Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 84250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
I have no doubt if I post that I'm looking for an attorney, the rumor mill will run rampant with speculation. Instead, I search for the word using that feature in the group, groaning when I see only one name listed.
Barrett Hyde is the only attorney in town, and I was hoping that there would be other recommendations. If I allow myself to believe any of the rumors I've heard, Barrett isn't the most approachable man in town. I need information, not to be disrespected or looked down upon.
I exit the social media page and pull up the browser on my phone. I search for attorneys near me. Despite other names populating less than an hour from me, I know my car is a hunk of junk and it would be my luck to get over there and get stuck. My budget isn't tow truck flexible.
I sigh as I pull up Barrett Hyde's office information, but I know better than to place that call in the breakroom where anyone and everyone can walk in and get right in the middle of my business.
I stand, throw away my trash from lunch, and step outside. Cold slaps at my skin at first, but it's tolerable when I find a spot in the sun with the building forming a windbreak. Pulling in a deep breath, I angle my chin up, letting the warmth cover my face. I know I need to spend more time outside. If only there were more hours in the day, and the sun didn't set by the time I got off work from the vet clinic. Spring is always better after the time changes. Although I have other reasons for wishing the holidays away, I know I always feel rejuvenated at the same time the trees start turning green and the flowers begin to bloom.
My finger hovers over the call connect button on my cell phone as I consider just how different my life could be if the attorney is able to help me. I'm not a materialistic girl, but four hundred thousand dollars could go a long way. Another wave of guilt hits me, and I know I'd never keep that money. My relationship with Hux wasn't exactly what everyone in town thought it was. There was no whirlwind romance.
What I would use the money for is to pay off the debt he left me in and reimburse myself for the fees and penalties I've paid over the last three years. I could do fine in Lindell with my job here at the vet's clinic if I wasn't under that cloud of debt. I could keep my shifts at The Hairy Frog and be able to afford a car payment so that way I wouldn't have to look in Walker's judgmental eyes when I asked him for help.
Just the thought of that man makes me want to scream. We both got what we wanted the other night. Why did he have to be such a dick after? Maybe it wasn't a romp as impressive as others he’s had, but the small, cramped room didn't exactly give us many options. He took me how he wanted me, and when he turned me around rather than just letting me bend over in front of him, I thought he'd be pleased.
"Forget about him," I mutter as I press the button on my phone.
"Thank you for calling Ditcher, Quick, and Hyde. How may I help you?"
Two things hit me at once—the ridiculous yet very misogynistic name of the office, and the contradiction in this sweet older woman's voice.
"Hello?" she says when I remain silent too long.
"Umm, yes, hi. My name is—"
"Claire Kennedy," the woman says. "We've been expecting your call."
"Excuse me?"
The woman chuckles. "We have caller ID, hon. Would you like to set up an appointment to speak with Barry?"
Barry?
Maybe he allows his office assistant to call him that because of her age. It wouldn't be the weirdest thing I've encountered in this town, that's for sure.
"I would."
"We have time now if you can make it down here in the next ten minutes."
I pull my phone from my face and frown at the time displayed on it.
"I only have a few minutes left for lunch. Is it possible to come this evening?"
"That would be fine, dear, but please try to make it before six. It's Monday and we don't want to miss out on Ruth's chicken and dumplings."
"Thank you so much," I tell her before hanging up.
I don't feel any lighter once the call ends. I've tried my best not to get excited since Walker mentioned this payout. My life doesn't work this way. The only reason I have any form of luck is because the folks in town have taken it upon themselves to make sure I win giveaways I didn't even enter and ones I think never existed other than them saying I won something. I know they're doing it to help, and there are several things that I've "won" that have helped a ton, but at the end of the day, it's a result of people being in my business.