Engaged In Danger

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

"If I knew you were buying, I'd have picked some place expensive," Grace complained in between messy bites of her barbecued chicken sandwich. I have no idea how she kept it from dripping on her beautiful silk suit.

"No, you wouldn't have," I said, rolling my eyes. "You love this place. Even if you won the Power Ball, this is where you'd come to celebrate."

"Yeah, you're right." She laughed. "Tom Jenkins has the best barbecue in town."

"I'll take your word for it," I said, tucking into my vegetarian platter. "Remember when this place used to be 'The Straw Hat'? Smokiest bar ever." I finished my ear of corn and washed it down with iced tea. "In that corner over there, they had a tiny stage for live country music."

"Yeah, well, it's just as smoky now," Grace commented.

"But it smells better," I said. "Even to a vegetarian. Good thing they have a chimney."

Having finished her sandwich, Grace was wet-wiping her mouth, her hands, the table, and every surface she could find. I thought she'd start working on the kid at the next table soon.

"So, Jamie, where's all the news you promised me?" She prompted.

My good mood evaporated. As long as I didn't think about Kip, I was able to compartmentalize. I could keep that room shut and locked with a heavy bureau blocking the door, in case anything tried to escape.

I sighed. "Ask me about Kip."

Grace raised her perfect eyebrows. "Um…okay, now I'm afraid to ask. How's Kip?"

"Moving to Australia."

Grace slapped the table with her hand. "What the hell, Jamie? Did you two break up?"

"No, Gracie, we didn't break up. He's taking a temporary job there for three months."

"Three months?" Grace shook her head in disbelief. "That's all? Then why are you being such a drama queen, which is my job, by the way. Don't start horning in on my territory, woman."

"But--" I sputtered.

"But, what?"

Grace leaned forward, so aggravated with me that she was willing to risk getting melted butter on her jacket; there would be no saving her suit then. I think I was more worried about it than she was.

"Listen, Jamie, three months is nothing and Kip is crazy about you, so just relax. You'll be busy, too. You're going to Nicaragua to see your Dad, you've got your work--and now you can take that Zumba class you're always talking about."

I almost snorted iced tea through my nose. "Zumba class? Yeah, that's gonna happen. I can barely walk without tripping over my own feet."

Grace giggled. "You don't have to tell me, sister, I've seen you on the dance floor. I think you're even less coordinated now than you were in law school."

"Not possible," I said with a grin. I don't know how she did it, but Grace always made me feel better. She had this voice of reason which was hard to resist. And she was also a kook, which helped. I hadn't forgotten to tell her about Nan Glasser, but first things first.

"What's going on with you?" I asked digging into my slice of sweet potato pie. You haven't lived until you've tried sweet potato pie.

Grace's expression was hard to read. "Not much, this and that, you know, the usual." She started gathering up the garbage and straightening the table to avoid making eye contact, which made me suspicious.

"Hmmm, interesting," I said, laying down my fork and folding my hands.

"What's interesting?"

"You're hiding something, Gracie Lou Anderson. Don't try to deny it, you'll just embarrass yourself."

"That's not my middle name, you dork." She laughed.

"It is now. Until I find out what you're hiding--and I will find out."

"Whatever, Jamie."

I pushed my plate away, leaned in and planted my elbows on the table. "You'll never guess who walked into my office today," I said, lowering my voice. "Mrs. Marvin Glasser!"

Grace gave me a sideways look. "Was she lost?"

"Funny! No, she wasn't lost, she wants a divorce."

"And you took the case?" Grace looked like she was seriously considering having me committed.

"Of course I didn't. But she had a good story to tell; too bad the first twenty-six lawyers she approached turned her away, they might've enjoyed hearing it."

Grace gave a low whistle under her breath. "Wow! Marvin Glasser must have dirt on every one of them."

I shook my head. "Or he's done business with them. Glasser's got his hand in everything from car dealerships to restaurants to actual lawyering. I've never understood where he gets his money though. Even during the recession a few years back when other attorneys were closing their practices, his was booming. It's interesting. Anyway, these folks have mega-bucks and she needs a lawyer. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Challenge accepted!" Grace squealed. "I'll look around--and Jamie, there will be a nice referral fee for this one."

"I imagine so," I said.

"You know what that means, right?" Grace was grinning.

"What's it mean?" I asked.

"You're treating me to dinner for the next year!"