Page 20 of Maddy's Justice

Elena Helm was one of three women lawyers in the Mass Torts Department of Stafford, Hughes. She was fairly average in appearance, attractive but not noticeably pretty. Almost five inches shorter than Maddy with a trendy, short, messy-looking hairstyle. Melanie Stewart had told Maddy that Elena had a sharp mind behind inquisitive eyes which Maddy noticed right away.

Elena was still young at age 36 and already twice divorced with no children. With eighty to one hundred-hour work weeks, little time was left for life outside the firm. She was also a recently promoted partner of Stafford, Hughes.

Maddy also noticed a certain haughtiness which would explain Elena’s failure to apologize for being late.

“Maddy Rivers,” Maddy replied.

Before Maddy released Elena’s hand, Elena was looking for a waitress saying, “I need a drink.”

The hostess was still nearby and when Elena noticed her, she quickly said, “A vodka martini. Right away.”

“Right away, ma’am,” the hostess replied.

By now both women were seated in the booth across from each other. As the hostess went off to get the drink, Elena looked at Maddy as if seeing her for the first time.

“Thanks for agreeing to meet with me,” Maddy said.

“You’re a private investigator?” Elena asked suspiciously.

“Yes. Used to be a cop in Chicago,” Maddy replied.

“You should be a lawyer. You’d do great with a jury.”

“Not interested,” Maddy laughed and smiled.

“How long will this take?” Elena asked.

“Do you have to be somewhere?” Maddy asked.

Elena hesitated then said, “I was going to go back to the office, but to hell with it. That’s enough for today.”

Her martini arrived and Elena downed half of it in one swallow. She was holding the arm of the server––a young man––who brought it.

“Be a doll and get me another,” she said to the server.

“So, you’re working for Kadella on the harassment case against the firm and Troy?”

“Yep,” Maddy said.

“And what would you like to know? Did I sleep with him to get on the mass torts team? I sure did,” she quickly admitted.

“Good morning,” Marc whispered in Maddy’s ear. He was sitting on the edge of his bed gently moving the hair from her face.

“What time is it?” she growled then cleared her throat.

“Almost eight,” Marc answered.

She opened her eyes, looked at him and saw he was already dressed for the office.

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

“You were out a little late, so I let you sleep,” he replied. “I assume you met with the lawyer from Stafford, Hughes.”

“No, the fleet is in so, I was a little busy,” she replied. “Ow,” she yelped when Marc swatted her on the behind.

“Ooooh, one more of those and I may drag you back in here,” she said.

“Did you meet with…?”

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