ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 56

Claire Lowen was sitting on the patio of her family's Evergreen Acre home , enjoying a lovely mimosa , planning her revenge on Jeremiah Duncan and his merry band of Judas. Especially Ethan. She took a leisurely sip and shook her ash blonde head under its wide brimmed sun hat. Ethan was such a disappointment to her. They had been close at one time in law school. Her and Ethan. And Richard Norland as well. People at school had called them The Legal Beagles. Then the feelings began. Her for Ethan. Ethan for Richard. Richard for the possibility of making money hand over fist which he was extremely good at.

( " After graduation, after we each pass the bar ," Richard had said as the three of them and Chad Lowen , Claire's then fiance, sat at their favorite bar and grill in Boston.

" If we all pass ," Ethan laughed and finished off his second beer. " The verdict is still out on me , friend. "

Claire laughed and scooted close to Chad but her eyes continued to watch Ethan.

" After we each pass the bar ," Richard repeated," we should start a law firm. Norland, Stone and Franklin. Sorry, Lowen. I know you plan on taking Chad's name, Claire. I can put in money from my grandfather's trust. It's nearly tripled thanks to my brother. Pays to have a genius in the family. Ethan can put in money. And , Claire. Chad , you want in ? "

Claire pursed her lips. " Why does your name have to be first, Mr. Fine Chocolate Family Money ? " )

Her cell phone rang. She glanced at it briefly and then answered it. " Good morning. Claire Lowen speaking. "

The voice that answered was an unexpected one but a welcomed one. And a profitable one.

Rebel replied briskly," Ms. Lowen , this is Rebel. I am calling on behalf of my friend and business partner Reese Malden. Reese was going to enlist the services of Duncan and Associates but Jeremiah Duncan unfortunately thought there might be a conflict of interest. So we are calling you. "

Claire smiled smoothly as she finished her drink. " Well you made the right call , Rebel , my dear man. Duncan and Associates are rank amateurs. People such as you and Mr. Malden require the ultmost professionalism and proper handling as clients. I'm afraid dear Jeremiah just doesn't have those particular skills. How may I help you, sir? "

Rebel paused from his own spot in his recording studio in his Evergreen Acres home, his eyes watching his husband Dom and their half wolf dog trying to cheer up a depressed Reese who was idly playing the all white grand piano. "Reese wishes to sue Nicholas Volkouv for the wrongful death of his husband highly decorated former NYPD detective Eric Fletcher. He doesn't want money but....." His gravelly voice lowered just a tad. " But I think the man needs to pay in the only way he knows how to. With money.  What he did by hiding his insane nephew's mental health issues was wrong. "

Claire's eyes twinkled with greed. " I agree, my dear man. I do agree. Why don't you have Mr. Malden come to my office on Monday, around say nine , and we will discuss this in deeper detail. "