Malice In Miami

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

"But you're closing your practice." Nicole seemed confused and a tad disappointed. Our relationship was complicated.

"True," I said, taking a seat at the head of the rectangular conference table. "But I still need somewhere to work and my house is way too much fun. A fridge full of snacks, a comfy sofa, a hundred TV channels--I'd be fired within a week. I mean, I have a real boss now and he's already making weird demands, like go buy some evening gowns, Jamie. Don't even ask."

"Then you're staying?" Nelda squealed, clapping her hands.

"Yup, you're stuck with me. How can you miss me if I won't go away?" I slid a paper plate from the stack and picked up the knife. "I'm ready to do the honors--especially since this confection has my name on it."

After we demolished the cake and I licked the last bit of frosting off my fork I stood up. "You guys are the best! What's our excuse for throwing a party next week?"

I was almost out the door when Nelda stopped me. "Jamie, I'm so happy you're not leaving. Do you have a minute? I could use your help."

"Moving heavy boxes? I fell for that once."

She laughed and shook her head and her gold hoop earrings caught the light. "For real, this time."

I sat next to her, my hands flat on the table. The others had gone and we were alone. "Whatever you need, Nelda." I hoped it wasn't a problem. Any more crises and I'd have to put a siren on top of my car.

"Practicing worker's comp is routine, as you know. Someone gets hurt on the job and if the employer or the insurer tries to weasel out of paying, the attorney steps in." She hesitated.

"This is about a case?" I prompted her.

"You've heard of Florida Sugar?" she asked.

"Who hasn't?" I replied. "They've paid off politicians on both sides of the aisle so they can pollute Lake Okeechobee with impunity. Kip hates them. He said they have a legal cartel and we pay twice as much for sugar as the rest of the world."

Nelda nodded. I'd never seen her so serious. "I represent some workers who were injured by chemicals sprayed in the fields. It's tough to prove, but we have a strong case."

"They're lucky they found you," I said. "Is there more to this story?"

In response, she took out her phone and showed me a photo of two tiny babies with dark curls and big problems. One had a foot that twisted inward and the other was missing an ear.

I gasped. "Oh my God, what happened to them?"

Nelda laid her phone on the table. "Their mother was exposed to chemicals while she was pregnant."

"That's terrible! And why do you need me?"

"There's also a paternity issue," Nelda said, her voice low with anger.

"Does she know who the dad is?" I leaned forward.

"Yes, but he is not on the birth certificate."

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Eduardo Matteo. The owner of Florida Sugar."