Page 51 of Smooth Sailing

“Hello, Diana.”

“Listen—”

“I’ve paid Janie a generous severance and recommended her to an attorney I know who’s looking for an excellent PA and has been having trouble finding one.”

I sat very still and listened very hard.

Dad kept talking.

“And this morning, I filed the papers to withdraw as counsel for Imran Babic.”

Oh my God.

Oh my God!

Oh my God, God, God!

Dad kept going.

“I’ve spoken to Detective Scott, and he assures me he has full departmental approval to provide a safe location and protection for Suzette Snyder until she testifies, regardless that will be months from now. He’s also speaking with the FBI, who has some interest in this case, and they want to talk to her, and depending on what she has to say, they might be able to offer her witness protection.”

Oh my God!

“I know you’re old enough to make your own decisions, and advice from your father might not be welcome,” he continued. “However, I still strongly advise you to speak to her and urge her to accept this offer from the police.”

“You withdrew?”

“Yes.”

I put my elbow on the table and dropped my forehead into my hand.

“Diana?” he called.

“I can’t?—”

I gulped.

I was going to cry.

Shit!

I was so totally going to cry!

“Diana,” Dad called again.

“What the fuck is goin’ on?” Hugger demanded.

I lifted my head and looked at him.

It appeared he was carrying a bag full of cookies.

God, this guy.

A tear fell from my eye and slid down my face.

Immediately, Hugger reached in and pulled my phone out of my hand.

“Who’s this?” he barked into it after he put it to his ear. There was a pause, then, “It don’t matter who I am. I asked, who the fuck are you?” Another pause and, “Props, motherfucker, she’s crying.”

---