Free Lanie's Lessons by Maddie Taylor Page B

Ethan’s words. “Are you related to my husband by chance?”
    “He’s given you the same lecture, eh? Nothing any seasoned attorney couldn’t tell you, honey. We’ve all been through it.”
    “I’m sure. But maybe if I hadn’t been quite so efficient, he would have been convicted here.”
    “Giving a client a subpar defense wouldn’t challenge your ethics?” The judge paused, but didn’t seem to expect an answer. She was very perceptive. “So, is the Deevers case the reason you left WW&S?”
    “Partly. It was also because I got tired of working for pricks.”
    “Touché.” This she said as her lips tipped up into a huge grin. “You know what the joke is in the community for that acronym, don’t you?”
    “I don’t believe I do.”
    “Wanker, Weiner, & Schlong.”
    Lanie cracked up. It was perfect, although the last one for Simons was being overly generous she was certain. “How did I work there for four years and not hear that?” She eyed the judge reflectively, noting that her wit and wisdom, combined with Ethan’s earlier attentions had definitely improved her mood. “You’re very easy to talk to, your honor, I feel like I’ve known you forever just from this little chat in the ladies room.”
    “Call me Vicki, please, and I feel the same way. But we’ve gabbed for a good while. I suppose we should go find our men.”
    “I’m surprised Ethan hasn’t sent out a search party already. He worries.” As she leaned toward the mirror to touch up the color on her lips, the hostess came walking in as if on cue.
    “Mrs. Fischer?” she called, her eyes landing on Lanie. “I’m sorry, but your husband asked me to check. He was afraid you were ill.”
    Lanie’s eyes flew to Vicki’s reflection. “See what I mean?”
    Lanie told the hostess to assure Ethan she was fine and would be right out. When she left, Vicki said, “I think it’s sweet. A lot of husband’s wouldn’t care or would be put out by the wait.”
    “Not mine.” She countered, shaking her head. “Don’t you dare tell him this, but I think it’s sweet too. I like that he is protective.”
    “Ray is the same way. My health and safety are two subjects that he seems to think are his domain, which I give him freely because he stays out of my career. The rest—money, friends, spoiling grandchildren, and so many other important decisions like hair color—are solely up to me.”
    Lanie’s eyes automatically traveled to her auburn hair, which she wore in a chin length bob. The judge was still a very attractive woman. Lanie hoped she looked half as good at her age.
    “Ray’s a little old fashioned in certain ways, but I love the old coot all the same.”
    Lanie’s mind flashed on an image of Victoria over her husband’s knee with her judicial robes lifted out of the way. Good grief! What a thought. The woman was probably referring to opening car doors and pulling out her chairs, not spanking. Mentally shaking herself, she tried to pick up the thread of their conversation.
    “Are you all right, Lanie? You’ve got an odd look on your face.”
    With color creeping into her cheeks, she turned back to the mirror, clearing her throat before answering. “I’m fine, and anxious to meet Ray; he sounds a lot like my Ethan.”
    “He should. Ray was Ethan’s first boss. He took him under his wing and taught him to be a brilliant attorney.”
    “That explains a lot.”
    “The panties, right?” Vicki asked, tongue in cheek.
    “What?” Lanie practically squealed, her head whipping around up in surprise, until she saw her new friend’s sly smile. “Oh, you are bad! I’m going to like you.”
    “I hope so. We have a lot in common. Mostly having to act so serious and above board forty-plus hours a week. I need a young friend who likes to cut loose every now and again, someone I can mentor, but can also keep me on my toes.”
    “I am all yours then, dear Vicki,” Lanie said with a dramatic flair. “I’m young, teachable,