Long Ride (Riding with Honor)

by Avery, Rebecca

  Once she had collected the ingredients Gretchen turned to her and said, “Now what?”

  “You will need to get out a bowl, a measuring cup, measuring spoons and a pan,” she replied.

  Gretchen seemed familiar with where things were and after they had pulled everything out, Becca helped her mix the ingredients and then pour the batter into the pan. After the pan went in to the oven they began cleaning up. Once the brownies were out and cooling Dickie set his paper aside.

  “Might want to get your shower out of the way so there is time for a brownie before bed,” he said. Gretchen frowned but walked out of the kitchen and down the hall toward the bathroom.

  “She is adorable,” Becca said as he stood and approached her.

  “I can put her on the loveseat and I’ll take the couch if you want to use my room tonight,” he offered.

  “I don’t want to put you out…” she said. “I don’t mind the couch.”

  “I don’t want you to put me out either… I’d rather you invite me to share. I slept better last night than I have in a while. I think sleeping with you agrees with me too,” he said with a grin. He was right… sleeping with him did agree with her.

  “That is not going to happen again… shouldn’t have happened last night either but I think the traveling just caught up to us,” she replied.

  “Oh it’s going to happen again. I’ll put a twenty on it. Only next time we’ll be worn out from other activities besides driving,” he said with a smirk.

  She was unable to keep her mind from thinking about the very thing that he mentioned and again she found herself wondering what it would be like with him.

  His easy going ways and incredible looks tempted her to allow him what he wanted. If not for the hesitation she felt at becoming involved with another man she might have acted on the thought.

  When Gretchen emerged from the shower, Dickie combed her hair out and then they settled in on the couch with a brownie to watch a couple of cartoons. Soon enough Gretchen was asleep and he situated her on the loveseat and she headed for his room and prayed for a good night’s sleep.

  By 3AM she was stir crazy from being unable to sleep and yet trapped in his bedroom, afraid to emerge and wake both Gretchen and Dickie.

  She tried working on some of her outstanding cases, answering emails and even reading, but nothing seemed to relax her enough to allow for restful sleep.

  Becca must have eventually dozed off as she awoke once again to the phone ringing and nearly answered the one next to his bed before remembering this was not her home. Once her head cleared a bit it dawned on her that the phone ringing was her cell phone rather than the house phone. Scrambling around, she found the phone and answered.

  “Ms. Waters? This is Carmen James. I was the case worker for Melody McMurray. I’m not sure if you remember me or not but I was wondering if you still represent Thomas McMurray?”

  “Yes, I still represent Thomas McMurray,” she replied, forcing herself to fully wake up and focus.

  “Are you in New York still?” Carmen asked.

  “No. Actually, I’m back down here for a while…” she replied.

  “Would it be possible to meet somewhere? I have some information regarding Casey Lawrence that involves both Melody and Gretchen McMurray,” Carmen said.

  “Sure… umm can you give me a couple of hours?” She asked.

  “I can do that,” Carmen replied.

  After getting an address for Carmen’s office she hung up and went in search of Dickie and Gretchen. Entering the kitchen she found Dickie sitting at the kitchen table eating a cinnamon roll and drinking coffee with Gretchen.

  Dickie was again reading the paper while Gretchen talked non-stop about her Daddy and ‘Mama Dana’ coming home in a few hours, how weird it was not to go to school on a Monday, and having to deal with the pesky boy when she did return to school the following day.

  “Richard, can I speak to you for a minute?” she asked.

  “You can do whatever you like to me,” he replied with a grin.

  He followed her into the living room and she turned to face him. “I received a phone call this morning and I have a meeting in two hours. So I will need to either borrow your vehicle or get a cab,” she said.

  “I can take you to your meeting,” he said, glancing at her mouth.

  “This is regarding one of my cases which makes it confidential so you cannot go with me,” she said, attempting to rein in her frustration and her reaction to his nearness.

  “Fine, I will drop you off and wait outside,” he replied.

  “Richard, I appreciate your diligence in this whole matter of my safety but I have to work and I cannot very well drag you from place to place while I attempt to do my job. What about your job for that matter?” she asked.

  “I don’t mind being dragged around… I kind of like it in fact… especially when a woman pulls my hair,” he said, his blue eyes twinkling. He was truly breathtaking at times.

  Unable to respond to him, she remained quiet and after a minute he looked thoughtful and then said, “How about if I drop you off and go take care of some things at the shop while you are having your meeting and then you call me as soon as it is over and I will pick you up?” he asked.

  “That would be fine with me,” she replied.

  “You must not step foot outside of the building until I come back to get you… promise,” he said with a serious and stern look.

  “I promise,” she replied, rolling her eyes.

  A couple of hours later she found herself sitting across from Carmen James in a small and untidy office. The woman looked at her and picking up a file said, “I don’t exactly know how to approach this subject so I’m just going to say it. Casey Lawrence is pregnant again.”

