Page 71 of The Perfect Divorce

“Good,” I say. “Are they reversing it and sending it back to the circuit court for a new trial or dismissing it entirely?”

“Still being determined. I think they granted the appeal quickly due to the media blitz and pressure from the public. Plus, some of the strings the foundation was able to pull. What do you think they’ll decide on?”

“Reversed and sent back to court for a new trial. Dismissals are extremely rare.”

She nods and stares at me, quiet for a moment. “How are things going with the separation? Is Bob still giving you grief?”

“Always. Plus, he’s completely unreliable. I let him take Summer to DC for one night this past weekend, and he left her alone for hours.”

“What!?!” Anne’s voice rises. “Why? What the hell was he doing?”

“I don’t know. When I asked him, he said, quote, ‘That’s none of your business.’”

“That’s ridiculous. That’s your daughter. Itisyour business.”

“That’s what I said, but Bob’s too thickheaded to understand that.”

Anne shakes her head in dismay. “Too bad whoever offed Stevens couldn’t take out Bob too.” She laughs.

“Divorce is making him suffer far worse than death would.” I faintly smile.

Anne extinguishes her laugh, her face turning serious again. “And how’s Summer through all this?”

“Not great. We told her about the separation last night, and she didn’t take it well, and now she’s refusing to talk to me.” I sigh.

“She’ll come around. My parents divorced when I was thirteen, and I remember hating them at first until I realized how much better it was to live in a house without constant fighting and screaming.” Anne pulls her lips in.

“I hope so because I can’t stand her hating me. Everything I do is for her. She just doesn’t realize it.”

“No kids do, but she will someday.”

My phone vibrates against my desk, andUnknownis splayed across the screen.

“I should take this.”

Anne nods, stands from her seat, and walks to the door. Before she exits my office, she turns back. “If you need anything, anything at all, just let me know.”

I know she means it.

“I will,” I say.

She closes the door behind her as I hitAccept.

“Sarah Morgan.”

“Sarah, it’s Sheriff Hudson. Do you have a moment?”

“You had more than a moment of my time yesterday.”

“This isn’t about Kelly Summers or Stacy Howard,” he says.

“Then what’s it about?”

“Carissa Brooks. Now, I understand your company did some pro bono legal work for her, is that correct?”

“Yes,” I say. “But there is attorney-client privilege here, Sheriff.”

“I know, Sarah.”

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