A Legal Affair

Chapter Seven

Alicia sat at her desk, pen clutched in her fingers, trying to concentrate on the paperwork in front of her. But the documents blurred, fading from sight as her thoughts drifted back over the past week.

She and Gill had easily fallen into a routine of sorts, with Gill coming over in the evenings, making certain to pull his truck into the garage. They’d cook supper, share their day, watch television or movies and generally enjoy one another’s company.

Some of his clothing found their way into her dresser drawers and his shaving kit now sat on the vanity in her bathroom. For a woman who’d lived alone her entire adult life, it was strange, but nice. Several times she’d caught herself staring at his toothbrush resting next to hers in the holder.

The sex ranged from the raunchy to the sweet, with everything in between. He’d kiss her awake in the morning and they’d share breakfast before they’d both leave to begin their day.

Alicia was surprised by how much they had in common, but there were enough differences between them to make things interesting. Cooking with a man was a strange experience. It was something she’d never actually done before. Gill was a decent cook, but more than that, he was fun in the kitchen. He’d chop and dice and grate anything she put in front of them while they chatted. It was homey.

Her stomach clenched as she tossed her pen aside and sat back in her desk chair, staring out the window at the streets of Jamesville. It was still early, not quite ten o’clock, but Main Street was full with people bustling about, taking care of their business. As much as the smallness of the place drove her crazy sometimes, there was no place she’d rather be. It was home, pure and simple.

She was content with her life here, if not blissfully happy. At one point in time, she’d wanted more, but she’d settled. She certainly wasn’t complaining. She had a lot to be thankful for—her career, her family and her friends. She was healthy and owned her own home. Her thoughts tapered off. In spite of all her good fortune, she’d always felt that something was missing. Being with Gill reminded her just what that elusive something was.

Living with Gill felt right. As if an empty spot in her life had been filled to overflowing. It felt good to come home at the end of the day and have someone to share it with, someone to care how her day had gone. Alicia wrapped her arms around herself, feeling chilled in spite of the heat kicking out of the heater behind her.

She tried not to think about the day he would pack up and leave town, but it flitted into her mind more and more as time went on. He was still ostensibly visiting with Patrick and Shannon, but he couldn’t stay there indefinitely. Plus they had to be wondering just where he was spending his nights.

Gill had just about finished his investigative work for her. He’d tracked down everyone on her list. He’d also dug up a few witnesses she never would have found on her own. With the statements he’d gotten from various people, including Susie’s teacher, Elizabeth Brown should have no trouble obtaining full custody of her daughter. Alicia also hoped that Jim Brown wouldn’t contest the divorce when he found out just how much ammunition they had against him. Brown was a man who valued his reputation, and a long, drawn-out divorce would drag his name through the mud. He could say what he wanted about Elizabeth, but in the end, he’d lose. Score another one for the good guys.

The phone rang and her heart skipped a beat before picking up speed. Gill usually called her in the morning. She’d given him her direct line so he could bypass Millie.

“Good morning, Alicia speaking.” She kept her voice low and modulated, but her heart was jumping.

“Good morning, dear.”

It was her mother. Alicia tried not to let her disappointment show. “Hi, Mom. What can I do for you this morning?”

There was a slight hesitation at the other end of the line. Alicia could picture her mother’s face. Crystal Flint had a way of pursing her lips and pausing just before she launched into a lecture.

“I haven’t heard from you all week.” There was a slight tinge of accusation in her mother’s voice, but Alicia heard the concern as well. She knew her parents loved her, but they did have certain expectations. One of which was that she should call them several times a week. Her mother also took every opportunity to point out the fact that Alicia wasn’t married yet, wasn’t even dating anyone. Most of her mother’s friends already had grandchildren. Alicia knew that her mother wanted to be a grandmother, but with the way things were going, that didn’t look likely.

“I know.” She picked up her pen and tapped it absently against the file she’d been working on. “I’ve been really busy this week working on a case.”

“The one with the Sutter girl.”

Only her mother would call a grown woman a girl. “It’s the Brown case, Mom. And you know I can’t talk about it.”

Her mother harrumphed and went on. “I was talking to Betty last night.” Betty Ellis was her mother’s best friend.

“How is Betty?”

“She’s fine, but she’d heard some news that was slightly disturbing.”

“Oh?” Alicia asked absently as she glanced at her schedule. She couldn’t talk to her mom much longer as she had a client due in ten minutes.

“Yes. She’d heard from Clara over at the beauty parlor, who heard it from Mrs.

Haskins, that there’s been a strange truck leaving your driveway every morning.”

