Courting Death - Carol Stephenson [19]
Hard rock music blared from Carling’s pocket and she dug out her cell phone. “Hey, Maria, what’s up?”
Maria was the firm’s lead secretary so I watched Carling’s expressive face as she listened. Here and there I caught the secretary’s agitated voice. Something was up at the office. Good. This might be my chance to leave the house without a chaperon.
Carling spoke, cutting off the other woman. “Look, we’ll have to tell him to get another attorney for his son.”
I straightened. “What’s wrong?”
“We had a referral call. The man’s son has been arrested for drug possession and the first appearance is in an hour. Kate’s still in court and you’re in no shape to be left alone—”
“Hold it right there,” I interrupted. “Take the case. I’m fine now that I’ve slept. I’ll just curl up with my laptop and work from home. The hearing will take you a couple of hours, max. If you’re worried about me, you can swing by afterward.”
Carling narrowed her eyes as she tapped the phone against the palm of her hand. “No double or blurred vision?”
“None. No dizziness or nausea.” At least none that a swig of antacid wouldn’t cure, I told myself as my stomach twisted. I pointed at the phone. “Tell Maria you’re on the way.”
“A blow to the head is nothing to monkey with.”
If anyone knew how nasty head injuries could be, it was Carling. She’d been grazed by a bullet when a client was shot and killed then suffered a concussion in a car accident.
I made a cross over my chest and raised my hand. “I promise I’ll call if I start having any symptoms.”
Focus on the goal at hand. I smiled. “Besides, Sophie’s here.”
“If you’re sure…” At my nod, Carling raised her phone. “Maria, I’m clear to handle the hearing. I’m on my way. Call and set up a client meet at the jail.”
After a few more directives, she closed the phone and gave me a fierce hug. “You behave and I’ll swing by when I’m done.” She whirled and left the bathroom. I followed, opened the door and groaned. All thought of sneaking out after Carling left fled.
My worst fantasy stood on the front stoop.
“Evenin’, Red.” Sam’s bemused gaze raked me and his dark eyebrow shot up. “Going somewhere?”
I bit back a sigh. “Of course not. What are you doing here?”
He held up two greasy white bags. “I was in the neighborhood for some burgers and thought I’d drop in.” Before I could stop him, Sam ambled past me and Carling into the living room.
She grinned and gave me a quick salute. “You’re in good hands. I’ll check in after the hearing.” She dashed to her car. I closed the door and went into the living room only to catch a glimpse of Sam escorting Mom into the kitchen.
“Miss Nicole.” Sophie approached me.
“Yes?” My stomach growled at the lingering aroma of grilled meat and onions.
“I was wondering if I could leave early now that you have company. My nephew gets his blue belt in karate tonight.”
I dragged my gaze from the kitchen entry and smiled. “Of course. I’m grounded for the night so go watch Miguel.”
“Gracias. I will see you tomorrow.” She tilted her head toward the next room. “Your man…muy guapo.”
I shook my head. “Not my man.”
“No?” The other woman’s brown eyes twinkled. “He acts like he is.”
I made my way into the kitchen and caught my breath. In companionable silence Mom sat next to Sam, wolfing down a burger. Sam glanced over at me and held up an unwrapped sandwich. “Been waiting on you, Red.”
I had my pride, but it wimped out under the strident demand of my long ignored stomach. I grabbed the proffered burger and bit into it. Stopping midchew, I watched as Sam casually held out a fry to my mother, which she grabbed.
I sighed. How did he do it? Mom never trusted strangers and here he was practically hand-feeding her.
Companionable silence prevailed until the last greasy fry was fought over and made its way victoriously into my mouth. Mom rose and gifted Sam with one of her rare smiles. “Thank you for dinner. If you all will excuse me, I think I will head to bed.”
I kissed her on the cheek. “Good night, Mom.” I remained