Part 46 (2/2)

”No, Your Honor. I only made the final decision early this morning.”

De Mar began to take notes.

”I a.s.sume there's justification for this change considering your actions may be detrimental to your client.”

Tara smiled wryly, her eyes trained on the bench.

She had no desire to look at Woodrow and see the triumphant look on his face. He would never know that he hadn't beaten her. She couldn't look at Bill Hamilton and have him a.s.sume that his evil had sent her running. She wouldn't try to explain that it was heartache, pure and simple, that had done her in. Those she loved had turned against her. Albuquerque no longer felt like home, her house was no longer warm and welcoming. She was so angered by all this, so hurt that there could be no heartfelt explanation. If she tried, her words would be turned around and against her. Holding her head high, she said clearly: ”Your Honor, my continued representation of this client would certainly be to his detriment. I believe a new attorney would be in his best interest at this time.”

The Judge shook his head and said to Tara, ”I'm sure you're aware that such a request is highly unusual, especially given the fact that your decision seems to come as a shock not only to this court, but to your client as well. I'll need a reason, Ms.

Limey, and it better be a good one.”

”It's the best, Your Honor. Mr. Hamilton is charged with a serious crime. He needs an attorney that can aggressively and effectively speak on his behalf. This man needs attorneys who can devote their best efforts to his defense and make sure that all of his rights are fully protected.” Tara's eyes flickered to the table. It was hard for her to speak. When she raised her eyes, they were moist.

It was difficult to admit she was not all she had thought herself to be.

”I thought I was that counsel.

I am not, Your Honor. In all seriousness and candor I make this request and ask the court to relieve me. Allow a new attorney who will be best able to do what is necessary in this case.”

The man on the bench sighed and put his chin on his upturned hand.

”Mr. Hamilton, do you understand what your attorney is asking?”

”Yep. Think it's darn cowardly of her. Darn cowardly, Yer Honor. I thought this little lady had more guts than that.” Suddenly Bill was up, the shackles binding him from ankle to waist, and waist to wrist, rattled like the ghost of Christmas past. Tara ducked, her arms instinctively covering her face. There was a collective gasp.

De Mar called, ”Bailiff.”

The bailiff moved like lightning.

But no one was fast enough for Bill. He was sitting back down, grinning up at her, before anyone could reach him. Donna had reached over and touched his shoulder, calming him with all her maternal and l.u.s.tful energy. Bill laughed.

”Yeah, I understand, Yer Honor,” he drawled crudely.

Timothy De Mar mouth dropped, then twisted into an angry grimace as he controlled his courtroom and his temper.

”This court finds there has been an irrevocable breakdown in the attorney-client relations.h.i.+p. I believe any further representation by Tara Limey of William Hamilton would not be in the defendant's best interest. I do relieve Ms. Limey as attorney of record.” De Mar took a breath, calming himself.

Tara almost smiled. How often had she had that delayed reaction after one of Bill's little misbehaviors?

But De Mar would get over it. She might not.

He was talking again, to Bill.

”How long will it take you to retain new counsel?”

”Not long, I should think, Judge. I'd say there's going to be some press in this, wouldn't you? Couple of attorneys probably out there right now lookin' to take me on.”

The man on the bench stared at Bill Hamilton while giving the nod to Tara.

”Thank you, Ms. Limey. You are excused. Please turn over all of your files when contacted by the new attorney so there will be no delay. I think this is one I'd like to see settled as expediently as possible.”

”I would think so, Your Honor,” Tara answered quietly.

”Thank you. Your Honor.” She picked up her briefcase and turned her back on Bill Hamilton.

Tara saw Donna Ecold's eyes trained on the madman she needed more than she needed Tara's friends.h.i.+p. Tara didn't hesitate. She walked down the aisle and pushed through the doors. She suffered the anger that greeted her outside. And through it all, through the din and the accusations and the anger, she heard the sound that made everything all right. She heard the horn and saw the green van. Tara Limey walked right to it, jos- ded right and left, finally managing to get in and behind the door.

”Where to?” Ben asked.

”Anywhere, Ben,” Tara said.

”Anywhere but here.” He spun the wheel and the van pulled away from the courthouse. Tara still looked out the window.

Ben let her be. Finally, she found her voice.

”It will never be the same, Ben,” she whispered.

”No,” he answered.

”But it will be good again.

I promise.”

Tara turned her head and looked at Ben Crawford. She reached for his hand, closed her eyes, and knew, without question, that he was right. Of all of them, she and Ben would have a life worth living again.

end.

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