Malice In Miami

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

"That guy is despicable." I said. I had always loathed Eduardo Matteo for his polluting ways and his abuse of workers, but now it was personal.

"He's going straight to hell," Nelda said with the confidence of her Catholic upbringing. Her belief in eternal damnation for the wicked might explain her positive attitude.

"You're such a warrior," I said admiringly. "It's hard for lawyers to find work that matters. Most of us are just paper pushers hanging our hopes on a misplaced comma." I shrugged. "We can't all be Erin Brockovich."

Nelda reached over and gave me a playful tap on the arm. "You're no paper pusher, Jamie, you're the FBI's secret weapon, remember?" I laughed. "And Erin Brockovich wasn't even a lawyer," she added. "Not until after that big case."

I spun around in my swivel chair like a five-year-old. "It sounds like some late nights for your fresh-faced baby lawyer. Is Henry up for this? You know, he calls me Ms. Quinn, isn't that adorable? That's how intimidating I am."

We both cracked up. "Speaking of how scary you are," Nelda said, getting back to business, "I need you in this case."

"Oh, no can do, I'm afraid. I'm closing up shop, remember? You don't need me anyway. The Florida Department of Revenue files paternity actions for free, your tax dollars at work."

Nelda was shaking her head.

"What? You don't believe me?" I wadded up a napkin lying on the table and threw it at her. I missed.

Nelda laughed and tossed the napkin in the trash can, her gold bangles clinking. "We already tried that. Matteo avoided the process server and his people claimed he wasn't there, so the Department gave up."

"There's your problem," I said. "The Department uses the Sheriff's office as process servers. Anyone can spot the uniform a mile away. You need a private process server. First, you'll have to file a paternity action."

Nelda pounced. "Yes! And that's why I need you. Co-counsel with me and you can withdraw after we establish paternity. What's one little DNA test between friends?" She wheedled.

I deflected. "Wait a minute, if the basis of your original claim is a worker's comp action, does that mean the mom worked for Matteo?"

Nelda nodded. "Yes, Pilar and her family are seasonal workers."

"Her family? She has other kids?"

"No, I was referring to her parents. Pilar has no other children, Jamie. She just turned seventeen."

I felt sick. "This case gets worse by the minute! This isn't a paternity action, Nelda, it's statutory rape."

Nelda grimaced. "I know, Jamie, but she won't press charges and I can't convince her. Believe me, I tried. She didn’t want to file for paternity either. Her parents made her do it."

Once more Nelda cradled her phone with its photo of Pilar's twins as if she were actually holding them. She laid it on the table in front of me. I knew I was being manipulated but gave in anyway. Those babies broke my heart.

"Fine, I'll help you--but after paternity is established I'm out. Determining child support is your problem and nothing you say or do will change my mind." I gave her a fierce scowl to prove I meant it.

She laughed, delighted. "Who said you aren't intimidating?"