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Drake felt like he was being choked and immediately yanked the knot down again. His father frowned. Their moment of bonding was severed.
“I don’t like ties, Dad,” he whined.
“Sometimes we have to do and wear things we don’t like. It’s your grandmother’s funeral today. Your mother would appreciate seeing you dressed for the occasion.”
It was a losing battle for Drake. Bitsy’s family came from old money and privilege. His grandmother had always been more critical of appearances than his mother. And if wearing a suit jacket and tie made his mother happy on such a sad day, he’d do it. Drake turned to his father and hugged him.
“Thanks for the tie, Dad.”
Dick patted his son on the back before walking out of the room. Drake turned to the mirror and undid the knot to practice the steps his father had just taught him. It took a few tries, but the tenacious, young man was determined to get it right.
Once dressed, Drake chose a pair of diamond cufflinks and pulled on his Rolex. He poured himself a whiskey and waited for Alessandra to finish readying herself. The click, click sound of her heels on the hardwood floors alerted him to her presence.
She softly cleared her throat to gain his attention, which was unnecessary as his heart quickened in anticipation. He turned to greet her and almost choked on his drink. She had chosen the black dress after all. His imagination didn’t do her beauty justice.
“You are absolutely stunning, Alessandra.”
He knew she would look sexy, but the breathtaking vision before him awakened other feelings. Drake held his arm out to encourage her to come closer.
She froze for a moment before taking a cautious step. “Thank you for the dress, Drake. You have good taste.”
He frowned. Didn’t she realize how beautiful she was? His compliment was genuine, without any connotation. He hated that merciless bastards had conditioned her, and decided he would do whatever it took to make her see herself as worthy of the life of her dreams.
She hooked her arm in his, and they made their way to the street where a town car waited. Catching the capped driver staring at his wife’s ass, Drake fought the urge to pluck out the man’s eyes. He shooed the driver away and offered his hand to assist Alessandra in climbing in. She smiled as she grabbed his hand.
She scooted across the black leather seat to make room for Drake. He popped open a bottle of champagne and poured her a glass. As the drink bubbled in the flute, her eyes brightened with excitement.
“Here’s to my beautiful wife.” He raised his glass.
“You’re pulling out all the stops this evening, Mr. Walker. What’s the occasion?”
Alessandra and Drake raised their glasses and clinked them together. She took a satisfying sip and watched Drake’s Adam’s apple move as he swallowed.
“First, I’m treating my wife because she deserves it.” He kissed her beneath the ear. “We’re headed to a charity gala tonight. They’re raising money for a non-profit Legal Action League.”
“What do they do?” she asked.
“Not everyone can afford legal services. Even if a lawyer agrees to take on a case pro bono, there are still court costs and filing fees. Sometimes a case requires outside resources like private labs or investigators.
“The Legal Action League assists in funding those costs as well. It lessens the burden on all parties that cannot fund or work for free. Most of those who partner with the league can do so for a pittance. This allows them to offer their services at low or no cost to those in need.”
“Like public defenders? I thought the court appoints them when someone can’t afford a lawyer.”
“Yes and no. Unlike the public system, some lawyers work directly with the league and can take clients at their discretion. The league offers resources to make referrals within a network of lawyers, not just in criminal cases.
“The judicial system isn’t perfect, and neither is the Legal Action League. Everyone deserves legal help when necessary. I do what I can, even if it’s only a donation.”
Even as a prosecutor, he knew innocent people faced trial daily and were wrongfully convicted due to bias or lack of a proper defense. Apart from criminal law, there were various legal matters such as property disputes, civil cases, divorces, child custody cases, and contracts that he was interested in handling but had to refer elsewhere.
From a young age, his mother had taught him the importance of charitable giving, and he took pride in supporting a cause he was passionate about. Those with privilege had a responsibility to assist those without.
Alessandra became quiet, and a frown marred her pretty brow. Drake knew she was thinking of Marcello and squeezed her hand to comfort her.
“He’s all right, Alessandra. I’m sorry for the pain you’re experiencing. Please understand I have a job to do. A man died, and it’s my job to get him justice. Someone deserves to pay the punishment for his loss.”
“I know that, Drake. I just wish it wasn’t my brother.”
Drake nodded and cleared his throat. He felt her pain deeply and wished he could take it away. He understood that it was hard to separate her feelings and aspired to be the man she could depend on.