Alicia stilled and closed her eyes. The coffee she’d had in place of breakfast this morning churned in her belly. She’d known this would happen. In fact, she’d been waiting for it. She’d hoped no one would find out, but she was realistic enough to know that would be almost impossible. The gossip line was alive and well in Jamesville.

She took a deep breath. “I’m thirty-seven years old, Mom,” she began.

Her mother gasped. “Oh, Alicia.” Her voice was laced with disappointment. “Tell me it’s not true.”

Her mother was adept at playing the guilt card and for most of Alicia’s life it had worked, mostly because the things at stake didn’t really matter much to her. This was different.

Alicia couldn’t tell her mother what she wanted to hear, nor would she lie to her, but she wasn’t ready to talk about her relationship with Gill just yet either. “Is that all, Mom?

Because I have a client coming in a few minutes.”

“We’ll talk about this later.”

“No, we won’t,” she said decisively. “This is my life and if I chose to have an affair that’s my business. I’m a grown woman.” Alicia almost said that she was a grown woman with needs, but she figured that might be too much for her mother to take. Her mother was very old-fashioned in many ways.

She meant well, Alicia reminded herself. It was just hard for her to view her only child as an adult. Because Alicia didn’t have any brothers or sisters, her mother had made her the center of her life. It hadn’t been easy on either of them as she’d grown to adulthood.

Taking another deep breath, she let it out slowly, reaching for the calm composure that served her well in the courtroom. “Look, Mom, I really can’t talk now, but if you want I’ll call you later tonight.”

“That’s fine, dear.” She could hear the relief in her mother’s voice. She knew her mother believed that everything was back under control and that Alicia would do what her parents wished. She didn’t want to hurt them, but this time she was doing what she wanted. After all these years, she deserved it.

“Bye.” She slowly hung up the phone. If her mother knew, then the rumor was all over town. Picking up the phone again, she dialed Gill’s cell phone. He picked up on the third ring. “We need to talk.”

“What’s wrong?” Just the sound of his voice steadied her. This was right, no matter what the consequences.

“Nothing life or death. Where are you?”

“I’m just heading into Jessie’s.”

Alicia glanced at her watch. “I’ve got a client in a few minutes. Can you wait for me? I shouldn’t be more than a half hour or so.”

“No problem,” his low voice rumbled. “You sure you’re okay, sugar?”

Her lips turned up at the endearment. “I am now.”

“I could come over there if you needed me.” His offer warmed her heart. She knew he wouldn’t think anything of dropping what he was doing and coming to her office if he thought she needed him.

“No, but thanks. See you in a while.”

“I’ll be here.”

She hung up her phone just as Millie buzzed her from the outer office.

Gill was slightly concerned as he pulled open the door to Jessie’s and went inside.

Alicia’s voice had been strained and he could hear the worry there. He’d wanted to turn around, stalk to her office, pull her into his arms and demand to know what was wrong.

Intellectually, he knew she was a mature, strong woman, more than capable enough of taking care of her own problems, but that didn’t matter. She was his woman and he wanted to protect her and care for her.

Being a sensitive, modern guy was a bitch some days.

As always, the hominess of Jessie’s hit him as he entered. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air, along with the aroma of the breakfast rush, which was just over. It was the sort of smell that only a diner had—bacon grease, eggs, toast and pancakes with a sprinkle of caffeine. It didn’t sound appetizing, but it was.

His stomach growled, reminding him he’d missed breakfast this morning. He’d awoken this morning to find Alicia shimmying down his body, her lips and tongue doing incredible things to certain parts of his anatomy. They’d barely had time to shower before Alicia had to race out the door. His cock stirred at the memory.

Smiling to himself, he made a quick survey of the room. There were four men sitting at the counter, two tables were filled and three of the booths had people sitting in them.

Shannon and another waitress bustled around the room, pouring coffee, taking orders and serving meals. He knew that Jessie was probably in the kitchen herself.

Shannon smiled and motioned him to a booth, following him with a coffee pot clutched in her hand. He’d managed to avoid her for the most part this past week. She was up and gone to work by the time he got home from Alicia’s place in the morning and he made certain he’d left the house by the time she got home in the evening. Not that he was avoiding her exactly. But he didn’t want to answer her questions.

Patrick had looked at him the first morning he’d come home, cocked his eyebrow, and shaken his head. “I don’t want to know. As long as she’s not married, I don’t care.

But just remember that this is a small town and folks will talk.”

