Alexandra
It’s been a month since I moved to Florida. I’ve been in my new place for two weeks and for that, I’m grateful. Don’t get me wrong, my time with my sister and her family was great. Lucy and I were perfect roommates. Well, except for the time my nightmares returned.
It was the same nightmare I always had. I was preparing to walk out of the courtroom with my exonerated client when he suddenly opens fire on me and the people in the gallery. The bloodshed was horrific, and the sounds of the screaming people echoed in my brain.
I frightened poor Lucy who came down the bunkbed ladder to wake me. She offered to let me sleep with her T-Rex to keep the monsters away, as Nic and Daniel came running to our room. I was embarrassed to let my family see the effect that the trial and subsequent exoneration had on me.
The two weeks I spent with them after the nightmare was uncomfortable for me. I felt as if Daniel thought I was crazy and needed a therapist. Nic never confirmed my suspicion but I walked on eggshells nonetheless.
Tonight, I’m on my way out to dinner with Emily, Chrissy, and Nic. There’s a great seafood restaurant right on the beach, so I’m looking forward to it. As I make my way down to the beach, I pass by Cheeser’s bar. Wondering if Beefcake is there, I slow down. I don’t see his Harley and I’m kind of relieved. I’m not so sure I wouldn’t have stopped, even if he was there.
As I pull into the parking lot, I see my sister’s car. I’m glad to get out since I really haven’t been doing much except for getting my new place settled. Everyone but me has to work tomorrow, so I’m sure it’ll be an early night and that’s OK.
I see the girls as soon as I walk in, and they wave me over to the table.
“Hey guys,” I say as I sit down.
We exchange hellos, and order drinks and appetizers.
I’m sitting between Nic and Chrissy, who could quite quickly become my new best friend. I think she and I are a lot alike. We don’t do bullshit. Maybe it comes from our experiences in the legal world.
“So, Alex, have you decided what you’re going to do for work yet?” Chrissy asks, glancing at my sister.
I haven’t really thought about it. Thankfully, I’ve saved enough money to hold me over for a while.
“I really have no idea what I want to do,” I reply as I pick at my seafood salad.
Chrissy clears her throat and looks at my sister.
“What? You two look like you’re cooking something up.”
“Well, I know you said you weren’t sure you wanted to continue to practice law,” Chrissy stammers out as she takes a sip of her wine.
“OK, so don’t bullshit me. What’s the position?” I ask.
Everyone at the table laughs. I know I’m the most blunt of the group.
“Well, we’re in need of a new Assistant District Attorney and of course, you came to mind.”
I blow out a breath, immediately sitting back in my chair. “I don’t think that’s the right job for me, but thanks for asking.”
This must be some sort of intervention because all three of them are giving each other knowing glances. My sister is the first one to speak up. “Look, Alex, what happened up in New York was tragic, and I can’t even begin to understand how you feel. I think you should think about what Chrissy is saying. A position helping to prosecute criminals may be just what you need to put the past behind you.”
Could I really go back to practicing law? Can I put the past behind me? Do I even deserve to?
“I know you’re trying to help, Nic, but I’m just not sure about my law career anymore.”
“Well, I think you should really consider it, Alex. I already spoke with the District Attorney about you, and he is really interested in meeting you,” Chrissy says.
I laugh because it’s laughable. “Why would the DA want to talk to me, Chrissy? I mean, Jesus, I got a killer off so he could kill again.” I slam my drink down with more force than I intended, making everyone jump. “Sorry. I know you guys are trying to help.”
Chrissy moves closer to me. “Look, the DA, Tim Fowler, is a great guy. He knows exactly what happened and he thinks you are an excellent attorney. You can’t control what that sick fucker did, but you did your job and that is what Tim is concerned with. He said you did some fantastic legal maneuvering. Just consider it, OK?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’ll think about it, if you all get off my case.”
“Hey, I didn’t say shit,” Emily says, and we all laugh.
It feels good to laugh.