Page 45 of Lion & Lamb

“Looking forward to it, Mr. Lamb. I suspect it’s been a while since anyone kicked your ass.”

“You’d be surprised,” Cooper replied. “Do you want me to get you anything from Reading Terminal while I’m there? Maybe a cannoli?”

“I don’t want a cannoli.”

“Who the hell would turn down a free Termini Brothers cannoli? There’s something seriously wrong with you. See you at four.”

The annoyance spiked in the assistant’s voice: “Don’t you d—”

Chapter43

COOPER LAMBgave his best bloodcurdling Bela Lugosi impression: “Hello, children of thenight.”

“It’s three o’clock, Dad,” said Cooper Jr., hurling his overloaded schoolbag into the back of the car.

“Excellent point. Who’s hungry for a midafternoon snack?”

“I’m guessingyouare,” Ariel Lamb said.

“Okay, you talked me into it. Though let’s make it Italian pastries at Reading Terminal, since I don’t have much time and I have to take you home to your mother and then slingshot back to see a divorce lawyer over at Eighteenth and Market.”

“Why do you need to see a divorce lawyer? You and Mom are already divorced.”

Cooper exhaled and leaned back in the driver’s seat. “Sothat’swhy she’s been so distant lately.”

“Dad!” Cooper Jr. exclaimed.

“I kid, and you children know that. Your mother is so amazing, we practically didn’t need a lawyer when we parted ways.”

“Is that why she owns the house now?”

This was the problem with raising smart, independent-minded children: They knewexactlywhere to slide the shiv between your ribs.

“Like I said, the woman is amazing.”

Transcript of conversation between Cooper Lamb and Prentiss Walsh, executive assistant to divorce attorney Charles Castrina

PRENTISS WALSH: You brought your dog with you?

COOPER LAMB: His name is Lupe. He’s here to make sure you fight fair, Mr.…Prentiss Walsh? Seriously? Your parents named you Prentiss? What, did they lose a bet with God or something?

WALSH: Gotta be honest, Lamb, I didn’t think you’d actually show up. But look, Chuck’s not in, and I honestly don’t expect him back the rest of the day. (Lengthy pause) Is there really a cannoli in that bag?

LAMB: Sorry. Cannoli is for closers.

WALSH: Huh?

LAMB: If you want to be acloser,tell Mr. Castrina I’m here, and this flaky, crunchy tube of Italian sweetness will be yours.

WALSH: And I told you, he’s not—

LAMB: Here. (There is the sound of a paper bag landing on a desk.)

WALSH: Wait. I can just have this?

LAMB: Enjoy. In the meantime, Lupe! Make sure Prentiss here doesn’t come out from behind his desk. (Lupe growls.)

WALSH: Come on. You can’t do this. This dog shouldn’t even be here!

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