Loyalty by Ingrid Thoft Page B

face.
    “I’m not sure. I think it has something to do with Melanie. You got my message?”
    Frank nodded. “Anything I can do to help?”
    “Not yet, but there may be.”
    “Be safe. Don’t get in over your head.” Frank squeezed her arm. “Everybody can, even the best.”
    “I know. I’ll call you before I let that happen.” Fina glanced toward the door leading to the hallway. “Is Peg already up?”
    “Yup, and I better get up there. She’s like a drill sergeant; doesn’t like any dillydallying.” He stood and walked to the door. “You better shake a leg or the cinnamon toast she made you is going to get cold.”
    Fina lay on her back, and the corners of her mouth crept up. “I’ll be right there.”

    At Ludlow and Associates, Fina walked in the direction of Carl’s office. Big law offices like the family firm never stop, and it was a hive of activity, even at six in the morning. Billable hours were the coin of the realm, and a second and third shift of paralegals and secretaries manned the office all through the night to provide support services, so the attorneys had no excuse for stopping.
    Fina could hear voices from Carl’s office, so she slowed as she approached it. Through the crack in the door, she could see Rand standing in front of her dad’s desk.
    “That’s done, right?” Carl asked.
    “Yes, Dad. Don’t worry about it.”
    “I’ve heard that before, and then something comes back and bites us on the ass.”
    “It’s done.”
    “I’m counting on you, Rand.”
    “I know.”
    The conversation switched to a client, and Fina knocked on the door.
    “What?” Carl barked.
    “Just me,” Fina said and walked in. She made her way to the couch in the sitting area and lay down with her feet propped on the armrest. She shifted in an effort to ease the aching in her back. Fina closed her eyes and zoned out while they kept talking.
    “What happened to you?” Carl asked a few minutes later. Fina opened her eyes to find him standing over her. She rolled onto her side.
    “Apparently, I pissed someone off. Some asshole jumped me at Stop & Shop.”
    “You were grocery shopping?” Rand asked.
    “No, and not really the point, Rand.”
    “Let me talk to your sister,” Carl said, and sent Rand off with a flick of his hand.
    Carl gripped her under the chin and examined her face. “You’ll live. I assume it wasn’t random?”
    “No, it was personal. He warned me to stop nosing around, but I’ve been nosing around on a few fronts, so I’m not sure who sent him.”
    “I assume he looks worse.”
    “You got that right. I’m sore, but he might need dialysis.”
    “Well done. As your father, I’m duty-bound to tell you to be careful and all that business.”
    “That’s heartwarming.”
    “Ehhh, you can take care of yourself.”
    “Well, it’s progress, at least,” Fina said. “I’m going to poke around some more. Maybe he’ll make a return visit.”
    “He’d better. We’re running out of options.” Carl went back to his desk and dropped into his chair.
    Fina walked to the door. “You’re not keeping anything from me, are you?”
    “Like what?” Carl studied the paperwork in front of him.
    “Something about Rand that’s going to have an impact on this investigation?”
    He looked at her. “You shouldn’t eavesdrop, Fina.”
    She held his gaze. “I can’t do this if I don’t know the whole story.”
    “You know everything you need to know to find Melanie.”
    “That’s bullshit, and you know it.”
    “Just find your sister-in-law.”
    “I will, but don’t tie my hands behind my back.”
    Carl peered at her. “You saying you’re not up for the job?”
    Fina exhaled loudly. “No, that’s not what I’m saying.”
    “Aren’t you supposed to testify in the Craig case today?”
    “Yes, Father.”
    “Well, you look like crap. Go get cleaned up.”
    Carl picked up a pen and starting writing on a legal pad.
    She had been dismissed.

An ache radiated across