For
Disclaimers, See Part 1
Chapter 9
Laurie, the Law Clinic receptionist,
appeared next to Sydneys cubicle. "Sydney?"
"Hmmm?" Her eyes stayed
glued to her casebook.
"I know its not your day
for new clients, but I cant find anybody else. Would you mind?"
"Mind what?" Sydney put
her casebook down and looked up at the woman, smiling. "Im sorry, Laurie. What
can I help you with?"
"Weve got a new client
and I cant seem to find anybody else...."
"And youd like me to do
the intake." Sydney finished. "Sure," she agreed as she pushed her chair
back and stood. "Lead on."
Sydney followed the receptionist
down the hall to the second interview room. Laurie handed her a file folder and said,
"Cheryl Johnston. Wants a divorce."
"Seems like everybody
does," the law student commented as she straightened her collar and opened the door.
"Good morning, Ms. Johnston. My
name is Sydney Parker." She extended her hand to the slightly plump, thirty-something
woman who sat across the table. "Im a third year law student with the
clinic."
Pulling a chair out across from the
woman, Sydney started what she called her "Law Clinic" speech. It was a short
description of how the Clinic operated, what the qualifications were, and how cases were
generally handled. It gave her time to observe the client and tended to put the client at
ease.
As she spoke, her mind catalogued
her observations. Neatly dressed. Thirty-five or six, Id guess. Too much makeup.
Brown eyes. Brown hair. Didnt respond to me when I said good morning. Wont
look me in the eyes. Her palm was sweaty when we shook hands. Arms crossed and shoulders
slumped.
Sydney finished her speech.
"Mrs. Johnston?"
Dulled brown eyes looked up as the
woman attempted a smile.
"You told our receptionist
youd like to get a divorce. Is that correct?"
"Yes," she answered
hesitantly. "I want a divorce."
Not the usual reaction.
Sydney straightened slightly in the chair as she casually observed the woman sitting
across from her. Most people are so pissed off theyre practically screaming, I
want a divorce from that fill in the blank son of a bitch or bitch and
cant wait to tell you the circumstances that led up to their appearance at the law
clinic. Or theyre crying and in so much pain you can see it in their eyes. Her
instincts prickled slightly. "The process of obtaining a divorce is fairly simple and
straightforward." She pulled a questionnaire out of the file. "I need to ask you
some questions first, to see if you qualify for our services. Okay?"
The woman nodded.
Sydney asked the first series of
questions and the woman responded with only as much information as absolutely necessary.
"You meet the income
eligibility requirements of our program." She smiled at the woman, trying to connect
with her on some level. "This next set of questions refers to what we call
"special circumstances." The clinic can only take certain types of cases. If you
have any special circumstances, I may need to give you a referral. Okay?"
The woman nodded again.
Sydney glanced at the next set of
questions before she began. God, the way they word these things. It sounds so clinical
and detached. She knew all the questions by heart and always changed the wording. People
dont respond to cold detachment. She began the next set of questions, noting
that the woman grew increasingly uncomfortable as they progressed.
"Does your husband hit
you?"
The woman stiffened visibly and dull
brown eyes looked up at Sydney. "My husband is not a wife-beater. He works very hard
and hes under a lot of stress."
Bingo. I knew something was
wrong.
"I dont understand why
youre asking me that. Its none of your business." She pushed her chair
back and started to get up. "I want a divorce. Thats all I came in for. My
mistake."
Ive got to do something so
she doesnt leave. Think. This is why you went to law school after all, isnt
it? Sydney smiled gently at the woman. "Mrs. Johnston? Please dont
leave." She watched as the woman stopped, indecision showing on her face. "We
ask all our clients these questions. Perhaps if you let me explain, youll," What?
Tell me all about it? Let me help you? "understand the necessity for them."
Sydney let out a breath as she
watched Mrs. Johnston slowly sit back down. Okay, Sydney. Take it easy with her. You
dont want to scare her off. "Were only allowed to take certain types
of cases, and always under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Because were a
free clinic, we dont have the resources to handle some of the problems that people
come to us with." Stay away from the abuse stuff. "For example, we
dont handle cases where theres an out of state custody dispute. We cant
handle workers compensation claims or personal injury cases. We dont write
wills "
She watched Mrs. Johnston nod before
she continued. "We also want to make sure that our clients needs are met, even
when we cant help through the clinic. Weve developed an extensive network of
resources and referrals so we can get the people we cant help to the people who can.
