Page 33 of The Happy Month

“You must not have a lot to do.”

“Actually, I’m looking for your sister. I’m told she was in the same class with Sammy Blanchard.”

“Someone put Sammy in prison?”

“No, we’re trying to get a new trial for Larry Wilkes.”

“But he’s guilty. Why would you do that?”

“We have reason to believe he’s innocent.”

“And you want to talk to Kelly?”

“Yes. I want to know if she was friends with Sammy Blanchard or if she knew someone who was.”

“What does Sammy Blanchard have to do with Larry Wilkes? They were like two grades apart.”

“I’m just gathering information at this point.”

Not exactly truthful but the truth might get in the way. I could almost hear her thinking on the other end. Finally, she asked, “Where are you?”

“Long Beach.”

“I can bring my sister. Two o’clock?”

That was cutting it close. “Four?”

“Three.”

“Okay. Three o’clock at Hot Times? Do you know it?”

“On Broadway? I’ve driven by it. See you then.”

It was around ten-thirty. I went and stuck my head into Lydia’s office. She was dressed casually in a pink blouse and navy skirt. The outfit showed off her figure, which she usually hid in more angular outfits. I wondered for a moment if the meeting had been called off.

“I should have asked this earlier,” I said. “But are we set for this meeting?”

“I’ve read the transcript, most of it this morning. I have a list of questions.” She tapped a pad next to her.

“Can I ask why we’re not using Edwin’s conference room?”

“Harris is a public defender. They don’t have much to work with. I want to put us on the same level. Engender sympathy.”

“He’s a lawyer. I doubt that will work.”

“Ouch. I’m a lawyer.”

“Sorry. It’s true though.”

She couldn’t help smiling. “I have something in mind—” She was interrupted by the bell over the front door ringing. “He’s early. As expected.”

We could hear him saying, “Raymond Harris. I’m here for the deposition.”

“One moment,” Karen said. Then Lydia’s phone buzzed.

She picked up and said, “I’ll be right out.” Hanging up, she remained seated.

In the lobby, Karen said, “She’ll be with you shortly.”