Page 20 of The Right to Remain

“I’m aware,” said Helena.

“Are you? So much for grand jury secrecy. Did the state attorney tell you?”

“I found out when I was served with a subpoena.”

CJ seemed surprised. “They subpoenaed Owen’s widow without so much as a courtesy call and a heads-up? How tacky.”

“I can deal with it.”

“No, Helena. This is no time to channel Rachel Platten and ‘This Is My Fight Song.’You need a lawyer. I’ll hire you the best there is.”

“Would that be Jack Swyteck?”

“Swyteck? No. Why do you ask?”

“He called me yesterday and left a message. Said he wanted to talk to me about the grand jury investigation into Owen’s death. He left another message this morning.”

“Hmm. Strange coincidence.”

CJ didn’t say another word, but Helena sensed there was more to this “coincidence” than he was letting on.

“I googled Mr. Swyteck after the first call,” said Helena.

“Have you called him back yet?”

“No. But from what I saw online, if he’s not the best, he’s up there.”

“Forget about Swyteck. I’m going to do you one better. You can use the company’s outside general counsel at no cost to you. And she’s not cheap.”

“Who’s that?”

CJ picked up the phone, dialed, and spoke to his assistant on speaker. “Susan, I’m in Owen’s old office with Helena. Get Patricia Dubrow on the phone for us. It’s very important.”

“Right away, sir.”

He hit the mute button. “I hate lawyers. But you’re going to love Patricia.”

“I’m sure I will,” said Helena.

Then she discreetly checked her cell phone, making sure she still had the message from Jack Swyteck—and his number.

Chapter 6

Jack, Righley, and their ninety-pound golden retriever named Max were on day three without Andie. Jack’s caseload was keeping him busy, and Righley had the excitement and anticipation of a Friday night sleepover to distract her, so it was obvious who was missing Andie most.

“I think Max is depressed,” said Righley.

They were on their way to her friend’s house. Righley was in her booster in the back seat. Max lay beside her with his head resting on her overnight bag. Max hated suitcases. He knew what they meant.

“I think he needs a girlfriend,” Righley added.

Jack wasn’t sure how it had happened, but suddenly Righley was at the age where there was an awful lot of talk about boyfriends and girlfriends.

“Or maybe just a friend,” said Jack.

Righley was a sleepover veteran, including twice before at her friend Carla’s house, so the drop-off at the Perez residence was without drama. It was after five o’clock, and even though Max was with him, Jack’s workday was not yet over. He picked up Theo on his way through Coconut Grove.

“Did you talk to CJ like I asked you to?” Jack asked.