Free Lex (Unconventional Hearts) by S.K. Logsdon Page A

lot like Gage. Same profession it terms of lawyer and
     suits. Except the fact, Gage’s office is in Heartfair, I don’t
     think he does abuse cases, he isn’t very nice, and I’m quite
     certain he’s not as eloquently versed. He proved that yesterday in
     the conference room when he blatantly stated verbatim “Ms. Keagan
     displayed unprofessionalism when trying to have my clients sign the
     documents, by exposing the tops of her boobs.”
    Yes, he used the word boobs , not
     breasts. I was somewhat surprised in his argument fun bags wasn’t the verbiage of choice. Apparently, in the court of law it’s
     acceptable to speak of boobs. Sounds immature to me, but hey, I
     might be slightly on the bitter side. Just thinking about that
     pompous fucker who is way too good looking makes me even angrier,
     mainly at God. How is it fair to be that sexy and smart, but still
     be a complete asshat? It doesn’t add up, and if I don’t stop
     thinking about him, I’m going to ruin my day and it’s starting out
     so well.
    “Are you busy, boss?” Daniel calls over the
     intercom.
    “Not today, why?” I speak sweetly and pray
     that by the end of the day his hurt feelings are gone. I don’t want
     an unhappy Daniel.
    “There is someone here to see you.”
    “If it’s Gage Masterson tell him to go
     home.”
    Chuckling into the speaker Daniel says. “No,
     no, boss, it’s Laura from The Women’s and Children’s Shelter.”
    I wonder what she wants. It can’t be good
     news if she’s dropping by unexpectedly.
    “Oh, yes, that’s fine, Daniel, please send
     her in.”
    The door to my office swings open, Laura, the
     mid-thirties average build, average looks, brunette, wearing jeans,
     and a white dress shirt comes walking in. Daniel closes the door
     behind her.
    “Please.” I gesture my hand to one of my open
     guest chairs.
    “Thanks.” She smiles, taking a seat, looking
     rather uncomfortable.
    “What can I help you with, Laura?” I make
     sure my tone is more friendly than business. Anything involving
     that shelter is personal to me. I would do anything to keep it
     open.
    “Well, I hate to do this. I know you already
     donate so much as it is. But…there is a new family that we just
     moved into our facility, three children all elementary school aged
     and their mother. Their father was an abusive drunk and the mother
     can’t walk properly, because two years ago he ran her over with
     their family van and didn’t take her to the hospital for a week. So
     her legs, after eight surgeries, are still in bad need of repair
     and she can’t work. Our budget only covers enough to help get
     people back on their feet; it doesn’t cover medical expenses,
     vehicles, or anything above and beyond. I’ve pulled enough money to
     get them an apartment for three months. I just don’t know what else
     I can do.”
    The drop of Laura’s face and her desolate
     expression is pulling hard on my heartstrings. That poor woman and
     her kids, I wonder why it’s taken her so long to get away from that
     monster.
    “I’m so sorry to hear that. You know I’ll do
     anything I can to help. You tell me what and I’ll cover it, as long
     as she is putting that bastard behind bars. If she wants to go back
     to him, I can’t condone that. You know how I work, Laura, it’s all
     or nothing.” I’m firm but just. She bobs her pretty little head,
     agreeing with my every word.
    “I know I made sure of that before I came to
     you. She’s already put a restraining order on him and moved here.
     They are from Toledo and moved to get away from him. Her mother’s
     boyfriend brought them to us two weeks ago. I have enrolled the
     children at Heartfair Elementary and the mother is taking online
     courses so she can be a medical transcriptionist from home, part
     time.”
    Knowing Laura needs my help and has actively
     sought it out is a huge step. She never does this.
    “Alright, give me a second.” Pressing the