In Search Of Dreams

Episode 16

8:00. I hope that’s not too late. Rob runs his
hand through his hair and drops onto the brown
leather sofa in his apartment. He kicks his
shoes off and leans back. Then he leans
forward again and yanks his socks off, tossing
them over his shoulder. Wiggling his toes in the
carpet, he stares at the ceiling.

Just pick up the phone. It’s for the case. It has
nothing to do with that dream you had last night.

He reaches for the phone, picking up the entire
thing and setting it in his lap.

I just wish I could remember more of the details
of that dream, he thinks, dialing the number now.

But it’s probably better that I don’t remember
them.

“Hello?”

“Loretta?”

“Rob, hello,” she says, recognizing his voice.

“I’m not calling too late, am I?”

“Robert, it’s just past eight. I’m allowed to stay
up till eleven if I eat all my dinner.”

“Sorry, you’re right,” he laughs. “How are you?”

“Curious.”

“All right, no small talk, then. I talked to Percy
Andersen today and I met with Duncan and Ezra
this evening.”

“Wow, already?”

“I was surprised, too. I’m meeting with Percy
tomorrow after work. In the meantime, I’ve got
statements from both Duncan and Ezra. Poor
Ezra,” he says, shifting gears slightly.

“He still beatin’ himself up?”

“Yeah. I hope talkin’ about it will help, though. I
think they were impressed… honored that you’re
fighting for them.”

“It would be selfish to just look out for myself
when there’s so much more wrong there.”

“I explained that, and Duncan said that it
sounded like something you’d do,” Rob says.

Lori laughs a little. “He’s a good man, Duncan.

Daddy always liked him.”

“Has a good head on his shoulders, yeah.

Smart.”

“Is Percy with us?”

“Surprisingly, yes. He has some very good
evidence for us. He made copies of all those
requests before he submitted them.”

“You’re pullin’ my leg!”

“No, he’s got ’em. Bringin’ ’em with tomorrow.”

“That’s… unbelievable.”

“He’s an interesting fellow,” Rob says. He
pauses then, debating. “Um, Loretta We
were right. He is related to Alined.”

“Oh, no…”

“But he says he’s still willing to help you. Called
Alined a ‘slimeball.'”

“How’re they related?”

“Uncle. He said he didn’t want it spread
around.”

“Our secret,” Lori promises.

“Until we need to let the cat out of the bag.”

“He’s goin’ to need to tell,” she agrees.

“Exactly. ‘Cause if we don’t divulge that
information, you’d better believe that Alfred
Boudreaux will be all over it like there was a
dollar trapped inside.”

“Alfred Boudreaux? He’s Alined’s lawyer?”

“According to my pop, yes.”

“He’s kind of a…”

“Bastard. If you’ll excuse the language.”

“You haven’t been ’round my brother enough.

I’ve heard it all,” she laughs.

“How did Elliot take the news?”

“About how I ‘spected. He was mad that I didn’t
talk to him about it, but he’s fine now.

Supportin’ me.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

“Me, too.”

“Um,” he pauses, not sure where to go now.

“Marcus managed to get your father’s work
records for me today. Alined’s assistant is an
uncooperative son of a bi—”

Lori laughs as Robert censors himself again.

“Yeah, Daddy mentioned him once or twice.

Called him a ‘toady.'”

“Sounds about right.” He pauses a moment.

“Loretta, can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“Are you and Elliot… all right? I mean,
financially? I know you said your father had
some savings, but…”

“We’re doing okay. The house is near paid for.”

“House?”

“He and mama managed to buy a house. It ain’t
much, and I live the apartment upstairs. Elliot
lives downstairs. With Daddy, when he was still
with us.”

“I see.”

“I paid rent, too, nice and proper.”

“Have you had someone look at your father’s
accounts? I’m only asking because we have a
really good numbers guy in the office, and if you
want I can set up an appointment for you. I’m
sure he’ll be able to get things sorted just right
for you and Elliot.”

“That’s… very thoughtful. Thank you, Robert. Let
me run it by Elliot and I’ll let you know,” she
says, and he can hear the smirk in her voice.

“Not gonna make that mistake another time,
hey?” he chuckles.

“Darn right.”

They’re both silent a moment, neither knowing
what to say or how to end the conversation.

“Well—”

“Um—”

They laugh nervously. “I’ll be in touch again
after I talk to Percy tomorrow,” he says.

“All right.”

“Goodnight, Loretta.”

“Goodnight, Robert.”

Rob drops his head back against the couch. I
shouldn’t be thinking like this. She’s a client.

She’s colored. She’s pretty. She’s smart. She’s
funny. She genuinely cares about people. She’s
not like anyone I’ve ever met before.

She’s a client.

She’s colored.

Don’t be stupid, Robert. It’s just a… an infatuation.

Curiosity. That’s it. Doing… anything with this girl
could be very dangerous. For her.

Stop it.

Across town, as Lori settles down into bed for
the night several hours later, the last thing she
hears in her mind before she drifts off to sleep
is Rob’s voice.

Goodnight, Loretta.