These questions are designed to determine whether or not we can take peoples cases
and, if not, where we can send them for the help they need."
The law student paused for a moment
to let the woman absorb the information. Good, shes still sitting. "What
our clients tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege. Thats so our clients
can speak freely with us and not fear any repercussions or worry about someone finding out
what they said. People are sometimes hesitant to tell us everything. But if they
dont, it not only makes our jobs harder, but theyre hurting their
case
themselves. So if theres anything that youre not telling me, I need
to know so I can do the best possible job for you."
Sydney watched as the woman stared
down at the table, unmoving. "Do you need any help, Mrs. Johnston?" Her gentle
voice seemed to have landed on deaf ears as the woman didnt raise her downcast eyes.
Sydney wanted to tell the woman that she wasnt alone. That every fifteen seconds, a
woman is beaten. That fifty percent of the homeless women and children are out there
because of violence in the home. That there was help if she needed it, wanted it. All
she has to do is ask.
"All I want is a divorce,"
Mrs. Johnston finally responded in a voice that barely rose above a whisper.
"Thats fine. We can help
you with your divorce." Sydney said evenly. Just like Jennies mom.
"Theres just a few more questions we need to go over. Then we can talk about
what the procedure will be. Is that all right with you?"
Mrs. Johnston relaxed a little and
murmured an okay.
Sydney stood in the doorway,
silently observing the dark maned figure bent over her desk, deeply absorbed in whatever
task she was working on.
A smile crossed her face as Evin
looked up and saw Sydney leaning against the doorframe. "Hey!" Blue eyes became
concerned as the smile faded. "Sydney, whats the matter?"
"I would say bad day at the
office, but since I dont have an office I guess the correct phrase would be bad day
at the cubicle." A weak smile accompanied the statement.
Go ahead, Moran. You actually
recognized something was wrong with another human being. "You look bad."
Perfect ending to a perfect day.
Get insulted by my...what? Lover? No. What the hell are we? "Thanks,
Counselor." Sydney said sarcastically. "Flattery will get you everywhere."
"I...I didnt mean it like
that." Shit. One step forward, two steps back. "You look, well, upset.
Sad, stressed out." Am I even remotely close? "Youre very
beautiful. Thats a really nice shirt. And...uh...aw shit, I really didnt mean
it like that. Really." You are so pathetic. If that sounded half as bad to her as
it did to your own ears.... "Sydney?"
"Yes." Her voice was
angry, but weary. Why dont you just go over there and get what you want? A hug. A
kiss. Ask her to tell you its all going to be okay.
Okay, Moran. You care about
somebody. Theres something obviously upsetting her. Whats the appropriate
behavior in this situation? Evin almost...almost laughed out loud at that thought.
Appropriate behavior. Youve never demonstrated any. Think! "You, um, want
to talk about it?"
"Not particularly." Sydney
dropped her head and stared at the ground.
"Okay." Think! Evin
grabbed her crutches and stood. I hate these fucking things. Suddenly, it hit her. Ask
her what she needs. You did it before. Remember what she told you. No ones ever
asked her that.
"God, you move fast on those
things." Sydney murmured as she looked up into intense pale blue eyes set in a
serious face. Her hands involuntarily went to Evins waist, resting flat against her
sides.
"Sydney... What do you
need?"
The low drawl wrapped around her as
she pressed her body into Evins. This feels so good. This is exactly what I need.
She felt the warmth from the contact with the tall attorney spread throughout her body.
Evins breath came out in a
huff as a small body crushed into hers. Crutches clattered to the floor as long arms
wrapped around Sydney. She kissed the top of Sydneys head, feeling Sydney relax. This
seems to be working.
She felt more than heard Sydney
murmur a "Thanks." She continued to hold onto the smaller woman and felt
Sydneys grip on her eventually relax a little. "You sure you dont want to
tell me about your bad day at the cubicle?"
That got a small chuckle from
Sydney. "Dont feel like talking about it now." She looked up and found a
concerned blue gaze. "But thanks for asking."
"Can I have a kiss?"
