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TO RESOLVE A LAWSUIT WITHOUT A FINAL COURT JUDGMENT BY NEGOTIATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES, USUALLY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF ATTORNEYS AND/OR INSURANCE ADJUSTER
ELIZABETH
Ireturned from Seattle to New York City amid a hailstorm. As always, my heart hung heavy in my chest with guilt, and I had to force myself to hold back tears.
You’re a lawyer, Elizabeth. Focus on being a lawyer.
Since there were no new emails or text messages from Damien and no voicemails from work, I decided to delay reporting to the firm.
I headed to a Broadway theater instead.
It was the perfect night to watch someone else live out my ultimate dream, to pretend that it was me.
Years ago, I’d clamored to play Glinda the Good Witch inWicked. I wanted the role so badly that I ditched school for shows, snuck into college theater rehearsals, and made friends with anyone who shared the same aspiration.
I put in the work, and played my best in every round, until life dealt me a cruel hand that forced me to fold.
Even though it would be selfish for me to pursue that now, I indulged in the world whenever I could. I entered playwriting competitions, served as an extra or a stagehand on smaller-level productions, and penned digital reviews under a pen name whenever I was offered tickets for opening nights.
In the middle of intermission, my phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number.
“Hello?”
“Where are you, Miss Tanner?”
“Gershwin Theater.”
“How long have you been back in town?”
“Not long.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up in ten minutes.”
“For what?”
“We need to take a drive upstate and find a body before the police do,” he uttered those words like he was ordering a sandwich.
I waited for him to say this was a joke.
“Which side of the theater are you on?” he asked.
“Are you ever going to give me arealcase?”
“Left or right side, Miss Tanner?”
“Everyone else works in the office whenever they’re not in court.”
“Don’t make me ask you again.”
“I need to check on Olivia and Elliot.”
“I checked on them this morning and set out fresh water, they’re fine.”
“You broke into my apartment?”
“Miss Tanner…”
“I’m on the right side.”
