Dead Ringer

“Robert, even if I took the case, which I’m not, it would be on a contingency basis. Please keep your check.”

“Consider it for expenses and costs, alors.”

“Class-action lawyers front those expenses. They’re an exception to the professional rules. But please, don’t do this.” Please. Don’t. Stop.

“Represent my interests. Will you do it, please?” St. Amien placed the check on the table in front of him like a trump card.

No. Yes. No. Yes. Then Be

“Merci beaucoup. I couldn’t be happier. I will take my leave.” He rose, bowing at Judy and A

“Thank you,” Judy said, and A

“Yes, it was our pleasure.”

Be

“You needn’t escort me all the way. Thank you again, for everything. ہ bientôt.” Suddenly St. Amien leaned over and gave her a deft kiss on the cheek, then turned and left.

“See ya.” Be

“This check is for ten thousand dollars!” A

“Ten grand? Gimme that,” Be

“It sounds like a really interesting case,” Mary said, and A

“St. Amien is hot, for an old dude.”

“And we could really use the work,” Judy blurted out. “Since Caveson and Maytel went belly-up, I don’t have anything to do. I mean, I have no work at all.”

Be

A

Mary looked at her with disapproval. “That doesn’t mean they’re free, Murph.”

“For a month it does.”

Judy was shaking her flame-retardant head. “The federal-government school of asset management.”

Gulp. Be

“Be

But Be

“When did you have it last?” Mary asked, but Be

“It’s Friday. I walked the dog, then I got dressed and left for work. I stopped off at Dunkin’ Donuts for a coffee. Extra cream, extra sugar.”

“Maybe you left it at the Dunkin’?”

“No.” Be

Mary folded her arms. “Maybe you’re remembering wrong. You were probably thinking about your meeting this morning.”

“Maybe.” Be

“I’ll call the store for you,” Murphy offered. “Is it the one near the office?”

“I’d cancel your credit cards too, Be

Judy was studying her boss’s face with care. “You have been kind of forgetful lately, Coach. Is something the matter?”

“Not at all,” Be

“Go, us!” Carrier cheered, and the associates all clapped. “Musta been the pink hair, huh, boss?”

“Musta been,” Be

3

Be

She ended up at her office building, extracted a promise from the front security guard to keep an eye out for the missing wallet, and scooted inside the elevator. She sca

Be