"Sure, baby," She lifted
her lips to meet Evins. When the kiss was broken, Sydney realized she had a lump in
her throat, more than a little surprised at the tenderness of the kiss. She never
ceases to amaze me. "You ready to go to the boathouse?"
"You want to stop and get some
dinner first?"
"Um, if you dont mind,
I
." Sydney took a step back and looked at the tall woman, now leaning heavily
on her left leg, then down to the crutches on the floor. "Here, let me get
these," she said, as she bent down and picked up the crutches, handing them to Evin.
"Thanks." Evin tucked the
crutches under her arms. "Mmm
dinner?"
"Im not really
hungry." Sydney looked around the office. "I think...Id just like to take
you to the boathouse and, um, go home. I havent...been there in a while and, well, I
have some things I need to take care of." She finally stopped glancing around the
office and looked at Evin. "If thats all right with you?"
The resounding sound of steel doors
crashing shut echoed in Evins mind, her features transforming into an implacable
mask, the pale blue eyes now shuttered behind steel curtains. "Whatever you want to
do, Sydney," she replied evenly. "I think Ill stay in the loft down here,
though." She paused. "Is there anything you need to get from the
boathouse?"
"Nothing I cant live
without." Sydney saw Evin shut down and felt herself sink deeper into the dark pit
shed fallen into. Why are you doing this? You know you just want to curl up in
her arms.
"Okay." Evins mind
screamed, what the fuck is that supposed to mean? "Then I guess wed
better get going."
The leather chair held its occupant
lovingly, her body seemingly relaxed. The pen beat a steady tattoo on the arm of the chair
as cold blue eyes watched the sun peek out from behind the clouds.
"I dont give a fuck what
your problems are. Do the damn job Im paying you for." Evins voice
dropped chillingly low, seeming like an arctic cold front to the attorney in the Caymans
on the other end. "Believe me, if I could practice law in the Caymans, Id be
down there taking care of this myself...Ask the court to order the information turned
over...Money like that doesnt disappear without a trace...How soon?...Ill be
expecting your call."
The phone would have grunted if it
could as Evin spun around in her chair and slammed the receiver back into the cradle. Fucking
Clifton Davis. You shall die now.
A long finger punched in an
extension. When an answering voice came through the speaker, she issued her orders.
"Mark...I need some research done...This afternoon...This is the fact situation:
Divorce. Husband conceals community assets out of the country then moves them against
court order...Yeah, the order is here...Is there any precedence for criminal charges and
what jurisdiction controls?...Murder, but I dont think what he did meets the
statutory requirements. I dont care. I want the bastard. Check federal if you
dont have any luck with state. Wire fraud, tax evasion, maybe...Ive got court
this morning and two depositions this afternoon....The depos are here. Come find me."
The speaker clicked off, then back on again.
"Rachel Wells."
"Ive got three tapes
ready for transcription. Have you heard from Eric yet? I need to know if hes coming
with me to that motion on Fiorella."
"Hes got that evidentiary
hearing in 24th JDC this morning so he didnt know if hell be able
to make it. He said that if he can, hell meet you there. Ill be in to get the
tapes in a second." She is in a mood today.
Evin turned to the computer screen
and checked the calendar for the day once more. Everythings confirmed. Good.
Glancing at her watch, she noted the time. Wonder if Sydneys awake yet? Quit
thinking about her, her mind screamed, outraged at the idle thought of Sydney that so
easily slipped through the steel walls. Isnt it enough you didnt sleep last
night? Leave it alone, God damn it.
Rachel walked in, carrying more
files. "Heres the drafts of those pleadings on Dolese."
Another reminder of Sydney.
Evin grunted at her.
Grunting. This does not bode
well. Rachel picked up the three tapes and files. This makes five tapes and
its only eight a.m. Wonder what time she got here this morning? "I saw your
car when I pulled in. You okay to drive now?"
"Yes." Evin had already
begun her review of the Dolese pleadings, red pen in hand as she marked them.
Im sure Sydney said she
wasnt supposed to drive for another week. "You ready for your bagel with
pineapple cream cheese?"
Yet another reminder of Sydney.
"No."
Uh oh. Were back to terse
one word answers as the order of the day. "Okay, um, anything else you
need?"
"No."
Stepping out of line here, but...
"You okay?"
"Yes."
"Hows your leg
feeling?"
Blue eyes pinned Rachel in place.
