Fenella
Another week passes, and we reach the end of January.Laird is supposed to rest for another month, but he insists on going to New York.The first reason is that he can’t stand being home with his father anymore.The second reason is he can’t help missing me.
I giggle in joy as I recall how Laird whines like a child about wanting to go to New York.He doesn’t want to be separated from me.He keeps saying he can’t fully rest in New York, but that doesn’t stop him.And Golden calls us several times asking for written testimony.After ignoring him twice, we finally answer the official summons on the third call.
“Why are you smiling?”Laird’s voice pulls me out of my reverie.He leans in to look at my face from the front.His forehead wrinkles and his eyes narrow suspiciously.
“Oh, no, nothing.”I clear my throat to shake off thoughts of how wonderful it is to stay with Laird all day.
This whole week is fantastic for us.We relax in the apartment, then walk together every morning and evening around the park.During the day, we have picnics, buy bread or dinner, or drop clothes at the laundry, all together.
I’m happy, but there’s a knot in my throat every time I think about us going back to real life again.Laird will go back to work as usual, and I’ll be busy with projects with Jessy.There will be no more alone time like this.
“We’re here,” Laird says.
He knocks on the door at the end of the hallway.The door opens, and a man in a worn-out black suit stands in front of us, probably Golden’s assistant.We step inside a messy room, piles of documents everywhere.There’s only one small space left for us to sit in the corner of a table that’s also full of papers.
“Ah, you’ve come.Took you long enough to answer the call.I almost issued a warrant.”Golden chuckles as he motions for us to sit.
“I’m still recovering, old man.You pressured my bleeding stomach wound yourself.”Laird shakes his head and smirks at him.
“But Fenella isn’t recovering, is she?”
“We’re in this together or not at all,” he replies.
“Yes, we’re a package deal,” I add.
“Yeah, right.”The man snorts.“Well, I don’t need much from you today.I just need your written testimony for the trial.”
“Questions.”I raise my hand low.
“Yes,” Golden nods.
“Does that mean we’re testifying at the trial?”
“Are you deaf?I just said that.”Golden frowns with an exasperated sigh.
“Hey, watch your mouth.We’re unpaid here,” Laird growls.
“Oh, bullshit.Don’t think I don’t know about the bonus money she kept.We’re not paying you, but I’m not pressing to confiscate that money either.”Golden laughs and waves his hand.
“How did you know?”Laird asks.
“Matthew told me.”Golden straightens his shoulders.
“Then how could Matthew tell you?He’s usually so secretive aboutlimitedconversations.”Laird crosses his arms.
“He’s paid as an informant now for the office.”
“Excuse me?You used to hate how he gathered information.That’s why you kicked him out of this office.”Laird furrows his brow deeper.
“As an assistant prosecutor, yes, I disagreed with his illegal methods.But now that he’s hired as an unofficial informant, we don’t have to take responsibility for anything illegal he does.”Golden sneers and shrugs.
“How convenient for your selfish ass.”Laird snorts.
“Do you want me to kick your sorry ass out of this office too?”
“I can walk my ass out of here myself.”
