Chapter 16: The Stairwell

Cal took the envelope out of the lawyer's hand.

"She's said all she's going to say today."

"It's a legal summons, Mr. Bracken. Ms. Tennant has been served either way."

"Then she's served. Move."

The lawyer stepped aside, because Cal was six feet of mechanic with unlaced boots and nowhere left to be afraid.

Kira went through the fire door at the end of the corridor and into the courthouse stairwell.

He followed.

She sat down on the third step with her cane across her knees and her head bent.

Her shoulders shook once.

Cal did not touch her.

He opened the envelope and read the first page standing up.

The Ridgway family was suing her for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, plus penalties, plus legal costs, for breach of contract.

"They want it all back," he said.

"They can have it." Kira wiped her face with the heel of her hand. "I spent most of it on your mother."

"I know."

"I'm sorry I didn't say it in the garage. I'm sorry for every Sunday." She looked up. "I'm not asking you for anything, Cal."

"I'm not ready to forgive you."

"I didn't think you were."

"But you stood up in that room."

She breathed out.

Above them a door opened onto the landing, and heels clicked on the concrete.

A woman in a cream dress and dark glasses leaned over the rail.

"That was a very moving speech," Lena said.

Cal's whole body went still.

Lena came down the stairs one slow step at a time, her hand trailing the rail.

She stopped two steps above Kira and took off her glasses.

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