"My God damn leg is fine."
Too far. "Mmmm.
Okay. Ill get right on these." Rachel left with the new tapes and files.
Putting the files on her desk,
Rachel looked up as Jeffrey walked in. "Good morning."
"Hey, Rach. Hows it
going?" He smiled warmly in greeting. "Another day, another couple of
dollars."
"Youre going to earn
those dollars today." She nodded towards the stack of files and the tapes.
"Shes done five tapes already this morning."
A low whistle came from pursed lips
as he sat in his chair and turned his computer on. "What time did she get in?"
"I have no clue. She was here
when I got here at six. And she drove."
That got a raised eyebrow look from
the sandy blonde-haired man. "Uh oh."
"My thoughts exactly.
Shes giving one word answers again, grunting, and you should see the circles under
her eyes." Rachel slipped a tape into the transcriber. "Youd better call
down to maintenance and make sure they have an extra phone. If not, have them pick one up.
We might be replacing hers again."
A groan. "Damn
You think
something happened with Sydney?"
"That would be my guess."
She looked over at her peer. "Just when I thought
."
"Yeah, I know. But I have a
feeling about Sydney. She doesnt seem like the type to let something go that she
wants
at least not without a fight."
"I hope youre right,
Jeffrey. Its going to take a lot of fight to handle that one in there." Rachel
slipped the earpiece into her ear and started transcribing tape number three.
Sydney punched the pillow she was
holding and groaned as the alarm went off again. So much for a good nights sleep.
It seemed that her internal clock woke her up last night, every hour, on the hour. And
those damn nightmares. I havent had those in a while.
She glanced at the pillow she was
holding. No substitute for the real thing. The aroma of coffee brought her to her
feet and led her to the kitchen. I really have got to thank Mom. Oh shit. I
havent called them in a couple of weeks. Maybe if I call this morning, I can catch
her. Coffee, shower, phone call. I can do that.
Feeling somewhat revived after her
coffee and shower, she grabbed the portable phone and dialed her parents number. Pick
up, Mom. Pick up.
"Hello." A male voice
answered.
"Um, Dad...Its me,
Sydney." Shit. I thought hed be gone by now.
"Well, Im glad you can
take time out of your busy schedule to call us."
The sarcastic words cut through
Sydney like a knife. She knew offering an explanation wouldnt make a difference, so
she opted for the shortest route out of this particular part of the conversation.
"Im sorry." I thought mothers were the ones who were supposed to do the
guilt trips.
"When are you going to come
home to see us?"
Here we go. Why did I think this
was going to make me feel any better? "Soon, Dad. Maybe over the Thanksgiving
break." Ive been in New Orleans over two years and they havent come
here once.
"I met a man from New Orleans
at a Party function in Atlanta. Hes a good man, Sydney," his voice intoned
knowingly.
Good means Republican, wealthy,
and white. "Thats good, Dad."
"He has a son and told me he
would get him to call you. You know you havent met a nice young man down there
yet."
Sydney sighed as a mental image of
the conversation careening downhill, out of control, flashed through her mind.
"Ive met many nice young men down here, Dad." She tried to keep the
anger and frustration out of her voice. Youd think I could have one conversation
with him that
that
fuck it! "Im not interested. Im a
lesbian." I ought to put the "Dad, Im a lesbian" speech on a card,
laminate it and give it to him for his wallet.
"Thats just a phase and
we both know it. You dated that boy, whats his name, Richard Cooper, your senior
year in high school and freshman year of college. Ive talked with the minister and
he agrees with me."
This is almost funny if it
werent so sad. Of course he would agree. Werent you responsible for getting
him that church and how much money do you give the church each year? "Its
not a phase, Dad."
"Of course it is, young lady. I
know what Im talking about. Youll see. You will talk to him if he calls. You
wont be rude."
"Ill speak with him,
Dad." But you wont like what Ill say to him. Itll be the
same as every other phone call youve arranged for me to get. Sure, my dad told me
about you. But you see, I cant go out with you. He left out one little fact.
Im a lesbian. Yes, you heard me correctly. A lesbian. Thanks for calling.
"Have you started sending
resumes to firms in Memphis yet?"
"No, Dad." Wait until I
tell him Im staying here. That explosion ought to kill thousands of Elvis fans who
happen to be unlucky enough to be in Memphis that day.
