“Well, so will I—and you can be absolutely certain of my intentions.”
“I know. You’ve been a good friend, Dorian. Thank you. I’ll go with your recommendation on the condition the bills get sent to me.”
“I have them on retainer.”
“Dorian.”
“Fine. We’ll figure something out.”
“But I feel like I need to give Richard a heads up.”
“That’s your call.”
I hear the unspoken disagreement, but Dorian doesn’t comprehend how angry Richard can be if he feels slighted. And plus, it feels like responsible co-parenting.
“What are next steps? Do I need to call Shelly or Luca?”
“I’ll send them a message. They’ll call you. They’re officially on your case so from this moment on you’ll be protected by client attorney privilege.”
“Okay. Have you heard anything on when?”
“They’ll come tonight or first thing in the morning. Either way, be ready.”
I watch the time count on the top right of my monitor. 8:47…8:48.
The sense of dread threatens to suffocate me, but I call on every cell within my being, and dial Richard. I get voicemail.
“Richard, this is…” I stutter, hit with the realization I sound like I’m calling a client. “Ah, this is Alicia. Call me. It’s urgent. Stella’s fine. But call me.”
I end the call and wonder if he’ll ever hear the message. Chances are he’ll see I called and call back without ever listening.
There’s a light tap on the door and Noah enters. I gesture to the guest chair across the desk.
“I’ve lawyered up,” I say, forcing a smile I don’t at all feel, trying to make light of an unfathomable situation.
I’m innocent. I shouldn’t be so nervous, but I’d be a fool to not perceive the danger. Our legal system is far from perfect. Innocent people get convicted.
“They could come tonight.” My heart hammers in my chest. Outside, the sky is dark, my view of the naked maple partially lit by light from my window and from the street light.
I look to Noah. “No cuffs in front of Stella. No cameras if I can help it. Can we arrange that?”
“The police don’t take requests.”
Of course, he’s right. I know it.
He comes around the desk and pulls me into his arms. I let myself fall into his strength. The rhythm of his steady heartbeat calls me—grounds me.
It’s so late. Well past the end of the workday. Surely they won’t come tonight. They’ll arrive in the morning.
While I might dread it, they are coming, so I need to prepare.
I pull away from Noah. “I’m going to go prepare. Outfit for the arraignment. A bag, just in case.”
He lifts my chin, presses his lips to mine for a soft, comforting touch, then says, “You go do what you need to do. I’ll stay downstairs. If they come now, I’ll be sure they don’t ring the doorbell.”
I nod.
Before I go to prepare, I slip upstairs and tuck Stella into bed. It’s all I can do to maintain normalcy and calm as I brush my lips over her forehead and say, “Goodnight. I love you.”