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“How can we help with your search?” My interest was piqued then. This reminded me of my new sister and her search for family.
Lisa slid over a couple other documents that appeared to be a photocopy of her mother’s high school yearbook page and a certificate of adoption. “I can’t find any death records for her or any proof that she’s still alive.”
“Interesting. But wouldn’t a private investigator be a better fit for getting this information?” Tanner asked.
“Maybe. But I know this is a small town and you’re an entrenched local. And I understand that attorneys can get whatever information they need for their cases. I have money and can pay you.” Lisa was a sharp woman.
“That sounds like a good approach.” I applauded her tactics.
“Why not ask around in town or hire an older attorney who might have known your mom?” Tanner asked.
Lisa hesitated. “This happened at least thirty years ago. A younger person has no skin in the game, which is a good thing. I’d like fresh eyes on this.”
“Are you sure she’s not still among the living?” I wanted to be sure what we might be dealing with.
“If she’s still alive, I would be very surprised. She would have to be a ghost or have completely acquired a new identity, which I know is possible, but not likely.” Lisa didn’t seem especially emotional over the thought that her birth mother might be dead—more like…resigned.
“What about her family?” Tanner asked.
“I honestly don’t know. I can’t find anyone listed here in town with the same name. She doesn’t seem to exist beyond giving me up for adoption so far as I can tell. Obviously she lived here before and had an entire childhood and life until then, one that began here in Cypress Bayou. Of course, my thoughts have gone through some weird scenarios.”
I had to agree with Lisa. “No, people don’t usually up and disappear, especially nowadays, with all the ways to find someone.” I made a couple notes on my yellow pad. “Have you done any asking around in town?”
“I just got here. I’ve done some searching on Google, but so far, I’ve not come up with anything. If I do find new family, I wouldn’t want to face them alone.”
I nodded. “I’ve recently had a similar situation in my own family, so I understand how uncomfortable finding new family might be.”
Tanner had been making notes. “You mother’s full name was…is Justine Chaffin?”
Lisa nodded. “That’s all I have. I couldn’t find any Chaffins in Cypress Bayou though.”
“I can’t think of any either.” I’d been here my entire life and wasn’t familiar with that surname.
Tanner glanced over at me as if to check and make sure it was okay to take this on. I understood the silent question in his eyes and nodded briefly in agreement.
“Since we’re getting the practice established, we’ll agree to work with you to solve your family mystery. The hourly rate is two hundred and fifty dollars. That includes local travel and expenses. We can bill biweekly or monthly.”
Tanner was smart to put the rates out to Lisa in such a no-nonsense way where there wasn’t any doubt as to how our work would be done and how we would bill the hours, but it also gave a little flexibility on invoicing.
Lisa’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “I can pay your rate. Thank you both so much. I knew you were the one for the job. I’ve been researching all the attorneys in town. You get top marks for your compassion and being thorough. That’s what I need. I realize what I’m asking is a little outside the normal attorney skill set, but I don’t know if any laws have been broken. And I don’t know what it will take to solve this mystery.”
Tanner reassured her. “I appreciate your confidence. We’ll do our best to help you maneuver this…situation. Send us any information you uncover. We’ll do some additional looking into the family and ask around, starting with people we know and trust.”
“I can’t tell you how much of a relief it will be to have support, as I’m kind of short on family support these days.”
“We’re glad to be able to help you,” I reassured her.
“Since we’re going to have to share your mother’s story while asking questions of the locals, there won’t be a lot of privacy. We’ll need to use your name and your mother’s name, so the usual privacy clause won’t exactly apply here.”
Lisa nodded. “I guess that’s what I’ll give up if I’m going to find out what happened to her. And just so you know, my family—the Henry family who raised me—they aren’t especially thrilled about my search, so we won’t get a lot of help from them. They are a rather affluent bunch from uptown New Orleans and would rather I didn’t do this.”
“Do the Henrys have information regarding your birth mother? Did they know her?” This was an interesting twist.
Lisa frowned. “I don’t think so. At least my mom says she didn’t know her. But every time I bring it up, she throws drama my way and says if I loved her, I wouldn’t do this to her.”
I barely controlled the snort. “My mother is rather dramatic, so I get it. Maybe as she gets used to the idea, she’ll be more willing to help.” I put my hand over Lisa’s. “We’re on your team, Lisa. Call anytime. We don’t yet have business cards, but here is my personal cell phone.” I handed her my generic card that included my cell number and email contact.
“Yes, we’re working on that, along with all the other things involved in setting up this office. Don’t hesitate to email or call.” Tanner stood as Lisa did.