"Well, youd better get on
it. Its never too early to start."
"I know, Dad."
"I have to leave for work. Your
mothers not here. Shes taking Charles Junior and Ellen to school."
Gee Dad. Im fine. Yes,
Ive had a rough couple of weeks, but Im hanging in there. I think Im in
love. Shes a lawyer and I think shes wonderful and sweet and charming and
brilliant and sexy. Oh yeah, shes been shot at and she almost died in an explosion
and spent a week in the hospital because of a case were working on, but other than
that, everythings peachy. Swell talking to you. Love you too, Dad. "Okay.
Tell them I called, please."
"We expect to hear from you
more often, Sydney."
"Yes, Dad." And my
incentive would be, what, exactly?
The line went dead. Sydney stared at
the phone for a few seconds then put it down. She picked up her coffee mug and absently
took a swallow. Looking around the room, her eyes landed on the Young Republican plaque. You
think you always know whats right, dont you, Dad? I was so stupid to believe
you. Never gonna happen again.
Evin stood in the Federal courtroom,
leaning slightly on the table in front of her, listening to her opposing counsel drone on
about the fundamental unfairness of life and his poor, abused client. Hes been
blathering for fifteen minutes and hasnt come up with anything yet thats even
remotely pertinent to his motion. Hell, he hasnt even mentioned the rule were
supposed to have violated. I wonder how much an hour hes charging his clients?
She absently wondered who had made
up all the unwritten court etiquette rules. Why, for example, was it considered rude to
stand in State court when your opponent was presenting his or her side of an argument, but
in this Federal court, sitting was considered rude? She was definitely certain that it
hadnt been women wearing heels. Fuck it. She sat down, her leg causing her
more pain than she cared to admit.
The judge held his hand up, stopping
Whiting mid-sentence, and looked at her questioningly. "Is there something wrong, Ms.
Moran?"
A thousand thoughts ran though her
mind with the speed of light, none of which would be an acceptable response. True, but not
acceptable. "Your Honor, I had no idea that Mr. Whiting would be so eloquent
in his presentation. Otherwise, I would have informed Your Honor that I had surgery on my
leg and asked the courts permission to be seated during his argument. I do apologize
for interrupting Mr. Whitings insightful and stimulating analysis of Rule 11." You
just cant stop yourself, can you?
The judge looked at Evin for a few
seconds, debating what to do. Whitings whining. She just insulted him and he
doesnt even know it. Hes grinning like an idiot, thinking that was a
compliment. Oh well. I take my little pleasures where I can. "Thats fine,
Ms. Moran. Please stay seated. I hope your recovery is speedy. Five more minutes, Mr.
Whiting."
Evin looked around the courtroom,
barely paying attention to Whiting. I cant believe the Marshals almost made me
strip. This damn bolt in my leg set that metal detector off like I had an Uzi under my
skirt. When I go to CDC, those freaks probably will make me strip.
Evin was on her feet in a second as
Whiting sat down. "Your Honor, Defendants Motion for Rule 11 Sanctions fails to
allege that this lawsuit was brought for improper purposes. My clients claims are
warranted by existing law and the factual allegations have been supported in the initial
phase of discovery, which I have filed as Exhibits A, B, and C attached to our Motion in
Response. His eloquent statement has added nothing." Yep. That about covers it. "I
respectfully move that the Motion be denied."
"Motion denied." The judge
wanted to smile, but he didnt. Short, sweet and to the point. Thats how I
like it. "Next case."
Evin grabbed her briefcase. She
hadnt even taken the file out. As she left the courtroom, Whiting followed her.
"Id like to send a
settlement offer over."
The tall attorney shrugged.
"Then do it, but dont insult me."
"Your case has a lot of
weaknesses."
She stopped and looked at him, a
feral glint coming from narrowed eyes. "If you say so." She was well aware of
the weaknesses of the Fiorella case. It was part of being a good attorney. Know the
weaknesses of your case. Exploit them. Use them to your advantage. Do not be afraid of
them. It was one of the things that made her so good. She would painstakingly dissect each
case in her head, over and over, playing devils advocate as she mapped out her
strategy. No case was perfect in this perfectly imperfect world. It was a part of the
challenge, and succeeding in spite of the imperfections thrilled her to the bone.
