“Not exactly.”
“So why do you want to be a partner?”
Jane frowned. “I don’t understand the question.”
This reminded her of their Sunday night supper tradition. Jed would pick a controversial topic—abortion, capital punishment, state-sanctioned suicide, medical marijuana, or whatever other juicy topic dominated the headlines. They’d each pick a side and argue it over pie. Jed had helped hone her rhetoric skills.
“Exactly my point. I think you’re goin’ through the motions.”
“Perhaps you’re equating tedium with having a well-ordered life.” Everything was running smoothly, like a machine—no ups, no downs.
“I’m worried about you.” Jed squeezed her hand.
“I know.” Jane knew he only had her best interests at heart.
“You’re startin’ to get capital cases. I don’t want my only daughter working with murderers.”
Of course, he’d heard about Valentine—it’d been splashed all over the newspapers.
“The Valentine case didn’t go to trial because I used my exceptional mind to stop it from going forward. Ergo, I’m very good at my job.”
Jed steepled his hands. “What does your intuition tell you about the man?”
“I don’t consult my feelings. Instead, I looked at the facts. There wasn’t a shred of DNA evidence. The law is about making a reasonable case—statutes and precedents.”
People endowed the law with all sorts of superstitions. Some lawyers even had lucky socks or briefcases. Not Jane.
“Some of it, but you’ve also gotta go with your gut and read both your client and a jury.”
Grasping the nuances of social interaction had never been her strong suit, and Jane accepted people at face value. Sarcasm, double entendres, and the intricacies of body language were largely lost on her.
She only paid careful attention to body language in the courtroom but didn’t have the energy or patience for it in the rest of her life. However, her methods were scrupulous at work. She backed up a client’s claims with evidence, like pinning down alibis, leaving room for doubt, and positing alternative theories of the crime.
“I don’t agree.”
“Well, I don’t like you workin’ with the likes of him.”
“You don’t have to. It’s my life.”
“I don’t doubt your knowledge of the law, but someone with your condition has a hard time readin’ people. I worry about some scumbag harmin’ you.”
Her “condition” had always set her apart from others, but as far as Jane was concerned, she didn’t have a disorder. So what if she saw the world differently than most people? It’d never held her back.
“Don’t—I can take care of myself.”
“I don’t mean to make you angry. I’m concerned is all. This is comin’ from a place of love.”
“I know.”
“And I miss you, honey. We haven’t had a Sunday supper in ages.”
Jane felt a stab of guilt. “I’m sorry. I promise we’ll schedule something soon.”
“Good.” Jed sat back in his chair. “Since I’ve got you here, tell me what’s goin’ on in your life. You datin’ anyone?”
Jane was wondering if this had been a ploy to see her again and the guilt returned with a vengeance.
“No, not at the moment.” Not in two years, actually.
“Maybe you should put yourself out there.”
“There’s plenty of time for love.”
“Life passes faster than you think. A career is a wonderful thing, but don’t miss out on real life while you’re chasin’ glory.”
“And by real life, you mean a husband and children?”
Working twelve-hour days six days a week didn’t leave much time for a personal life. Jane had a tendency to laser-focus on a goal until she accomplished it.
Jane adored Brady, but she couldn’t see herself being a mother, even though Georgia made it look easy. Mothers were emotional creatures, who were warm and welcoming. They baked cookies and kissed skinned knees. She didn’t know how to comfort other people, let alone connect with them.
“Gettin’ hitched and adoptin’ you were the two best decisions I ever made. I don’t want to see you miss out.”
“Even though you wound up getting divorced?”
“Just because it ended badly don’t mean the experience wasn’t worth it.”
“I’ll keep it in mind.” Jane stood. “Unfortunately, I have a prior appointment I’m running late for.”
“With who?”
“A client.” She knew better than to mention her destination. Jed’s reaction would put Georgia’s to shame. He’d probably insist on coming with her.