Page 45 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

Sabre stepped forward just enough to be seen clearly. “Yes, Your Honor.”

“Can you show evidence that you represented her in a previous case?”

“No, Your Honor. I don’t recall that I have, even though Ms. Mercer seems to think so. I have gone through my past cases thoroughly, but I can’t find anything that fits.”

“Ms. Mercer, your request is denied.”

“No!” Bay’s voice cut through the courtroom, sharp, desperate, raw.

Heads turned. The bailiff stepped closer. Bay didn’t care.

“She has to!” The girl shouted, pointing at Sabre. “She has to or I’ll die!”

The courtroom fell silent. Judge Hammouri spoke calmly. "Who told you that?"

Bay's breathing quickened. She looked down and said nothing.

"Ms. Mercer."

Still nothing.

The judge waited another moment before turning to Ethan. "Mr. Vale, Ms. Brown, and County Counsel, please approach the bench."

"Yes, Your Honor."

Once they were at the bench, the judge asked, “Have any of you informed the defendant or anyone else about the text messages?”

"No, Your Honor."

"I didn't expect otherwise. You may return to the counsel table.”

Once they were settled, the judge said, “We’re back on the record. Mr. Vale, has your client said anything to you about a threat?”

“Your Honor, my client has been difficult to communicate with.”

“That’s an understatement,” the judge said.

A faint ripple in the room. Vale didn’t react. “I believe she’s frightened, but she has not provided specifics.”

Hammouri nodded, then looked at Sabre. “And you, Ms. Brown?”

Sabre chose her words carefully. “The minor has not informed me of this, Your Honor.”

Bay’s eyes locked onto Sabre again. “I’ll tell you.”

Sabre didn’t move.

“I’ll tell you,” Bay said again. “Just you.”

Sabre kept her voice calm. “Not just me.” Sabre nodded toward Vale. “Your attorney needs to be present.”

Bay’s expression shifted—frustration, hesitation, something else underneath.

“No,” she said. “Just you.”

Sabre stepped closer and leaned over so the judge couldn’t hear. “That’s not how this works.”

“It is if you want the truth,” Bay shot back.