Little Miss Perfect (Blackmail Book 3)

Years

I look over at the lawyer, Mr. Walter Albright.

The same man who represented my mother in her rape case all those years ago.

I extend my hand and he grasps it in his own.

"Hello, Mr. Albright. I'm Emerson King."

"Nice to meet you, Emerson. Where is your sister today?"

"She's actually in the hospital."

He cocks an eyebrow.

"May I ask what happened?"

"She overdosed on heroin in a suicide attempt."

He lowers himself to the chair, opening his notepad and taking out a pen.

"Was this suicidal behavior brought on as a result of the attack?"

My answer makes me feel bad that I didn't speak with her enough to know that she was this bad mentally.

"I'm not sure. We haven't really spoken since she went off to college and got hooked on drugs."

"How about before she went off to college. Did she present any symptoms?"

It's a little hard to think back that far, but I dig down deep into the filing cabinets in my brain.

"She was normal and happy."

He takes some notes, looking back up at me.

"Is there any way that I'd be able to speak with her in the hospital?"

"Yes, of course. I have one question though."

"Go ahead. I'll answer the best I can."

"Can we start the trial without her? Does she have to be present every day?"

He takes off his wire glasses, setting them down.

"The jury will be more sympathetic if they see her reactions in court, but I would hate to put her through that kind of pain again, especially if she is suicidal."

"So that is a yes?"

"Yes. We can start the trial without any problems. As long as she is willing to appear in court one day to testify."

"The doctor actually wants to keep her in the hospital a few more days and then into rehab."

He puts his glasses back on, writing my words down, but summarized.

"I'll discuss everything with her doctor the day before she has to testify. I can get her to video chat or write down her statement. There's many things I can arrange if she is unable to make it."

His watch starts beeping. He looks down and presses one button.

"I'm sorry to cut this meeting short."

"It's okay. Is there a specific time that you would like to meet my sister?"

He opens a little pocket sized agenda.

"How about tomorrow at four? Or at least anywhere after three thirty and before 8."

"Four o'clock sounds perfect. She's at Regional in room 409."

"I will see you and your sister tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your day, Miss King."

"You too, Mr. Albright."