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Judge Harding cocks her head. “Are you asking for a continuance, Ms. Pierce?”

“I am,” I tell her confidently. “I ask that we reconvene in one week’s time, which will give both parties ample time to review this new evidence once it is disclosed.”

I don’t look at Ezra while the judge considers, but I can feel his eyes on me. I am certain that he would like to argue with me, to find a reason as to why I shouldn’t be granted this continuance, but for reasons I can’t fathom, he doesn’t. I can see him from the corner of my eye, still standing tall just outside my line of sight with his hands tucked in his pockets, watching me.

“All right,” Judge Harding says finally, and I release a pent-up breath. “I will grant you your continuance. We will reconvene next Thursday to resume.” She bangs the gavel. “Court is adjourned.”

I peek over my shoulder at Bianca, and her red lips twist into a smile that oozes pride, which warms me in turn. I like making someone like Bianca proud. It feels monumental. I keep my eyesoff Ezra as I return to our table to quietly discuss a meeting with Bianca the following day to talk through the evidence that was just relinquished to us this morning, giving myself the night to review it with Nate and Vera before corroborating with what Bianca might know.

I’m still gathering my things when Bianca leaves me, and when I get the opportunity to glance at the opposite side of the courtroom, I’m mildly surprised to find Ezra already gone. I close my briefcase as I peer over my shoulder, catching sight of him just outside the courtroom with a stoic expression as Lorenzo points a finger at his face. Ezra doesn’t outwardly show his displeasure, not in a way anyone else might notice, but I do.

I can see it in the way his jaw is flexing subtly, the way his arms are crossed tight over his chest and his spine remains rigid. Everything about his posture screams discomfort. I move briskly between the rows of seats to close the distance between them and me, noticing Ezra’s eyes flicking to mine as I approach.

“Counsel,” I say blandly. “I was wondering if I might discuss something with you about disclosure?”

Lorenzo looks annoyed to have been interrupted, his face brightening with a flush of scarlet that makes me worried for his blood pressure, but he seems to drop the issue. He points a finger in Ezra’s face once more, his voice tight. “Remember what I said, boy. Do better.”

We both watch him stalk off, and I wait until he’s well out of earshot before I blow out a breath.

“Wow, he seems like fun.”

Ezra chuffs a dry laugh. “He’s…something.”

“You didn’t fight me on the continuance,” I point out. “Why?”

His brows raise. “Should I have?”

“It’s not like you not to fight me on every little thing,” I answer. “You’re not taking it easy on me because of…”

His mouth quirking makes me scowl and sweat simultaneously. “Because of what, Dani?”

“You know what,” I huff in exasperation. “I told you I don’t want you acting differently.”

“And I told you I would never,” he assures me. “I admit I’m…curious about your new evidence. I would like the chance to review it as well before we dig into the meat of things.”

Now it’s my turn to raise my eyebrows. “You’re not suggesting that you don’t already have access to Lorenzo’s mistress’s finances, surely.”

“Now, Dani,” he teases. “Innocent until proven guilty, remember?”

I roll my eyes. “That doesn’t answer my question.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t actually hear a question.”

“You’re infuriating,” I groan.

He leans in slightly, lowering his voice. “But you like it.”

I step away instinctively, looking around us to make sure no one saw him whispering to me and only breathing in relief when I notice that the hall outside the courtroom is mostly empty.

“You don’t have access to her finances already?”

His smile dissipates, leaving behind a pinched expression. “I don’t think it’s something I should be discussing with you.”

Part of me is hurt by the assertion, but the more logical part of me knows that’s ridiculous. First and foremost, we’re here to do a job.

“I’ll be sure to forward you everything when I’m finished compiling.”

“Great,” he says.