Page 104 of When the Smoke Clears

He works his jaw back and forth. “That motherfucker.”

“Sutton!” Andi’s surprised at his quiet words, but fury coats his features. He doesn’t acknowledge her. “I’m surprised they came today. I’d think all state employees are off the whole week.”

“Apparently not,” I mutter.

I pinch the space between my eyes, putting pressure against the place where a headache is forming. “I need to call Hank.”

“Hank?” Andi and Sutton ask in unison.

“Yes, Nana’s lawyer.”

Sutton cocks his head, face shadowed in the dim hall light. “He’s an estate lawyer, Maci.”

“I know that, but I don’t exactly have a defense attorney on retainer!” To his credit, he doesn’t seem pissed at my outburst. “Sorry. I know what you’re thinking. He can’t help. But I don’t have another option. Maybe Hank can send something and if Alan sees I do have representation, he’ll back off.”

Sutton purses his lips before dragging his teeth along the bottom one.

“Out with it,” I say, crossing my arms with a sigh.

He shakes his head. “You do what you think is right, Firecracker, but that bastard won’t be swayed that easily.”

He’s right. I know he is. But I have to start somewhere.

I can’t believe this is happening.

Sutton kisses my head and turns to go. I don’t miss his frustration or the defeated expression on his face, but I don’t know what he thinks he can do. All of this because I accepted a stupid drink from a random stranger.

I head outside to sit on the back of the Defender, kicking my feet and raising my face to the low sun, soaking in whatever rays I can. With closed eyes, I enjoy the intermittent breeze kissing my skin periodically. Eventually, I dial Hank.

“Hey, Maci,” he says, by way of greeting.

His voice is pleasant, and I can’t help but tip a half smile that he can’t see. “Hi, Hank.”

“You doing okay? I didn’t expect to hear from you.”

I sigh. “Actually, I’m not. That’s why I called.”

“How can I help?”

I can’t believe I have to say this. I steel my voice before saying, “I need you to represent me as a defense attorney.”

There’s a long silence that stretches. Understanding must dawn on him because he says, “I think I’m going to need you to elaborate. Is this about the situation at Ruthie’s?”

“Yes. Alan is suing me. He’s…the victim’s father.”

He allows quiet to hang for a few more moments. “Maci, I’d love to help you, but I’m not a defense attorney. My specialty is estate law.”

“I know, I know. I’m not expecting a miracle.”

“I can point you in the right direction. I have a friend from law school that I can share with you. He has a practice in San Antonio.”

“Hank, I understand what you’re saying, I do.” The words catch in my throat.Why am I fighting this so hard?“I just want you to help.”

“I—” He stops himself. “Maci, I don’t think it would be fair to you.”

My eyes well and my throat tightens. “I know it doesn’t make sense, and I understand the argument. But please. Please.” There’s more quiet. “Colt’s mom doesn’t even think I was in the wrong. Surely that has to work to my advantage.”

He sighs. “Ok, listen, I’ll call my friend and get some information. Then you and I can sit down and discuss the case, and we’ll go from there. But if I don’t think I can win this, I’m sending you to him. I’m not letting Ruthie’s granddaughter go to jail because her prick of a stepfather is a money-hungry bastard.”

---