“Sort of. Michelle talked to the old classmate and passed some information on to me. I had a buddy look up his whereabouts.”
Her sigh reached across the waves. “Is it possible I could talk to the woman?”
“I don’t see why not. How about this. My secretary is her daughter. I can pass your contact info to her. If she doesn’t have a problem, you guys can set up a visit.”
“Thank you so much, Guy. I appreciate all your help.”
“No problem.” He wrote down her information and then said his goodbyes.
He stared at the door. Ever since Holly had scheduled a play date, he felt awkward around her, but now he needed to put that aside for Chloe. Gathering his courage, Guy headed for his office door. He opened it then stopped abruptly. Holly’s hand was raised as if to knock.
“Hey Sheriff, I didn’t realize you were coming out.”
“No problem.” He held out the sticky note. “Chloe wanted to know if she could talk to your mom. I have her information for you to pass on, if that’s okay?”
She took the sticky and smiled. “Sure. I was just coming to let you know Sam is sick. She’s running a fever, so Saturday is probably a no go.”
He nodded, trying to keep the relief from his face. “I hope she feels better.”
She waved his comment away. “You know how kids are. Someone sneezes on them and they’re sick. I’m sure it will go away quickly.”
“Who’s watching her?”
“My mother.”
Must be nice. His mother wanted nothing to do with him. She called it tough love and he called it cruel.
Holly continued, “I’ll be sure to let you know when I think she’s germ free.”
“Sure.”
“I’ll let my mom know about Chloe.” She held up the sticky note. “Back to work I go.”
Holly closed the door and he let out a sigh. It seemed like everything was back to normal. Until she schedules another play date.
MICHELLE STARED AT the phone on her desk. She was supposed to be calling Tanya with her decision. But what was she supposed to say? Michelle picked up the phone and listened to the dial tone. Sighing, she placed it back on the hook.
“What do I do?”
Tell her no and recommend a capable attorney.
“But will another understand her reasoning for drinking?”
Are you condoning it?
Michelle grunted in frustration, resting her head in her hands. She’d never been so conflicted in her life. Without a doubt, she abhorred drunk driving. Only now her conscience kept reminding her of what it felt like to have an abortion. To remember that deep seated regret which tugged her downward, threatening to drown her in sorrow. Michelle hadn’t turned to alcohol for solace, but she could empathize with Tanya. Her friends had thought her grief had only been for the loss of her parents and had made it their mission to cheer her up.
What if Tanya had no one? No one to pull her from the wretched pain of regret?
At the chime of the door, Michelle looked up, wondering who it could be. She rose to investigate, but stopped. Tanya stood in her doorway, a hesitant look on her face.
“Good morning, Ms. Thomas.”
“Tanya.” She flopped into her seat, her throat convulsing. Help me, please. What do I do?
Tanya walked closer. “I know it’s only been a day, but I was hoping you’d have an answer.” She licked her lips in a nervous fashion. “Have you...have you made a decision?”
I can do this. “Why don’t you have a seat?”
Tanya sat in front of her.
“How do you plan on paying for my fees?” Michelle folded her hands in front of her. “Do you have family willing to help you or support you?”
Tanya looked down. “I was fired from my job when they found out about the OWI charge. My family,” she licked her lips. “My family isn’t willing to support me, but I can find a way to pay you, Ms. Thomas. I just need someone who understands.”
She couldn’t fault that logic. It was what made her wrestle with indecision.
The phone rang.
Michelle held a finger up to Tanya. “Thomas attorney-at-law, how may I help you?”
“Hey, Chelle, it’s Chloe. I was wondering if you would go with me to see Mrs. Adams.”
“I can, but can I call you back to hash out details? I have a client.” She met Tanya’s gaze. “All right, talk to you later.”
The silence hung in the air, suspended by Tanya’s disbelief and her own shock. Why had she said she was with a client?
Because you know you must represent her.
“Did you mean it?” Tanya asked in a stark whisper.
Don’t back out now. “I did.” She met her gaze, intent on showing compassion. For she did feel it. How could I not?
A tear slipped down Tanya’s face. “Thank you so much. I promise I’ll pay you.”
“I have an idea. Have you ever done any secretarial work?”
“What?”
Michelle raised an eyebrow. “Secretarial work. Have you ever done it?”
Tanya blinked. “Yes, I was a paralegal in Kodiak until I was fired.”
What were the odds?
God works all things for good, Chelle.
The echo of Chloe’s voice streamed through her mind. She blinked, focusing on Tanya’s face. “I need a paralegal, but I also need someone who can answer the phones, keep the calendar up-to-date, and other administrative details.”
“I can do it. I don’t know if my boss would give me a reference, but you could certainly talk to him.” Tanya handed her a business card.
It showed the information of a reputable law firm in Kodiak. In fact, Michelle had contemplated working there before she opened her own firm. She tapped the card against her hand. “I’ll give them a call. Maybe they can be a character witness at the trial. I’ll also draw up the paperwork for you to fill out as an official employee. You can pay me a percentage of your paycheck for lawyer fees.”
“Thank you so much, Ms. Thomas.”
“Can you start today?”
“Yes.”
“Great, let me show you the
