Page 72 of The Interns

“And how are you doing, Reed?”

Reed shook his head. It was a loaded question these days. “Hanging in there, Al. Just trying to get through this last semester.”

Most graduating law students had an ease about them by this time of year: sailing through their final elective classes, job landed, signing bonus in hand, graduation in sight, and a vacation on the horizon before real life started. Reed wished he could say the same.

“Have you made it official with the district attorney’s office yet?” Al asked.

“Not yet. That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Yes?” Al smiled and sat up straighter in his chair, back to business.

It was a hopeful yes from someone who probably thought that Reed Stanton was about to make him a very happy man by putting his hat in the ring for the still vacant junior associate position. He hated to disappoint, especially the man who had been so generous to him.

“I was wondering if you had any connections in Philadelphia.”

“Philadelphia?” Al seemed confused by the request, but only for a moment. “Oh, Philadelphia.”

“Yeah. Or anywhere close, really.”

“I have a few,” he said as he stroked his graying beard. “None in I.P. or criminal law, though.”

“That’s fine.”

“I have to be honest, though, it’s going to be near impossible to get an interview up there. And that’s no reflection on you at all because you’re more than capable,” he emphasized, “but they’re not interested in anyone who didn’t come from local or top schools. It’s ridiculous, but that’s how it works up there.”

“Yeah, I know, but I need to see if there’s a chance at least.”

He nodded. “Well, I’ll get you that list by tomorrow.”

“I appreciate it, Al.”

Al sat in his chair, studying him for a moment. “You up for lunch?” he asked finally. “You look like you could use a good meal and some company. My treat.”

“Sure, that’d be good.”

Al got up from his chair and walked over to the coat rack in the corner of his office to suit up before they ventured outside. “Did I ever tell you I’m an ordained minister?” he mentioned as he put his coat on.

“No, I didn’t know that.” Reed zipped his jacket up and pulled a pair of gloves out of the front pocket.

“Yeah, I’m not practicing. It was a long time ago, but I’ve done a few weddings in my day. I don’t know what made me think of that just now, but…” He trailed off and laughed as he opened the door.

That big booming laugh could lighten the mood in any room, and Reed couldn’t help but smile. Alvin King was always up to something.

39

Maya

Maya sat on her bed staring at the phone in her hand. She’d been there for almost an hour trying to work up the nerve to hit the call button. It wasn’t that she was unsure of what she was about to do, she was afraid of learning that it may no longer be a possibility for her. Finally, she closed her eyes and pressed the button.

“King and Associates.” She instantly recognized the warm, southern voice as Patti’s. “How may I direct your call?”

“Hi Miss Patti, it’s Maya Hendricks.”

“Maya! How are you? We miss you!”

Maya smiled despite her nerves. “I’m well. Just busy interviewing and studying. I miss y’all, too.” There was something about talking to Miss Patti that brought the Georgia girl out of her.

“We know you’re doing great, darlin’. Are you calling for Al?”

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