Chapter 47 Stay out All Night
Ashley was still processing the fact that Damian had detained the person responsible for the incident. She explained, somewhat exasperated, "Even if he damaged your personal property, he's innocent until proven guilty. You should hand him over to the police and let them handle his arrest, Damian. Holding him like this is illegal."
Damian, sounding like someone who'd just been schooled on the law, replied nonchalantly, "Well, if I'm already breaking the law, I might as well hold him a couple more days. Give him some time for reflection."
Ashley, struggling to keep her cool all morning, warned, "Damian, kidnapping is a serious charge that could significantly sway a jury against you. Juries already tend to sympathize with the underdogs. We can't give them ammunition. You should report this to the cops now. Whether they hold him is up to them. We'll deal with the court case step by step later."
Thomas couldn't help but admire Ashley's ability to keep a clear head while talking to Damian.
Damian didn't seem too fussed about the outcome, whether or not the guy was released, "Do what she says," he declared indifferently.
"Alright, I'll inform the police," Thomas agreed promptly.
To Ashley, it almost seemed as though the police department was just another division of KM Group.
No wonder they were a major economic force in Rochester. Their assertive stance left little room for debate.
Before Thomas could depart, Ashley handed the laptop back to him. "I've finished with it. The documents are deleted, so it's ready for the next user."
The laptop, a high-end model usually reserved for the tech team, was not something to be discarded after a single use. Yet Thomas didn't take it back. "Keep it for now. We have more documents to work on later. You might need it."
Ashley was aware this wasn't standard procedure. As a contractor, she wasn't supposed to accept such items from a client, especially not from Damian. "No, thank you. I have my own equipment. I'll use that."
Damian, overhearing their exchange, interjected, "Leave it. Use it when you need it here."
She was taken aback by his assumption of her return.
"Damian, this case is straightforward. The other party is clearly liable. Once it goes to court, it should be resolved swiftly, probably just a few weeks. I've got everything under control and will handle the rest from my office. There's no need for you to be involved."
Was her reluctance not clear enough?
Damian snapped his pen closed and tossed it into the holder. "I'm the plaintiff here, and you're my attorney. I expect to be kept in the loop, not left out of the process."
Did their earlier conversation not count as a consultation?
"I don't have time to stop by your office," he said, closing the topic with the finality of a judge's gavel.
Ashley felt the onset of a headache, a sure sign of stress. "Fine, I'll follow your lead. It's lunchtime, Damian. Please, go ahead and eat. I need to take care of a few things."
Damian gave Thomas a look, and Thomas quickly excused himself.
Ashley was about to leave as well when Damian's voice, laced with sarcasm, stopped her. “Is it becoming a habit to stay out all night?”
Ashley paused, confused, then realized; she was still in the same clothes as the day before.
“Damian, let's keep this professional. Personal comments are unnecessary,” she retorted.
“Fine. If we're working together, then let's hear your strategy for the case,” Damian said.
Ashley had misunderstood his earlier remark. Damian intended to discuss the case over lunch, his lunch.
The meal in front of Damian was elaborate, with a variety of dishes that seemed more suited for a gathering than a solo diner.
He ate methodically, savoring each bite. "Go on," he said, gesturing for her to continue.
Ashley's stomach growled as she eyed the food. Her breakfast had been meager, and she was feeling the pangs of hunger. "Regarding the defendant..."
Her stomach growled louder, interrupting her.
Damian continued eating, seemingly unaware, as he enjoyed his meal with impeccable manners.
Ashley steeled herself and continued, "We have two options, negotiate a settlement or go to trial."
"I'm not interested in settling."
Ashley looked away from the food, focusing on maintaining her professionalism. "The incident was caught on security cameras. That's solid evidence. We'll assess the damages to your car and claim the repair costs. As for your emotional distress and any lost income, those figures will be at the discretion of the court."
Damian picked a piece of shrimp on his plate. "Who's the expert here?"
Ashley kept her composure.
She reminded herself to be grateful for the lesson in patience that Damian was inadvertently teaching her.
"I'll compile the details and send them to you. The defendant will be responsible for all litigation costs, including the collection of evidence. I'll keep the receipts for your records. You should be aware of these expenses, Damian."
Damian raised an eyebrow. "You're suggesting this case is clear-cut, with strong evidence. What 'collection of evidence' expenses are you talking about? Are we talking about significant costs?"
Ashley, ignoring the lavish spread, fixed her gaze on Damian. "The costs will cover more than just travel. I need to conduct a thorough investigation, which may include visiting the defendant's residence, incurring accommodation and meal expenses, among other things. If you deem it unnecessary, I'll proceed with the evidence we have."
The tension in the room was palpable as they locked eyes, a silent stand-off unfolding.
Damian's expression softened slightly. "You're quite thorough. Perhaps too much so. You may consider to be a businesswoman."
Ashley continued, "The defendant will likely have legal representation. If they can provide a justification for his actions, it could complicate the case."
Damian, still not finding anything else to eat, pressed, "What are you suggesting?"
Ashley explained, "If the defendant has a history of mental illness or was under duress, it could affect the case. And if his family testifies, they might sway the jury's sympathy. It's important to. After all, compared to you, the life of an average person seems much more difficult."
Damian set his fork down, his expression turning serious. "Whose side are you on, Ashley?"
"I'm on your side, Damian. I'm outlining potential defenses we need to be ready for. It's my job to anticipate these angles so we're not caught off guard in court."
Damian considered her words, his demeanor indicating he understood the gravity of the situation. "Alright, keep me updated. We'll discuss strategy as you develop it."
Ashley's professionalism had made an impression, even as her stomach betrayed her with another growl.
Damian glanced at the array of food before him and then at Ashley. "If you're hungry, just help yourself," he offered, pushing a plate toward her.
