I don’t think I am as smooth as I intended.
"I discussed the case with all three of them," Adrian says. "Briefly. They provided the minimum necessary context and made it clear that any further detail would come from you, at your discretion. They were quite specific about that." A meaningful pause. "They left any personal matters out of the conversation entirely."
Something in me deflates. I knew they would be careful and discreet. But some stupid, stubborn part of me had hoped for… what? A message passed through the attorney?
Adrian sets his tea down. Picks up his briefcase. Stands with the same contained efficiency with which he sat. He extends a hand and I take it.
"I'll begin reviewing the documentation tonight. We'll schedule a preparation session before the Voss interview. Nothing goes on the record until we've stress-tested every sentence." He holds my gaze for a beat longer than professional convention requires. "I'll let Mr. Calloway know you've retained me as your attorney."
He moves toward the door. Then turns back. One hand on the doorframe.
"Or you could let them know yourself." He adjusts his cufflink. A precise, unhurried motion. "I'm sure they'd appreciate hearing it directly."
A wink. Brief. So controlled it barely qualifies. Gone before I can decide if I imagined it.
"Ms. Reeves. People like Daniel Hargrove operate on the assumption that the people they've hurt will be too afraid to retaliate." He doesn't smile. "They are rarely prepared for the moment that stops being true."
The door closes behind him. The house is quiet.
My mother is watching me from the kitchen.
"He seems competent," she says.
"He's more than competent, Mom."
"Then we have a plan."
"We have a plan."
She touches my cheek. Brief. Warm. Then she collects the tea things, and carries them to the kitchen. I hear the water run. The clink of cups being washed. The ordinary sounds of a woman who has decided that things will be all right and is expressing that decision through clean dishes.
When I hear her footsteps on the stairs, heading up to rest, I reach for my phone.
I don't know who to call. I can't choose. So I don't.
I open a new group chat on my phone. Add all three numbers. My thumb hovers over the phone for a long moment, the screen glow the only light in the dimming living room.
I type.
MAYA:I just had a meeting with Adrian Kade. Thank you so much for all your help.
I watch the three dots appear almost immediately. Reid's response comes first.
REID:Don't mention it. Owen says he's a shark.
Then Owen, right behind him:
OWEN:How is your father doing?
My throat tightens.
MAYA:Much better. We are all doing better now that we have a plan. Adrian did seem very charismatic.
JACE:Careful, I'm starting to get jealous.
I laugh. Out loud. Alone in my parents' living room
Twelve days since I left Montana. Since I stood in the driveway with my bag and looked at three men who let me go because I asked them to.
