Julie tossed back dark curls and laughed, the sound a little hollow. “I feel like shit. This isn’t fair to you, and we have to stop it before you lose your job or worse.”
“No. It’s fine.” Zara reached into her pocket. She’d been so sad when she and Julie had lost touch, ostensibly because of Jay, and now it was like they’d never been apart. “I have only two thousand left, but that should last you until the trial since you paid another retainer to your lawyer.”
Julie eyed the cash. “I can’t take all of your savings.”
Zara pressed the money into her friend’s hand. She’d been so focused on getting her degree and then building a stable life that she hadn’t had much time to make friends. Julie meant a lot to her, and they’d stay in touch for sure this time. “You can pay me back with your divorce settlement. No matter what, you’ll get something from Jay in the divorce.” She leaned in to study the fading bruise across Julie’s temple. “How’s the head?”
“Better.”
Zara rubbed her eye. Why did life end up so unfair for good people? “I still think you should go to the police and press charges.”
Julie stepped back to sit on a dirty floral bedspread. “Why? It’s his word against mine. I have no medical reports, and I have no proof. You can’t even testify that you’ve seen him hit me or you’ll lose your job.” Julie remained matter-of-fact. “He’s smart, Zara. You know that. And he has the best lawyers in the West on retainer.”
Zara winced and took in some cigarette burns along the top of the television. “I know. I work there.” It wasn’t her fault her firm represented Jay and his business assets. Her temples began to pound, but she held firm. Right was right, and she was helping her friend, no matter the cost. Julie had called her a month ago, nearly desperate since she’d escaped Jay, and Zara had instantly felt guilty for letting their friendship lapse because she’d been working so hard to establish herself at the firm. “I’m sorry I didn’t know how bad it had gotten.” It was almost textbook how Jay had isolated Julie from everyone.
“I should’ve called you earlier,” Julie said, her small hands fluttering. “It’s my fault.”
“No, it’s mine.” Especially since she’d introduced poor Julie to Jay years ago. What a mistake that day had turned out to be. “Things will get better as soon as the divorce goes through. Both sides have finished answering discovery. Your lawyer should amend to add an allegation of domestic violence.”
“Why?” Julie frowned at the filthy-looking bedspread. “There’s no proof, and you know his family knows all the judges. I just want out, Zara. I just want the divorce to go through so I can go on my way.”
Zara sighed, her heart aching for her once upbeat friend. “You could leave town.”
“I will as soon as I finish the medical examinations to prove I’m competent.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe he’s alleging I’m mentally incompetent and I need a guardian.”
Yeah, it was unfair, without doubt. Zara’s heart ached for her friend. “He’s convinced the lawyers at my firm that you have serious problems, and if I speak up, I won’t be able to help you.” She chewed on her lip. “I don’t know much about your lawyer, but I’m not sure he’s the best.”
“I know, but he’s what I can afford. It’ll be okay. And he says I can leave town as soon as I prove I’m not nuts.” Julie smiled, but her lips trembled. “I owe you so much.”
“We’re friends.” That summed it up. Julie was one of her few friends, and she should’ve done a better job. It hurt to see the bright, spunky woman so defeated, and Zara wanted nothing more than to protect her.
When Zara had moved to Cisco after getting her degree eight years ago, Julie had instantly taken her under her wing and shown her around, drawing her into a singles Bunco group as well as the local Business Coalition for Women.
How odd to have their positions reversed so completely.
Julie looked at the bruise on Zara’s face. “I can’t believe he dared to hit you.”
“He had nothing to lose.” Zara shrugged. “If I report him, I’ll have to admit that I’m assisting the opposition on a case taken by my firm. I’ll lose my entire career and never get to be a paralegal again. He knows that, which is why he hasn’t said anything, either.” The jerk thought he’d win, without doubt. She steeled her shoulders and glanced at her watch. “When is your examination with the shrink?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. All I want is half the community property and the jewelry my grandmother left me, which he won’t turn over.” Julie looked down at her shaking hands. “And to start over. Just to start over. Maybe with real love this time.”
“I agree. You have plenty of time,” Zara said.