Suave ignored him, licking and smacking his lips, barely chewing as he brought one big spoonful of the delicious food after the other to his mouth. A brother was starved.
“Okay. At least you no longer smell like rotten eggs.” Daddy Lizard looked at Suave’s new red and white sweat suit and the brand-new white sneakers and white socks on his feet.
“I have to get a new lawyer.” Concern etched across Suave’s face. “I need the best, or I’ll be going to prison for something I didn’t do.”
“Alwayne Clark is the best,” Daddy Lizard replied. “But I don’t think he’s going to take your case.”
“Uh-huh.” Suave gazed out the window, deep in thought.
Alwayne Clark was one of Jamaica’s top lawyers with a reputation for winning all his cases. Prosecutors feared him, and other defense lawyers respected him. With clients from all fourteen parishes seeking his representation, his calendar was always fully booked, and he was also very selective. As a result, many people got turned away, including Suave when he went to see him a few years ago. Alwayne had refused to represent drug dealers.
Suave was shocked. There was actually a lawyer who was turning him down. This was a first because he had lawyers competing for his business. But Suave wanted the best, and that was Alwayne Clark.
However, Alwayne had looked at Suave like he was a rodent peeing on his shiny gentleman’s shoes.
“I doubt he’ll change his mind,” said Daddy Lizard, recapturing Suave’s attention. “That brother is as straight as water bamboo.”
“Gold can’t handle a murder case, and the only thing he cares about is money.” Suave turned in his seat to look at Daddy Lizard. “I tolerated him because we never had any serious legal issues. But this is do or die. King Kong and Queen Bee are trying to frame me for murder. I need Alwayne Clark at any cost.”
“What are you going to do?” Daddy Lizard asked.
“I’m going to see him again,” Suave announced, wiping his mouth with a paper napkin.
“Clark? Suave, you know you will never get an appointment with him.”
Suave gulped down some of the D&G Ginger Beer, burping loudly. “I said I was going to see him, not make an appointment.”
Daddy Lizard looked at him with apprehension. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. He might call the cops, and you don’t need any more trouble.”
“That’s a chance I’m willing to take.” Suave got up and walked into the kitchen with the empty food container and soft drink. He turned the bottle to its head, finishing off the drink, and then threw both items in the garbage bin.
“Let’s go!” Suave moved toward the garage, leaving Daddy Lizard to follow him. Soon, they were on their way to Constant Spring Road, where Alwayne Clark’s office was located.
Suave strolled toward the office. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and he was desperate. He walked up to the front door, peeped through the glass at the top, and saw a middle-aged lady tapping away on a computer keyboard. He turned the handle on the door, but it didn’t budge.
“Hello,” Suave tapped on the door.
The lady looked up and pointed at her watch and resumed typing on the computer.
Suave knocked again, a little harder this time, but not enough to create alarm.
Clearly frustrated at being interrupted, the woman stood and walked to the door. “We are closed, sir,” she shouted through the glass.
Suave flashed his signature dimpled grin that always had a profound effect on the ladies. “I just want to ask you a question.” He pointed to the lock on the door.
The woman hesitated for a few seconds. Then she unlocked the door. “How may I help you?”
“Hello, I’m Suave Brown. I was wondering if I could speak with Mr. Clark. I just need five minutes.”
“I’m Evelyn, Mr. Clark’s assistant. He doesn’t have any more appointments for the day, sir. Please call Monday morning, and I’ll check his availability.”
“Is he here?” Suave asked, glancing over her head into the office.
Evelyn shook her head. “I’m sorry, you’ll—hey!”
Suave moved around her and entered the office. With determined steps, he walked through the elegantly furnished reception area toward a deep voice coming from somewhere in the back. It was the voice that he wanted to represent him on this murder case.
“Mama, I’m wrapping up now, and I’ll be there soon,” said Alwayne Clark into the telephone he held to his ear. “As a matter of fact...” he paused as Suave entered his office.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Clark.” A flustered Evelyn rushed into the office behind Suave. “I told him you weren’t available, but he forced himself in anyway.”
“Mama, I have to go, but I’ll see you soon.” Alwayne glared at Suave. “I promise I won’t be late. I love you.” Alwayne hung up the phone, his eyes shooting daggers at Suave.
“Sir, do you want me to call the police?” Evelyn asked.
“Mr. Clark, that won’t be necessary,” Suave said respectfully. “I promise I just need a few minutes. Please.” His eyes pleaded with Alwayne.
“Sir?” Evelyn stared at Alwayne for confirmation.
Alwayne took a deep breath, still locking eyes with Suave. “It’s okay, Evelyn. He won’t be staying long.”
“I’ll be right outside.” Evelyn’s remark was more directed to Suave than her boss. She gave Suave a dirty look before exiting the office, closing the door behind her.
“Thank you.” Suave’s voice was filled with gratitude. “I promise—”
“Don’t you ever force your way into my office again.” Alwayne was livid. “You may be able to intimidate other people, but not me.”
This wasn’t going too well for Suave. The last thing he wanted was to piss off Alwayne. “I’m sorry, but I knew there was no other way you would see me,” Suave explained. “I’m in a lot of trouble, and I need your help.”
“If I recall correctly, I had already told you that I don’t want your business.”
“This is different,” Suave replied. He lowered himself into the
