“Everything seems to be in order,” she said. “Is there nothing left to be done about her appeals?”
Andrew shook his head. “It’s in the hands of the governor and the powers that be now. I’m still looking for options. I know someone close to her has written letters, and I thought he might have some pull, but so far nothing.”
“It’s been a long time since a woman was executed.”
“Yes, it has. You know, I wonder sometimes if the privacy that was so important to Natasha during her career might be hurting her now. People don’t have the emotional investment in her that they have with more open celebrities. Considering her crimes, I guess the privacy made sense, but now I think it’s a liability.”
“I can understand that,” Celia said. However, inwardly, she understood the actress’s desire. Celia was the same way. Her business wasn’t everyone’s business. Luckily, people didn’t fawn over journalists the way they fawned over actors.
“I have wondered if running this story before her execution might be beneficial. What do you think?”
“That isn’t what is in the contract.”
“I know,” Andrew said. “But contracts can be amended. I was hoping that maybe both of us could encourage her to go in that direction. She seems to value your instincts.”
“I haven’t even met her yet,” Celia replied. “But I have to say, I’m inclined to do what she wants at this point. I suspect she thought a lot about granting interviews before she extended the invitation. I’m not going to jeopardize that unless there is a chance she might agree.”
Andrew sighed. “I can see why she thought you were the perfect choice for interviews. You sound just like her.”
Celia smiled. “I think I’ll choose to take that as a compliment.”
“Well, she is a formidable woman.”
“That she is. I am looking very forward to meeting her.”
“Good, great,” Andrew replied. “We have the first appointment set up for 9:00 am. It would be smart to arrive a few minutes early if possible. Do you need transportation?”
“No, I have that arranged.”
“That’s fine then. Would you like me to accompany you to the first interview?”
There it is, Celia thought. One last attempt to get into the room. “I appreciate it, but I’ll be fine. I may not have visited a death row prisoner, but I have been in prisons before.”
“Alright then.” Andrew frowned. “If you have any questions, just give me a call.”
After leaving the law office, Celia met Bart for lunch downtown. There was a new café close to his office, and she’d been wanting to try it. The chef was said to be able to do wonders with vegan cuisine. When she walked into the restaurant, Bart was already seated, and he waved at her.
“Glad you could make lunch.” Bart pulled out the chair for her.
“Thanks for the invitation. I’ve been wanting to try this place. A couple of my colleagues have raved about it.”
“You look great.”
“Thanks, you too. How’s work?”
“I’m billing so many hours on this I may retire early,” Bart chuckled. “How about you? Anything exciting?”
“Just the same old same old. Expose corruption, report the truth, all that jazz.”
“You’re very talented. I read the latest piece, and it’s a work of art.”
Celia smiled. Bart certainly was good for the ego. “Thank you.”
The waiter arrived, and they placed their orders. Bart ordered a zucchini pasta dish, and Celia ordered a salad with roasted tofu. She laughed when Bart wrinkled his nose a bit, and she explained to him that tofu takes on the flavor of whatever it is cooked in, so, despite its appearance, it doesn’t taste like Styrofoam. He looked skeptical, but he said he might try a bite if he felt brave enough.
“So do you have any big plans for the weekend?” Celia asked.
“I’m going to a fundraiser. My former in-laws run a non-profit in Wilmington.”
“Sounds interesting. So you’re still close with them?”
“We stay in touch. Stella and I were only married for five years, but her parents really needed support after her accident, so I stuck around for a while.”
“That was kind of you. I guess you probably needed support as well. Do they know what caused the accident?”
It only lasted for a second, but Celia noticed it. Bart’s face darkened and then blanked. She’d seen interview subjects do the same thing. There was something under the surface. “There was a problem with the car. It was a curvy road at night. I think she just lost control,” Bart smiled thinly. “So how is your friend? The one you are visiting?”
“Oh, I’m sure she’ll be okay. She just hates being cooped up.”
“So what’s wrong with her?”
Celia shrugged. “It’s a woman thing. I don’t want to violate her privacy.”
Bart’s jaw tightened. “I see.”
Their food arrived, and they began eating. Celia was surprised at how delicious it was. Bart’s looked good as well. He was brave enough to try a bite of her tofu, but he wasn’t a fan, he said. Celia laughed as she finished her meal. They chatted about work and the goings-on in the city. Bart asked her to dinner on the following Tuesday, and she accepted. He was a lot of fun, and the sex was fun. She was hoping they’d go out regularly without becoming too serious. Getting attached wasn’t on Celia’s to-do list. She’d have to keep Bart at a distance; he was definitely the attaching type.
“Let me get this one,” Celia said when the waiter brought the ticket. “Please.”
Bart didn’t look completely comfortable, but he agreed. Celia didn’t want him to get the wrong impression, being the one to pay every time. Everything in life was a transaction. She handed the ticket and her card to the waiter, and then she excused herself to go to the restroom.
“Hey, Celia, I thought that was you,” Julia, a colleague, said as she washed her hands.
“You were right about this place,” Celia replied. “The food is great.”
“I enjoyed looking at your date,” Julia teased. “Where’d
