Free Tides of Truth [03] Greater Love by Robert Whitlow

call him later this week.”
    We retraced our steps. I held my hands behind my back while we walked. Zach was intent on finding an unbroken seashell larger than a fingernail.
    “Here’s a decent one,” he called out from where he stood ankledeep in the surf. He brought the shell over and placed it in my hand. It was a nice semicircle with ridges that mimicked the waves. Underneath, it was smooth with a beautiful purple color along the edge.
    “It’s pretty. What kind is it?”
    “A clam. They have tougher shells than most, except for oysters, of course.”
    “Mama never taught us about seashells.”
    “You have a few things left to learn in life,” Zach answered with a smile. “That part of your education will be one of the jobs the firm won’t have to pay me for.”
    We returned to his car.
    “Should we go by Mrs. Fairmount’s house so I can change into nicer clothes?” I asked as I brushed the sand from my feet before getting into the car.
    “No, you look fine. If Mr. Carpenter is at the office, he’ll be wearing casual clothes.”
    A combination of excitement, anticipation, and nervousness built inside me as Zach drove us back to Savannah. I silently rehearsed my speech, particularly the part about making clear that I wouldn’t be forced to work on cases that violated my conscience and convictions.
    “What chance is there he’ll be there?” I asked at one point.
    “I’m not sure. He’s not required to get my approval of his work schedule.”
    I punched Zach in the arm.
    “Hey, that hurt. Did you get that left jab from your mother?”
    “No, that comes from having two brothers.” I paused. “And the need to get rid of a little bit of anxiety.”
    We reached the office. A prominent white sign in front of a two-story structure announced Braddock, Appleby, and Carpenter— Attorneys at Law. The main entrance was guarded by a set of small stone lions. Everything about the place spoke of prosperity and attention to detail. I’d been afraid the first time I entered the building. That fear was born of the unknown. The nervousness I felt today came from the momentousness of the decision. I quickly scanned the cars in the parking lot.
    “Mr. Carpenter’s car isn’t here,” I said with a sigh of relief.
    “Yes, it is,” Zach replied, turning into the parking lot and pulling next to a shiny black Mercedes. “He bought a new one.”
    I flipped down the car visor and inspected my hair in the tiny mirror.
    “I look like I stuck my head in a clothes dryer.”
    “Tami, you look great. Don’t be vain. It’s a sin.”
    I raised my fist to punch him again, but Zach held up his hand.
    “And don’t give in to anger. Sorry. I was uptight when I met with Mr. Appleby to accept the job. I’ll be good if I can take you out to dinner to celebrate after you talk to Mr. Carpenter.”
    “Okay.”
    We walked past the lions and through the front door into a spacious lobby with a two-story ceiling. The floors were covered in dark wood, and a curving staircase led to the second floor. Oriental rugs and ornate furniture were arranged throughout the area. It oozed prosperity.
    “I’ll find him and let him know you’re here,” Zach said.
    “If he’s too busy, it’s okay. I can—”
    Zach held up his hand. “Just let me check.”
    He left me in the lobby. There was a much broader selection of magazines available than at Maggie and Julie’s office. The firm included publications that might interest clients who actually had money to pay for a lawyer. I paced back and forth. After a couple of minutes, Zach returned. Mr. Carpenter was beside him. The tall lawyer with gray hair and well-trimmed goatee was wearing a golf shirt and khaki slacks.
    “Tami!” he exclaimed. “What a pleasant surprise.”
    He quickly came over to me and shook my hand.
    “Good to see you, Mr. Carpenter.”
    “I hope you’re having a pleasant weekend in Savannah,” he replied. “This place gets in your blood and draws you