“Do you have a date?”
“You set it up and I’ll be here. I would like it if you could attend, kind of act as hostess. I’ll have Dara put together some light, whatever.”
“On it.”
Dupree picked up the phone and began to dial. A broad smile crossed his face in anticipation of giving Peggy Grimes the good news.
“Good morning Peggy. Dupree here.”
“Uh-oh. How bad is it? Don’t sugar coat it, I’m a big girl. Whatever it is, better to tear the bandage off quickly.”
Dupree couldn’t help himself, he let out a hearty joyous laugh. “Peggy, you’re a wonder. I have nothing but good news.”
Dupree was momentarily distracted by the buzzing of his cell phone. He glanced down to see Diane’s name on the screen once again. He hit the reject button.
“You sitting down?”
“I am now.”
“Here’s what we have. Kanaal has dropped all claims to your property, current or future. They have agreed to a six-figure settlement for your suffering, anxiety, and unnecessary mental anguish. I think their offer of compensation is more than fair. The exact amount is yet to be determined because they will be paying all legal fees and, believe me, they will be substantial.”
“I guess when they say sue the bastards, they are thinking of having you do it. I can’t believe it. I wasn’t expecting any money. I just want them to leave me alone.”
“Shhh. Don’t let them hear you!” Dupree chuckled. “I know you didn’t expect it, but that’s part of the fun. They volunteered before I could really hit them with a figure. The cherry on the top is they have agreed to cooperate in the prosecution of the mayor on influence-peddling charges. Congratulations. I’ll have Tomi call you later and set up a time you can come sign the papers.”
“If you weren’t already spoken for, I’d ask you to marry me!”
“If I weren’t already taken, I might just accept. See you soon.”
“God bless you, Mr. Dupree.”
“He already has. Take care, Peggy.”
“Dara on line two.”
“Hi, sweetie!” Dara sounded too excited for this to be “will you be late for dinner”.
“What’s up?”
“Have you heard?”
“I don’t know….”
“Ok, Ok. The news about the mayor?”
“Is this gossip? You know I hate gossip.”
“This is straight from the Sheriff. He came in with two city councilmen for an ‘unofficial’ meeting.” Dara waited, knowing that the not knowing was killing Dupree.
“Do I have to ask?”
“Please.” Dara giggled.
“So, darling wife of mine, what did the High Sheriff of this noble hamlet have to say?”
“Well.” Dara took a deep breath and paused for maximum dramatic effect. “The mayor has been arrested. It seems his friends at Kanaal threw him under the bus. Not his friends exactly, they’re all in jail for the dirty picture thing. I guess the lawyers for Kanaal.”
“My, that’s the sixth-best news I’ve heard today.”
“The sixth? What?”
“Kanaal settled on all five of our complaints.”
Dara squealed on the other end of the line.
“My sentiments exactly.”
“Oh, I am so proud of you. I can’t wait to give you a big hug!”
“I can’t wait to receive one. Lots to do. Calls to make. Dara?”
“Yes.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” Dara’s voice was soft and sweet as she ended the call.
* * *
Dupree gave an exhausted sigh as he sat down in his recliner to read the paper. After a few minutes, his eyes began to itch and grow heavy. He thought closing them for just a little while would be a good idea but moments later, he was asleep.
The ringing of the phone shocked him out of his slumber. He opened his eyes as Dara answered the phone.
“Hello? Yes, it is. He sure is. Just a second.”
Dara walked to the living room thinking Dupree was still asleep. As she approached, he sat up in his recliner. With her hand over the phone, she whispered “Diana”.
Dupree waved both hands signaling he did not want to take the call. Dara dropped the phone into his lap.
Dupree groaned and picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“Adam, it’s me.”
Dupree felt a combination of anger and distrust. He waited to see what she wanted.
“I’ve tried to call you several times. Why won’t you take my calls? I have something important to talk about.”
