Page 34 of Full Throttle

“Fiona?”

“His wife.”

“And his name?”

“Halton. Halton Smithers.”

I had heard that name. Seen it in the papers and on the news. I knew he was a heavy hitter in family law. And way above my budget.

“Fiona spoke with him. He agreed to meet with you—if you want that. A free consultation.”

I blinked. A free consultation. I might not be able to afford his fees, but he might be able to give me some advice. A tip or two on how to proceed.

It was a chance.

“Are you angry with me?” Cherry asked quietly.

I turned to her, taking her hands. “How could I be angry? You wanted to help. A meeting with him could at least point me in the right direction. Maybe he’d have an idea my lawyer didn’t.” I grimaced. “He wasn’t the best, but he was what I could afford. Roxanne wiped me out, for the most part.”

“He’s a wonderful man. I like him a lot. And Fiona is great. She helps him. They offered to get you in on Friday at six if you could.”

“Six?”

She smiled. “I think they are extending their hours for you.”

“Will you come with me?”

“Yes.”

“Then set it up.”

“Okay.”

I sat back, watching as she sent off a text. A few moments later, she looked up. “Fiona said to bring everything you have. Halton wants to look it over. If there is any chance he could get it ahead of time, it would help.”

“I could take it in tomorrow. It’s all in a file box. I keep it up-to-date.”

“I could drop it off to them. Save you a trip. Then when you meet with him, he’ll be ready.”

I stroked her cheek. “Thanks, Cherry G.”

She smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“Stay,” I asked.

“What?”

“Stay here with me tonight. Please. I don’t want to be alone. I was on my way to you when you arrived.”

“You were?”

I nodded. “All I could think about was you. Your presence. How much calmer I feel when you’re around.”

She looked pleased. “Then how can I say no?” She looked down. “I don’t have anything⁠—”

“I’ll give you something to wear. I have extra toothbrushes. None of your fancy girl face stuff, but I have soap.”

She laughed. “I’ll make do.” Then she stood. “Did you eat?”