Chapter 19: Coffee With Clara

[Rapper ’20 Shots’ Released Pending Trial in Murder Case]

The anchor adjusted her papers and looked directly into the camera.

“Good evening. Developing this morning, Chicago rapper Declan ’20 Shots’ Dwayne will not remain behind bars as he awaits trial on a first-degree murder charge.”

A photo of Twenty appeared onscreen, diamond chains glistening under stage lights, a crowd behind him.

“Earlier today at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse, a Cook County judge denied the State’s petition for pretrial detention, ordering electronic monitoring and strict home confinement instead.”

Cut to courtroom sketch footage of Twenty seated in a black shirt.

“Prosecutors argued that Dwayne poses a threat to public safety following a fatal shooting outside a South Side nightclub last month. They cited eyewitness testimony and surveillance placing him at the scene.”

The screen shifted to file footage of flashing police lights and yellow tape.

“But defense attorneys countered that the evidence remains contested and that conditions short of detention could reasonably ensure compliance with the court.”

A brief clip rolled of Twenty exiting a previous performance, fans screaming his name.

“For fans, today’s ruling marks a major development in a case that has drawn national attention. The 24-year-old artist, whose last album debuted in the Billboard Top 10, has maintained his innocence.”

The anchor leaned forward slightly.

“Dwayne’s attorney, Chicago defense lawyer Damian Hill, argued that the State had not met the burden required under Illinois’ pretrial fairness laws.”

“Dwayne is expected to be released from custody later tonight after processing. He will remain on electronic monitoring until his next court appearance scheduled for next month.”

A short clip rolled of supporters gathered outside the courthouse steps, some holding signs reading ’Free 20’.

“One thing is certain, this case is far from over.”

The screen shifted to a legal analyst seated in studio.

“When someone of this profile is charged, every move becomes public,” the analyst said. “Today’s ruling doesn’t determine guilt or innocence, but it allow him to return home while preparing his defense.”

Back to the anchor.

“We will continue to follow this developing story. Up next, rising concerns about summer gun violence across the city.”

The segment faded out.

“You are getting famous.”

Clara chuckled, the cup between her lips and her eyes glued to the televisions. She was wearing a black floral dress with matching wide-legged trousers. Unlike last night, she let her silver hair fall to the side, framing her delicate face.

“There is no need to exaggerate. They barely mentioned me once, and they didn’t even show a clip or picture of me.” He rolled his eyes.

Damian’s gaze danced between several people in the café, but none knew he was the lawyer being spoken about on television, despite the fact that they were all discussing the matter. The only reason people stole glances at him was because he looked stunning, as always.

“It doesn’t matter. By the time the preliminary hearings start, you will be on national TV defending one of the hottest superstars in the rap scene. You can become a superstar lawyer again overnight if you can pull this off.”

She argued with an excitement far beyond what Damian, the one meant to be most excited, actually felt. He just watched her ramble on, admiring her fragile beauty. It was nothing like Hazel’s. In fact, she was inferior in many aspects, but the puppy look and innocence in her eyes were enough to capture the soul of a devil. Her silver hair and eyebrows gave her beauty a unique edge.

“I’m sure Hazel would be excited to know you won. She’s probably watching the news right now,” Clara said, but her words snapped Damian out of his reverie.

His thoughts instantly went back to his wife, whom he left at home on a bad note, and his mood dampened immediately. Damian couldn’t help but imagine how lonely she would be at home alone.

’I’ll have to make it up to her after work today,’ he mumbled.

“Yeah, I think I’ll get her some flowers on my way back.” Damian smiled at the thought.

Clara felt a jolt of jealousy hearing his words and seeing him smile lovingly at the thought. This was the face of a man who was in love with his wife.

“You seem to love her a lot,” Clara said, her voice unusually low.

“Of course. She’s my wife.” Damian responded with a raised eyebrow. “You seem to be a bit interested in her.”

Clara’s face turned red, and she avoided his gaze while gently pushing her hair back.

“I’m just curious why you would accept an open relationship if you love her so much.”

This time, Damian gave her a deep look before responding.

“I don’t know, but I guess she likes it that way.”

Damian shrugged, choosing not to go into details. Clara nodded, her reddened face lowered while her thighs rubbed against each other as her mind raced about what to say next. She didn’t know how to ask Damian if he was interested in her, since he talked about her a lot in front of his wives.

Staring at her, Damian felt something strange. It was hunger, but the lustful kind, all directed toward him. It was the same he felt while he was in the courtroom. The attention came from several directions, but the one that caught his attention most was Judge Vance.

’So this is how predatory instincts work.’

Pushing the thought aside, his gaze returned to the nervous Clara. He knew what she wanted, and honestly, he would have loved to make a move now, but he needed a day or two to sort out his problems with Hazel.

“Let’s go out this weekend to celebrate the win and blow off some office steam. Alright?”

Clara raised her head, shock written across her expression. She clearly didn’t expect Damian to take the initiative and ask her out.

’Maybe he really does talk about me a lot.’

She was beginning to believe what Hazel said in the call.

“I would love that.” She smiled sweetly.

The two finished their coffee, making small talk about anything and everything, the topic changing each time Damian lost himself in his thoughts. When they returned to the office, as Clara predicted, several colleagues approached to congratulate him, but he always gave lukewarm responses and moved on. After his fall from grace, he watched people who once celebrated him turn silent and forget his existence. Damian planned to keep things that way.

He spent the rest of the day reviewing Twenty’s case, compiling everything they had and what needed further investigation. By evening, Damian hastily left work, drove to the nearest wine bar, bought a $300 bottle of wine, stopped at a flower boutique, and raced back home.

Now he was done winning the war in the courtroom. It was time to win the war at home.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep