| “We’ll do everything we can Maria. I promise”, Daniel said his voice sounding hard and determined. He was going to make sure the guy ended up behind bars if it took him a lifetime. “It won’t be easy “, came Maria’s uncertain reply. She couldn’t let him take the case without knowing how difficult it would be. “The police have very little. A lone fingerprint in the apartment. It was enough to arrest him, but unless we find more he’ll go free. It wouldn’t go to trial, and even if it did, I doubt any jury would convict him. I understand if you don’t want to take on this case. I just, I just know it was him. I know it‘s stupid but I can feel it. I know he did it.” “Maria, don’t be stupid. Amy was a good friend of ours. The best. And I’ll be damned if I let her killer go free. If you say he’s guilty, then he’s guilty and we’ll do everything we can to prove it.” “Thank you. It means a lot you know. Your help. Cuz well now Mum’s gone and I have a few friends back home, but you two, Isabel and Jen are the only family I have left.” She couldn’t stop the tears cascading down her cheeks at the realisation that she was practically alone in the world but she quickly took hold of her emotions, not willing to let herself break down in front of Guerin men. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. I come here asking for your help and you’re left to deal with a stupid weeping little girl. Well I should go. I’m leaving for Boston in the morning. The plane’s leaving early so I’m gonna go home and pack. Try to get a couple hours sleep while I’m at it. Last night wasn’t exactly the soundest night’s sleep I’ve ever had. “The morning? Couldn’t you catch an earlier flight? Under the circumstances shouldn’t the airline be able to find you a flight sooner. I’m sure you’re anxious to get home.”, Daniel asked, confusion evident in his voice. “Boston was only home when Mom was there. There’s nothing left for me there anymore. But yes, I want to get up there and sort this mess out. To find justice for Mum.” Her voice cracked as she spoke and she silently berated herself for being do weak. She had to stay strong. She would not allow Amy’s killer to go free. “Unfortunately the emergency ticket comes with a hefty price tag. And what with the funeral expenses and the cost of the trial, it’s money I just don’t have. Mum would understand. I know she would.” She was unsure who she was trying to convince. Them or her. “How soon can you be ready?” It was the first time Michael has spoken since he’d greeted her and her voice startled her. God it’d been so long since she’d seen him. Spoken to him. But now was not the time to think of the past. She had to look to the future. A future where she could find justice for her mother. Peace for the woman who was literally her world. Integrity for the woman who’d had so much of it all her life, for it to be taken from her at the final hurdle. She silently vowed to return that honour to her mother. Or to die trying. “About an hour or so. Why?”. She was struggling to see where this was going. “Fine then. I’ll take you home, you can get your things ready and we can drive to Boston. We can have you there before dark.” He didn’t sound like he was willing to accept any refusal she could give and she realised that Michael Guerin was still the same stubborn yet amazingly kind gentleman he’d been 14 years ago. Maria looked to Daniel for conformation and seeing the approval in his eyes and the obvious pride he felt at his son’s compassion, she slowly nodded her head. “What about you? What’ll you do in Boston?” “I’ll research the case. Meeting with the presiding detective. Check out the crime scene. Talk with the accused. I’ve been informed Mr Lewis isn’t exactly the most co-operative but still, hopefully we can get something incriminating out of him” “But I thought Dan would be in charge of the case”, she blurted out, realising too late how unappreciative she sounded. “God, sorry that came out wrong. I mean, well I just kinda thought....” “Maria, it’s ok. I asked Dad if I could take the case. Amy meant a lot to me. And anyhow, the old man isn’t as sharp as he used to be.” He failed to hide the smile behind his words. He ignored the amused glare his father sent him. He couldn’t help it if his skill out-shone the geriatric in the corner, he thought with mock pride, smiling to himself at his childish sense of humour. Iz was always telling him it needed work but personally he couldn’t see anything wrong with it. His sister just didn’t understand comic genius when she saw it. In reality though, it was clear to all New York that Michael Guerin matched his father’s legal expertise in every way. He silently thanked his father for all the wisdom and knowledge he had instilled in him over the years. A gift that now allowed him to help a friend in need. From the time Michael Guerin was knee-high, he knew more about law than most practicing solicitors. It was more than just a job. It was a vocation. Something he was born to do. And his record proved it. Maria smiled at Michael’s words. It was good to know that some things never changed. Michael Guerin still had that same self-assured, dare she say cocky, air about him. But somehow, he never came across as arrogant. Maybe it was his sense of humour, or perhaps even his award-winning smile, but you come always tell no matter what horrible thing he came out with, that his words held no meaning. Whatever it was it didn’t matter because what mattered was that he never failed to lighten any situation, no matter how dismal it seemed. And for this, she could kiss him. “Thanks, Michael. It means a lot.” And she wasn’t lying. She hadn’t really stopped to think about how her mother’s death would effect other people. But from the look of the two men before her, it was apparent that she wasn’t the only one mourning. The only one seeking justice. “Don’t mention it. Now how about we leave the old guy to it and get you home. If you’re anything like Iz, if you don’t start packing soon it’ll be days before we even get to Boston. He watched her get up and not for the first time since she’d walked back into his life, he found himself fascinated by her. She was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. And he’d seen his fair share of women. Michael Guerin was a player. He was the typical bachelor. He had the money, the looks, the charm, and of course, the hoards of women desperate to get a piece of him. But that’s not to say they all got their share. A player he might be, but the guy had standards. Fairly high for your typical “it” guy actually. But don’t be mislead. With the pick of the millions of single, and sometimes not so single, women New York had to offer, his bed was seldom empty. But one look at Maria was enough to make him reconsider his life-choices. She was stunning. Her long blonde hair, a mass of bouncing curls, shone in the early morning light and her little pixie nose hadn’t changed a bit since childhood. It was still the cutest little nose he’d ever seen. Her lips hypnotized him as she nervously bit down on the glossy pink skin and he almost passed out when her tongue came out to moisten them in an act that was supposed to convey nervousness, but arose nothing but lust in him. But it was her eyes that held his attention. The brilliant orbs, of the greenest green he’d ever seen, gleamed like the crystal he’d been so afraid of breaking as a child. But it was the cause of that sparkle that brought him crashing back to Earth. God, what was wrong with him? She was crying and he was eying her up. He needed to be locked up! He was just like those pig-ignorant men that Izzy was always complaining about. This was Maria! And she was crying. Not properly crying. There was no wailing and no flood of tears. Maria was too proud for that. But ever since she’d entered the office, her eyes had been full of unshed tears, that would long-ago have fallen if it were not for her stubbornness. She looked smaller than her 5”6 fame and although she’d always been thin, now she looked downright hungry. But it was her eyes that really allowed her vulnerability to shine through. Those eyes, which had always held such mirth and joy, now held only pain. Sorrow. Loss. He walked towards her, echoing her goodbye to his father and stood behind her standing form. Placing a hand on the small of her back he guided her towards the door. An act of solidarity. Of sympathy. Of support. A silent vow to help her overcome her loss. To get that sparkle back into her eyes. No words were spoken as they left the office. None were needed. The message had been received; Her silent thank you given in the form of a small smile, destined to melt his heart. As the door closed, Daniel Guerin allowed a smile to grace his handsome features at the gentle moment he’d just witnessed. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but he had the feeling it would be the first of many. TBC |
| Part 2 |
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