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I smile at him as the door to the elevator opens. We walk to the office and I gather all my materials for court, making sure to also print some documents that I will need.

“When are you putting me on the stand?” Aiden questions. I walk to my desk and organize my files.

“I’m not,” I reply, without stopping my preparations. I feel him walk up behind me and wrap his arms around me. He rests his chin on top of my head.

“Why not? I can talk about that day. Show how I did everything I was supposed to do.”

With a frustrated sigh, I scrub my fingers over my face. “We all already know what happened that day. The wrong person died. Putting you on the stand will just give Chris the opportunity to attack you.”

He turns me around in his arms, his gaze boring into me. “Put me on the stand, Joy. I deserve the opportunity to show that I would never recklessly or intentionally take a life. I’m not like the monster who took my parents’ life.”

I pull my bottom lip between my teeth. “Fine. I’ll put you on the stand. Don’t make me regret it.”

“I won’t,” he says with an appreciative grin. I glance at my watch. Ten minutes until court.

“We’ve got to go,” I inform him. He moves around me and collects my files. He waits for me to walk and follows behind me. We head to the Reaper’s Court floor, and I feel his gaze on my lower body.

“Are you staring at my ass again?” I admonish over my shoulder.

“My ass,” he whispers, and gently slaps it with his free hand. I jump, turning my head to mouth curse words at him.

Aiden cautions, “Joy, watch—”

I turn too late, running directly into someone. Luckily, they catch me before I fall. I look up to see Gabriel, one of the glitch reapers smiling down at me. He is kind of cute. Only kind of, because I still remember that he enjoys dried grapes. The monster.

“So sorry, Gabriel!” I say. He lets go of me, and shyly takes a step back.

He smiles. “No problem at all, Joyce.”

“How have you been doing? You look fantastic in that suit! I’m assuming you found your niche in the Soul Directory department.”

“I sure did! I’ve met so many nice people. Thank you again for all your help.”

“No problem at all. Just doing my job. I look forward to—”

“We are in a rush, Joy. Maybe you two can converse later,” Aiden rudely interjects. He jerks his head towards the Reaper’s Court.

Gabriel’s eyes widen. “Sorry to bother you before court. It was nice seeing you both. I will see you around, Joyce.”

“You too,” I reply, I watch as he walks away. He seems different. More confident. Even in the way he walks.

“I bet he will,” Aiden mumbles under his breath. I glare at Aiden and poke him on the side.

“Stop being an ass,” I whisper harshly.

“You were flirting with him.”

“I did not flirt with him. I just complimented him on his suit. You know you’re the only man I like to look at.”

He rolls his eyes. “I bet you tell all your men that.”

I chuckle. “Yes. But it’s your turn.”

He stares at me then turns to walk into the courtroom, not before I see the faint smile on his lips. I know he thinks I’m funny.

Court begins soon after we settle into our seats. Chris calls up his last witness and has them give their testimony about how great Eden is. Like we get it. Eden is great. No mistakes could have ever happened. Blah, blah, blah.

“Your honor. The prosecution rests its case,” Chris announces, then takes a seat. Now, it is my turn to start questioning.