Page 7 of Just for Her
“Of course, Paulie.” Her small smile was forced as she made her way out, shooting several glances over her shoulder, as if hoping he’d change his mind, even going so far as to leave the door open on the way out.
I cheered silently when he crossed the office and firmly closed it.
“Can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea?”
“No, thanks.”
He indicated that I should take one of the chairs in front of his desk, waiting until I was seated before sitting down himself. “How can I be of service to you, Ms. Kearney?”
Direct and to the point. I liked that. However, I was ashamed to admit that the last few moments in his presence had temporarily wiped the purpose of this visit from my mind.
“You’re seeking counsel concerning an abusive relationship?” he prompted gently.
“Yes,” I confirmed, my brain coming back online. “Not for myself, but for my sister.”
I went on to briefly explain Miriam’s situation and how she had recently relocated to Cecilton to make a fresh start for herself. He listened quietly, giving me his full and undivided attention.
“Is there any reason to believe your sister’s ex will not adhere to the terms of the restraining order?”
“Nothing more substantial than a feeling,” I admitted after a slight hesitation.
This was where I usually started to lose whatever support I was seeking. Police, lawyers, social workers, judges—they wanted something more concrete than feelings and intuition.
“But even if he doesn’t,” I continued, “the order is only temporary, and it’s unlikely to be renewed. It was like pulling teeth to get the judge to issue the first one, and we probably wouldn’t have even gotten that without eyewitness testimony, affidavits, the whole nine yards.”
“Who worked on the original case?”
“I did.”
The attorney whose name was officially on the case had been a useless coward, in my opinion.Iwas the one who’d done all the legwork and drafted the arguments. All he’d had to do was show up and cash his hefty fee.
Mr. Cerasino raised an eyebrow. “You’re a lawyer?”
“A paralegal,” I corrected.
His eyes lasered in on mine. I could practically see him picking up the few crumbs of information I’d provided, studying them, dissecting them, and drawing conclusions.
“Where?”
I gave him the name of the county DA office where I worked.
“You’re a long way from Boston, Ms. Kearney.”
“Yes, I am, Mr. Cerasino, which is why I’m speaking with you.”
His lips quirked at the corner. I found my eyes drawn to the movement. They were some fine male lips.
“As a paralegal, you know there’s not really much I can do at this point.”
“Yes, I know. I’m simply trying to lay some groundwork. I want Miriam to have options. Someone who understands this state’s laws and can hit the ground running in case somethingdoeshappen—at least until I can return and assist.”
“Have you spoken with the local police and made them aware of the situation?”
I hadn’t because I knew it would be pointless. “As you said, there’s not much anyone can do at this point.”
“I see.” He sat back, his fingers touching in a tent, and said nothing.
Normally, I was adept at reading people, but he was proving to be an exception. Or maybe I was just too distracted by his intense attractiveness.
