Page 5 of Maddy's Justice

“What did you say?” Brandon asked. “Did you say something stupid?”

Melanie narrowed her eyes, leaned forward and said, “I’m going to do you a favor, Brandon. I’m going to act like you didn’t just deliberately insult me.”

She paused for affect then said, “I told him, no comment and hung up the phone.”

“Anyone know a litigator that can handle something like this?” Spenser asked.

“Yes, I do,” Gavin replied. “And she’s a woman. Tough as saddle leather. Smart and experienced.”

“A woman would be a good idea. Is she a liberal feminist?” Brandon asked.

“I think she’s an old school feminist. You know, the kind that think women can and should be treated equally and take on equal responsibility for themselves,” Gavin replied.

“Call her. Set up a meeting,” Melanie said.

“What’s her name?” Spenser asked.

“Connie Mickelson,” Gavin replied.

THREE

Connie Mickelson, with her office mate/tenant in tow, scurried against the red light on Sixth Street. When they reached the entrance to the Wells Fargo Center, Marc Kadella was still looking at the parking lot ticket.

“How much is parking at Gaviidae?” Marc asked referring to the ramp they had parked in across the street.

“I think the sign said ten bucks an hour,” Connie replied as she entered the automatic circular door.

Once inside Marc joined her and grumbled, “Ten bucks an hour. Another reason not to work downtown.”

“You ever park in New York?” Connie asked as they made their way to the elevators. “That would be cheap.”

“I don’t live in New York. If I woke up and found myself living in New York, I’d put a gun in my mouth.”

“A lot of people do,” Connie replied then punched the ‘up’ button for their elevator. “You’ve been a crabass since you came in this morning. You and Maddy have a fight?” Connie asked while they waited.

“It’s none of your business,” Marc snapped.

“Ah, so it was your fault,” Connie said.

“You know, I don’t even know what it was about. Now, I have to make it up to her,” Marc replied.

“Make up sex,” Connie said. “Best ever.”

The elevator came and they entered the car with five others.

“That’s a good point,” Marc said. “I didn’t think of that. What should I get her as a peace offering?”

“An engagement ring, you idiot,” Connie answered.

Two young women both turned, looked at Connie and smiled. One of them shook her head and asked, “Why are they all so dense about the obvious?”

“They just are, hon,” Connie replied. “Get used to it.”

A man in a business suit standing along the opposite wall from Marc stole a quick peek at him.

“They’re ganging up on me,” Marc said to the man. “You could help me out.”

“I got nothing, pal. Here’s my stop. Just in time. Good luck,” he replied, laughed and walked off.

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