While Justice Sleeps(131)



“Momma? What are you doing here?” She shot a worried look at Ling. “She’s supposed to be in treatment.”

“Special dispensation. I’m taking her back in a little while,” Ling explained. Seeing the foggy look in Avery’s eyes, she quickly crossed over to her. “What happened to you?”

“Major Vance paid me a visit,” she grumbled. “Then he knocked me out. Again.”

Seeing Agent Lee, she took out the drive Vance had given her and dropped it into his hand. “He said to tell you there’s evidence of Stokes killing President Cadres on this. More than enough to defeat any plea bargain.”

Lee’s eyes went wide, and he secured the drive in his hand. He guided Avery to one of the upholstered wing chairs and eased her down to sit. “I’ll give it to the attorney general.”

“You told her about the stay?” Gary inquired from the leather sofa. “I’m doing a press release in the morning. By seven a.m. tomorrow, you’ll be one of the youngest attorneys to successfully argue before the Court. Oughta get yourself a good PR agent.”

“For what?” She looked at the lovely appointments in the Chief’s private chambers and realized her time at the Court had reached its end. “I don’t have a job.”

    “I doubt that will be a problem,” Noah smirked from beside her mother. “Lawyers are shallow creatures. I’m sure my firm will hire you for celebrity alone. Add the fact that you actually know a little law, and you’ll have the firms beating down your door—”

The Chief interrupted: “Unless you’d rather come back to the Court to serve as my head clerk—before you embark upon your luminous career, Ms. Keene.”

Avery smiled at the Chief. “I guess first I should apologize for making a mockery of your court.”

“Howard would be proud.” The Chief nodded to Agent Lee. “I assume you’ll provide security for them all until Vance is found.”

“He won’t be.” Avery spoke with absolute certainty. For an instant, she thought of telling them about what he’d told her, but caution held her tongue. She needed time to process and figure out what to do. But her next step was crystal clear. “I just want to go home.”

“I concur,” announced the Chief. “Agent Lee, you’re up.”

The motley band all got to their feet, the fatigue and climax of the week rushing in on waves of exhaustion. They headed for the door, Rita reaching out to catch her daughter’s hand. “I’m proud of you, Avery.”

“Thanks, Momma,” she said softly, and soon found herself wrapped in a tight embrace. One that did not smell of liquor. “Keep taking care of yourself.”

“I’ll try, baby.” Neither of them expected more. Rita stepped through the doorway, followed by Noah.

Avery reached out and caught Noah’s hand. “You’re a fantastic lawyer. Thank you for representing me.”

“You’re the most exciting client I’ve ever had.” Noah leaned in and hugged her. “Congratulations, Avery. It’s been my honor.”

As Noah stepped out, he gallantly offered his arm to Rita, earning a coy smile. Ling laughed at the gesture and wrapped Avery in a long hug. “I was so proud of you today….I didn’t realize how enormous that brain of yours really is.”

Avery chuckled, resting her forehead against Ling’s. “Without you, I wouldn’t have had a chance. I’m glad you’re my best friend.”

“Ditto.” She squeezed her once more. “Speaking of which, let me catch up with Noah. I’ve got to get your mother back to the hospital.”

    Agent Lee made his way past. “I’ll debrief you further tomorrow, okay?” He gave Avery a gentle chuck on the chin. “Nice moves, counselor.”

“Thank you, sir. For everything.”

Agent Lee nodded and exited the office.

“Avery. Jared.” The Chief stood behind her desk. “A moment, if you will.”

Jared reached for Avery and took her hand in his. They approached the Chief and stopped at the desk’s edge. “Yes?”

The Chief slid open a drawer and removed a folder. “This information is embargoed until we release it, understood?” She laid the folder on the surface and walked to the door. “Justice Bringman is truly a libertarian. Read quickly.”

With trembling fingers, Avery flipped open the manila cover and read the key opening lines of the opinion.



* * *





Avery stood with Jared at Justice Wynn’s bedside. Machines hissed out air and beeped with the steady progress of deterioration. She clasped the justice’s still, pale hand as she recited the decision from memory.

“Chief Justice Roseborough delivered the opinion of the Court. Petitioner’s claim that the respondent unfairly applied the Exon-Florio Act to the proposed merger of GenWorks, Incorporated, and Advar, Ltd., an Indian corporation, which shall be the surviving entity. Specifically, the petitioners allege that the respondent’s claim of a national threat is spurious and does not meet a threshold test for applicability. Respondent denies, asserting that presidential use of the Act should be given virtually unfettered latitude. The Court of Appeals rejected the petitioner’s claim, and we granted certiorari to review its holding that the Exon-Florio Act could be rejected.”

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