ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON ELEVEN

Episode 163

Ethan sat behind his desk. He felt numb. He should have stopped this. Somehow. But how ? The most he could do was vote against. Which he had.

He couldn't see working at the firm without Richard. The firm had been Richard's idea. His brainchild. His creation. His passion. And he had so easily drew them in until it became their passion too. Working with him was exhilarating and fun. When he had found out Richard had been shot he had been devastated. So physically distraught that he had cancelled all his appointments and stayed at home for two days, looking at old law school pictures and thinking of his memories. Yes. He knew Richard had married his secretary. He knew Richard was happy. Happier than he had ever been before. But he still cared. He had been in two very private relationships in his life but Richard Norland would always be special to him.

Claire wanted him to tell Richard. That bitch. He was wondering how she would pay him back for voting against her. Now he knew.

He swallowed hard and opened up his desk drawer. He slid over a piece of paper and looked at the small black gun inside the drawer. He smiled faintly.

He picked up his cell phone and dialed a number.

It rang several times until it was finally picked up on the other end.

" Hello," Richard Norland said with a lot of hesitation.

" Richard, I don't know if you can remember me. You probably don't. My name is Ethan. Ethan Stone. "

Richard exclaimed," Ethan ! "

Ethan widened his eyes in surprise. Did Richard actually remember him ? That was incredible because he had heard he didn't recall anyone else. Not even that husband of his. His lips slowly grew into a wide smile. "Yes. I'm your senior partner at the firm. Along with Claire Lowen. She used to be Claire Franklin back in school days but in the third year she married Chad Lowen. You know old Chad ? Well , I guess you don't now. Chad is attorney general under Walker Brandon. They have the two kids. Chad Jr. and Tory. They're thirteen. Well. That's not why I called you. I meant to call you after..... I couldn't. I'm sorry. But I called for a reason. I....."

Richard replied quizzically," Ethan, what is it ? I don't remember any of those people but I remember you. A little. I remember..... I remember law school with you. You always babbled when you were nervous. "

Ethan wanted to cry. The man knew him so well. He looked at the drawer at the gun. He sighed. Then he closed the drawer.

He took a deep breath. " Richard, I'm sorry. So very sorry but we took a vote today. You are no longer with the firm. I'm sorry. "