Page 55 of Demon On Deck

“Morning,” I say with a slightly shaky voice.

Neeve gives me a tight smile before turning to the demon next to her. He’s older, with silver-gray streaks throughout his black-and-red hair and goatee. His horns extended well above his head, making him nearly seven feet. Dressed in a well-tailored suit, he’s a handsome and commanding presence.

“Kallie, this is Demmir; Demmir, this is Kallie, our client.”

Odd that she doesn’t introduce us by our full names. I don’t have time to think much about it before Demmir begins speaking…in a voice that threatens to completely undo me, it reminds me so much of Evren’s.

He extends a large crimson-colored hand, turning his vibrant orange eyes to me as he says, “Very nice to meet you, though I am sorry about the circumstances. I want to assure you, I took great care with your financial records and am confident with the documentation you provided and my expertise in the field, that the judge will see this for the smoke show that it is.”

I feel like I’m swimming against a current trying to pull me under. His voice, his eyes, the crimson of his skin. It’s so similar to Evren, tears spring to my eyes as I shake his hand. When I release it, I rub the center of my chest and will the unshed tears not to fall. Demmir gives me a sympathetic look, looking as if he wants to say something, but is interrupted by the court clerk.

“Brooks versus Voss. All parties, please enter the courtroom at this time,” The clerk shouts into the hallway.

Neeve takes a deep breath, then pulls her shoulders back, chin held high, and nods at me before walking forward. Demmir lays a hand on my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze before following Neeve. I take one last breath and follow my legal team into the arena.

As soon as I walk in, our eyes meet, and the world tilts.

Evren.

He sits in the back of the court next to a smaller demon female…and my sister, who has the good sense to look the tiniest bit guilty. I note Evren tries to rise but stops himself, inclining his head slightly. I glance from Evren to Mel, then at the tiny female sitting with them, before snapping my eyes back to where I’m going. Looking at Demmir, the pieces start to fall into place.

Unfortunately, there’s no time to mull this over as Matt and his lawyer brush past us. Matt deliberately knocks into me, causing me to stumble.

A deep, menacing growl ripples through the noisy courtroom. Everyone falls silent, and I know without looking that all eyes have turned to Evren. I let my heart soak in his protectiveness for just a moment, the gesture a balm to the sadness I’ve been carrying.

It only lasts a moment, though, as the judge calls the courtroom to order.

He picks up the papers in front of him, reading through before beginning.

“Counselors, I see we’re here to contest a divorce settlement on the grounds that pertinent financial information to the initial settlement was withheld. Is that correct?”

Matt’s lawyer, who looks like an oily lothario in a cheap suit, rises from his seat. Tossing a shit-eating grin to Neeve that makes her bristle, he addresses the court.

“Jed Lobe, representing Mr. Voss. That is correct. My client was unfairly paid a settlement sum in the divorce that was based upon misrepresented financials.”

“Objection!” Neeve shouts.

Mr. Lobe turns to Neeve, looking like a predator. “I’m merely stating the facts of the case.”

Neeve looks like she’s ready to rip Mr. Lobe to shreds with her bare hands. “Facts based in what reality? The twilight zone for cheaters?”

The judge bangs the gavel. “Order,” he shouts.

“Counselor, let’s not sling mud.”

“Apologies, your honor.”

The judge huffs before addressing us once more, “Ms. Hallon, I see you have entered into evidence forensic financials?”

“Yes, your honor. I have Mr. Demmir Kade, a financial forensic accountant, here. He is ready to take the stand and answer any questions regarding the evidence entered. We’ve also taken the liberty of providing these documents to Mr. Lobe and his client.”

Mr. Kade? Holy fuck, Demmir is Evren’s dad. But how the hell did he end up on my legal team?

“Your honor, these documents are a fruitless attempt to bury my client in paperwork.”

“Save it, Mr. Lobe. I’m seeing that you’ve had well over a week to review these documents. Mr. Kade?”

Demmir, otherwise known as Evren’s dad, stands up, buttoning his suit jacket. “Yes, your honor.”