38. Reed
Reed sat in Al’s office, waiting for him to finish a quick phone call. His knee bounced uncontrollably as he stared out the window at the gray, cloudy sky.
“Sorry about that,” Al said upon hanging up. “I’ve been meaning to ask, how are your parents doing?”
“They’re good.” Reed shifted in the dark wood and burgundy leather-bound chair, trying to get comfortable. “Mom’s retiring from teaching at the end of the school year, but dad hasn’t committed to retirement yet. I think he’s having a hard time letting the shop go.”
“I can see why. Restoring old cars is a hobby for so many people,” Al pointed out. “He’s living the dream.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t think my mom agrees. She’s ready to slow down. Travel. Be a full-time grandmother.”
“And I can see that, too. It is a hard decision to make when you love what you do. I’m glad I have a while before I need to think about it. I foresee some interesting discussions with my wife when the time comes for us.” He waggled his brows to match his playful tone. “And how’s Emmett?” Al shifted in his chair, as well, crossing his legs and leaning back as if this were a social visit.
“It’s been a rough few months, but I think he’s starting to return to some sense of normalcy. Or a new normal with the girls, at least.”
“That’s good. And he’s still with the sheriff’s department?”
“He is.”
“I’m surprised he’s stayed this long without you being there.”
“Well, he’s definitely not happy there, but it’s not as easy for him to leave with a family to support and all. In fact, he’s looking for some off duty work to help out with the extra expenses from the divorce.”
“That’s a tough spot to be in. I’ll keep my ear out for him.”
“I’m sure he’d appreciate that. Thank you.”
“And how are you doing, Reed?”
Reed shook his head. It was a loaded question these days. “Hanging in there, Al. Just trying to get through this last semester.”
Most graduating law students had an ease about them by this time of year: sailing through their final elective classes, job landed, signing bonus in hand, graduation in sight, and a vacation on the horizon before real life started. Reed wished he could say the same.
“Have you made it official with the district attorney’s office yet?” Al asked.
“Not yet. That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Yes?” Al smiled and sat up straighter in his chair, back to business.
It was a hopeful yes from someone who probably thought that Reed Stanton was about to make him a very happy man by putting his hat in the ring for the still vacant junior associate position. He hated to disappoint, especially the man who had been so generous to him.
“I was wondering if you had any connections in Philadelphia.”
“Philadelphia?” Al seemed confused by the request, but only for a moment. “Oh, Philadelphia.”
“Yeah. Or anywhere close, really.”
“I have a few,” he said as he stroked his graying beard. “None in I.P. or criminal law, though.”
“That’s fine.”
“I have to be honest, though, it’s going to be near impossible to get an interview up there. And that’s no reflection on you at all because you’re more than capable,” he emphasized, “but they’re not interested in anyone who didn’t come from local or top schools. It’s ridiculous, but that’s how it works up there.”
“Yeah, I know, but I need to see if there’s a chance at least.”
He nodded. “Well, I’ll get you that list by tomorrow.”
“I appreciate it, Al.”
Al sat in his chair, studying him for a moment. “You up for lunch?” he asked finally. “You look like you could use a good meal and some company. My treat.”
“Sure, that’d be good.”
Al got up from his chair and walked over to the coat rack in the corner of his office to suit up before they ventured outside. “Did I ever tell you I’m an ordained minister?” he mentioned as he put his coat on.
“No, I didn’t know that.” Reed zipped his jacket up and pulled a pair of gloves out of the front pocket.
“Yeah, I’m not practicing. It was a long time ago, but I’ve done a few weddings in my day. I don’t know what made me think of that just now, but…” He trailed off and laughed as he opened the door.
That big booming laugh could lighten the mood in any room, and Reed couldn’t help but smile. Alvin King was always up to something.