Dupree found it hard to imagine that she could possibly have anything to talk about that he would want to hear. “I’ve been awfully busy. I saw you had called but haven’t had time to call you back.”
That was not true. Dupree had no intention of calling her back. “So, what do you need?”
“I don’t need anything! I need to tell you about Deanna.”
The thought of his call with Eric and the news of his daughter’s wild behavior came rushing back. He feared the worst. “Is she okay?”
“We’ve had to put her into rehab. Her behavior lately and her out of control partying is taking a terrible toll on her health.”
“You said ‘we had to put her’. It doesn’t do any good to force someone into rehab if they don’t want to go.”
“We had a, oh what do you call it, an intervention. Eric, Amy three of her friends who were part of her old life, and myself. It was not pleasant but she agreed she needed help. My friend Lance and I drove her that evening.”
Dupree ignored the subtle dropping of her new boyfriend’s name. “Where is she?”
“Eric recommended a place called Tranquil Horizons. He made the call and we drove her there. I just thought you would want to know. She’s still our little girl.”
Dupree swallowed hard. He was ashamed of his attitude upon taking Diane’s call. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
“I believe you’ve done quite enough.” The line went dead.
Dupree looked down at the phone. After a second or two he pushed the off button.
“Is everything okay?” Dara came back into the room. She reached for the phone and Dupree took her hand.
“No, not really. My daughter Deanna has gone into rehab.”
“Oh, sweetheart, is there anything we need to do?”
“Just pray.”
* * *
The sky cleared from the overnight dusting of snow. The air was crisp and still. Dupree decided it was time to try walking to the office again. The back of winter seemed to be broken. Merchants were out sweeping the sidewalk, washing the windows and placing new mats in front of their doors.
Three joggers passed him and gave an ‘isn’t this great’ wave. Dupree agreed. Winter was the only time he didn’t like White Owl. He was a southern California sunshine kind of guy; rain was OK but the frozen weeks of snow were not to his liking. Dara would insist on shoveling the sidewalk and driveway. Dupree hired a local young father always in need of extra cash to keep ahead of her.
The idea of stopping for a coffee was quickly dismissed. The office was pulling almost like a magnet. There were decisions to make, monies to disperse, and a plan for moving forward seemed to be of paramount importance on this bright, cheerful morning.
Toby once again was reigning over Inspiration Avenue from his bench in front of Wharton’s Furniture. The heavy parka he bundled in during his rare appearances in the dead of winter was gone. It seemed ages since Toby welcomed Dupree’s comings and goings.
“Hey, Dup-pee!” Toby stood and waved enthusiastically from across the street.
“Hey there, Toby old man! What is the outlook?”
“Sunshine, Dup-pee! Sunshine!”
Dupree gave him a thumbs up of agreement. It was returned by two thumbs up being pumped excitedly in the air, accompanied by an uproarious belly laugh.
“Morning, Pete.”
> Peter Olson looked away from his clerk leveling a sales poster in the front window of the stationery store.
“Hey there, Dupree!” He turned to face Dupree before he could open the stairway door. “I hear there are congratulations in order. I may have to raise the rent.”
“I may have to go and build my own building.” Dupree smiled and opened the door and mounted the stairs.
The door to the office was unlocked and not quite closed. To his surprise, Tomi was at her desk.
“Good morning early bird. When did you get here?”
“Oh, I don’t know, fifteen minutes ago. I brought treats!” Tomi stood and gave her side desk a Vanna White wave of presentation. “Coffee one sugar, and real cream. And the star of the show, Monkey Bread.” Tomi beamed with excitement at her offering.
“Monkey Bread?”
“You never had it? Oh, I didn’t bring enough then.” Tomi laughed and picked up a heavy-duty paper plate. “Help yourself.”
Dupree went to the table and looked down into the cast-iron Dutch oven. The sweet, gooey dough balls looked delicious.
“Oh wow. How do I start?”
“Just tear off a chunk or two.”
“Why is it called Monkey Bread?”