  She had seen Tommy and Dana together and as in love as they were, she found it impossible to believe that he would have been with Casey again since having met Dana. The couple was nearly nauseating in the way that they acted toward each other.

  Tommy was forever standing with his body pressed against Dana whispering words to her that made her smile and blush. Tommy was a handsome man so she couldn’t fault Dana for her responses.

  “I know what you must be thinking but I want to assure you that this child is not Tommy’s. Casey wasn’t even in the state when the pregnancy occurred,” Carmen said.

  “Then what does this have to do with my client?” she asked.

  “Casey Lawrence is now back in Florida and on her way to prison for a fairly lengthy stay. The new baby will be born a ward of the state but fortunately due to Casey’s incarceration this baby should be born considerably healthier than Melody was. Do you understand why I asked to meet with you now?” Carmen asked.

  “Not exactly, other than with Casey being incarcerated, I can petition to have all of her parental rights revoked including any chance of visitation,” she replied.

  Carmen smiled. “This baby will be Gretchen and Melody’s sibling. Additionally, from what I’ve come to understand Dana Atkinson, who is still a licensed foster parent, is now living with Thomas McMurray. Is that accurate?”

  “Yes, that is true,” she said, growing frustrated “Please get to the point, Mrs. James.”

  “I invited you here today to ask you to essentially do my job for me. I would very much like to place the new baby with your client and Ms. Atkinson as it would keep the siblings together. I would like you to broach the subject with your client and Ms. Atkinson as it is likely that this child will end up being adoptable…” Carmen said.

  “So you want my client to take responsibility for yet another of Casey Lawrence’s children, when this one isn’t even his? Am I hearing this correctly?” She said. Unbelievable!

  Tommy and Dana had their hands full as it was with all of Melody’s medical problems. Melody had gone through a battery of tests trying to determine if there was an underlying medical condition that was effectively stunting her growth. The child wasn’t developing or hitting the milestones she sho
uld be reaching but at the same time reached some milestones she shouldn’t reach for many months yet.

  She was nearly four months old but still looked and moved like a newborn, though she would smile and coo at Chuck. Could she ask them to take on even more responsibility?

  “So if the child does become adoptable, then what?” she asked.

  “Well if your client and Ms. Atkinson are still together by then and interested, they would stand a good chance of adopting the child. However, it would help tremendously if they were married and could show that they have a suitable environment and can financially take on another child. It is very early in the pregnancy so there is time to determine the best course of action. I just wanted to let your client know so he and Ms. Atkinson can… prepare… if they are in fact interested,” Carmen said.

  “I will talk it over with my client and Ms. Atkinson and let you know,” she said.

  “There is just one other thing…” Carmen said, looking at her hesitantly. “Are you residing in Florida now?”

  “Actually I am only back down here for a short while… on vacation,” she replied.

  “Oh… I was just wondering if you would be interested in taking on a pro bono case as a children’s advocate…” Carmen said.

  She was a criminal attorney… what did she know about representing children’s best interests? Additionally, she hopefully wouldn’t be in this state long enough to handle anymore legal cases. What would make Carmen even ask?

  “Well, considering it is unlikely I will be down here that long, I can’t help but I am curious why you would even ask,” she said.

  “Look Ms. Waters…” Carmen started.

  “Call me Becca,” she interrupted.

  “Becca, I am not going to sit here and bullshit you. The department is aware that you are representing a Charles Reynolds in a potential case against the state and this department. Your legal team has been all over it and we received your letter by fax just this morning. Not many attorneys, especially one such as you, are willing to go head to head with such a large government entity. I figure if you are willing to do so for a man who is no longer a ward of the state, perhaps you would be interested in taking other similar cases…” Carmen said.

  “Such as me?” she asked, already feeling offended and angry.

  “You are one of the most revered defense attorneys in the country… you can essentially name your price. You have no need to take on the big dogs… you already have and won a time or two and have nothing to prove, especially free of charge. That is all I meant,” Carmen explained.

  “If you expect me to discuss why I chose to represent Mr. Reynolds or the merits of his case you will be sorely disappointed and I must say that to even ask is unethical and smacks of fear,” Becca said angrily.

  “The only thing I will tell you is that your department should fear this case as it stands to set a precedent whereby former wards of the state can hold the state liable for all manner of harm. This department… this agency… is funded by the citizens of this state, who expect it to be run efficiently and effectively. Mistakes by your department don’t just cost taxpayers money, it sometimes costs those entrusted to your care their very lives!” she replied before forcing herself to shut up.

  “That…” Carmen said pointing at her. “That right there is why I would like you to consider taking this advocacy case. There are so many kids in the system that cases become words on a document rather than a real person, a real child in need of help. Those kids need a voice and I invite you to consider being that voice. You would essentially be doing what you are doing for Mr. Reynolds and for Gretchen and Melody’s newest sibling,” Carmen said. “Just with little to no pay.”

  Was Carmen trying to soften her up by coming off as needing her help? DCF had another think coming if they thought she would allow her heart to overrule her head. Her first responsibility was to her clients… Chuck and Tommy.

