Page 104 of Barristers & Bones

“May I request that you wait and speak to Roman first?”

It had been a few days since Roman tracked me down and brought me back home, but I still ached when I thought of listening to that recording. I studied Roman’s door, avoiding Gideon’s knowing gaze.

“Do you know what was in the recording she sent me?” I asked him quietly.

Gideon winced. “I recall the conversation. Please don’t hold it against Roman and the partners. What happened at Bitter Creek was a travesty, and what we saw when we raided it was unconscionable.”

I nodded jerkily. “How about this? You call and talk to her and if she was trying to protect me, you agree to pay her a month’s worth of wages and a referral if the partners feel they can’t hire her back.”

He sighed but didn’t argue. “I believe that’s fair, but I have to inform the partners.”

“Fine, but they don’t get to veto it.”

Gideon’s mouth twitched. “Alright, we have an agreement.”

That day, I also started working with Arthur Thorgeson on water law cases. I’d gotten to know him from holidays, family get-togethers, and several of Ezra’s Monday night dinners. He’d become my uncle over the years. Arthur married into the Spade family, and he had a large, bulbous nose and wild tufts of white hair that stuck out above his ears. Artie looked like a full-size garden gnome in an expensive seersucker suit.

He grinned happily when I found him in one of the large, plush offices. “It doesn’t surprise me these boys bribed you away, but I think it’s a good move for both of us.”

I shook my head. “They didn’t bribe me. Klim changed the internship, Roman stole me, and then decided to keep me out of spite.”

Artie shrugged. “Semantics. I know Klim, and he doesn’t do anything without a good reason. In the end, I think it’s a win-win for both of us.” He cracked his knuckles. “Now, let’s get to work.”

Late in the day, Gideon knocked on my door as I contentedly researched a complex water law issue. Behind him, a stylish woman with a spiky pixie haircut and pristine makeup stood with a tape measure around her shoulders. I pulled off my headphones.

Gideon gestured to the woman. “This is Aida, our personal shopper. She’s here to take your measurements.”

“For what?” I asked.

“Clothing befitting The Firm, and other sundries.”

I leaned back and studied him. “What do you mean, exactly, by clothing befitting The Firm?”

Gideon glanced down at my plain white button-down shirt and black pants. “You’re a delight to have in the office, and I’m overjoyed you and Roman are together. But you’re now an official part of our firm, and as such we have a certain… reputation to uphold. Bespoke clothing is part of that.”

I eyed him skeptically. “Why are you the one introducing Aida to me instead of Roman?”

“He thought I’d have more luck,” he admitted bluntly.

“Luck with what?” I asked. I noticed Aida’s lip twitch, and she looked like she wanted to laugh.

“Luck with talking you into a new wardrobe.”

“What’s wrong with my clothes?” I asked.

Gideon raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. “Nothing iswrong, per se. But I believe you purposefully wear dark, drab colors to blend in and downplay your figure and looks. Am I right?”

“Is that what Roman thinks?” I asked, stung at his analysis and annoyed he was probably right.

Aida rolled her eyes and stepped forward. “Gideon, love. I adore you. But I have it from here.” She patted his arm and waved her hand.

Gideon gave her a small, formal nod. “As you wish, my dear.” He turned to me. “Remember one thing before you start in on Aida. Clothes aren’t just for covering a body, they can also be used as a weapon and a statement.”

After Gideon walked out, I eyed the woman. “Hello, Aida. I don’t really need new clothes.”

Her berry red lips tipped up, and she pulled her tape measure off her shoulders. “Very few people nowadaysneednew clothing. But Gideon’s right.”

I inclined my head. “Tell me the truth. What, exactly, did Roman tell you I needed?”

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