The Veiled Cage (Lady Lawyer Series Romantic Suspense Novels Book 1)

by Johansen, Rita

  “Who?”Marian asked, and grabbed the in-custody list off her metal stool.

  “Veronica Epstein.”

  “Nice woman. I hope this morning goes well for her.”

  “It will. I brought my secret weapon.”Ruby put her hand on Jasmine’s shoulder.“Speaking of secrets, Cass would kill me if she knew I saw you and didn’t even try. Lunch at Chestnut with us, chocolate indulgence included, in exchange for great-granny’s beauty tips?”

  “No deal. I can’t get away for lunch. Ask me again sometime.”

  “I will. We stay on the champ’s good side, Jazz.”Ruby shot a sidelong glance at Marian as they walked back to Veronica’s cell.“I’m instilling such valuable knowledge in this one.”

  “If I know Cass, she’s already delved into horror flicks.”

  “You know her. And don’t pretend you’re any less obsessed.”

  “Have you seen‘Sinister Switch’yet?”

  “No, no.”Ruby waved her hands.“We’re not going there again. Cass would talk to you until she lost her voice about horror vids with the proper incentive.”

  “Cass needs no inducement to talk horror.”

  “True. Worth a shot.”

  “I’ll leave you with your client.”Marian returned to her post at the door.

  Ruby stepped first into the confined space. Dingy brick enclosed them.

  Veronica raised her head from her arms, and pushed back matted auburn tresses to reveal brown eyes rimmed in red.“Ruby, thank God you’re here.”

  Ruby took her hand and locked eyes with her.“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Vera. I spoke with Carter after I got off the phone with you, and my paralegal updated him this morning. He’ll be here for the hearing.”

  “Thank you. I can’t believe I was so stupid.”

  “Vera, let’s figure out how to move forward. First, we’re going to have a hearing.”Ruby motioned for Jasmine to sit, and did the same.“This is Jasmine Sinclair. She’ll speak at your hearing today.”After they shook hands, Ruby continued,“Your blood sample came back at point-one-two-one. That nudges you over the gross-misdemeanor threshold, Vera. That’s why they held you overnight, and why we’re going to go in front of the judge today.”

  “I want to go home, Ruby. I want to go home to my kids.”

  “I know it. We want the same for you. We’re going to make that happen. Have you ever heard of an ignition interlock device?”

  “I heard something about it on the news.”

  “It’s a small device that’s installed on your car. Before it’ll start, you have to set your finger on the testing console for a blood sample. Your car won’t start unless you’re under the legal limit.”

  “Is it painful?”

  “No. The latest technology allows for a blood draw invisible to the naked eye. You may feel a tiny prick, no worse than a mosquito bite, and you won’t see any puncture marks.”

  “Will I have to have it installed?”

  “No, you have no priors so it won’t be mandatory. But you could voluntarily agree to its installation as a condition of release. Judge Mason cares about public safety. Are you willing to volunteer to an IID?”

  “Yes, absolutely. Whatever it takes.”

  “Good. I’ll meet with you and your family at five this afternoon. My paralegal sent the specifics to Carter. Do you have any questions?”

  “No. Thank you, Ruby. And you, Jasmine.”

  Jasmine reached out and placed her hand on Veronica’s.“We’re here for you.”

  “Marian or Rich will escort you into the courtroom when it’s your turn. We’ll be right by your side, Vera.”

  Chapter 5

  He pulled into the parking lot of Alfred’s Antiques & Collectibles, smiling as he imagined her face when he showed up with her present.

  Entering the shop, he admired the carvings on a delicate writing desk. Maybe he’d come back sometime and buy her this, too. He glanced around and wished he could buy her all the treasures in the shop—anything to make her happy, to make up for what he had done.

  At the sound of the entry chime, a gentleman in dress and demeanor appeared from the back.“Hello, Jerald,”he called out once, and then again as the man kept his attention diverted on the desk. Alfred Whitehorn approached and tapped his shoulder.

  His client looked up, face breaking into a grin, gray eyes lighting.“Hey Freddy. I’m here to pick up an order for Tony Priestley.”

  “You’re in a good mood, Jerald. Are your experiments going well?”