“Everybody tears off a piece– just like monkeys!” Tomi giggled. “It’s OK to lick your fingers, I won’t tell.”
Dupree took a bite. “I have got to tell Dara about this! Sticky brown sugar and cinnamon! My favorite. It’s like a cinnamon roll but ten times better.”
“I don’t think I would put it to her that way, but thank you.”
“I think I could eat this whole pot full.” Dupree pulled out a wad as big as his fist. “You better hide this. I could make myself sick.”
“We can’t have that!” Tomi giggled. She took the heavy lid and put it on the large black pot.
Plate and coffee in hand, Dupree retreated to his office.
“You forgot something.”
“What? I have to pay?”
“No, silly. Your napkins.” Tomi waved the large white napkins and followed him to his office.
She laid the napkins on his desk and turned with the smile of someone who’s plan exceeded expectations.
The morning seemed to fly by. Dupree made phone calls and wrote letters of thank you and appreciation. He did a spreadsheet of all the fees he earned from the various settlements. On a sheet of lined paper, he created a timeline of payment expectation, and date for follow-up if the payment was not made.
Tomi typed up the letters, created envelopes, and applied stamps. Dupree was a firm believer in good old-fashioned paper letters. The phone rang frequently through the morning but Dupree was not to be disturbed unless it was Dara. The others he would return later.
The clock just turned eleven-thirty when a light tap broke the silence. Tomi glanced up expecting the door to open. When it didn’t, she shifted her attention back to the matters at hand.
“Hello?”
The door creaked softly and was closed by a figure with his back to the room.
The man offered a greeting and moved toward Tomi’s desk.
“Good Morning.” Tomi looked up to see the man staring at her with a combination of delight and confusion. “Mr. Stanton, what are you doing here?” Tomi spoke before she thought.
Stanton smiled broadly. “I was about to ask you the same thing.”
“You first.”
“I need to speak with Mr. Dupree. Is he in?”
Tomi felt her cheeks redden; she dismissed the thought months ago of ever seeing her former boss again. He was more handsome than she remembered. His hair was longer and he was dressed in jeans, a forest green, wool, plaid shirt, and a leather jacket. The only time she ever saw him not wear a suit, sportscoat and slacks were when they rearranged the outer office and he took off his jacket and tie and rolled up his sleeves. She much preferred the new look.
“Your turn.” Stanton gave Tomi an affectionate look that made her uncomfortable.
“Well, when you left, I became Mr. Carlsson’s secretary.” She looked down. “That didn’t work out.”
“So I read.”
No one outside of Kanaal, Dupree’s office, meaning her, and Dara knew the details of the various litigations against Kanaal. The paper ran a very general story. Names, details, and settlements were sealed.
“Josh! This is a surprise.” Dupree approached Stanton with his hand extended.
“Hey, counselor!” Stanton glanced back at Tomi with a disappointed expression.
“Do you get a lunch break?” Josh lowered his voice.
Tomi smiled and nodded.
Dupree and Josh Stanton shook hands and Josh pulled him in for a one-arm hug.
“You look like life is agreeing with you.”
“Yeah, I’ve been pretty happy. I do miss certain things about the company. Again, he looked back at Tomi. That’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about. You have a minute?”
“Sure come in.” Dupree looked at Tomi and her blushed cheeks. “That is if Miss French is finished with you.” Dupree’s teasing reddened Tomi’s cheeks even more.
The two men sat and made small talk for a minute or two before the purpose of Josh Stanton’s visit was stated.
“When Cameron and I sold out to Kanaal, there was a stipulation that we remain available to Kanaal for a period of five years. At the time Cam wanted nothing to do with that part of the agreement. To save the deal, I signed.”
“I remember pretty standard stuff. Rarely used. Is there a problem?”
“To put it mildly, you gave them a real ass-whoopin’.” Josh smiled. “In one fell swoop, you cleaned out the top floor. There are virtually no administrators left. People are either leaving or just showing up and filling a space.”
