“I don’t know about famous,” he said, laughing as he shook her hand. “From what I understand, you have an amazing team of attorneys at your disposal.”
Betty smiled and I sensed how proud she was of everything we’d accomplished. “I’m thrilled at the work we’ve done, but there’s much more to do. Victims are altered for life. No matter what the experts say, they never fully recover.”
“We do all we can to make their road to recovery as smooth as possible,” I added.
“Admirable,” he said. “Criminals are very cunning.”
“Yes, they are. They twist reality to suit their needs. I don’t need to tell you just how many victims are out there. They needrepresentation and people who care. And I’m sorry to sound melancholy. This is a party. It’s obvious you’re one of the good guys, Mr. Callahan. I only ask that you treat my little star with the respect and love she deserves. She’s truly like a daughter to me. I wanted you both here for a special night.”
The faraway look in her eyes was one I’d seen only recently. She was lamenting about her past, something we all did from time to time.
“Don’t worry, Betty,” I told her, squeezing Maverick’s arm. “I’ve got him wrapped around my little finger.”
While Maverick groaned, Betty and I laughed. Being here was more relaxing than I’d originally thought.
“I’m glad to hear it.” Betty studied him carefully as if dissecting his intentions. “I’ve heard you’re very formidable. You were an excellent FBI agent. What you did to save her life several years ago was amazing. The only survivor of such a horrific crime. You must consider yourself a hero.”
“Quite the contrary, Ms. Landers. I don’t feel good about the case at all.”
“Perhaps one day you’ll afford me the luxury of sharing with me why. I admire your tenacity. Even if sometimes criminals are misunderstood.”
Her choice of words surprised me.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Landers,” he told her. “I haven’t lost my touch. If anyone dares try and touch her again, I will do what’s necessary to prevent her from being hurt. And I do mean anything.”
They shared a moment and I could tell Betty was testing him in her own way. Just like a mother hen would do. “Yes, I believe you. I wished I could have helped her years ago. At least you were there. Enjoy the party, but don’t go anywhere too quickly.” Betty pointed her finger at me.
“What are you doing?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.
“Nothing that you need to be concerned about, my girl. Just make your way to the participation room in about fifteen minutes. It’s very important you be there.”
She kept the smile on her face as she backed away.
“Participation room?” he asked, his brow arched.
“A large enough space to accommodate every employee. It takes up part of a floor. The cafeteria is on the other side.” I stared after her, shaking my head. She was certainly more reflective tonight.
“I thought firms such as this didn’t have that sort of money.”
“Our board of directors is rich. At least so I’ve heard. Two years ago we moved into this fabulous space. How interesting that I’ve yet to meet any of them.”
He tilted his head. “That’s odd.”
“They support firms like ours throughout the country. They each have their own careers. They pop in from time to time but I’m usually too busy to notice. Come on. Let’s get a drink and maybe, if you’re a good boy, I’ll show you my office.”
“Private?”
I turned to face him, nuzzling closer. “Very. Interested?”
“Don’t tempt me.”
“I like tempting you.”
“You seem concerned about Ms. Landers. What happened to her? She was a victim. Yes?”
I nodded as we moved from one room to another. “Yes. I don’t know all the details because she’s a very private person, but she was raped by someone of importance who got away with the crime. She became pregnant by the perpetrator and given her family’s religious background, was refused an abortion. From what I understand, she lost the baby. But she doesn’t talk about it.”
“Jesus. I can imagine how horrible that must be.”
