Reciprocal Discovery （n.） – Olivia
RECIPROCAL DISCOVERY (N.):
THE EXCHANGE OF DOCUMENTS, LISTS OF WITNESSES, AND OTHER INFORMATION BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES OF A LAWSUIT OR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION BEFORE TRIAL.
OLIVIA
Iclicked through this morning’s headlines, still feeling a heaviness in my chest at the loss of Liam.
At the idea of him.
Still in denial about him being the worst type of judge—the worst type of man—I’d reread every line in Max’s bank account findings, scoured the original Jenkins’ transcripts, and yet…
The truth remained the same.
He was guilty as hell.
There’d been so many moments when I wanted to call him for advice on my law school applications, so many instances when I wanted to show up to his place and slide under his sheets, but…I couldn’t.
I had a train ticket booked for Ithaca, New York for tomorrow—to look into a small bit of information I found on his hometown, but I doubted it would change anything.
I still hoped it would, though…
Brushing the thoughts of him away, I slipped out of my car and strolled into the admissions department at Hudson Law School.
“Hold it together, Liv,” I muttered. “Hold it together.”
I had a scheduled interview to ace.
The golden entry doors welcomed me inside a marble hallway, immediately reminding me of my days working in Liam’s office.
I followed the signs for “Mid-Year Applicants,” and signed in before taking a seat.
Everyone else in this room looked far younger than me and far more prepared.
Shit. “I left my briefcase in the car,” I muttered.
“Next applicant, please!” A suit called out from the other side of the room. “Is Miss Olivia Spencer here?”
“Yes?” I nodded. “That’s me.”
“Come follow me, please.”
“Could I run to the car and get my briefcase first?” I asked. “I’ll be quick, I promise.”
“That won’t be necessary.” He gestured for me to cross the room.
I bit my tongue, hoping I hadn’t messed up my chances before they could begin. I followed him through three sets of doors that gave way to a circular room encased in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
“Well then, Miss Spencer,” he said, picking up a navy blue binder with glittering gold lettering, “welcome to Hudson Law School! We look forward to you continuing your education here.”
“Wait, what?”
“A guide will arrive here soon for your one o’clock tour, and then your advisor will meet you for a free lunch at our Sweet Sentencing Café.”
“I thought this was a first round interview,” I said, not wanting to get my hopes up. “Are you sure you’re not confusing me with someone else?”
“Not at all, Miss Spencer.” He laughed. “We’re quite honored to welcome you into Hudson, and are confident you’ll excel exactly where you left off in your studies.”
“But…” I dug a nail against my skin to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. “I haven’t been doing anything special to be considered so fast.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Very sure.” I nodded. “I hit submit on my application two seconds before the deadline.”
“You’re not the only one.” He laughed again.
“But when you get a glowing, five-page recommendation letter from the Honorable Judge Liam Ashton—along with a “You’d be fucking foolish not to accept this woman ASAP,” note—you get to skip the entire line, Miss Spencer.”
Liam did what?
I stared at him in utter disbelief.
“You were already near the top of our list for managing to last longer than three months as his law clerk,” he said. “His stamp of approval pushed you over the top.”
“Can I see a copy of his letter?”
“Sure.” He nodded. “Ask your guide to take you to the library when you’re done and I’ll get you one.”
“Thank you.”
“In the meantime,” he said, tapping his chin, “Judge Ashton did ask me to give you one thing upon your arrival.”
“If you’ll excuse me for one moment…”
He stepped out of the room, and I pressed a hand against my chest to prevent my heart from jumping out of my body.
I can’t believe he did that for me…
The guy returned with a massive bouquet of red roses and ivory tulips, and I noticed a silver envelope tucked into their center.
“Your guide will be here shortly, Miss.” He gave me one last nod before leaving, and I settled into a chair.
Anxious, I ran my hand against the envelope’s seam before ripping it open.
Dear Olivia,
I am quite offended that you did not ask me for a letter of recommendation.
Our last conversation at my place aside, I don’t understand why you thought one from Mara would be better than one from me…
Alas, you are forgiven for this major oversight, and as always, I hope you appreciate my leniency.
Sincerely,
Your Favorite Judge,
Liam
P.S. I miss you very much. (As my employee only, of course)
P.P.S. I miss your pussy very much as well…
I let out a breath and pulled out my phone.
Thank you very much for the recommendation letter, Liam.
Truly.
Liam
You’re very welcome, Olivia.
You deserved it.
I’m still upset with you.
That makes two of us.
So, did you do it?
(You know what I’m talking about…)
I think the better question is WHY.
(I have no idea what you’re talking about. You think I would place THAT shit in a text message?)
I’m talking about you to a reporter this weekend.
I’m aware.
How?
I have my ways…
Anything in particular you want me to say on your behalf?
No comment.
I’m being serious.
As am I.
I hope you manage to do some REAL research between now and then, though…
I have.
I’ve researched Grant Jenkins’ case inside and out. Trust me.
I believe you.
Have you looked into his father?