Trial Junkies

— 38 -

"How did Waverly do on cross?" Matt asked.

Hutch plugged one ear with a finger and pressed his cell phone against the other. The judge had just adjourned for lunch and the hallway outside the courtroom was crowded and noisy.

He said, "Meyer was nearly a blubbering mass of ectoplasm by the time she was done with him. How about you? How are you doing out…"

Hutch paused as Frederick Langer walked by, clutching his book bag. There was no way he could know what they were up to, but Hutch suddenly felt uncomfortable having this conversation.

He waited for Langer to reach the elevators. A moment later, Tom and Monica followed. Then Andy and Gus. The plan was for each team to take turns watching Langer during the lunch hour, so he wouldn't get suspicious.

Matt's voice filled his ear. "Yo Brando. You still there?"

"Sorry," Hutch said. "I was about to ask you if you're making any progress?"

"I think I may be in love, if that counts."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Never mind. So far I've got bupkis. The grooming school was a bust and the hotel wasn't much better. Next stop is Jenny's firm, but I figure they're at lunch right now. You wanna grab something eat, maybe go in with me?"

"Sounds like a plan. The judge extended the break an extra hour. Some kind of personal emergency-although Andy's convinced it's an afternoon hook-up."

"He would be," Matt said.

Hutch laughed, glad he wasn't the only one who thought this. To his mind, Andy was convinced everyone in the world was hooking up-except him-and during the morning recess he'd grilled Hutch about last night, asking if he'd been properly thanked after they left.

Hutch didn't dignify the question with a response. Remembering his dream, he still wasn't sure how he felt about what had happened. And even if he was, Andy was the last guy in the world he'd share it with.

Matt said, "What about Ronnie? How's she doing?"

Hutch thought about that morning and how awkward things had been between them. He'd had no idea what was going through her head, and didn't ask. They'd barely had time to shower and dress before Maurice called, letting them know that Andy was there to give them a ride.

"She seems pretty up after that cross," he said. "She and Waverly are gonna strategize over the break."

"You think she'll spill about Langer?"

"If she does, I can't imagine Waverly'll be too happy about it."

"No kidding. Let's hope she keeps her mouth shut." A pause. "You up for some Mexican food?"

"Works for me," Hutch said.

"I assume you can keep the paparazzi at bay?"

It was a serious question. They both knew that if the press were to get wind of their activities, some major shit would hit the fan. "I've already mapped out my escape route."

"Good," Matt said. "Meet you at Mi Tierra in fifteen."