Page 24 of Lost Room Lawyer (Room #4)
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Hector
“Where is your intern?” Juri asked, darting his eyes around the meeting room. “I only agreed to come here one more time to take a closer look at the boy.”
“Yeah, he had a family emergency,” I replied stiffly, reaching for my espresso.
“Sounds serious.”
“I guess it is.”
Since Nico had rushed out of the restaurant last week, my thoughts had been spinning in circles.
Of course, I understood perfectly well that family came first and that as his employer, I was at the bottom of his priority list. But Nico and I had a connection that went beyond a work relationship.
There was something special between us, and not hearing from him had nearly pushed me to the edge over the past few days.
Just the realization that I cared about him was driving me insane. I wanted to run to the hospital and support him during this difficult time, but I knew that would be absurd.
Viktoria provided me with half-hearted updates, and I had to restrain myself from squeezing her for more information.
Knowing how Rina Simeon was doing was one thing, but I also wanted to know how Nico was holding up.
Who was taking care of him? Was he getting enough support?
Viktoria mentioned that Leo had come by once or twice to take care of a few things that Nico apparently couldn’t handle.
She didn’t specify what those things were.
“You look worried,” Juri noted as he moved the papers closer to him on the table. “Could it be that you’re thinking about him right now?”
“You’re exactly right.” I sighed, rubbing my face with both hands.
“You’re easy to read.”
Juri mentioned this casually as he began reviewing the documents, but his words ignited a fear I had been trying to ignore.
Did Viktoria suspect something?
“What do you mean by that?”
With a sheet of paper in one hand and a pen in the other, Juri glanced up and assessed me with his moss-green eyes.
A gentle smile spread across his face. “Don’t get me wrong, but …
you’re not as stiff as you used to be.” As if preparing for a longer conversation, he leaned back in his chair, crossed one leg over the other, and continued, “In the few times we’ve met over the past few weeks, you’ve seemed less like a robot.
I also noticed that your obsessive-compulsive behavior appears to have eased somewhat. ”
I peered at my hands, which were indeed now soft and smooth. “Do you think that’s related?”
Juri smirked. “I’ve always wondered why your hands were so rough. Every time we met, you would sanitize them almost every hour. After sex, that compulsion seemed to disappear.”
“It wasn’t like we spent much time together after sex.”
“Long enough for me to notice.”
“Shit,” I said, massaging my forehead.
“Don’t worry about it,” he said, trying to comfort me sincerely. “I just notice things like that. They’re things I remembered. You were my client, and it was my job to make sure you felt comfortable.”
“You must think I’m crazy.”
“Ha! There were far worse cases than you.” He nodded toward the papers spread out in front of him on the table. “Those guys deserved everything they got.”
“I’m relieved to hear that. It seems like you’ve managed to process it fairly well.”
“It’s a process. Luca is helping me through it.
” Juri became thoughtful and turned his head toward the window.
The sun was shining, while a few storm clouds began to gather in the distance.
“It’s not just this matter,” he whispered.
“I’ve waited too long, kept quiet while the shit piled up.
I really thought I could overcome it myself. ”
“I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to be,” he said, giving me a warm smile. “I didn’t know any better.”
I realized he was holding up a mirror to me. It wasn’t exactly an invitation for me to come clean as well, but more like an offer.
I was surprised by how easily I could talk to Juri. Despite our twenty-year age difference, he was the only person I trusted enough to confide in.
A lot had changed since our last sexual encounter. It felt like I was a completely different person now, with the only difference since December being that I hadn’t booked any callboys since then.
The situation with Nico had become increasingly problematic over the past two weeks.
Perhaps this break was actually beneficial for us.
I was clearly at risk of making a serious mistake, which we couldn’t afford.
Although Viktoria and I were experiencing significant issues in our marriage, as long as things didn’t get worse, there was still a chance to turn things around.
I knew it was up to me. I wondered how much longer Viktoria would be understanding, especially since it had been weeks since we last had sex. My exhaustion and overwork wouldn’t be a valid excuse for her strong libido much longer
“So, I just sign here and then everything’s settled?” Juri asked, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Uh … yes … exactly. That confirms that you haven’t made any false statements and that you’ve been informed about the consequences.”
Juri signed the document and examined the fountain pen in his hand. “It looks expensive.”
“Yes,” I admitted. “It was a gift from my mentor Leonard. Someone once told me that the price of this pen is in the four-digit range because it’s a limited edition.”
“Why would someone give such an expensive pen as a gift?” Juri asked, incredulous.
I snickered and shook my head. “I don’t know. I just wondered what kind of circles I was suddenly moving in that someone knew about such things.”
“It’s stylish,” Juri said with a shrug, handing the pen back to me.
“Yes, it is.”
We stood up, and I escorted Juri to the door. Before we left the meeting room, he turned to me. “Thank you, Hector,” he said hesitantly. “I really appreciate what you’re doing for me. You’ve known me for so long. Luca can’t understand certain things from my past, but you … I’m glad that you …”
For a moment, it felt as if time stood still around us.
I couldn’t help but admire Juri for his strength.
I had to admit that his case was even more important to me than Canonica’s.
I enjoyed helping someone who truly needed it.
Canonica had enough money to afford ten lawyers.
Of course, I worked diligently for him, but over time, I had developed a genuine fondness for Juri.
“I’m happy to help,” I assured him, giving him a hug. “And if you need anything, call me anytime.”
“That goes for you too,” he murmured.
As we pulled away from each other, there was a sudden knock, and the door swung open. Startled, we both stepped back from each other. I awkwardly clasped my mouth and turned my head.
Viktoria stood in the doorway, her eyes widening in surprise. “Oh, I’m sorry … I … Am I interrupting? Linda said …”
Before she could draw any false conclusions, I grinned and did what needed to be done.
“Hi! No! Of course not. We’re just finishing up here. Let me introduce: This is Juri Vinzens, a client of mine. Juri, this is my wife, Viktoria.”
Juri remained composed, having encountered enough unusual situations in the past. He approached Viktoria and shook her hand. My wife managed a smile, but I could see the suspicion in her eyes. The situation had caught her off guard.
“What are you doing here?” I asked as Juri put on his jacket.
“I was in the area and thought I should tell you in person.”
Her gaze shifted between Juri and me. I nodded, encouraging her to speak freely.
“Rina Simeon passed away last night.”
“What? So soon? That … can’t be.”
I was stunned. If Viktoria hadn’t brought me the news herself, I wouldn’t have believed it. All I received from her was a solemn nod. My eyes shifted to Juri, who was piecing things together.
“But … My God …” I stammered.
I was at a loss for words. My thoughts were in disarray, and all I could think about was Nico. He had told me himself how close he was to his mother. She was his anchor. His best friend.
“And … how is Nico? Is there anything we can do?”
“Leo is with him and taking care of everything. The funeral is next week.”
I lost my sense of direction. As I felt dizzy and swayed slightly, it was Juri who supported me by the arm. I clung to him, incredibly grateful for his presence. I noticed Viktoria’s quizzical look, but I didn’t care. My mind was completely consumed by thoughts of Nico.
There had to be something I could do.