The following is an excerpt from Susan Washington's debut novel MISJUDGED. For more information, contact info@gailtusanwashington.com.

Suzanne went back to her chambers to take Oliver’s call. At least she wouldn’t have to look him in the eye. She turned on the small television on her credenza and caught a teaser for the 10:00 Late Evening News. She’d definitely survived the editor’s cut. Judge Vincent would be the lead story. Recurring stock footage of her on the bench accompanied a telling trailer: “Assistant District Attorney cries foul -- judge’s jockeying jinxes victim’s chance for justice.”

Her cell phone rang. It was Oliver.

“Suzanne, you know I don’t like surprises! Would you mind telling me what I’m getting ready to hear on the 10 o’clock news?”

Do I have a choice?

“Rebecca Fitzgerald is out of town. A month ago I agreed to take the verdict if her jury was still out when she had to leave.”

“Operative words: her jury, your election,” Oliver said.

“You said you wanted to know what’s going on—

“You’re right, go on.”

“After extensive deliberations, the jury hung and I declared a mistrial.”

“You should’ve let Fitzgerald do her own dirty work, but what’s the hook?”

For me or the thousands of television viewers?

“Rotherman—

“Dammit, I should’ve known he had his hands in the kiln, stirring up some more crap!”

“He’s the prosecutor. He’s showboating for the victim. Blaming me instead of acknowledging he didn’t have a strong case.”

“Tell me about the case.”

“Oliver, look the story’s about to come on –

“Suzanne, it’s not important what they say, you’re not going to like their spin, regardless. We know what Rotherman is apt to say. Let’s focus on the truth. Break down the case for me. I can’t start the damage control until I have all the facts.”

“An elderly woman was found gagged and tied up in her bathtub, her home in Palmetto ransacked. The defendant on trial was charged as a party to the crime. The co-defendant is out on bond.”

“Why weren’t they both on trial?”

“She severed the trials.”

“Jesus, you know not to do that, right?”

Five years on the bench, and Oliver was still trying to school his protégé. She ignored the question.

“Why was he tried first?”

“A speedy was running. Rotherman was pressing for a conviction to tout during our last week of campaigning.”

“And you appeared from the star chamber and snatched the conviction right out of his hands.”

“Whose side are you on?”

“Need you ask, Suzanne? Instead of enjoying a late nightcap with my wife, I’m on the phone with you because you’re down at the courthouse trying to do everybody’s job on top of yours.”

“Oliver, there’s something you should know that won’t be reported.”