Page 40 of Mr. Perfect
“Okay.”
“I golfed this morning with some friends, and your podcast came up in conversation.”
“Are these lawyer friends?” Felix asked.
Stephen smirked. “Of course. We have to stick together because no one else will have us.”
Felix laughed. “Do I want to know what was said?” While most people agreed with their podcast’s view, the dissenting voices were thunderous. It’d been much easier to believe Bo Cahill killed in cold blood than to accept that their justice system is rife with systemic racism.
“They were impressed with both the investigation and the way you presented the facts. One of them is an extremely successful criminal lawyer, and he asked me to pass along an offer.”
Felix sat straighter in his chair. “I’m listening.”
“I’m sure you’ve heard of Jose Ramirez.”
“Of course.” Not only was he one of Georgia’s top defense attorneys, but he’d also worked on many high-profile cases throughout the country. Ramirez rarely lost. If you were going to prosecute one of his clients, you had to bring your A-game.
Stephen nodded. “He thinks Bo Cahill is an excellent candidate for a posthumous pardon and would like to assist the family pro bono if they’re interested.”
“Oh, man. That’s awesome,” Felix said. He didn’t need to ask why Ramirez would volunteer his time and effort. “Ride the Lightning” continued to gain worldwide attention, so it made sense Ramirez would want a piece of the spotlight. “A pardon is something the Cahill family wants to pursue.”
Stephen nodded. “The process is pretty straightforward and begins with filling out an application. It wouldn’t hurt to have a lawyer onboard to ensure things go smoothly and to apply pressure if needed.”
“Wow. That’s wonderful news.”
Stephen pulled his phone from his pocket and started tapping away. Felix’s phone buzzed a moment later. “I’ve just forwarded his contact information to you.”
“This is incredible. I can’t wait to tell the Cahills. Thank you so much.”
Reanna and Rocky returned to the outdoor dining area to clear more plates. Ree stopped long enough to kiss Stephen, and Rocky rubbed his knuckles on the top of Felix’s head.
Once they were alone again, Stephen said, “Ree told me about your generous offer to help pay for IVF.”
“I meant it,” Felix said. “There’s nothing I won’t do to see her dreams come true.”
Stephen smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
“How much do you need? I can call the bank and—”
Stephen raised a hand to cut him off. “I’m not worried about the money. We’ve paid off most of our debts and we have a lot of equity in our house.” He picked up his wineglass and took a big drink. Felix wasn’t accustomed to seeing Stephen rattled. He was the epitome of calm, cool, and collected.
“What’s wrong?” Felix asked.
“If I can’t… If I’m the reason…” Stephen groaned and scrubbed a hand over his face. “Would you be willing to donate sperm if, for some reason, my swimmers won’t cooperate?”
Felix’s breath whooshed out of him as if Stephen had punched him in the gut. His stomach churned, and then his breathing accelerated. Felix’s body burned hot all over, but the sweat covering his skin felt cold and clammy. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came.
“Felix, are you okay?” Stephen asked. He stood up and moved to sit in Rocky’s vacated seat.
Felix took a drink of lemonade. “Why me?”
“Why not you?” Stephen asked calmly.
“Fuck,” Felix said, rubbing a hand over his tight chest and willing the anxiety away. “I don’t even know who my father is. Hell, I’m not sure Kelly knows either.”
Stephen cupped the back of Felix’s neck. “I know who you are, and that’s more than enough for me. I want Reanna to have everything her heart desires, so I have to set aside my foolish pride. Who better to help create this miracle than the person who loves her as much as I do?”
Now that the initial panic was ebbing, Felix could think more clearly. “We don’t know what I could pass on to a child through my DNA.”