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She took a deep, shaky breath and said, “All right.”
Haltingly, Je
When Je
“I’ve thought about that. I honestly don’t remember. There were so many people in the office that day and they were all strangers.”
“Had you ever seen the man before, anywhere?”
Je
“You said you saw him talking to the District Attorney just before he walked over to give you the envelope. Did you see the District Attorney hand him the envelope?”
“I—no.”
“Did you actually see this man talking to the District Attorney, or was he just in the group around him?”
Je
“Do you have any idea how he could have known your name?”
“No.”
“Or why he selected you?”
“That one’s easy. He probably knew an idiot when he saw one.” She shook her head. “No. I’m sorry, Mr. Warner, I have no idea.”
Adam said, “A lot of pressure is being brought to bear on this. District Attorney Di Silva has been after Michael Moretti for a long time. Until you came along, he had an airtight case. The D.A.’s not very happy with you.”
“I’m not very happy with me, either.” Je
Je
“I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I—I’m not feeling very well. I’d like to go home, please.”
Adam studied her a moment. “Would it make you feel any better if I told you I’m going to recommend that disbarment proceedings against you be dropped?”
It took several seconds for Adam’s words to sink in. Je
“Being a lawyer is very important to you, isn’t it?” Adam asked.
Je
“Yes,” Je
“If you can get over a rough begi
Je
She said the words over again in her mind. I’m going to try! It did not matter that she shared a small and dingy office with a seedy private detective and a man who repossessed cars. It was a law office. She was a member of the legal profession, and they were going to allow her to practice law. She was filled with a feeling of exultation. She looked across at Adam and knew she would be forever grateful to this man.
The waiter had begun to clear the dishes from the table. Je
He said gravely, “After all we’ve been through together, I think it should be Adam.”
“Adam—”
“Yes?”
“I hope it won’t ruin our relationship, but—” Je
5
The next few weeks raced by. Je
In the meantime, there was the pile of summonses and subpoenas on her desk from Peabody & Peabody. While it was not exactly practicing law, it was twelve-fifty and expenses.
Occasionally, when Je
Once, when Je
Otto Wenzel was completely different. The short, potbellied little man was happily married. He regarded Je
“How do you like it?” Mrs. Wenzel beamed.
“It—it’s one of my favorites.”
From that time on, Je
Early one morning, Je
“Mr. Peabody would like to see you this morning at eleven o’clock. Be prompt, please.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
In the past, Je
Je
He did not invite her to sit down. “Miss Potter—” He had an unpleasant, high-pitched voice.
“Parker.”
He picked up a piece of paper from his desk. “This is a summons. I would like you to serve it.”
At that instant, Je
Mr. Peabody, Jr., handed Je
Je
“That is correct. If you are successful, of course.”
“There’s a problem,” Je