Page 93 of Crash Course
She squeezed the briefcase tighter. Tension ripped through her knuckles. "Dad, if you did this, you’ve just cost my client years in prison. It’s not me you’re punishing. It’s my client, who has nothing to do with this."
"Well, Priscilla, based on what he’s done, maybe it’s what should have happened. Maybe Nagle thought the deal wasn’t punishment enough."
And, oh, there it was.
The admission without the admission.
She blinked and blinked again, trying to absorb it. Her father, who’d supported her career in every way possible, had just dismantled her case.
After taking all the free legal advice and disrupting her days whenever he pleased, he’d sabotaged her.
His own daughter.
Her world crumbled. The one man she’d actually trusted and he’d let her down.
What a mess. Blowing out a hard breath, she sighed. "What’d you do? Call in a favor or promise one?"
Now his gaze heated, his pupils shrinking to a pinhole. "Careful, Cilla. That’s a strong accusation."
"Oh, Dad." She caught her breath, squeezed her eyes closed because never—ever—had she been on the receiving end of his venom.
She’d learned a few things growing up. Witnessed his ruthlessness firsthand when he’d used Cilla for leverage during his and Mom’s divorce. He’d put Cilla smack in the middle, making sure she knew her mother would pay, somehow, she’d pay, if Cilla moved with her overseas.
The worst of it? The absolute horror that Cilla had never fully allowed herself to consider until this very second? None of it was about what was best for her.
Now, standing in front of her father with that gleaming spark in his eye, she finally understood. Finally experienced how far Dad would go to get his way.
"Should have known then," Cilla said.
"Pardon?"
"Isaid,I should have known then. Meaning when I was twelve and you and Mom were at war, and you gave her an ultimatum. I’d have to stay with you or you’d make her suffer."
"I never said that."
"Come on, Dad. You knew what you were doing. Manipulating a woman who had no power."
Rage fueling her, Cilla stepped closer, got right into his personal space. "I’m not twelve anymore. I support myself. Keep sabotaging my cases and you’ll see what I’m capable of. After all, I am my father’s daughter."
Then she turned. Walking away from someone she’d never imagined would betray her. That alone devastated her.
"Cilla! You come back here," Dad thundered, his words echoing against the ancient marble.
People in the corridor turned, looking at her as she hustled to the staircase and then behind her to the unhinged man screaming at her.
"Are you okay?" a man asked.
No. After this, she’d never be okay.
"I’m fine," she said. "Thank you."
Then she marched down the steps, leaving her father behind.
16
Cilla pushedthrough the courthouse’s door and glanced back. No Dad.
Good.
