Page 70 of Cause and Effect

“She’s right.” She shoved a forkful of chicken in her mouth. “That was her. Can you watch the girls while I run down to the precinct and meet with her?”

“You can’t be serious?” I spoke.

“Please? My parents are out to dinner for their anniversary.”

“I came over here because we need to discuss the case, Laurel.”

“I know, but I have to meet with my client. I won’t be long.”

“Please, Julian!” All three girls started whining.

“Okay. Okay.”

After dinner, Laurel left the house, and I cleaned up with the girls' help.

“Will you practice soccer with us?” Sara asked. “My mom signed us up, and we need to practice.”

“Sure. Get the soccer ball, and I’ll meet you in the backyard. We don’t have much time, though. It’s going to be dark soon. Stella, are you coming?”

“No. I don’t play soccer, and I have to study.”

“Do you have any hobbies?” I asked.

“I play chess.”

My brow raised. “You do?”

“Yeah. Maybe we can play a game when you’re done with Sara and Sophie.”

“Okay.” I smiled.

I stepped out the back door into the yard and saw Sara and Sophie yelling at each other.

“What is going on out here?” I walked over to them.

“Sara is yelling at me because I told my mom about seeing our dad,” Sophie said.

I sighed and knelt in front of them.

“Listen, girls. It’s okay to argue, but you must do it constructively. No yelling, no pushing. Just use your words with an inside voice.”

“But she upset our mom,” Sara whined. “We told her not to say that to her.”

“Well, maybe Sophie felt she had to. Now, let me see what kind of skills you have.” I smiled.

My phone rang. Pulling it from my pocket, it was Parker.

“Hey, bro.”

“Where are you?” he asked.

“At Laurel’s. I was just going to call you. Can you stop by? We’re discussing the Bennett Case and need your help.”

“Yeah. Text me her address, and I’ll head over.”

“You’re the best.” I smiled. “I’ll text it to you now.”

I couldn’t believe Laurel left me here with them. If I had to suffer, so did Parker.

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