  Uh, yeah, they’re going good.”

  “What a marvel. And to think, you’re a patron of my humble shop. How does your lovely wife like her newest piece? It was quite unusual and distinctive.”

  “She thinks it’s . . . extreme. I’m just here for the necklace.”He tapped his phone, and held it out to Alfred.“Here’s a note from Tony saying I could grab it for him.”

  “Anthony is a wonderful lad. Not every boy would go to such lengths for a special someone. How do you know Anthony?”

  “Well, you know, it’s like I’ve known him forever.”

  “He hardly seems old enough for that kind of friend, to have become so woven into a life that one forgets the particulars. I, on the other hand, have outlived many friends of that kind. Compared to me, you’re not much past a lad yourself, Jerald. It is all as seen through the eyes of the beholder, isn’t it? Do you know Elizabeth?”

  “Nope.”

  “Are you a business acquaintance?”

  “Yeah, that’s it.”

  “I try to stay apprised of young Anthony’s business happenings. I count on him for a good chat. Would you care for a cup of coffee? Only one other client can drink it so strong. Stronger, actually.”He tapped his aristocratic nose.“Her brew smells delightful but undoubtedly wreaks havoc inside. I fear for her stomach lining.”

  “I need to buzz, Freddy. No tea today. I mean, coffee. I’m just here for the necklace.”

  “Very well. It is a stunning piece.”Alfred reached underneath a display case and produced a pretty green box decorated with yellow ribbon.“This will elate Elizabeth. It is a shame that you have not met her. She has such charisma, and her laughter is quite contagious.”

  “She sounds legit. Tony asked me to do him a large.”

  “You must have spent some time with him. I dare say you sound like him, Jerald.”

  His client’s brows furrowed. He clutched the box and turned to leave.

  “Excuse me,”Alfred called after him.

  He stopped and turned, gray eyes darting.

  “One of my best clients flouts procedure. You can make haste after you sign. I need my documentation in order.”

  “Oh, yeah, I’m scrambled.”He returned to the counter and grabbed the stylus to scribble his signature.

  “That will do. Thank you, Jerald. Please do come back soon. I unloaded a new shipment yesterday. The new items are brilliant, and rare.”

  “I’ll tag you, Freddy. Thanks.”

  “Yes, off with you. Chemistry is a demanding field.”

  “Yeah, I have lots to do with my experiments and all,”he said, and backed toward the door.

  “Until next time, Jerald.”

  He waved the green box into a hat rack, and caught it before it could smash into a crystal display. After righting it, he gave Alfred a last glance and bolted out the door.

  Alfred averted his gaze.

  ✧

  Ruby and Jasmine pushed through the heavy oak door.

  “Pause, Jazz. Take a moment to appreciate that you tackled a milestone.”She waited a beat. Clasping Jasmine’s shoulder, Ruby steered her toward the elevators.

  “It’s a blur. It’s a complete blur.”Jasmine shook her head in disbelief.

  “It’ll sink in.”

  “How did I do?”

  “You did well, Jazz. Pointing out that Vera’s husband and teenage children showed up for her was a nice touch. That she’s a family woman means she has roots here, a support system.”
/>   Jasmine sighed in relief.“I like her. Do you always like your clients?”

  “Yes. My greatest strength and weakness is my ability to see good, to see potential.”

  “How is that a weakness?”

  “It can creep into the case analysis. We strive to know the situation in its entirety—its nuances and dynamics. We seek the truth first. We work with facts. At times, we wish they were different. You’ll see soon enough. Would you like to observe the intervention?”

  “Yes. I want to see how this case plays out. I want to be in on all of it.”

  They stepped into an elevator.

  “How are you with waterworks, sloppy displays?”Ruby asked.

  “I’m great.”

  “Good, that makes one of us.”

  “When you work with at-risk teens, you figure out how to ride the rollercoaster of their emotions.”

  “You’re already handy to have around.”Ruby nudged Jasmine with her elbow.“What did you find made the difference to nudge them from at-risk to on-track?”

  “I showed up for them. Over and over.”

  “Yes, and that’s what we do for our clients. Showing up with consistency and compassion matters.”

