Vile by Debra Webb

seriously pissed.”
    He settled on the sofa and pulled her down next to him. “We will tell my family together as we planned.”
    “Okay, so what is it you need to tell me?” She hoped it wasn’t more bad news. She couldn’t handle anymore bad tonight.
    “I hired an attorney.”
    Jess frowned in confusion and then it hit her. “You’re worried.”
    “No, I’m being cautious. I’m not waiting until they make a move. I have too much to protect.” His left arm went around her shoulders while his right hand rested against her belly. “Whatever’s going on, I’m not going to be caught with my pants down.”
    The image his words evoked made her laugh. “I’m sorry,” she offered. “Nothing about this is even remotely funny, but I think if I don’t laugh I might just cry. You don’t want to get caught with your pants down and I’m wondering how in the world I’ll handle tutus and dance lessons. I’ve never had a dance lesson in my life!”
    He was the one laughing then. “It’s not too late to take a dance class.” He kissed her cheek. “I wouldn’t mind seeing you in a tutu.”
    “Seriously, how are we going to do this?” She searched his eyes, wishing she could feel the confidence she saw there. “What if I forget something important?” She opted not to mention her worries about forgetting to pick up their child after school or practice of one sort or another.
    “We’ll manage,” he promised. “You’ll see.”
    She hoped he was right. “So, do I know this attorney you hired?”
    “I don’t think so.” He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “We attended Brighton together. Frank Teller.”
    Well that said it all. The legal eagle was a fellow alumnus of Dan’s. He would surely see that Dan was covered. “Is he good?”
    “The best defense attorney in the state.”
    She nodded her approval. “I’m glad. We have to attack this problem from all angles since it’s determined not to go away.”
    He kissed her forehead. “I won’t let this tear us apart.” He tucked a finger under her chin and lifted her gaze to his. “You have my word.”
    She couldn’t tell him but she intended to do the same. One way or another she would get to the bottom of this.
    “Have you decided on a doctor? You shouldn’t keep putting off that appointment.”
    She’d only found out she was pregnant eight days ago, but the point was a valid one. “I did some research and made an appointment for tomorrow. If I like her I’ll stick with her.”
    “Her?”
    “Anita Fortune. She’s about our age and has a great website. If she’s half as good as the reviews I found on some of the physician rating sites, I’ll be more than satisfied.”
    “When is the appointment? I should come,” Dan offered.
    Jess didn’t want to leave him out, but she preferred to do this with as little fanfare as possible. “One of the reasons I chose her is because she’s at the UAB Women & Infants Center. It won’t be as obvious why I’m there. If Spears is watching, I don’t want him to find out about the baby.”
    Dan’s expression turned somber. “Good point.”
    “I’m sorry.” She snuggled close to him. “I wish you were coming.”
    “There’ll be plenty more appointments.” His arm tightened around her. “Who’s taking you?”
    “Hayes.”
    “Good. Okay.” Dan played with her damp hair. “So when do you want to tell the folks?”
    Jess resisted the urge to cringe. “Not that I’m putting off telling them, but can we do that later in the week? I’d like to get this appointment out of the way and I need to talk to Lil. I have to tell her first, Dan.” There was still the test for Wilson’s disease. Since Lil’s diagnosis, Jess had been meaning to go for the test. Lil’s children had tested negatively. Jess was hoping for the same. The disease was hereditary and completely controllable, but who wanted any disease?
    “You should tell Lil first.” He smiled. “I wish I could be there to see