“That’s true. I have to admit that I’d love to see what it’s like to work. I never really earned my own money, and I feel like I need something more than just taking care of the house and the kids. James is in preschool now, Andrew’s in high school, and Rock’s busy with the club. I need something too.”
“I’ll tell you, if you can afford to stay home, do it just until Andrew’s out of high school. I think teenagers need their mom around if it’s possible. All my problems with Emily started in high school, and I was too damn busy trying to earn a living to be around when she needed guidance and a firm hand. I didn’t have a choice, but if I had, I would’ve stayed home until she graduated. Now with Ethan approaching high school, I’m glad I can be around for him.”
Clotille rubbed the back of her neck. “We are having some problems with Andrew. It just started this school year when he went into his sophomore year. The school has called a couple of times saying he’s skipped classes, and Rock’s also caught him sneaking out the window at night.”
“That’s tough,” Cara said as she threw her paper plate into the trash can. “I see a lot of teenagers getting into trouble. It’s not always because the mother works, but sometimes having less free time or someone around to make sure the teen is home helps. Of course, teens can do things behind their parents’ back too.”
“I sure did, and my parents didn’t have a clue,” Addie said.
“I feel very torn on this. I guess I just have to think about it and talk with Rock. Are any of you free to come on Friday night for jambalaya and cornbread? I’m going to call Cherri, Baylee, and Kimber and see if they can come too.”
“Count us in,” Addie said.
“I’m sure we can, but let me check with Hawk.” Cara took out her lipstick and reapplied it. Glancing at the time, she gathered her coat and scarf. “I have to get going. I’ll call you,” she said to Clotille as she slipped on her coat and then walked out of the room.
Cara had cut her law practice down to part time when Braxton was born. She’d thought she’d go back to full time once he went to full-day school, but then Isa came, and Hawk was planning on at least three more. She chuckled as she remembered how happy he was when she’d told him she was pregnant again. She’d be good with one, maybe two more, but three? I don’t think so.
Spotting a parking space in front of the office building, she sped over to secure it, ignoring the honking horns. Before going in, she took out her phone and called her mom to make sure Isa was doing all right. Her mom would pick Braxton up at school later, and then Cara would swing by her parents’ and take both kids home.
When she opened the door to her office, she saw a medium-sized man folded in one of the leather chairs. Straggly hair fell over his face, and light brown eyes stared at her through the strands. She went over to Asher and asked him in a low voice, “Do I have an appointment I forgot about?”
“No,” he whispered back. “This dude came in about a half hour ago insisting on seeing you. He said his name was Garret. I told him you don’t take walk-ins, but he was adamant that he had to talk to you. And he’s been sitting there the whole time watching me. It’s pretty creepy. Do you want me to throw him out?”
Shaking her head, she whirled around and went over to the man. She extended her hand and he clutched it, his palms cold and wet. As inconspicuously as she could muster, she pulled away from him, wishing she could find a discreet way to wipe her hand off. “What can I do for you?”
“I need to talk to you in private.” His eyes were everywhere but on her.
“All right. Let’s go into my office.” As she passed Asher, he tilted his head to her as if to say he had her back. Stepping inside, she gestured to the man to sit down. When he started to close the door, she shook her head and grasped its edge. “The door always stays open. Have a seat.”
The man stared at her, then at the door, and back at her. Slowly he turned around and walked to the chair. She noted he was a thin, wiry man with long, unkempt hair. He looked like he was in his late twenties or very early thirties.
Sitting behind her desk, she looked fixedly at him and he seemed to squirm under the intensity. “What brings you to my office? Are you in trouble?” The way he fidgeted in his seat, kept running his hand through his hair, and looking everywhere but at her told her something was amiss with him. She’d been a criminal defense attorney long enough to be able to read people when they came in to see her.
“Nah. I’m not in no trouble.”
“Okay. What’s your name?”
“Why do you need to know that fer?”
“Because you know mine. That doesn’t seem fair, does it? Would you like some water, juice, or a Coke?”
“Coke’s good.”
She swiveled around and opened a mini fridge in the corner behind her. Handing him the can, she smiled and reached for a legal pad.
“Thanks,” he said before popping the top. He took a long drink, then burped. “Name’s Garret.”
“Hi, Garret. What can I do for you?”
“I just wanted to ask a few questions, that’s all.” Another long drink. Another burp. “Uh… what’s the punishment for breaking into someone’s house?”
“It depends. Colorado has two degrees of burglary for breaking and entering into a home. If a person breaks in with the intent to commit a crime against another person or property inside, then that’s second-degree. It’s a felony and the max is four years in prison. First-degree has the same elements as second-degree except the one breaking in has to assault or menace a person during the burglary. That felony carries a maximum of twelve years in prison.”
Garret crushed the can with his hands and wiped the corners of his mouth. Nodding, he stood up and paced back and forth for a few seconds, then sat down on the edge of the chair.
“I’d need more details if you want me to answer with more specificity.” Cara’s nerves began to tingle as Garret leaned forward, then slammed back against the chair.
“You don’t need nothing more. Why’re you asking me fer details? I didn’t do nothing.” Bouncing his knee, he bit at his lips.
Noticing he was jumpier than a jackrabbit, Cara pushed back a little from the desk. I may have to make a dash for it. “I didn’t say you did anything. I just wanted to give you a more accurate answer, that’s all.”
“I’m thinking of writing a mystery book. That’s all. Anyway, in the book, the guy goes into people’s home to break things. You know, vernalize.”
“Vandalize?”
He grinned, exposing crooked teeth. “Ya. That’s it.”
“If no one is hurt and—”
“No one’s at home when it happens.”
“It’s second-degree burglary. So that would be four years and a hefty fine.”
“But if he never done nothing before, he could get less, right?”
“Yes. A person may even receive probation and a few months in jail. The punishment isn’t a mandatory sentence.”
Cara jumped when, all of a sudden, he leapt to his feet. He paced back and forth three times, then stopped in front of her desk.
“Thanks. Thanks.” He rushed out of the office.