She thought of the astonished look
that would appear on Whitings face when she would ask her client about his
conviction for cocaine trafficking before he got a chance to, should the case ever come to
trial. Better to get the dirt out in the open so you can control it, control the
presentation, the set-up, the explanation. You play to the jury. Poor Mr. Fiorella.
Yes, he was a misguided young man once, but look at him now. A productive citizen. Father
of two lovely children. Adoring wife. And what a charming couple they make. That
is, if I can keep his nose out of the coke and the alcohol out of her mouth during the
trial.
"Still, I have a duty to my
client to advise them of the potential risks of trial." Whiting continued. "So
Ill make a recommendation that settlement be considered."
"Whatever. Theres always
trial." The blue eyes glinted ferally again, then she turned and walked away.
"Have a good day, Mr. Whiting."
"Hey, Sydney. You up for some
lunch?" Wayne walked up to the cubicle and popped his head over the side.
Green eyes looked at him
questioningly. "Its lunchtime already?"
"Its a little after one,
Syd." He raised a brow. Whats going on with her? "Past your lunch
time."
She glanced at the stack of intake
files on her desk. Seven new clients. Three evictions. Four divorces. "Yeah, I
guess so." She grabbed her knapsack and stood. "Where do you want to go
today?"
"I thought we could go to Daily
Bread. Maybe get some of that vegetarian quiche thing that I like."
Sydneys nose wrinkled.
"Daily Breads fine, but Im not eating that."
"Daily Bread it is."
She stood and followed him
half-heartedly out the door.
"Whats the matter?"
Wayne asked as they walked along St. Charles Avenue.
"Nothings the
matter." She absently watched a streetcar rumble down the tracks.
"Please. Tell that to someone
who doesnt know you any better. You didnt even know it was lunchtime."
"Im okay, really."
"Um
everything going okay
with you and that wild lawyer?"
"You dont like her, do
you?" Sydney accused.
"Its not that I
dont like her, Syd." Whoa! He gentled his voice. "I dont know
her."
"Shes a good person,
Wayne."
He had his reservations about her
after what he had seen that Sunday night at Tea Dance. I have never seen anybody dance
like that in my life. I thought that blonde was going to have an orgasm right there on the
dance floor. She definitely doesnt seem like Sydneys type.
"Im just worried that
youre going to get hurt. She seems, I dont know, so, um, worldly." One
look at Sydneys face and he realized it wasnt the best thing he could have
said.
"And what do you think I am,
some naïve fool?" Anger colored her voice.
"No
no, not at all."
He raised his hands, waving them. "Its just that
"
"Just what?" she asked
angrily.
"Look, its nothing
against her. You are my friend. I care about you. And if thats what you want,
then go for it. But dont be mad at me if I have my reservations about it. You
I
just dont want you to get hurt."
"Im sorry, Wayne. I
didnt mean to get angry." She kicked at an acorn on the sidewalk. "I
appreciate your concern." They walked along in silence for a couple of minutes.
"I talked to my dad this morning."
Her friend winced in sympathy.
"Ew, sorry. Not another one of those Sydney, are you dating men?
conversations?"
"Are there any other kind with
my father?" she responded wryly.
"Ive told you before,
Id be your fake date for him." He put his arm around her shoulder.
"Wed make the perfect couple. One look at me and hed beg you to go out
with women again."
Sydney looked up at her friend. At
six foot three, his build was slender. Beautiful brown eyes with long black lashes were
set in an intelligent, strong face. "I like that goatee. I think it makes you even
more handsome."
"I dont think that would
make a difference to your dad, Sydney."
"No," she said sadly.
"Hed just see the color of your skin. You know, sometimes I wonder if Im
even their kid."
He chuckled. "Ive seen
pictures. You look just like your mother."
"Yeah, thats true. But I
dont look anything like him. Charles and Ellen do. Maybe the milkman was my
father."
"Uh, Syd, I hate to tell you
this," he teased. "But I think milkmen went out before you were born."
She backhanded him in the stomach.
"Give a girl some hope, please."
"If you insist."
"I insist. I think what makes
me craziest the most about him is that he thinks hes always right. He never even
considers the possibility that he could, God forbid, be wrong, or even that theres
alternate viewpoints that are as equally valid as his."
"My grandfather was like that.
