Legal Prejuduce 3 - Lessons In Life

Chapter 4

The following day Chris bounced into the kitchen area. Daniel was stealing a kiss from Allie, thinking it was too early for anyone else to be around and Chris laughed spotting them, "Get a room you two." Allie blushed, but Dan laughed, "Sorry, didn't think anyone was around yet." Chris grinned, "So what did you guys think of Shannon?" Allie smiled, "She's really pretty Chris." Chris grabbed a cup, "Yeah, she actually works with someone who knows you both." Allie was taken aback, "She does? I don't think I know anyone at Bakers. Who is it?" Chris poured the coffee as Dan moved their mugs out of the way for him, "A girl called Candice, she's a receptionist there." Allie felt the blood leaving her face and Daniel looked up sharply before slipping an arm around her waist. He took over saying quietly, "Chris, that woman was one of the gang who led to Allie being hurt." Chris' face dropped and he spluttered, "Oh my god, I had no idea, and I'm sure Shannon didn't either. I'm so sorry Allie." Allie looked up from where she'd laid her face in Dan's chest, "It's okay Chris, you weren't to know. I'd better go guys, I have a call at eight-thirty." Taking the mug of coffee from Daniel, she walked to her office, touching Chris' arm as she went. Left to pick up his own Daniel said, "Listen, we haven't heard from Candice since the shooting and I'd like to think she's kept a low profile because she realises what her behaviour cost Allie." He sighed, "But I won't take any chances with Allie's safety, her peace of mind. Chris can I ask you to be careful about passing on any information about us?" Chris ran his hand through his hair in anguish, "Yeah, Dan, of course. I'll explain to Shannon. She has no idea I'm sure, she wouldn't want to do anything to upset you guys.

Max had arrived and heard the last part of their exchange. Dan took his cup and clapped his boss on the shoulder as her passed to get to his office. Chris left too and Max stood watching him as Carly arrived. "Morning. Pour me one would you?" Carly grumbled, "One of these days you'll get me coffee Max Russell." He grinned, and Carly smiled in spite of herself. Handing him the cup she looked quizzically, "What's eating you Max?" He sighed, "I'm not sure Carly, but I need to find out. Speak to you later." He crossed to Dan's office, checking through the glass he was free before going in. Dan looked up as he entered, nodding and coming around to sit at the meeting table. Max narrowed his eyes, "Want to tell me what that was all about?" Dan exhaled, "Chris just told Allie and me his new girlfriend works with Candice. I was just asking him to be careful what he passes on about us." Max nodded, "That explains why pretty much the first thing out of her mouth last night was a question about Michael. Is Allie okay?" Dan nodded, "I think so. She's got an eight-thirty and I'm tied up most of the day but I'll try and catch her." Max shook his head, "I'll check in with her when she's done with her first appointment, don't worry." Dan rubbed his face, "Thanks. Max, I've got a bad feeling about this. Allie does too. And that was before we heard about Candice." Max stood up and rubbed his shoulder, "Hey, don't overthink it. I don't think this relationship has more than a few weeks in it if you know what I mean." Daniel looked up, "Yeah, neither me nor Allie think she's into him, but he hasn't got a clue. Allie's worried he's going to get burned big time." Max moved towards the door, "I think she's probably right Dan."

Max messaged Allie to let him know when she was free and just after nine she appeared. Max got up and sat on the edge of the desk, dispensing with any preamble. "I saw Dan and he told me about Candice. Must have been a shock Allie. You okay?" She nodded but held her arms out, and Max stood up to hold her as she mumbled into his shoulder, "Yeah, it was a bit." Her voice dropped to a whisper, "I've just got a bad feeling Max, I can't shake it." He held her tighter and kissed her, thinking how precious she was to him, not wanting to admit that despite his advice to Daniel he had the same dread in his gut about this girl Chris had brought into their lives. Pushing that thought to the back of his mind he said, "Listen honey, she's not going to be around long if I'm any judge, and Dan's warned Chris to be careful what he tells her about you. It'll be fine. Candice hasn't been near since it happened, so there's no reason to think she'd want to come rocking the boat now." Allie nodded, still clinging to her boss as he added, "I won't let anyone hurt you or Dan, I promise." Allie pulled back from his arms and reached up to kiss his cheek, "Thanks. I love you Max." Max's face softened, and he held her face with one hand, "Yeah well you're our girl Allie." She smiled and said, "I'd better go. Got a lot on today. Thanks, I'll see you later."