Winning Appeal(17)

“I know where my grandfather’s missing painting is,” she broke in and my mouth almost popped open. It was rumored that Caitlin’s grandfather had completed one last painting, one that he claimed was his best work. Before it had been exhibited anywhere, though, he died and it disappeared.

“Why don’t you tell the police?” I sat forward eagerly. This case was famous.

“I can’t.” She bit her cheek and fidgeted in her chair.

“Why not?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Uh huh.” I sat back again. “Well, that’s kind of vague, Caitlin. I don’t know what you want me to do. Have a fundraiser?”

“I need someone to help me get it back privately, without the cops getting involved. You know all about art at least.”

“Caitlin, although I know something about art, I don’t think…”

“Beth, he left it to me, and it would be the only thing I would have of my own that would be of any real value.” Her words made me grimace with disdain.

“So, what, you just want to sell it?”

“No! I swear. I would let them hang it in a museum or something. But it’s mine and it’s all I have. And I liked my grandfather.” She sat forward, and grabbed onto the edge of my desk. Why did I suddenly feel a little pang of sympathy?

“Even if I were a lawyer, we don’t handle those kinds of cases here,” I explained in a softer tone. “We defend people wrongly accused and convicted of crimes.” She looked so earnest that I almost wished I could help her, but what could I do?

“That’s it? That’s all you do here?”

“Some people consider that important,” I said, my skin prickling with indignation.

“Hey, is that Mike a lawyer?” Breathe, Beth.

“He is, but he works here with us. Helping innocent people seek justice. Sorry,” I said, glancing at my watch.

“Okay, whatever. I guess you can’t help it if that’s all you do.” She got up and walked to the door. “Will you be at Paul’s party next Saturday?”

“Yes, he’s raising money for the Gerard Foundation, and so I think I should be there to show support from our organization. You’re going?”

“Yeah, I usually go to his parties. He was a friend of my grandfather’s,” she said as she opened the door to leave. “Oh by the way, that Mike’s really got some mad sexy skills doesn’t he?” she asked in a conspiratorial tone, wiggling her eyebrows at me. “Hey, does he have any friends he could fix me up with for a night?”

“His closest friends are married,” I said smiling through gritted teeth.

“Oh well, it’s okay. Not like it’s hard to find a player.” She snorted and left.

The only thing that prevented me from leaping over my desk and slamming the door behind her, was the knowledge that she was just an idiot, rather than intentionally cruel. Well, that, and the fact that I don’t think I could actually leap over my desk. I took a deep cleansing breath, and pictured my happy place, a peaceful deserted beach on a tropical island. And look, there was Mark in a bathing suit…



Wednesday 2:00 PM

I was getting coffee in the break room when Mark strolled in and my pulse immediately sped up. I had never met anyone who could affect my physiology so much just by entering a room. He was looking quite yummy in his navy suit and red tie. I could always tell when he had just gotten out of court. His stride was more forceful and his eyes had a certain shine to them. It was almost like he radiated adrenaline.

“Hey there,” he said with a smile. He paused and his gaze went to the steaming mug in my hand. I couldn’t say that I blamed him for being concerned. I put it down on the counter and he approached tentatively. Oh, and there it was, Armani Code. That stuff was becoming like heroine to me. I resisted the temptation to breathe it in deeply.

“Hey,” I said, returning his smile.

“So, how are you?” he asked with a slightly husky tone to his voice, staring at my body for a second and dragging his eyes back up to mine. I had on one of my favorite outfits, a lilac paisley dress that hugged my curves without being too tight. Just sayin’.

“Great, thanks. How are you?” If he sounded husky, I sounded like I had been drinking bourbon and smoking for fifty years. I started twisting my fingers together but I caught myself quickly and stopped. He twisted his head and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Great. Oh, hey, apparently, the Third Circuit judge who I chatted with the other night is going to appoint us to a big case. Braden was thrilled.”

“That’s wonderful. I have some good news too. First of all, I did get all of us into the mystery weekend. And secondly, my parents are going to be traveling a lot soon, and my mom has offered us use of the house in Bryn Mawr. I thought we could have a Justice Project pool party to really kick of summer.”