Page 11 of Dial L for Lawyer
"And you cleared your calendar for her. Didn't you have that meeting with Robertson Industries today? They're a two-million-dollar client, and you bumped them for her."
"She needs help."
"She needs a lawyer. And I know I'm the one who called you, but she's Layla's best friend and you're mine. If this is going to be a problem, there are hundreds of lawyers in Chicago."
"I'm aware. And apparently she called every one of them last night."
The thought still burns, sharp and acidic in my chest. I was her last resort. The backup plan when everyone else said no or couldn't help. Not her first choice. Never her first choice. Just like I wasn't worth showing up for six months ago. My father would have a fucking field day with that information if he found out."Second place is first loser, son."
"Don't take it personally?—"
"I'm not." Lie. Everything about Serena Morgan is personal. Has been since the moment she laughed at my terrible legal pun at that gala, since she let me hold her closer than technically appropriate while we danced, since she looked at me like I was something more than just another suit with a bank account bigger than most of the city.
Bennett lets out a long-suffering sigh. "Whatever you say. Just don't lose your head over her again."
"Who said I stopped?"
The admission hangs between us. Because I haven't stopped. Haven't stopped thinking about the way she smelled like champagne and my future. Haven't stopped remembering how perfectly she fit against me. Haven't stopped waking up hard and aching for a woman who walked away without a word.
Bennett chuckles. "Try not to fuck it up, then."
"I won't." The words are a vow. To him. To her. To myself. "I need you to do something. Ask Jenna to do her thing. Run a quiet background on her inner circle at Luminous. Find out who had motive. Who was jealous. Who she trusted."
"You want me to investigate your own client's friends?"
"I want to know who to destroy," I clarify, my voice flat and cold. Someone did this to her. Someone made her feel small and defeated when she came to my office.
There's a beat of silence.
"I'll get Jenna on it," Bennett says finally. "But, Caleb?"
"What?"
"She trusts you. Even after everything. She walked into your office knowing you had every right to turn her away, and she still asked for your help. That means something."
"It means she was desperate."
"It means she knew you'd protect her. Even after she hurt you."
The words sit heavy between us. Because he's right. She knew I'd help her. Knew I'd drop everything—and I did. Cleared my entire day the second Bennett texted her name.
"I have to go," I say. "I have work to do."
"OK. Good luck with everything."
"I don't need luck."
"No," Bennett agrees. "You need a cold shower and a reality check."
"Goodbye, Bennett."
After he hangs up, I stare at the folder she brought. Everything perfectly organized, desperately professional, like she's trying to prove she's worth helping. As if I wouldn't burn down the entire city for her. As if I haven't been slowly going insane without her.
I believe you.
You do?
The surprise in her voice nearly killed me. Like she couldn't fathom that I'd take her side. Like she doesn't know I've been on her side since the moment we met. That I've been hers since she smiled at me the first time we met at that bar and she called me a shark.
