After a ghastly phone call, Mina retreated to her newfound sanctuary in Blind's penthouse apartment. And the icing on the proverbial cake was her boyfriend was being a super sweet gentlemen, pampering her with shoulder massages, ordering an entire boat full of her favorite California rolls from Fujiyama Sushi Rama and giving her more on-the-lips kisses, even in front of his grandmother, as if to say, "she's a keeper."
She figured it was to comfort her after a billionaire's war declaration on her broke, student-debt-riddled self, but he also felt bad for distrusting her with the Himbolake stuff.
But hey, she never was against extra TLC and groveling from a boy as handsome as her William.
Still, there was a knot in her stomach the size of a tangled root from an ancient tree. Their Plasma screen TV was on to catch a glimpse of Ear Hearing News and the ensuing report on her and Himbolake.
"Don't worry dear," Divine said in her rare grandmotherly voice. "No matter what happens, I'll seek legal recourse for your treatment. Contrary to popular belief, billionaire's can't just use the law as their own personal jungle gym."
"Really?" Mina said, her eyes wide. "She's really swinging on the monkey-bar exams now!"
"Our name is Justice," Blind said, feeding her a California roll with chopsticks. "And it would be remiss if we didn't live up to it."
"Thank you," Mina sighed. "I feel so much safer with your family."
She was not lying, either, she truly did. She could never have imagined getting close to one of the grouchiest judges on the circuit and her stuffy but unbelievably dreamy grandson. They'd defend her, she just knew it.
Unfortunately, the fanfare for Ear Hearing News began, and it seemed Electra had other plans. Tim Justin, the formerly respectable reporter stood outside the Hall of Law, a darkened sneer still on his face. "Tim Justin reporting in...this is Ear Hearing News with breaking news..."
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Dustin Himbolake's new mugshot appeared on the screen. and he was missing his signature toupee. He sported a new scowl and shadows under his eyes.
"Former pretty-boy and N'Snare boy band member, Dustin Himbolake has been taken into custody after pleading guilty to first degree murder!"
"So far... So good," Mina said softly. "No mention of me..oh nuts!"
An image of Mina lying facedown on the courtroom floor with her rear in the air flashed on the screen.
Justin's spikey hair stood up straight like a pair of devil horns. "Himbolake's attorney, a novice and slapdash local attorney, Mina Hawkins, age 18, was absolutely ineffectual defending the heart throb. One could say she 'bellyflopped' at maintaining a credible defense."
Mina wanted to flip out. She accidentally flung a California roll across the room as she pointed at the TV. "I was trying to grab his phone. I didn't bellyflop!"
"Sadly..." Blind said, trying to ease his shaking love down. "So many people will take this at face value. Sometimes I'm happy I'm blind. I don't always believe what I see."
Mina balled her fist at the enormous screen. Tim Justin continued his character assassination. It switched to a photo of Mina with cartoon hearts digitally edited over her eyes.
"Despite the prosecution and justice taking an immediate dislike to Himbolake's selfish persona, this lovestruck attorney was too blinded by his charms until the very end. Rumor has it, he had seduced her into taking his case."
Mina crossed her arms, turning beat red. "What the flying huh?!!!" she pouted to Blind. "Is this a news station or a really bad DMZ gossip rag?!"
Divine shook her head. "This really is the Five O'Clock Bruise isn't it, sweetie. I remember when they ran headlines against me and how I had an affair with Judge Mentle."
Mina breathed easily knowing she wasn't the only one bludgeoned by this awful news station.
The screen switched to Mina, Blind, Divine and the cops hastily walking by Tim Justin. Justin asked Mina how it felt to defend a murderer as Mina rushed to the limo.
Justin's snide voiceover spoke over the footage.
"Hawkins declined to answer when I inquired a simple and just question about her choice in clients. She was speechless and embarrassed, attempting to get away as fast as possible."
Mina rested her head in her hands. Much to her relief, the Tim Justin switched off his rag.
She peered out of her fingers. The news flashed to a first class jet plane touching down on the runway in Business Park Airlines. "And famed billionaire, Maxine Electra returns to her own town of BP with a special announcement concerning the Election! All of this and more on Ear Hearing News! Stay tuned!"
"Election?" Mina said out loud, her lips pursed.
Business Park just had an election so she wasn't running for mayor. Mina's eyes expanded. But the country was.