  They stepped onto the sidewalk.

  “Take a break,”Ruby urged.“Wander for an hour, clear your head. And please pop into Anton’s on your way back. It’s the bakery across the street. We’re regulars. Tell them I sent you, order whatever you want, and have them throw in the usual for the rest of us. They’ll add it to our tab.”

  ✧

  “You’re a vision,”Cassandra said.“We were brainstorming, and my stomach started rumbling.”

  “I don’t know how you two consider this food, but here it is.”Jasmine set a bulging bakery bag and a beverage carrier on Ruby’s desk. She grabbed two cups and held the first out to Ruby.“Caramel macchiato for you.”

  “Thanks, Jazz.”

  She passed the second cup to Cassandra.“And a double-chocolate latte, extra whip.”

  Cassandra grabbed it with an appreciative smile.“Did Colin get his mint mocha?”

  “Yes, on my way down the hall. He attacked the baked goods. Judging by that bag’s size, there’s still enough for ten.”

  Cassandra shook her head and grinned at Ruby.“Isn’t she adorable? She doesn’t know our capacity for consumption. I suppose one needs to see it to believe it.”

  “True. Fuel us with caffeine and sugar, and keep it coming. Jazz, what the hell is that?”Ruby pointed to Jasmine’s right hand as she prepared to take a bite.

  “It’s a muffin.”

  “There are no chocolate chips.”

  “It’s a Morning Glory Muffin. No refined sugar, no grains.”

  “No flavor.”

  “It’s real food. Sustainable fuel. You’ll both crash, and I’ll have to carry you to Chestnut.”

  “Would you? You’re an even better intern than I thought.”

  “No, and I’m surprised you fit into your suits if that’s your regular fare.”

  “My mother has been known to call me‘a fatty trapped in a skinny person’s body,’and she might be onto something,”Ruby said.

  “She did not,”Jasmine said.

  “A direct quote, Jazz.”

  “You don’t know Ruby’s mom. She’s dead on,”Cassandra confirmed.

  “That’s terrible. My mother is an osteopathic practitioner.‘Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food.’Know who said that?”

  “Hippocrates.”

  “How about this one.‘Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.’”

  “I’m sugary goodness,”suggested Cassandra.“Let me do Ruby.”

  “That’s a little forward, Cass, in front of our new intern.”She gave Cassandra a cheeky grin, and turned to Jasmine.“Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin.”

  “How does anyone keep up with you two?”

  “Caffeine. Lots of it. Did you have Anton throw any in that green goop? What, exactly, is that? According to Brillat-Savarin, you’re slimy and potentially radioactive.”

  “No, it’s caffeine-free. One doesn’t need cheap jolts with real, balanced nutrition.”

  “What gives it that unnatural glow?”

  “It’s completely natural. Algae, top-grade. It’s the latest super food.”

  “Ruby’s usual combo is strong coffee and jelly-loaded danish. Let’s see, she’s potent and abrasive with a gooey center. Nailed it,”Cassandra proclaimed in a sing-song voice.

  Ruby chuckled.

  Jasmine smothered a laugh.“I don’t think that’s what Brillat-Savarin had in mind.”

  “Want to try my smoothie, Cassandra?”

  “Beware, Cass. I don’t buy that’s a benign glow. Let her go first, and then wait to see if she mutates.”

  Cassandra’s eyes lit up.“That’d be awesome.”

  “Straight out of one of your horror flicks.”

  “Never mind.”Jasmine retracted her drink.

  “Wait, is there chocolate in it?”Cassandra asked.

  “No.”

  “I’ll pass.”

  “Hopeless.”

  “Don’t give up on us, Jazz,”Ruby said.“We have such potential.”

  ✧

  Ruby rapped the doorjamb as she breezed into the meeting room and plopped down next to Jasmine.“Reviewing our intervention file?”

  “Yes,”Jasmine said.“I can’t believe how many programs are available.”

  “You don’t have to memorize them, Jazz.”

  “I want to know as much as possible before walking in. It’s my first intervention.”

  “Is it? Well, hopefully you’ll get your drinking under control and there won’t be a second. We’re here for you, Jazz.”

  “You know what I meant.”

