Chapter 11

I snapped back to reality, realizing that I was being asked a direct question. “I’m sorry,” I said, “I was woolgathering for a minute there. What were you saying?”

“Will you help me? That is, take the case?”

“Yes, of course,” I said.

He must have sensed some hesitancy in my voice, perhaps even an unspoken “but,” because he articulated it for me and said, “But…?”

“Well, the firm will want a retainer of at least $50,000 against $500 per hour for my time, $200 per hour for any associates’ time, and any out-of-pocket expenses for investigators, etcetera.”

“No problem….” Then a sly look came over his face as he said, “And what will you want?” with a slightly mocking tone in that golden voice.

I don’t know what came over me at that point, but the shifting foundations of my fortress caused the crack to yawn widely open. From a spot on the ceiling I seemed to be looking down at us on the sofa, where I saw and heard myself saying, “You.”