Page 71 of Trials of a One Night Stand
Jayne
That went well.
Walking to my table after questioning Dr. Cody Waxx, I get the feeling his testimony will make Zentello offer a settlement. It only makes sense, given the way Nate and Cliff looked each time I glanced their way. The only problem? The ridiculous things Sugar Valley Drugs wants.
As I take my seat after questioning Dr. Cody Waxx, Oliver gives me the thumbs-up. Even Lucas smiles smugly, even though I haven’t answered his “ultimatum.” No doubt he thinks I agree by showing up. I’m here for one reason. Because it’s my job. One I love—I touch my stomach—and one I need.
Perhaps I can mediate a settlement that works for both parties. That way, both companies win. That isn’t what Lucas wants, but life isn’t always fair.
I glance at Nate, who’s huddled with Cliff. They’ve been doing that a lot this morning. Yes, I bet they are discussing settling.
Relief washes over me. A settlement will still be considered a win for me and the firm. My promotion will be secure, but that will remove the obstacle of this case coming between Nate and me.
Thinking about Nate as the opposition is getting harder to do, especially after he was so sweet to me last night, rubbing my feet then tucking me in even after I accused him of spying. It was a gut reaction, and I still feel bad about it, and keep wanting to apologize. My past makes me wary, but that doesn’t stop me from having so many different feelings about Nate. Not only because of our baby. Even though I slept like the dead last night, I missed waking up next to him this morning. I could easily get used to having sleepovers with him.
And more than sleepovers, if I’m being honest with myself.
Nate flashes me a charming smile as if he doesn’t have a care in the world. Flutters fill my stomach. So much for wanting to instill fear in my opposition. Still, I did a good job questioning Dr. Waxx, and I didn’t have to run to the bathroom. My stomach is churning a bit, but I threw up on the way in, so I should be good until we take a break.
Cliff scoots back in his chair and stands, his suit jacket and pants perfectly tailored to his fit build, making him appear confident and professional. Some women might consider him attractive, but he’s too slick for me. Give me a Nate Lowe any day. Cliff’s hands are empty, no legal pad or tablet with notes or questions he wants clarification on. That doesn’t mean he won’t ask Dr. Waxx questions. Quite the contrary. It’s typical Ranger behavior—the man must have a photographic memory.
He approaches the bench slowly, almost methodically. He’s like a classically trained performer with choreographed moves to maximize his effect and influence. I glimpse his profile and see him smiling casually as if he and Dr. Waxx are longtime friends. “This courtroom must be the antithesis of where you usually spend your day, Dr. Waxx.”
Dr. Waxx’s face relaxes. Cliff is putting him at ease. That almost makes the scientist look even younger. I know age doesn’t define a role, but I expected the company’s lead scientist to be older. He’s only twenty-nine. “I much prefer my lab bench to this one if I’m being honest.”
The gallery laughs. I can’t see Cliff’s face, but given how Dr. Waxx’s shoulders droop, I assume he’s still smiling.
My nerves notch up. I spent time with Dr. Waxx and other Sugar Valley Drugs employees prepping them on what to expect during questioning. I held training and mock trial sessions with them too. Being on the stand can be a daunting experience, but so far, Cliff Ranger hasn’t been able to rattle anyone. My hard work has paid off. As Lottie would say, you done good, cuz, but I’m not breathing easy yet. Not until Dr. Waxx’s testimony ends.
“I don’t blame you, Dr. Waxx.” Cliff’s tone is let’s-grab-a-beer friendly. “I appreciate you being so thorough in your explanations to Ms. Everton. But there’s one thing I haven’t been able to figure out. Why wasn’t a patent filed by Sugar Valley Drugs on your original version of Orchid or the Investigational New Drug Application submitted to the FDA?”
“Objection,” I say, not hesitating at all. “Dr. Waxx didn’t work for Sugar Valley Drugs during the period when the patent application or the IND would be submitted. Anything he says will be hearsay.”
Cliff angles his shoulders toward the judge. “As lead scientist for the company, Dr. Waxx would be aware of the project’s history, Your Honor. I’m trying to clarify the timeline of development, given the death of his predecessor.”
“Objection overruled,” the judge states.
I tried. That’s all I can do. Cliff glances at me with a questioning gaze. All I can do is shrug.
“Please answer the question, Dr. Waxx,” Judge Grierson says.
Dr. Waxx shifts in his chair. His gaze flashes to Lucas. “Well…I believe that’s because Zentello stole the formula. Yes, that’s right. Without the formula in hand, we couldn’t submit a patent or file with the FDA.”
He almost sounds relieved when he finishes except that what he said makes no sense. I’m not a scientist, but anyone with a brain could see why. I glance at Nate, who is chewing on a pen.
“So you’re telling me that Sugar Valley Drugs had only one copy of the formula they believe would change the course of their company, and given your answer, what must’ve been a physical copy of the formula?” Cliff’s tone is full of disbelief, which I understand. The lack of submission to either organization has been a gaping hole in Sugar Valley’s claim of ownership. This testimony clearly isn’t filling in the gaps, either.
Dr. Waxx’s hand goes to his eyebrows, where he pulls out a hair.
No. No. No.
I worked with him on not doing this if he gets nervous. Yet here he is, doing it under Cliff Ranger’s cross-examination. Not good. But if the young scientist can hold himself together, he can still end on a positive note. We practiced what to do in this situation. I only hope he’s not too rattled to remember.
Please remember.
Dr. Waxx’s expression turns into a mix of shock and fear. Oh God. I might not be the first one to throw up in the courtroom. “T-The other copies got lost.”
That elicits a titter from the gallery. Again, I don’t blame them. This sounds made-up. And what Nate told me about the overall corporation drums through my head.
