Free Not Quite Juliet: A Club Imperial Novel (Silver Soul Book 1) by Katherine Rhodes

happen to like trees. Rather fond of that breathing thing.”
    “As am I, your Honor.”
    “What’s on your mind, Kirkbride?”
    I put a hand on the docket I was carrying. “This is an attempted murder two case, your Honor.”
    “Yes it is,” she said. “Is that a problem?”
    “Not personally, no,” I said. “But I’m a per diem, and the law requires that whoever starts the case, finishes it unless that person is dismissed or has recused themselves.”
    “If you have no personal interest in the case, what’s the issue?”
    “I’m per diem. Temporary.”
    “I requested you for this case,” she reasoned. “Your efficiency impresses me and you’re a no-nonsense woman. When I heard that Sandowsky was on vacation, I saw this as a chance to get you in here, permanently.”
    I gaped at her. “Permanently, your Honor?”
    “Yes, permanently,” she said. “Assigned to my bench.”
    Holy crap. Permanently assigned to MacPhearson?
    “That’s an offer, Morgan,” she smirked. “Starting thirty-five with government benefits and vacations. “
    “Yes!” I gasped. “Yes, of course.”
    “Excellent,” she nodded. “We’ll get everything drawn up, and you’ll be permanent per diem for this week and start as regular next week. Now. Everything ready?”
    “Just about, your Honor. I’ll go finish up.” I nodded at her and backed out of the door, as we were supposed to do to not get everyone jumping to their feet. I looked at the room, and the lawyers had arrived. They all looked at me as I walked in and I recognized one at the defense table.
    As a regular at Imperial.
    Oh, this was too much Monday for my Monday.
    I looked away and scurried over to my desk on the right of the judge’s bench. I dropped the docket with a light thump on the table and slumped into the chair. MacPhearson liked me, and had just hired me. I smirked, then smiled, and pulled out my phone to text Nadine before court was in session and the phone went off until recess.
    A hand slid over the screen, and I looked up. It was the Imperial customer, Robert. He cocked his head at me. “Wisconsin, good to see you.” It was a quiet greeting.
    He thought I was about to text someone that he was here. “Mister Hagberg,” I said. “A pleasure. Is there a problem?”
    “Texting anyone special?”
    I shook my head. “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” It was subtle allusion to the non-disclosure papers that Franz had all of his employees and customer sign. “I was about to text my friend about the offer of employment I just received from Judge MacPhearson.”
    He looked relieved. “Well, congratulations, I think.”
    “Yes, thank you,” I said. “You don’t need to worry about anything on this front.”
    “Glad to hear it.” He slid his hand off of the front of my phone.
    I stuck my hand out for him to shake. “Morgan Kirkbride. If you’re familiar with MacPhearson, I’m going to guess you need to know that.”
    “If you’re her next victim, yes.” He laughed and shook my hand. “Really though, congrats. It’ll be nice to not have people rotating through every time I’m in here.”
    “Thank you, Mister Hagberg,” I said.
    He walked back to his seat. Too much Monday. I turned my attention back to the phone in my hand, and pulled up Nadine’s number.
    MorganaLeFey: OMG. You and me. Lunch. Must do. Too much for cell.
    Nadines: Can’t do.  Critical 2 pm meeting. Working thru.
    MorganaLeFey: Dinner?
    Nadines: For realz? That big?
    MorganaLeFey: He was huge.
    Nadines: WHAT?!
    Nadines: OMG, can you call me now?
    MorganaLeFey: Can’t do. Court starts in 5.
    Nadines: ARGH! Stupid jobs! You’d better call me the instant you’re done with proceedings.
    MorganaLeFey: Do my best.
    I laughed, and put the phone on airplane mode, dropping it into my purse. I looked at the court and it had filled up in the few minutes Mr. Hagberg and I had chatted and I’d texted Nadine. There was just too much going on and I wished for just a