened?” I asked.
“Objection! Argumentative.”
“Overruled. Answer the question, Dr. Carter,” the judge said.
I saw her jaw tighten as nervousness swept over her.
“As you put it, Mr. Hamilton. A flawed analysis.”
“Let’s talk about this case.” I turned, and Roman handed me a photo. “This is the kitchen, correct?” I held up the photo in front of Dr. Carter.
“Yes.”
“This is where you claim the fire originated.”
“Yes.”
“You claim you’re a burn pattern expert. And the patterns you see in this photo are due to the use of an accelerant.”
“Yes.”
“And being the expert, you claim to be, I’m sure you know a fire can reach a point where everything ignites at once, creating patterns that look identical to arson.”
“Objection, Your Honor!”
“This is established fire science 101, Your Honor,” I said.
“Overruled.”
“Yes. That can happen,” Dr. Carter said, staring at ADA Jacobs.
“And did you test that probability?” I asked.
“No.”
“Excuse me, Your Honor.” Roman stood from his chair. “I need to speak with my brother for a moment. It’s very important.”
“It better be, Mr. Hamilton. You know I don’t like disruptions in my courtroom.”
I walked over to the table. “What are you doing?”
“Morgan just texted me. Paige is in labor. They’re on their way to the hospital now.”
“What? She’s not due for another two weeks.”
“Babies don’t play by our timelines, brother.” He placed his hand on my shoulder. “You go. I got this.”
I walked up to the judge. “I was just informed my wife is in labor. My brother is going to take over if it’s okay, Your Honor.”
“Of course. Congratulations, Mr. Hamilton. Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”
“It’s a boy.” I smiled.
“Then I expect to see the future Mr. Hamilton in my courtroom one day.”
“You bet, Your Honor. Thank you.”
I ran out of the courthouse, climbed into my car, and drove as fast as I could to the hospital. When I arrived, a kind nurse took me up to the Labor and Delivery area, where they were already prepping Paige.
“I’m here.” I ran over to her bedside and kissed her forehead. “Thank you, Morgan, for taking care of her.”
“You’re welcome. I called the rest of the family. They’re on their way.”
“Roman is taking over in court for me. He’ll be here later.”
“How is my favorite patient doing?” Georgia walked into the room.
“I’m ready to get this over with.” Paige smiled.
“Said every pregnant woman, ever,” Georgia said, glancing at the fetal monitor. “You’re having a strong contraction right now, Paige. Why aren’t you screaming as every woman does?”
“I was trained to handle pain. I’ve felt worse than this.”
“Okay, then. Lucky you.” Georgia smiled. “I’m going to check to see how dilated you are. Look at that. You’re already dilated to seven. I’m afraid it’s too late for an epidural.”
“I’m fine, Georgia. I don’t need one.”
Georgia’s brows furrowed. “You are the best patient I’ve ever had. I’ll be back soon.” She gave Paige’s hand a squeeze.
After a few hours, Paige wasn’t progressing, so I helped her out of bed, and we walked around the room.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“I’m fine. Stop worrying.”
She was such a warrior, and I was so proud to be able to call her my wife.
“Whoa.” She gripped her belly and her back. “That one was a little too much.”
“Let’s get you back in bed.”
She rolled on her side, and I rubbed her lower back.
“How does that feel?” I asked.
“Better. Thank you.” She reached over and placed her hand on my cheek.
She was getting tired. I could see it in her eyes.
“Close your eyes for a while and try to get some rest.”
“Before you do that, I need to check you,” Georgia said, stepping into the room. “Sorry to break the news to you, but you’re fully dilated. It’s time to push, Paige.”
“You got this, sweetheart.” I gripped her hand and helped her into position.
She pushed for an hour. And with each push, she became more exhausted.
“I need one big push, Paige,” Georgia said.
“I can’t.” She fell back on the bed. “I can’t do this. Just take the baby out. Do what you have to.”
“Come on, Paige. One big push.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I can’t.”
Georgia looked at me, and I knew what I had to do.
“You listen to me, Paige Hamilton. You’re going to push out our baby and bring him into this world.
You’re a cold-blooded assassin.” When I said that, the nurse looked at me.
“You’re a fighter. You’re a warrior. You take down terrorists, drug dealers, bad people.
You don’t quit. That’s not who you are. You weren’t made to quit.
You don’t hesitate in any situation. Where is she, Paige?
Where is that woman I fell in love with? ”
“God, I hate you.” She stared at me, bared down, and pushed as hard as she could.
“I see his head. One more, Paige,” Georgia said.
“AH!” Paige shouted as she gave one more big push, and the sweet cry of our son could be heard throughout the hospital.
“You did it. He’s here.” I kissed her lips.