I just quit talking to him about anything that could even remotely lead to a possible
difference of opinion. It made for very limited conversation."
"There was a time when I
thought he was right about everything, but I learned differently," she said
wistfully. "You know, the parent thing. Omnipotent. Omniscient." Trust
me, Sydney. Im your father after all. I know whats best. Youre much too
young to understand these things. God, I was so wrong to believe that.
"I think we all go through that
to one degree or another."
"Yeah, youre probably
right."
They walked a full city block before
Sydney spoke again. "Wayne?"
"Hmmm?"
"Do you think theres ever
a person in your life whos just right?"
"What do you mean?"
"I dont know
.never
mind." A slowly moving car passed them, catching Sydneys eye.
"See that car?"
"Yeah
"
"Do you know him?"
Wayne tried to catch a glimpse of
the driver as he turned the corner. "No, why?"
"I dont know. Ive
seen him a couple of times around school. But Ive never seen him in a class."
She gave Wayne a puzzled look. "And I think I saw him once when I went to the grocery
store over on the corner of Jefferson and Magazine." She shrugged. "Maybe he
lives in the area." She thought for a minute. "Yeah, hes probably a lawyer
or a paralegal and comes to the library to do research."
"Who knows, Syd
I heard
they found about ten homeless people sleeping in the law library over at Tulane."
Wayne started laughing. "I know, maybe hes a lawyer-wanna-be."
A bark of laughter escaped from
Sydneys lips. "Why in the world would anybody pretend to be a lawyer?
Astronaut, doctor, hell, Indian Chief, but a lawyer?"
"I know," Wayne said
wryly, pleased at the sparkle he saw come back to the green eyes. "And to think we
pay big bucks to be the brunt of so many jokes."
They reached the front door of the
Daily Bread, the man in the car all but forgotten.
"Um, after we eat, I think
Im going to take off. Can you cover clinic for me?"
"Sure, it wont be a
problem at all."
"Thanks, Wayne. I really
appreciate it. I owe you one." The door closed behind them.
"Where are your crutches?"
Jeffrey followed his boss into her office.
"At home."
"Sydney says youre not
supposed to be walking without them until next week."
Another reminder of Sydney.
"Calls?"
"Theyre all on your call
list. Dorinda Pratt called and said she needed to speak with you about some depositions
you want to take. The rest were returns from yesterday."
She punched up the call list on the
computer. No Sydney. Quit thinking about her. You have work to do. She looked at
Jeffrey, still standing in front of her desk. "Is there something else?"
"Do you want your bagel
now?"
"No."
He chided her gently. "You
really should eat something."
"What is the sudden concern
with my nutritional habits?"
"Sydney said to make sure you
ate breakfast."
Cool blue eyes locked onto his.
"She did, did she?"
Hesitantly, Jeffrey replied,
"Yes." He couldnt read his boss expression. Something was definitely
up. He felt like he was being cross-examined.
"And when exactly did she tell
you this?"
"She called earlier this
morning when you were in court."
Ah, so she did call today. A
feeling of relief swept through her. "Then I guess youd better bring me my
bagel."
"Okay. One bagel coming
up." Jeffrey breathed a small sigh of relief. Cross-examinations over.
She watched as he left her office. For
the alpha bitch from hell, you sure have some insecurities, dont you, big girl?
A long arm reached for the phone and dialed the number for Dorinda Pratt. The thought of
pink popped into her head and she shivered. Yuck.
"Dorinda Pratt, please...Evin
Moran...Hynes versus Dolese...When will she be back?...Is there a number where I can reach
her?....Okay, thank you."
Evin dialed the number she had been
given and listened as the phone rang several times. Area code of 318. Somewhere in
North Louisiana.
A female voice answered with the
distinctive accent of Northern Louisiana. "Good morning. Campaign headquarters. This
is Tracy. How can I help you?"
Campaign headquarters? Whose?
"Yes, um, Tracy. Im interested in speaking with someone who can tell me a
little more about your position on various issues. Is there anyone available?"
"Oh yes maam. As a matter
of fact, Senator Stevens administrative aide is right here. Ill transfer you
to him. And remember a vote for Steve Stevens is the right vote."
Wrong! Evin rebutted her
silently as she hung up the phone before the aide picked up. Steve Stevens. Hes
so far right he makes Jerry Falwell look like a liberal activist. What is Pinkie Pratt
doing with Stevens?
