Page 32 of Precise Justice

“I don’t think I like Kadella,” Priscilla said.

“Really, why?” Barbara asked.

“He’s pushy. Acts like he’s the boss and what he tells Robbie is none of my business. The nerve…”

“He’s right. It is none of your business. Didn’t he explain attorney-client privilege to you?” Barbara asked.

“Yes, I guess he said something about it, but that shouldn’t apply to the client’s mother,” Priscilla responded with a petty tone.

“Well, it does,” Barbara replied.

“It’s stupid. I have every right to know what is going on. And the lawyer has no business making decisions without my approval.”

“Priscilla,” Sophia said, “get over yourself. Sounds like he knew what he was doing.”

“I don’t like it,” Priscilla said.

“I’m hungry. Let’s order some food,” Rebecca said, for as much as anything, to change the subject.

“Speaking of Robbie,” Ella eagerly asked. “How’s he doing?”

“Since last week, she is doing fine,” Priscilla answered. “You ask about it every time we get together.”

“Hey, we’re all pulling for her, for Robbie,” Mia said. “It is so cool. So…”

“Trendy,” Barbara said. It was no secret among those around the table that Barbara harbored doubts.

“It is not trendy, Barb,” Priscilla replied. “It is correcting a flaw in nature.”

“So you keep telling me,” Barbara said.

“Ssssh,” Ella said. “The waiter is coming.

“I know what’s best for Roberta,” Priscilla told Barbara.

“I hope so, Priscilla. I really do.”

“Thank God for our governor. The man’s a genius making Minnesota a sanctuary state for trans kids,” Ella said.

“Do you really think it’s a good idea to give the government the right to come into your home and take your children away if you, their parents, object to putting them through trans surgery?” Barbara asked.

“Someone has to protect children from abusive parents,” Ella replied.

“Is that what we’re doing? Protecting children from their abusive parents?” Barbara asked.

“Yes!” Mia answered.

“Be careful how much power you give the government. Some day they are likely to use it against you for something you don’t agree with,” Barbara said.

“Lawyers, you worry too much,” Priscilla said. “He’s the elected governor. He knows what he’s doing.”

That’s open to debate, Barbara Bivens thought to herself.

The women around Priscilla were ordering their dinner while the subject of their discussion was still at his desk. Kadella was concerned about two things. One was Robbie Craig-Powell, the other was a domestic murder case.

There was a single knock on his door and his landlord came in. Connie Mickelson was a tough old girl, as she liked to call herself. Sixty-something and a lawyer for forty plus years. Since renting space from her, she had become landlord, friend and one of two surrogate mothers for everyone in the office, but she had a special fondness for Marc.

“Did Cramer dismiss the domestic murder as self-defense?”