Gill hadn’t offered any information, but he’d taken what Patrick said to heart, which was why he was parking in Alicia’s garage and trying to be as inconspicuous as possible when he left her place each morning. It rankled, but he hoped to change it given time.

And speaking of time, it looked as if his had just run out.

“I missed you again this morning,” Shannon began as she grabbed one of the clean mugs from the table and began to fill it.

“Thanks,” he offered, gingerly taking the mug from her.

“That all you’re going to say?” She frowned, looking more amused than perturbed.

“Yup.”

Shannon laughed, placing the pot on the table to keep from spilling any of the coffee.

She shook her head, but quickly sobered. “It’s none of my business where you’re spending your nights, but I’m worried.” She chewed on her bottom lip.

Gill hated to worry her. Shannon had had more than her share of hardships and concerns. “Look. I promise I’m fine. I’m not doing anything illegal. Your husband would kick my butt if I did.”

She chuckled. “That never crossed my mind.” She glanced around at the other customers and leaned in closer. “People have been talking.”

“People usually do. Nothing you can do to stop them.” He took a mouthful of coffee and swallowed. It hit his empty stomach, making it growl, but he ignored the complaints.

He had a bad feeling about this, considering his quick call from Alicia. “What exactly are they saying?”

Shannon picked at the fabric of her apron and shrugged.

Gill reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. “Tell me.”

She pushed her long braid over her shoulder and squared her shoulders. “It’s about…”

A loud male voice interrupted her. “What’s this I hear about you and young Alicia?

Any truth to the rumors, boy?” An old man doddered up to the table. Every head in the place turned to watch them.

Gill straightened in his seat, but forced himself to remain relaxed. Shannon grabbed her coffee pot and eased out of the way. “Now, Burt,” she began.

“Don’t you ‘now, Burt’ me, missy.” The old man stopped when he reached Gill’s table. “People are whispering, so we might as well talk about it. Get it out in the air so to speak. Doesn’t do anyone any good to listen to gossip. It’s time to get the facts.” He squinted down at Gill and waited.

Gill knew who the man was. Burt Banner was in his eighties, if he was a day, and respected by one and all in the community. Patrick had pointed the man out to him his first day in town. “Would you care to sit down?”

Burt laughed. “At my age sitting is always good, but then the rest of the folks in the diner wouldn’t hear and they’d hurt themselves straining their ears.” His voice rose near the end and some folks turned away, pretending to be concentrating on their meal. Other people didn’t even bother to pretend they weren’t listening.

Gill paused. He’d thought that the old man had approached him because he wanted to cause trouble, but that wasn’t the case at all. He could see the intelligence and the knowing glint in the older man’s eyes. Burt knew that people were talking, and this was a way for Gill to control exactly what they were talking about. Smart.

He leaned back, resting his arm across the back of the bench seat. “What exactly would you like to know?”

Respect and approval flashed in Burt’s face before he raised his hand and scratched his jaw. “Well now, are you seeing our gal, Alicia?”

“Yes. Alicia and I are seeing one another. I’m doing some work for her.” You could hear a pin drop in the place as everyone listened. No one wanted to miss a word so they could recount the tale to their friends and family later.

Burt squinted. “You a lawyer too?”

“No.” Gill shook his head. He might not be a lawyer, but thanks to years of going to night school, he did have two college degrees. One in criminal justice, and a second one in counseling, which he’d just finished before he left the force. “I’m an investigator. I just retired from the police force down in Alabama.”

Burt’s head wagged up and down. “So you’re a cop.”

Gill almost laughed as Burt went about establishing his credibility and his reputation with the townspeople. “Twenty years.”

“Well then. There’s nothing to be concerned about, is there? You wouldn’t do anything untoward, would you? A working relationship, you say?”

Someone snorted and a female voice filled the room. “If staying all night, every night, is working. Alicia Flint is having an affair.”

The bell tinkled over the door as the woman was speaking. Gill felt his stomach drop as Alicia froze in the doorway, her face pale as snow, the accusation still ringing in the air. This was just what she’d feared.

Even though he wanted to jump up and go to her, he made himself remain seated.

This was her chance to deny all the rumors, to deny their relationship if she wanted. He realized that she was right. Her reputation was at stake. Everyone in the diner was watching. Some of the folks looked amused, while others sat with pinched features and condemnation in their eyes.

“Clara Jenkins!” Burt roared.

Alicia straightened her spine and strode right up to Clara’s table. “That’s all right, Burt. I can handle this.”

She leaned down, planting her hands on the table. They were bare. Once again, she’d forgotten her gloves. Gill hoped her hands weren’t cold. He was like everyone else in the place, unable to look away from the scene unfolding in front of him.