Long fingers punched an extension
button on the phone.
"Andrew Thomas."
"I need everything on Steve
Stevens. And find out what the connection is with Pinkie Pratt."
The investigator laughed.
"Pinkie Pratt. I like that one. You think Stevens is involved in the Dolese case
somehow?"
"I dont know, Andrew. I
know Pinkie from somewhere and I havent been able to figure it out yet. Maybe
its from that 94 campaign with Evangeline Williams when she ran against
Stevens. Fast as you can, please."
"Yeah, yeah." He teased.
"Like you want it yesterday. I know. Ill get on it."
"Thanks." The intercom
buzzed as soon as she hung up. "Yeah."
"Allan Dodd on three."
"Did Mark get back with that
research yet?"
"No."
"Ill take it. Oh, and
Rachel, try to get Vicky Rosenthal on the phone for me please."
A long finger hit the button for
line three. "Evin Moran."
"Moran, I just want you to know
I had nothing to do with it." Dodds nervous voice came through the speaker.
Jeffrey walked in and put the bagel
on her desk. She nodded to him.
"Allan, you can be a jerk
sometimes, but I dont think youd advise a client to move assets protected
under a court order." She played with the bagel as she spoke. Wonder if
Sydneys in class now.
"Really?" he said
hesitantly.
"Really. Its not your
fault you got stuck with the idiot in this case." She blinked once. Why am I being
nice to him?
"Good, because I didnt
want you to come after me." Some of the nervousness left his voice. "Im
working on getting the money back right now. Clifton panicked."
Poor little Clifton panicked.
"Remind Clifton how panicked hed be when he hears the bars slam shut behind his
ass."
Dodd protested, "He cant
go to jail for that."
"Ask him if he wants to bet on
that." The intercom buzzed. "Gotta go, Allan. Hes got two days. I want the
money in a bank here in New Orleans, with my clients name on the account as sole
signatory, or Im coming after him. Hell wish he was in prison playing house
with his cell mate when Im done." She hung up before he could respond.
Her finger hit the intercom button.
"Yeah."
"Vicky Rosenthal on two."
"Thanks." She managed to
take a bite of the bagel.
Hitting the button on line two, she
picked up the receiver and started speaking. "Vicky. How are you?...Good. Got a pin
in my leg...An accident...Now who would want to hurt me? Im so very sweet and
innocent...Youre right. I never could pull that line off...Listen, I need you to
rack that pretty little brain of yours for me..." A laugh. "Vicky, Ive
flirted shamelessly with you for years. Its never gotten me anywhere before and you
know how Ive tried...Uh huh, sure Vicky." Another laugh. "If only that
were true
You keep that up and youre going to force me to say something that we
both know will make you turn red and me head for a cold shower
Vicky, need I remind
you of
Okay, okay, Ill stop
Yeah
Dorinda Pratt, Steve
Stevens...Yeah, she does wear a lot of pink.... Thats what I thought." A bark
of laughter. "Really.... When was it?...During Evangeline Williams campaign?...I
didnt make it to that meeting. No wonder I couldnt place her...Listen, was
everything in order with those finance reports I sent over?... Good....Well, in a couple
of months Ill be calling you Judge Vicky....Hey, Ive got a lot of respect for
the justice system. Its the judges I have a problem with.....Yeah
Christ,
dont people have anything better to talk about? Keller nicked me for 30
k....Ill try to be there
I know, this Thursday. Actually, I need two
tickets...Yes, I said two
Get your mind out of the gutter. Its getting crowded
down here
Yeah
Ill get somebody to pick them up...You take care. Ill
see you soon."
So Dorinda Pratt is with Steve
Stevens little entourage. She picked up her bagel and took another bite. Pineapple,
her mind sighed as the edges of her mouth curled up slightly.
Rachel walked in carrying a stack of
files. "Those three tapes and the corrections to the Dolese pleadings are done."
"Thanks."
"Is your bagel good?"
"Yeah. And Rach, can you get
somebody to go pick up two tickets from Vickys campaign headquarters for that
fundraiser Thursday?"
"Will do, boss." Rachel
smiled and left the office. Somebodys in a better mood.
Feedback and constructive
criticism can be directed to troubleshooter.