  Taking on new clients would essentially pit her against the department. If the department did fear facing her in court, then why would Carmen offer her more opportunity… more ammunition… by suggesting she take on other clients… other kids?

  “Are you eager to take me on in court, Mrs. James?” she asked. “Is that it?”

  “If you are asking if I’m eager for my caseload of kids, my co-worker’s caseload of kids, to finally stand a chance of their wishes being considered or at least heard… then you can bet your sweet ass I do,” Carmen said with a nod of her head. “Did it ever occur to you that we often have to follow the law at the expense of our own judgment or morals?”

  She could actually feel the fire and conviction behind Carmen’s words. This woman would face her in court because she had to… because the law and the state demanded it. However, that didn’t keep her from hoping that she would lose for the sake of a child. Carmen was looking for someone willing and able to take on the department and potentially win. The woman viewed a win by her as a win for a child for whom she or her coworkers represented.

  It was underhanded and could possibly cost Carmen her job… and she felt herself smiling at the woman’s audacity. If the department found out she was consorting with the enemy or at the very least encouraging Becca to bring about more lawsuits against the department, they would fire her.

  A new respect for Carmen settled in her stomach… if the woman was serious and she didn’t live in New York, she might actually consider it. Money was no longer an issue as she got commission on all cases handled through her firm. She could do work that meant something to her and not have to worry about the next big payday case.

  “Give me a synopsis of this case. I’m not agreeing to it mind you, but I will consider it,” she finally replied.

  “Two girls over the age of ten were recently removed from their parents care when the parents were charged, convicted and sent to jail on drug charges. The two stand a good chance of being split up and placed in separate foster homes,” Carmen said, eyeing her thoughtfully.

  “The girls were often cared for by an older neighbor man who is single. The girls want to stay with the neighbor man who is not a licensed foster parent. Even if he were a licensed foster parent, the likelihood of two young girls being placed with a single male foster parent is unlikely… regardless of the girls’ wishes and regardless of the fact that if not for this man, their situation would have been even worse than it was,” Carmen finished explaining.

  “Is the man willing to take the girls?” Becca asked.

  “The evening the girls were removed from the parent’s home, he offered to keep them then. So yes, I would assume that he is. The point I am trying to make is there is no sense in asking the man since the chances of them being placed with him are next to nil,” Carmen said with a sigh. “Essentially these two girls will be split up when they need each other the most and placed God knows where because the neighbor is a single male. If he were a single female or married we would not be having this conversation,” Carmen continued, handing her a manila file folder.

  “Now if someone were to step forward and advocate for the wishes of the girls I might be willing to call him and see if he is in fact interested and capable of caring for them,” Carmen finished.

  The story left her little choice on whether or not to take the case. Of course she would and somehow Carmen had known that. It felt like some invisible hand was pulling her back and holding her in this state more so than any stalker keeping her out of New York.

  What had started out to be a favor for Greg was turning into a potential career, lifestyle and location change. She actually had as many potential cases down here as she did at home. Though the pay was significantly different.

  “Make your phone call. I will draft something up and have it ready by next Monday. Let me know should the man decline caring for the girls,” she said with a smile taking the folder from Carmen’s hand.

  “I appreciate this and I hope that you get what you are after regarding Mr. Reynolds’ case… and may I give you some per
sonal advice?” Carmen asked.

  “Sure,” she replied.

  “When the department comes up off of the information on Mr. Reynolds, I advise you to pay special attention to his birth and medical records,” Carmen said with a smirk.

  “Why is that?” she asked.

  “Now you know that I cannot tell you that… however, if you miss the information that’s in there I may seriously doubt my judgment in asking you to represent anyone else,” Carmen said.

  “How do you know what’s in Mr. Reynolds’ file?” Becca asked.

  “I’m nothing if not thorough. When I did a home visit with Mr. McMurray regarding Melody’s case, Chuck Reynolds was there and told me about being a foster child. His story piqued my interest enough that I did a little digging on my own time and let’s just say nothing is as it seems with regards to Mr. Reynolds,” Carmen explained.

  “I will comb through the records until I find whatever it is you expect me to find and though I appreciate the heads-up, don’t think for a second that I won’t file suit on day thirty one if I do not have those files,” Becca said, standing and holding her hand out to the woman.

  As she exited the office, the secretary stopped her and told her that a man had just came in asking for her and was waiting for her outside. As she stepped outside and looked around she did not see Dickie’s car so she pulled out her cell phone and called him.

  “Where are you?” she asked when he answered.

  “I’m at the shop…you ready for me, darlin’?” he asked.

  “Oh God...” she breathed in alarm as she felt the hair on the back of her neck and the tiny ones on her arms stand up. If Dickie was at the shop, then who was it that was out here waiting for her?

  “You ok there?” he asked.

  “Someone came into the office and asked for me… I thought it was you…” she said quietly.

  “Do not go outside! Stay in the office near other people and wait for me to come up and get you,” he instructed.

  Too late.