Page 44 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

“You are my attorney,” Bay said.

“I haven’t agreed to it. Nor has the judge.”

“You came back,” the girl said. “You’re asking the right questions.”

Sabre almost smiled. “That’s not the same thing.”

“You’re not like the others,” she said. “You don’t stop when something doesn’t fit.”

“How do you know that?”

“I just know.”

Sabre held her gaze. “And that’s why you asked for me.”

“Yes.”

Sabre stood.

Bay’s eyes followed her. “You’re leaving?”

“For now.”

Bay frowned. “My hearing’s in less than thirty minutes.”

“I know.”

Sabre moved toward the door.

“He would’ve hurt her,” the girl called softly.

Sabre turned and gave a small nod. “I know.” Then she stepped out and closed the door.

As Sabre walked toward the courtroom, one thought stayed with her. Bay saying she didn’t know the name Hannah Caldwell.

But Sabre knew Hannah’s case, and until she figured out the connection, she still didn’t know which way to go.

Chapter 15

Wednesday morning

Sabre hurried into the courtroom and glanced at the counsel table. Bay’s court-appointed attorney, Ethan Vale, was reviewing a file with quiet focus. Jacket off, sleeves rolled, tie slightly loosened. He looked up when Sabre neared, pleasant recognition flickering across his face. Next to him was Bay, watching not the room, not the judge’s bench, and not her own attorney, just Sabre.

“Calling the matter on calendar,” the clerk announced. “People versus Mercer.”

Bay stood. Ethan rose beside her.

Sabre remained where she was, off to the side, not counsel of record.

Judge Hammouri took the bench, composed and steady, eyes scanning the room. “Appearances,” she said.

“Ethan Vale for the minor, Your Honor.”

“Deputy District Attorney Smithers for the People.”

A pause.

Judge Hammouri’s gaze shifted. “Ms. Brown, you’ve been requested by the minor to represent her?”