Free Evil in the 1st House by Mitchell Scott Lewis

estate. He saw a robin sitting on a branch of the sycamore that hung over from the yard next door. A second one landed next to it and they flew off together. “I don’t know yet. But something doesn’t add up. And I think prudence is called for.”
    â€œWhat are you going to do?”
    â€œI promised to help Mrs. Williamson get through the operation. She doesn’t trust her husband and, based on their history, has good reasons not to.”
    â€œAnd you think there’s a hidden agenda here?”
    Another robin landed on the tree and waited for a while, then flew off alone. Dating is a hard, lonely business, thought Lowell, even for birds.
    â€œI think I’ll just keep you on retainer until this is completed.”
    â€œAlright,” said Melinda, “I’m here if you need me.” She put the check back in her purse.
    Lowell took a healthy slug of Spatan. “Have you had a chance yet to look into parental rights and issues of abandonment in a marriage?”
    â€œI’ve got a legal aid working on it. He’s put together a fairly substantial folder on federal laws. I also have him looking at New Jersey’s state laws. That’s where they got married and where Williamson lives, and state laws may take jurisdiction.”
    They took their beers out to the backyard and sat under the giant umbrella.
    The sun was just starting to set to the west. Melinda watched as the shadows moved slowly down the side of the wooden fence. She loved the townhouse and this tiny oasis of nature in the middle of Manhattan.
    â€œWhat are you going to do?” she asked.
    Lowell turned to her and smiled a warm, fatherly grin. She was the one light in his life that never dulled. His love for his children had always been his greatest blessing.
    â€œOne challenge at a time. Let’s get through this weekend, and then we’ll see what next week brings.” His instincts told him that the days ahead might hold heartache for many.

Chapter Twelve
    At nine sharp on Saturday morning the limo pulled up in front of Lowell’s townhouse. David was waiting out front. Andy put the overnight bags in the trunk as Lowell got into the car.
    Melinda came down the street, a cardboard tray holding three coffee cups in hand. She gave one to Andy who smiled and held the door as she got into the back. She handed Lowell a Starbucks cup. “I thought you’d like to have this.”
    â€œBless you, girl.” He blew on the coffee. “Andy, we’re ready when you are.”
    Andy locked the doors and started driving to the West Side of Manhattan. Even though Lowell lived near the FDR, Andy had found it quicker, easier, and more scenic to drive along the Hudson River. Besides, the FDR led to the dreaded Major Deegan Expressway, which led to the even-more dreaded Cross Bronx Expressway. Calling them expressways was absurd. Driving past Yankee Stadium was cool, but even when there wasn’t a home game, traffic was a nightmare. The ten minutes it took to go across town was more than recovered by taking the Henry Hudson Parkway to the Cross County to the New York State Thruway.
    â€œWhen will the boys have the operation?”
    Lowell sipped his coffee. “I expect to hear from Williamson early next week.”
    Melinda looked closely at her father. “What is it about this case?”
    He shrugged. “I’m not sure. As I told you at the beginning, this is a rather unusual case and one that defies definition, so far.”
    â€œGive it time to roll around in your brain. You’ll figure it out.”
    ***
    The limo was exceptionally equipped for work. Lowell often needed to travel while on a case and staying in touch with his astrology work was essential. There was a full desk with a computer and a swivel chair bolted to the floor. He started to fiddle with the controls at his desk.
    â€œSnowstorm alright with you?”
    The windows darkened and then suddenly they were