Betrayal - Fern Michaels [30]
“I don’t have much choice, do I?” Alex observed. “God, it’s been a long time. Kate, when was the last time we went to Florida?”
“Year before last.”
“This might make my job easier. Go home tonight. Both of you sit down with a pencil and paper. Write down the dates of the visits. Be as accurate as possible. Tell how long each stay lasted. Were you ever alone with Sara? Emily? For how long? Anything you think of, I need to know. We’ve got a long road ahead of us, but I have no doubt we’ll get this resolved.”
“When will they extradite me to Florida? I have a business to run. There are arrangements to be made. Just in case,” Alex said.
“I’d say three or four days at the most. They don’t waste time. Get your personal business in order and let me take it from there. Now, I can’t do this for free, so there is my fee to discuss.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t expect you to do this for nothing. Money is not an issue. Whatever you need, I’ll write you a check, or cash if you prefer.”
“I’ll need twenty-five thousand as a retainer. If this doesn’t cover my initial expenses, I’ll discuss that with you when and if.” James stood up, held out his hand. Alex shook his hand, and Kate simply nodded.
“I’ll bring a check tomorrow if that’s convenient,” Alex told James.
He released Alex’s hand. “Of course. I’ll see you both tomorrow morning, around nine.”
“We’ll be here,” Kate said as she stood from the chair. Her legs felt like Jell-O. A tremor like nothing she’d ever experienced ripped through her like gale-force winds.
The drive back home was torturous. Few words were exchanged. Kate felt the tension but didn’t know what to say or do to relieve it. When they reached the house, Alex escaped to the kennel and she to the kitchen.
Three hours later, she’d made a hummingbird cake, two blackberry pies, and three dozen biscuits. She was wrapping the biscuits in plastic when Alex and Gertie joined her. Kate sliced one of the pies, filled the coffeemaker with water, and scooped coffee into the filter. Gertie and Alex sat at the table, both silent as mimes. Kate waited for Alex to speak up, and when he didn’t, she did.
“So. What do you think of James so far?” Kate wanted Alex’s honest opinion. There was something about him she didn’t care for, but if he had the charges against Alex dropped, or at least proved his innocence, that was all that mattered. Kate sliced three pieces of warm pie, placing them on small saucers. The coffeepot gave its final gurgle. She took three mugs from the cupboard, filled them, and set them on the table. Cream and sugar from the fridge, then Kate sat down.
“If he gets this mess cleared up, he’ll be my best friend for life,” Alex said as he sliced into the pie.
Kate wanted more than that, she needed to know if Alex felt any reservations. This man held a power more awesome than Alex realized. Kate wanted the assurance that Alex was ready to put their future in this stranger’s hands.
“Are you sure you’re comfortable with him? Can we trust him?” Kate asked.
Gertie spoke up. “If my brother says he’s good, then he’s good. Reece won’t recommend anyone who isn’t the best in his or her field. Kate’s right, though. You have to trust him. If you feel the slightest doubt, then at least get another attorney’s opinion.”
“I don’t think that’ll be necessary, Gert. I trust him. His credentials are impeccable.”
Kate had reservations about the young attorney, but maybe it was nothing; maybe she was just being overly paranoid. She would wait and see. If he didn’t work out, they could always hire another attorney. If Alex felt comfortable with him, that was all that mattered.
Alex pushed his plate aside, took a sip of coffee, and cleared his throat. “Kate, there’s something I want to tell you.”
For a split second Kate stopped breathing. “What is it, Alex? Please, don’t tell me this is—”