Page 19 of Filthy Lawyer

FORESEEABLE RISK (N.)

A DANGER WHICH A REASONABLE PERSON SHOULD ANTICIPATE AS THE RESULT FROM HIS/HER ACTIONS

DAMIEN

One hour later

“Please stop,” I moaned. “Please make it stop.”

My eyes burned as I lay paralyzed on the mattress. Ugly and unwanted memories played in my mind, holding me hostage with every frame.

Sheets of flames covered the walls, blocking my escape. I choked on heavy black smoke as screams filled the room.

I tried to turn around, to run back and save them, but someone pushed me aside and into the freezing rain.

An explosion came next, and within seconds, every connection I’d ever had was burned to ashes.

The images suddenly faded to black, and I sat up.

No matter how many years passed, time had yet to heal any of the wounds; it’d only left them prone to worse infections.

Getting out of bed, I strolled into my kitchen and buried myself in this week’s case files. When I finished, I sent notes to my research team and drove to the firm.

When I reached my floor, Andrew was holding up two bottles of pink nail polish.

What in the…

“Which of these is closer to ballerina pink?” he asked. “The one on the right or the left?”

I gave him a blank stare.

“My number one client is demanding that I have this ready at our morning meeting, so your response is greatly appreciated.”

“You mean,your daughter?” I shook my head. “The one on the right.”

“I thought so, too. Are you here early to greet our newest team member?”

“I’m here because I have work to do.”

“Well, whenever you take a break—” He tossed me a folder. “Here’s a template and a few ideas about how your first few weeks together should go. I think this will help lighten your caseload, too.”

“I work better alone, Andrew.”

“Youusedto,” he said. “But I’ve noticed a recent and depressing change in you.”

“Thank you, Father. I’m fine, though. Trust me.”

“Okay,” he said. “When’s the last time you slept for more than two hours at a time?”

“Last night.”

“Are you going to therapy?”

“Every week.”

“Why are you lying to my face?”

“Yeah, I…I don’t know.”

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