“So, they want you to step in and what?”
“They want me to come in and organize, motivate and train the new people they are going to send in. It appears what Cam and I did was why the company was successful.”
“Well, that doesn’t take a genius.” Dupree shrugged. “Are they going to pay you?”
“Better than that, I can interview their people to see is they’re a good fit. I can bring in my own people to help me. That brings us to you.”
“Oh, no. That won’t fly. You kidding me?”
“I’ve already got the OK from the head of legal, Brian Bruntnell. I guess this is a case of if you can beat ’em, join ’em.” Stanton laughed.
“I’m flattered Josh, I really am. But this office has really filled a need. Not just in me, but the community.”
“I’ll pay you twice your going rate. I need somebody I can trust.”
Dupree stared at Stanton for several long moments. He liked this young man when he worked for him. He is honest, upfront, and doesn’t hide behind position or authority.
“You don’t have to answer now. Think about it. Temporary position as counselor and aide de camp. You can have the office next door to mine. Work as needed, do what you do best, cover me and the company.”
It was an offer most lawyers would kill for. If Dupree were twenty years younger nothing could stop him. He was into his last twenty, not beginning.
The two men sat silently for several minutes. Stanton gave Dupree space to think. Dupree wanted him to know his offer was not a sure thing.
Dupree leaned forwards and crossed his hands on his desk. “You intend to take Tomi along, don’t you?”
“Only with your permission.”
“That reads like a young man coming to a girl’s father for her hand.”
“Only with her permission.”
“You got this all figured out.”
“I’ve had a couple of weeks to think it over. I should never have left here without her. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Sounds like you need to keep that lunch date.”
“How’d you kn—”
“I’m not just a pretty face,” Dupree interrupted. “Good luck, she is a very special gir
l.”
“Thank you.”
Stanton rose, shook Dupree’s hand again. “Get out of here before I change my mind.”
Dupree sighed as Josh left and made his way back to Tomi’s desk. “No more monkey bread,” he said to himself.
The last thing Dupree heard as the outer office door shut was Tomi’s giggle. He knew he would miss it. All things are transient. In his career he’d seen dozens, maybe hundreds, of people come and go from a variety of jobs in law offices. Some were complete shocks; some were long overdue. Tomi wasn’t leaving his employ, she was beginning a new life, one Dupree hoped would bring her joy and contentment.
As he returned to his spreadsheet, it struck Dupree that without Tomi, he was in big trouble. Just since she came on board it felt like his practice doubled. Who would answer the phone? Who would proofread his briefs? Who would guard the front gate? Maybe she would stay until he found someone. That could take forever. She was perfect. Dupree rubbed his forehead.
The next half hour disappeared in the focus of the spreadsheet, and drafting of thank you notes. If Dupree hadn’t looked up to ask Tomi to get him the last name of the zoning clerk, he would never have heard the slight creek of the outer office door. He realized she wasn’t there.
“Hello?” Dupree didn’t rise from his chair. “Hello?”
“Yes, sir.” A woman’s voice with a thick Hispanic accent came from the outer office. Dupree stood and went to greet the visitor.
Standing in the center of the room was a thin, dark Latina woman of about thirty-five. She wore a heavy knit sweater over a dark dress. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail. She was plain but bore a kind face.
“Hello.” Dupree smiled, trying to eliminate the obvious fear and hesitation in the woman.
“Mr. Lawyer?”
“Dupree. My name is Dupree, and yes, I’m a lawyer. How can I help?”
“My husband, he is in jail. He did nothing wrong, but he is going to be sent back to El Salvador. A lady at my church said you were a good man. Will you help us?”
“Come into my office. We’ll have a talk.” Dupree waved his arm, hand palm up, gesturing her to go first.
For a moment Dupree saw the quote Dara framed and hung in their bedroom by Lailah Gifty Akita, “Each day brings new life, new strength, new dreams, and new hope. May you find courage, confidence and hope to reach out for your dreams.”
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