Fatal Convictions

7

While the jury deliberated, Alex tried to do what he did best-cut a deal. He proposed to Kendall Spears that Atlantic Surf Shop hire Aisha part-time. “She’s even willing to spend most of her time in the stockroom,” Alex offered.

But Horse-Trading 101 was apparently no longer offered at Harvard. “I’ll take my chances with the jury,” Kendall said, his arrogance on full display. “Win or lose, we’ve gotten some great publicity out of this case.”

That’s when it hit Alex. There were four camera crews waiting on the courthouse steps. Judge Thomas had allowed one camera into the courtroom as the pool camera, and the newspaper had also sent a reporter. Alex had played right into the defendant’s hands. Atlantic Surf didn’t care whether the politically correct crowd liked their policies or not. They sold merchandise to surfers. And Alex’s little slide show had put the employees on beefcake parade, generating free publicity from all four local networks.

“Good point,” Alex conceded. “If you don’t really care about justice, this could be a win-win for you guys.”

He left the courtroom and pulled out his cell phone. Two could play this game.***

One hour later, the jury returned with its verdict. Judge Thomas looked at the verdict sheet and frowned. “Is this your verdict?” he asked the forewoman.

“It is, Your Honor.”

“So say you all?”

The jurors nodded their heads.

Thomas studied the paper for another moment and looked at Alex and Aisha. Though Hajjar v. Atlantic Surf Shop, Inc. didn’t exactly have the high stakes of a capital murder trial, Alex still felt his heart in his throat. It’s a summer job, he reminded himself. But he knew it meant a whole lot more.

“‘We the jury, in the case of Hajjar v. Atlantic Surf Shop, Inc., find our verdict in favor of the defendant,’” Judge Thomas read.

Alex felt the gut punch and heard Aisha exhale next to him. “It’s all right,” he whispered. “You did the right thing by filing this case.”

It was hard not to stare at the jury with contempt while Judge Thomas thanked them for their service. Alex found himself hoping that they would someday be victims of discrimination. After the jury left, it was even harder to shake Kendall Spears’s hand and congratulate him.

The blow was softened somewhat when Judge Thomas asked Alex to approach the bench before he left the courtroom. “You did a great job,” the judge said softly. “You’ve got your granddad’s style.”

Except my grandfather would have won, Alex thought. But he was a good enough lawyer to keep that sentiment to himself.

“Thank you, Your Honor.”