“What exactly do you want to know, Clara?” She didn’t give the younger woman time to speak, but kept on going. “That I’m actually having an affair? That I’m sleeping with a man?” She straightened and took in the room in one sweeping glance. “Is that what all of you want to know?”

No one moved.

Alicia snorted. “I’m thirty-seven-years old, I operate my own law practice, own a house, pay my taxes on time and abide by the law. What I do in my own home is my business.”

“Not when you’re in such a prominent position,” Clara brazened out. “Why, if you’ll sneak around having an affair who knows what other sneaky things you might do?”

Gill couldn’t believe that some people were actually nodding. But they were mostly older folks, who had grown up with a much stricter set of values when it came to relationships outside of marriage.

“Is that so?” Alicia questioned, her tone mild, almost amused.

Gill almost pitied Clara as Alicia glared down at her. His woman was spitting fire.

She was hell on wheels when she got started. He’d never felt prouder of her.

Alicia spread her arms wide. “I thought I was being discreet, not sneaking around.

I’m having a relationship with a man.” She turned on her heel and stalked toward his table.

He stood as she approached, aching with the need to hold her in his arms.

“This man.” She turned back to the crowd, not even stopping for a breath. She held them all spellbound, her voice projecting easily without her having to raise it. “He’s healthy, single and a damn good man. I’m proud to be in a relationship with him.”

Gill couldn’t resist any longer, he moved to stand behind her, glaring at the crowd over her head. Most of them had the good grace to glance sheepishly away. All except Clara, who just glowered at them.

“Any more questions?” Alicia raised an eyebrow and fanned her gaze over the people.

One gray-haired man stood up and shook his head. “I don’t hold with affairs outside marriage. I just lost one lawyer because of underhanded dealings. I need to feel as if I can trust my lawyer.”

Alicia shook her head. “We’re two single people in a relationship, Don. That has nothing to do with trust or honesty. But if you feel that way I’ll have Millie transfer your records to the lawyer of your choice. Just contact my office and let me know where to send them. And that goes for anyone else. If you’ve suddenly decided I’m not honest and trustworthy, then I don’t want your business. Contact my office and we’ll forward your records wherever you want them to go.”

Burt ambled forward and extended his hand to her. “I won’t be taking my business anywhere else. You’ve always done a good job for me. Besides, Gill seems to be a fine young man. He’s a friend of the sheriff, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he is.” Shannon stepped forward. “Gill saved my life. You all know what I went through with my ex-husband. That’s no secret in this town. Gill Baron saved my life back in Alabama and was responsible for putting my ex in jail. I won’t hear anything bad about him.”

Gill was stunned and touched by Shannon’s courage. It wasn’t easy for her to talk about her past and certainly in such a public setting. “Shannon,” he began, but she ignored him as she turned to Alicia.

“Can I get you some coffee, Alicia? Maybe some breakfast?”

“That’s a great idea, Shannon.” He knew enough about human nature to know that if he and Alicia left the diner, most people would see it as an admission of guilt and remain suspicious and skeptical. However, that opinion could possibly change if the two of them sat here and ate as though they didn’t have a care in the world, as if they had nothing to hide. And while he wanted to take Alicia off somewhere they could be alone, he knew they had to stay. “Sugar?” he whispered in her ear. It was ultimately her choice.

He felt some of the tension drain from her body. “Breakfast would be nice.” She kept her voice steady, but he could hear the underlying strain.

Ignoring the rest of the folks, many of whom were already lined up at the counter to pay their bills so they could leave and spread the gossip, Gill slid Alicia’s coat from her and then seated her across from him.

Burt stopped long enough to squeeze Alicia’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. You might lose a few fools, but you might gain just as many new clients.”

Alicia gave a sharp laugh. “You may be right about that, Burt.”

Shannon poured more coffee and took their orders. Gill smiled at her. “Thanks for your support earlier.”

She shrugged. “It’s the least I could do after everything you’ve done for me.” She turned to Alicia. “This will all blow over in a few weeks. You know how these things go.”

Alicia smiled and waited until Shannon left before meeting his gaze. She looked tired, her face strained. “My meeting was cancelled so I got here faster than I thought I would.”

“What happened this morning? Why did you want to talk to me?” He figured it had to be better than the scene that had just played itself out.

She picked up her coffee and sipped, carefully placing the mug back in front of her.

“I had a call from my mother this morning.”

Oh shit. Gill felt like banging his head against the table. Just when he’d thought it couldn’t get worse.