Jan

'I can't say that I like, but need to hear them.'

He smiled, and said 'First, if it can be shown that you are engaged in intimate physical contact with Kelly, you could face criminal charges, the least of which would be indecency with a minor; the more serious would be statutory rape or even contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Our local district attorney is prone to use the big guns, so some combination of those charges, and other minor ones, wouldn't be unusual.

Knowing something of Kelly's home life, I applaud you for any comfort or affection you've shown her; I have no doubt that it is or was completely consensual and mutual. I've done some research on you, and everyone that knows you personally states that you are an honorable, reputable, honest person – those are traits that would serve you well in court, if it comes to that. But as you say, the ideal is to avoid that, if at all possible. Let me refer you to my friend, and fill him in on some of what I know about Kelly and her situation. After you talk with him, he should be better able to give you suggestions and guidance that I wouldn't.'

'And this person is?'

'Michael Thompson. He's one of several people in a group that I belong to that get together every so often. We aren't a consortium or club or anything; rather, we're basically the best in our respective fields of law, and get together to learn a bit from each other, and make referrals as needed – such as your case. In fact, if I may use your phone, I can give Mike a call now, and see how soon I can get you in to see him.'

'Certainly. Here you go.' I said, handing him my phone. He dialed, and after a brief conversation, managed to get me an appointment for that afternoon.

When he handed the phone back, I thanked him.

He answered me by saying 'It is I who need to thank you. You helped my daughter at a time she needed it, and resolved a problem that I wasn't sure how to deal with. You've also given me no small guidance in how to prevent her from coming to harm in the future. I like you, and hope that we can become, if not friends, then at least friendly.'

'I would hope that we could, too. As for helping Susan, she's a nice kid – young lady – and in good conscience, I couldn't let anything happen to her, regardless of WHO'S daughter she was.'

'I expected as much. Like I said, I did some checking on you, and you are universally respected by those that know you, whether you're actually liked, or not – something I gather involves a certain amount of professional jealousy. There is no doubt in my mind that any relationship you have with Kelly is an honest one, and to her benefit.

I've met her parents a few times around town, and I must say that I have been much less than impressed with them; if you are able and willing to get her into a more affectionate atmosphere, you have my wholehearted support.'

With that, he stood and offered me his hand. Standing as well, I took it, and we shook with more friendship than we'd had on first meeting.

I got to Michael Thompson's office that afternoon, a few minutes early.

To my surprise, his receptionist directed me right into his office after I identified myself.

After standing to shake hands with me, he directed me to a chair, and after we were seated, had someone bring in some coffee for us.

After a few sips, and a little idle conversation, he started things rolling by telling me 'It isn't often that I see someone on such short notice, even from Steve. Whoever you are, you've impressed him. What is the nature of the problem?'

'There is a young lady of my acquaintance who is in an unpleasant home environment. I have offered to let her move into my house on a semi-to permanent basis. The problem is that she is 17 years of age, and I – and she – are not entirely certain that her parents would accept such an arrangement without some type of protest.'

'I see. And what is the nature of the relationship between you? And what would the living arrangements be?'

'The relationship is one of mutual affection and respect. As for the living arrangements, I have an unused bedroom in my house.'

'Mutual affection and respect, huh? Okay, I'll accept that. But you didn't answer the question about the living arrangements; you only told me about your house.'

'Mr. Thompson, do you really need – or want – to know that level of detail? I understand that lawyers are considered to be 'officers of the court', and bound to report any criminal activity that comes to their attention.'

'That is correct. Very well, then, we shall stipulate that the young lady involved will be moving into that bedroom, and proceed. What are the particulars of the young lady, and her home life, that she is so desirous of leaving it to join you?'

Over the next few minutes, I told him about Kelly – what I'd heard about her home life, what she'd told me herself, and so on, always careful to distinguish between what I'd heard, what she'd told me, and what I'd surmised.

When I was done, he looked very thoughtful for a bit before saying'What you tell me jibes with what Steve has told me. I believe that I've met her parents; hardly the kind of people I like to see procreating. Very well then, how is it that I can help you?'

'Kelly and I are both fairly certain that her parents will not object to her departure; if anything, we expect they will view it with no small relief. However, we want to have some means of dealing with them in the event that we're wrong in our estimation of the situation.'

'And how committed are the two of you to seeing this through? It could well get ugly.'

'We've thought of that, as well. Considering their absentee parental technique, we were thinking that they had forfeited any claim of responsibility for her. At worst, it was my thought that the argument could be made that the inattention and indifference her parents have exhibited constituted a form of neglect, if not abuse. Kelly is willing to testify to that effect, if it becomes absolutely necessary.'

'Indeed? Well, let us hope it doesn't come to that; but prepare for it nonetheless. I have heard what you have to say; I trust that you'll understand if I tell you that I'd like to hear what Kelly has to say, as well.'

'Of course. I can either bring her in, or arrange for her to meet with you.'

'For the sake of argument, let's say she comes in here on her own. That way, it couldn't be argued that your immediate presence influenced her.'

'That would be fine. If I might ask, you seem to have something in mind – what is it?'

'It's a bit premature, but in this state, we have what is called 'manumission' for minors of her age. It essentially declares them to be legal adults, if underage otherwise. If the conditions are as you say – and I believe they are – then we could almost certainly apply for her to manumitted on those grounds, leaving her free to choose where to live as she pleases, as an adult.'

'Really? That's an 'interesting' concept. Uh, forgive me, but as a matter of theory, wouldn't an application of that sort have more of an impact if it were to come from Kelly herself?'

'It would.'

'And wouldn't any involvement by me tend to – shall we say – 'cloud' the proceedings?'

'It would.'

'Then if Kelly were to come to you herself, wouldn't it have more impact on the court?'

'Yes, I see where you're going with this. However, you've already mentioned the ultimate goal to me.'

'Yes – to you. But if there were someone you were to direct her to?

Someone that I hadn't spoken with? Kelly's manumission would be a separate issue from any civil or other legal proceedings that I would wish to retain you against.'

He smiled at me, saying'You have an 'interesting' way of thinking, Mr.

Marshall. Yes, in theory, what you say is correct. There are several people that I would trust to handle such a thing. A couple of them might even entertain the idea of doing it pro bono – for free – or at a minimal charge, paid by the young lady as she was able.'

'But of course, you would only be comfortable making such a referral once you had met her, and were convinced of the appropriateness of the solution.'

'Of course.'

'Then if such a young lady were to call you for an appointment tomorrow morning, when might she be able to speak with you?'

'I suppose that if she were to call tomorrow morning, I could probably see her shortly before lunch.'