Page 2 of Monster

“You know as well as I do that if I take work on this trip, you will as well. Which defeats the purpose of a blackout vacation, yeah?”

I drew in a sobering breath through my nose. “Mom, you promised me you wouldn’t do this.”

“And I’ll make it up to you. I promise. But it’s out of my hands. I have to stay behind.”

I heard my mother’s office phone ringing across the hall and I waved her away. I didn’t have the energy to continue fighting with her any longer. If this was the life she had chosen for herself, then I had no right to complain at her or tell her what I thought she should’ve been doing. Like upholding a promise to her daughter. But as I finished up my paperwork and submitted it, I made a solemn vow to myself.

I’ll never make the same mistakes she has.

I gathered my things as Mom’s voice rose in volume. I heard her slam her office door closed and it gave me pause. I’d been working with my mother ever since I started law school. I had worked at her side for almost eight years, and not once had I ever heard her slam that door. I furrowed my brow as I gathered my things. I walked over to her office door and pressed my ear to it, listening to her muffled voice grow more heated with every word that fell from her lips. I went against my better instinct and knocked on the door. Every single part of me screamed to get out of that place and finish packing my things.

But something ate at my gut. And I knew if I didn’t figure it out, I wouldn’t rest on this vacation.

“Mom?” I asked as I knocked again.

Her voice went silent, but she didn’t answer the door. “Yes, sweetheart?”

I sighed. “Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do to help while I’m still here? The flight doesn’t leave until Sunday, remember?”

“Charlotte, get out of here. Go enjoy yourself.”

I settled my hand against the doorknob. “Can I at least hug you before I head out?”

“Uh, why don’t I give you an extra-big hug when you get back? I really have to take this phone call.”

I giggled. “Roger still not leaving you alone?”

She paused. “Have a safe flight. And text me when you land before you do your blackout!”

I turned the doorknob. “Mom, are you sure everything’s all right?”

However, her office door was locked. And that worried me. Since when did Mom lock her office door?

“Sweetheart, I’m about to have a late night and you’re kind of holding me up,” she said.

I snickered. “Fine, Mom. Don’t know if I can get you a reimbursement for your half of the house.”

“Don’t worry about it. Have a good flight! Love you.”

I shook my head as I stepped away from the door. Something felt off, and I still didn’t have answers. But, if Mom wasn’t willing to let me help her, there wasn’t anything I could do. So, I headed for the exit and set my sights on the next two weeks.

Before her voice sounded behind me. “Oh, oh, oh! Don’t forget to be on the lookout for a dress if you’ve forgotten! We’ve got that client party the night before you leave. You don’t have much time to shop between now and then.”

I whipped around, smiling at her. “No worries! Already booked and attended a nice dress appointment last week. I’ll be there Saturday evening in a one-of-a-kind gown.”

She grinned. “That’s my girl. I’ll see you then if I don’t see you before.”

I waved goodbye before I put my shoulder into the door and walked outside. And when the honking of horns and the cursing of people met my ears, my eyes glanced around. Everywhere I looked, there was nothing but crime. Graffiti on the sides of abandoned buildings that I’d become fluent in, considering my job. Everywhere my eyes touched, there seemed to be the mark of a crew, or a family, or drugs that owned a specific corner. All of this chaos was the exact reason why I chose to follow in my mother’s footsteps. I had dreams of fixing this city. Of fixing the world, really. Eventually, I wanted to take over my mother’s practice. But I also wanted to do more with it.

I had government dreams with government pull and governmental authority. I had dreams of taking on the biggest, most idyllic cases and making sure my clients saw the justice they wanted for their loved ones. And as I slipped into my car, a smile spread across my cheeks. I knew I’d be able to get everything I wanted, and more. All it would take is some time, some effort, and a little bit of elbow grease.

After this client party and my two-week vacation, of course.

---