  “Yes, firsts are nerve-wracking. You think you’re nervous; imagine how the Epstein family feels. You and I are there for moral support. Amy’s the pro at this sort of thing.”

  “Is it depressing?”

  “No, not really. You’d think so. Yes, Amy addresses the seriousness of the current situation. And then she offers the most important thing when a family member suffers from a life-altering disease like alcoholism.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Hope.”

  “Sounds heavy.”

  “It is. We won’t go in with empty stomachs. That brings me to why I’m here. Are you ready for lunch?”

  “But we just ate.”

  “That was hours ago.”

  She raised a skeptical brow and checked the time.“Ruby, that was two hours ago.”

  “Jazz, you’ll learn we defense lawyers get our three square and snacks when there’s a lull in the action.”

  “What lull? We have an intervention this afternoon.”

  “I know. This is as close to a lull as we get. Are you in?”

  Jasmine looked at the screen, torn.

  “It’ll still be there when we get back.”

  “All right. I’ve never been to Chestnut.”

  “You’re in for a treat.”

  As soon as Jasmine and Ruby emerged from the meeting room, Cassandra pounced.“It’s about time. I’m starving.” She put her arm around Jasmine and propelled her down the hallway.“Colin told me we’re celebrating you, too.” She glanced at Colin as they passed his desk.“Are you coming?”

  “Of course.”He motioned Cassandra and Jasmine ahead, and fell into step beside Ruby.“We’ll let the two women of the hour lead the way.”

  “It was just a routine bail hearing,”Jasmine tossed back.

  “Nonsense,”Cassandra said.“It was a milestone for you. We pause to enjoy our successes, right Ruby?”

  “That’s right. We always make time for chocolate cake.”

  They reached Chestnut, and Jasmine craned her neck to take in the décor.

  “This was a bank before it was repurposed in the 40s as a restaurant. The carvings are exquisite,”Colin said.

  “Go ahead, you tw
o,”Ruby said.“Explore. Cass and I will get our table.”

  Cassandra and Ruby moved to the reservation stand. The hostess stood tall and poised in her tailored black dress. Pearls dangled from her ears and hung in three strands at her throat.“Ms. Miller, welcome. I recognized you from your billboard. Please, follow me.”

  “Now that’s service. You’re a VIP now, Ruby,”Cass whispered.“I need a splashy billboard for Dayton Law Office.”

  “You certainly do.”

  Jasmine and Colin met them at the table.

  “Have you seen the vault door?”Jasmine asked as she sat next to Ruby.“It should be in a museum.”

  The waitress hovered until they’d settled, and then descended for drink orders.

  “Coffee, and keep it coming.”Ruby said.

  “I’ll have the same,”said Cassandra.

  “As will I. I’ll need cream and sugar, and keep that coming.”

  “Basically, he wants candy coffee,”Ruby added.

  “I could bring out whipped cream and caramel sauce. Our chef makes them from scratch.”

  “Perfect.”

  “And for you?”

  “I’ll have oolong tea,”Jasmine said.

  “Would you like a minute to look at the menu?”

  “Ready?”Ruby asked her table. When they nodded, she said, “No, we’re ready. Go ahead, Guests of Honor.”

  “I’ll have the Waldorf salad.”

  “Cass, what’s come over you?”

  “Make that two, please.”Jasmine smirked at Ruby, and gave Cassandra an encouraging nod.

  “What?”Cassandra asked, avoiding Ruby’s gaze.“I want to save myself for dessert.”

  “I don’t understand that logic at all,”Ruby said.“You have no max when it comes to chocolate.”

  Colin cleared his throat.“I’ll have the salmon. It sounds delicious.”

  “I can assure you it is. It was flown in from Alaska this morning. The cherry plank our chef grills it on puts it over the top.”

  “Wonderful.”

  “I’ll have the filet medallions,”Ruby said.“And I’ll substitute the sweet potato casserole for the broccoli.”

  “Will you be ordering dessert?”

  “Yes, we’ll order that now. We’d leave with broken hearts if you ran out. Three volcanic-fudge tortes with ice cream, please.”Ruby gestured to Jasmine.“And whatever she’d like.”