Page 29 of Passionate Defense

“I’m sure. But maybe if I hadn’t been quite so efficient, he would have been convicted here.”

“Giving a client a subpar defense wouldn’t challenge your ethics?” The judge paused but didn’t seem to expect an answer. She was very perceptive. “Is the Deevers case the reason you left WW&S?”

“Partly.”

“What’s the other part? Or is that too nosy?”

It was, but she figured the judge only said so to be polite because she waited expectantly for her answer.

Lanie boldly declared, “I grew tired of working for pricks.”

“Touché,” Judge Studor said as her lips tipped up into a huge grin. “You know what the joke is in the community for that firm’s acronym, don’t you?”

“I don’t believe I do.”

“Wanker, Weiner, & Schlong.”

Laughter erupted from Lanie, echoing throughout the tile-filled room. It was perfect, although the last one for Simons was being overly generous, she was certain.

“How did I work there for four years and not hear that?” she asked, wiping her watering eyes.

“It’s a wonder, isn’t it?”

She eyed the judge reflectively, noting that her wit and wisdom, combined with Ethan’s earlier attentions had definitely improved her mood. “You’re very easy to talk to, your honor. I feel like I’ve known you forever just from this little chat in the ladies’ room.”

“Call me Vicky, please, and I feel the same way. But we’ve gabbed for a good while. I suppose we should go find our men.”

“I’m surprised Ethan hasn’t sent out a search party already. He worries.” As she leaned toward the mirror to touch up the color on her lips, the hostess came walking in as if on cue.

“Mrs. Fischer?” she called, her eyes landing on Lanie. “I’m sorry, but your husband asked me to check on you. He was afraid you were ill.”

Lanie’s eyes flew to her friend’s reflection. “See what I mean?”

She assured the hostess she was fine and asked her to inform Ethan that she would be right out. When she left, Vicky said, “I think it’s sweet. A lot of husbands wouldn’t care or would be put out by the wait.”

“Not mine,” she countered, shaking her head. “Don’t you dare tell him this, but I think it’s sweet, too. I rather like his protective nature.”

“Ray is the same way. My health and safety are two subjects that he seems to think are his domain, which I give him freely because he stays out of my career. The rest—money, friends, spoiling grandchildren, and so many other important decisions like hair color—are solely up to me.”

Lanie’s eyes automatically traveled to her auburn hair, which she wore in a chin-length bob. The judge was still a very attractive woman. Lanie hoped she looked half as good at her age.

“Ray’s a little old-fashioned in certain ways, but I love the old coot all the same.”

Lanie’s mind flashed on an image of Victoria over her husband’s knee with her judicial robes lifted out of the way. Good grief! What a thought. The woman was probably referring to opening car doors and pulling out her chair. Mentally shaking herself, she tried to pick up the thread of their conversation.

“Are you sure you’re all right, Lanie? You’ve got an odd look on your face.”

With color creeping into her cheeks, she turned back to the mirror to dab at her eyes and refresh her makeup. “I’m fine,” she said, leaning in to smooth on her lipstick. “And I’m eager to meet Ray; he sounds a lot like my Ethan.”

“He should. Ray was Ethan’s first boss. He took him under his wing and taught him to be a brilliant attorney.”

“That explains a lot.”

“The panties, right?” Vicky asked, tongue in cheek.

“What?” Lanie practically squealed, her head whipping around in surprise, until she saw her new friend’s sly smile. “Oh, you are bad! I’m going to like you.”

“I hope so. We have a lot in common. Mostly having to act so serious and above board forty-plus hours a week. I need a young friend who likes to cut loose every now and again, someone I can mentor but can also keep me on my toes.”

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