Free Now and Forever by Brenda Rothert Page B

tell them what it’s for,” Emma said. “We don’t have a lot of options.”
    “No. I’d rather sit in jail than take money from your father.”
    Emma sighed deeply and considered. “Your parents?”
    “No. I don’t want them to know.”
    “What are you being charged with?”
    “Embezzlement. Stealing money from the firm or a client. I don’t even know which, because I didn’t take anything from either one.”
    Emma’s heart sank as she pictured Cole at the police station getting fingerprinted and charged with being dishonest and unethical. It was against everything she knew he was.
    “How much?” she asked softly.
    “I don’t know.”
    “Cole?”
    “Yeah?” His dejected tone wrenched Emma’s heart.
    “Everything’s gonna be okay. I’ll get the money. I know you didn’t do this, and we’ll find a way through it, okay? I love you.”
    “I love you, too, Em.” His voice broke with emotion. “Thanks.”
    “I’ll get there as soon as I can.”
    ***
    After a long morning in court, Layla looked forward to a quiet afternoon at her office. Her secretary Daniel set a cold bottle of Evian for her on the corner of his desk. She grabbed it as she walked by.
    “Hey, anything I need to know?” she asked, twisting it open.
    “Your nine o’clock for tomorrow rescheduled. And your sister’s waiting for you in your office.”
    “Emma?” Layla turned to Daniel, surprised.
    “She looked upset, so I thought you’d want me to make her comfortable.”
    “Yeah. Thanks.” She went into her office and found Emma in the dark chair clients always sat in across from her desk. Her sister’s arms were wrapped protectively around herself and her eyes were red and swollen.
    “Em!” Layla pushed the door closed and dropped her leather messenger bag to the floor. “What’s wrong?”
    Emma stood and Layla covered the few steps between them, embracing her sister.
    “It’s awful,” Emma said, her shoulders shaking as she cried into Layla’s shoulder.
    “Something with the baby?” Layla asked, fear lacing itself into her heart. She already loved her unborn niece or nephew.
    “No. Cole’s been arrested.”
    Layla’s mouth dropped open with disbelief and she pulled back to look at Emma. “Cole Marlowe? Arrested? For what?”
    “Something to do with stealing money through his job.” Emma wiped the tears from under her eyes and tried to compose herself.
    “Oh, shit,” Layla said softly. “Em . . . sit back down. Do you want some water?”
    “No, your . . . guy out front gave me some.” Emma sank back into her chair, and Layla sat down in the one next to it.
    “Daniel? He’s my new secretary.”
    Emma sniffled and smiled. “I kind of love that you have a male secretary.”
    “He was the most qualified,” Layla said, shrugging. “And he told me my reading glasses weren’t the most flattering style for my face when I asked. You know how I love honesty. Anyway . . . where’s Cole right now?”
    “The police station. I have to come up with the money to bail him out. That’s why I’m here. Well, two things, really. Okay, three.”
    Layla smiled. “Anything, Em. What do you need?”
    “I needed to cry and tell someone I’m scared shitless. I’m pregnant, sick, broke and now my rock is on his way to jail. I belong on a cheesy talk show right now. But I’m not letting any of this on to Cole. I need to be there for him. So that’s out of my system now.” She squared her shoulders. “The other two things . . . they’re not as easy as that one.”
    “You said you’re broke, so you need help with the bail money,” Layla said. Emma nodded.
    “I’m sorry I have to ask you. I know you’re planning a wedding, and still growing your office—”
    Layla held up a hand to stop her. “It’s done, Em. We’re sisters. When I need something, I know you’ll be there. I’ve got the money, and it’s yours. What’s the other thing?”
    Emma sighed deeply. “Is he going to need an attorney?”
    Layla