Page 12 of Double Standards

She’ll help me, because if there’s one thing Cassidy Caruthers can’t resist—it’s a challenge.

And I’m the biggest fucking one she’s ever faced.

Chapter Five

We have a saying in my line of work.If you’re not owed favors, you haven’t done your job.

When I got my first job, I despised the saying. I hated that I’d worked so hard for my degree, so hard to be a great lawyer when all it took to get what I wanted was to ask the right people.Grease a few palms and they’ll be eating out of yours.

I fully understand the importance and meaning of it.I hate that it’s necessary, because I pride myself on my talents, my ability to get the job done. Sometimes, it’s not that easy. Sometimes, you have to bend the law in your favor, and I have done that a fair few times.

Not all lawyers are like me though. Some are straighter than an arrow. But you don’t get to where I am unless someone owes you a favor or two.

Luckily, I have someone who’s in my debt, who just might be able to help me with my Bonanno situation. Reaching for my desk phone, I dial the first number on my list. I hold my breath as the phone rings several times before clicking through.

“Attorney's office, Catherine speaking,” a familiar, unnecessarily chirpy voice answers.

“It’s me.” I don’t really need more introduction than that. Sheknows who I am. We’ve spoken far too often to just be acquaintances.

“Cassie! Hi!” she gushes.Always eccentric.

“I need to speak to him,” I say abruptly. There isn't time for pleasantries or small talk. I’m already on a time limit and I need to get shit done. With Colombo appearing everywhere I turn, I’d rather get this whole thing finished so I don’t have to see any of them again. Colombo already gives me the shivers, and though I pride myself on my reputation, I’d be crazy not to be afraid of The Five.

There’s a sharp silence that fills the speaker before Catherine huffs at my serious tone. “One moment.”

I listen to the heavy tapping of her fingers on the keyboard, holding my breath anxiously before the phone starts ringing again.

“Ms. Caruthers, do I need to be worried?” His tone comes out impatient, shocked almost. He’s not fearful, though. No, that would be pathetic for a man of his stature and position. However, I won’t deny that his voice shakes a little with surprise, a wariness to his tone. The office saying comes to mind as I take a steadying breath.

“Not today, Judge Vaughan.”

He sighs loudly, angrily. His words follow through with a deeper emotion, an impatient one that has me grinding my teeth. “What do you need?”

“I need bail for a client.”

A deep laugh full of haunting patronisation fills my ear. It grates on me a little, because men like Judge Vaughan always think that they’re above the law. They think they can get what they want without owing anyone—particularly women. They believe they’re exempt from the rule, but it’s the people like me who have to remind them of their place, time and time again.

“If your client doesn’t have bail, it’s for a reason, Caruthers.”

“I don’t care,” I snap. “I’m requesting bail, and you’re going to grant it.”

“Careful of your tone.”

“Vaughan,” I huff. “Don’t make this difficult.” The last thing he wants me to do is remind him of what he owes me. I defended the man’s son when he was accused of drunk driving. He did no real damage. The guy was just caught at the wrong time, in the wrong place, over the limit. But the reputational damage would have been more catastrophic for Judge Vaughan, so I worked my magic and got his son off without even alerting the media.

It’s ignorant and irrational for him to believe that I would never be in such a position to cash in on what he owes me, but it’s time he realizes he’s not untouchable.

“Who?” he sighs, relenting slightly.

“Axel Bonanno.”

He groans out. The painful weight of his actions comes back to haunt him and I can already hear the excuses he’s conjuring in an effort to avoid helping me.

“Caruthers, you know I can’t do that.”

“You can, and you will. Vaughan Jr escaped time. Your reputation is gleaming. Do I need to remind you?—”

“Fine!” he cuts in. “We’re done after this.”