Page 20 of Homecoming

“Figured that.”

“No one can believe Kirby’s caught up in it.”

“He had no contact with her.”

“Well, that’s not surprising. He’s a good dude. People like him. Keith, though… While many people like him and appreciate that he helps out when needed, they aren’t completely sold on his innocence.”

“He refused representation from me, so I’m not sure what he’s going to do.”

“Is he insane?”

Dan shrugged. “Hard telling. Not sure if he’s got a beef with all lawyers or just me. I barely know him.”

“It’s probably all lawyers. He’s been in trouble here and there over the years. Wouldn’t surprise me if he blames the lawyers.”

“Sounds about right. He was none too pleased when I showed up to get him out of jail the morning of my wedding.”

Walter snorted out a laugh. “Yeah, probably pissed him off that he needed you.”

“That’s how it seemed then—and today.”

“Well, I guess he’s not your problem if he declined representation.”

“Doesn’t break my heart, but Judith is insisting that hewillbe represented by me. I’ll let them fight that out. Incidentally, I need to remind you again… Anything we talk about is privileged.”

“I thought of that, so here’s a buck.” He handed a one-dollar bill to Dan. “I’m retaining you as my lawyer so no one can make me tell them what you have to say.”

Impressed, Dan took the bill and tucked it into his shirt pocket. “I like you, Walter.”

“I like you, too, bossman. You’re not the windbag I expected you to be with all that fancy success you’ve had.”

Laughing, Dan said, “According to my wife, I’m a major windbag.”

“Well, she’s gotta say that to keep you humble.”

“That’s her primary role in my life.”

“She’s always been a good kid. A neighbor’s son worked with her in business development at Ballard and said she was one of the good guys.”

“She is that. The best I’ve ever known.”

“How’d you meet her?”

“Went to Gansett Island to help a close friend with a case. His future father-in-law had been unjustly incarcerated. I met her through him and his family.”

“Ah, I see. And you’ve been together ever since?”

“Not quite,” Dan said with a laugh. “She led me on one hell of a chase. Can you believe she wasn’t instantly smitten with me?”

Walter barked out a laugh. “Made you work for it, did she?”

“Like I’ve never worked for anything in my life. She was worth it, though. I knew that from the start.”

“I’m glad she’s made a happy life for herself away from this place and all the family drama.”

“So the family drama is well known around here?”

“Oh, hell yes. You know how it goes in small towns. People talk. And with eleven kids in a family, you can’t turn your head around here without running into one of them.”

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