chapter 12
SAMANTHA WAS LISTENING to Sara Evans as she wrestled with the ethical issues involving her new clients. Occasionally she explained her thoughts to her cat. The cat pretended to care, but soon his eyes grew heavy to Sara’s smooth, sentimental voice. The cat stretched out asleep, and Sam was beginning to feel better about the situation with the old men.
After graduating, Samantha had moved into her late aunt’s antebellum home that had been in the family since the 1850s. It had sat vacant for the last two years, and someone had stolen all of the period furnishings and paintings. Sam was certain it was a local antique dealer who had constantly pestered her to sell him the home’s contents. It pissed her off every time she thought about it. The Columbus tourism bureau had been begging her to restore the unique house and include it in the annual historic-homes tour. Sam knew she eventually would, but first she wanted to track down the authentic furniture. The giant old house was depressing with no furniture.
Sam had decided she could act as attorney for the old men because if they had actually robbed the Kroger, any crimes they may have committed occurred prior to their meeting. She would be comfortable representing them as long as they didn’t discuss future crimes or ask her to cover up any criminal activity. Tomorrow she would deposit the cash retainer and pay some bills.
As she finished the last sip of coffee, she turned off the music, clicked on the TV, and tuned in to the local news. The cat rolled over when she gently rubbed his head. Tom the cat was the only male in her life, and that was fine by her. Since her divorce almost two years earlier, dating had not figured into her lifestyle just yet.
“So, Tom,” she said to the motionless cat.
“We agree on our new clients?” Sam asked as she watched the anchor struggle through a news story. The teleprompter obviously wasn’t working correctly. It reminded her of the president. She chuckled.
“I know it’s weird, but the old guys seem sweet and excited about helping others. I like that.”
Samantha watched the cat ignore her.
“Bottom line, I’m an attorney, and they need a good one.”
Sam hoped to see her commercial run during the last newscast, but she never did.