The room was shocked into a stupor hearing Janie's words. Even the judge, who Mina noticed was much more interested in his classic rock, hair plugs and complaining about menial and insignificant inconveniences took notice. Dustin's large but manicured hand was curled in a fist as he sat on the bench. His teeth gritted and there was a look on his face much more primal than his smooth loverboy facade.

"Yes…." Janie Lila Stabs admitted. "I published my sister's memoir but hear me out…"

"We have to," Judge Mentle answered. "Because otherwise, miss, this could be a libelous case of libel and…"

"I'M LIABLE TO CRACK HER JAW!" Himbolake hissed from his seat. He pounded ad slammed his fist into his opposing hand like he was a gorilla and not Mr. Pimp Suit. Red Aura seeped from his body like a toxic oil spill. Mina knew that the memoir had damaged his reputation, but now he realized he had bumped off the wrong Stabs sister in the name of revenge.

"Er…Dustin…" Mina peeped up and she tried to ease him down. "You know that maybe bashing Janie's head in isn't a good look for someone who wants justice."

The blood in Dustin's eyes seemed to drain as he came to his senses. He had nearly blown their cover.

"Excuse me, young man," Judge Mentle said, magnifying his eyes to glare harshly at the male pop star. "Did you just say you were going to crack a woman's jaw IN MY COURTROOM?

"Great…" Mina muttered. "The only time I don't wish someone was chivalrous to a woman."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Quickly, she tried the classic misdirection tactic. "I'm sorry, your honor. My client…just hasn't eaten something today."

"And," the judge said, his eyebrow raised…"What kind of paisley excuse is this that, sweetheart? That isn't one for the outrageous filth he just said."

"Sorry," Mina said, shaking her head. "He has a mental condition. He's working on it every day in therapy."

Surprisingly, the judge looked concerned. "What?" What is it?"

"Hanger management issues!" Mina said, grinning in a feckless and sheepish manner.

The judge eased up on his hostile dagger eyes. "Oh. You should have said that, missy. I have that too!"

"Did you eat today, Mr. Judge?" Mina asked the crotchety judge Mentle

"Nope…" the old man said somewhat proudly

Mina narrowed her eyes and she resisted absolute temptation to roll them and say, "that explains so much."

But instead, she reverted to her bubbly self. "Would you like me to buy you ten dollar ten foot long hoagie from TramWay after court?"

"Excuse me," the judge said suddenly looking very interested in Mina. "Are you asking me out on a date young lady?"

"Er…ummm…" Mina turned bright pink. "Objection?"

The old judge was grinning from ear to ear. "No objections here! Pick me up at 5 PM. We can get the senior special together."

"Umm…" Mina said. "I think we're getting off topic here. The memoir. Janie had it ghost written for Whitney."

Luckily, the judge directed his attention back to Miss Stabs. "Right…young lady," he said politely. "Care to share with us all the dirt and filth you have on this sandwich eating scumbag?"

"With pleasure!" Janie said with a devious smirk

"Great…" Mina said with half lidded eyes. "He forgot about the libel too."

As Janie Lila Stabs started spilling the tabloid tea, Mina watched Dustin's face and most importantly, his aura. She gulped as the blood red smoke returned. Not did she not only have to defend Dustin in court, but she had to prevent the hangry client from throttling the witness with all his might.

Mina groaned and leaned backward on her defense stand. "Worst client ever..."