Don't Tell (Don't 1)

“I don’t think it’s a big deal. But some people want to study.”

Sometimes I forgot how much work Jessie had. On top of her clinic hours with me she had classes and exams. The holidays were a miserable time when I was in law school.

“How are classes going?”

“Fine. Or terrible. Depends on which day you ask me.” She smirked.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No. I like being in the clinic. It’s a nice break.” Her smile was pretty. Underneath sometimes I thought I saw something sad.

“What about a break today?” I suggested. “Take the rest of the afternoon off and study. Or just sleep. I remember how awful law school was. Time is precious.”

“Are you serious? Don’t you have to sign off on my hours.”

“It’s fine. Really. I can handle the rest of the afternoon.”

“What about Addie?” She looked at the empty desk next to us.

“She doesn’t know if you’re researching something for a case or not.” I grinned. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

She picked up her bag. “Thank you. I don’t know what to do first.”

“Maybe sleep,” I advised.

She nodded as she turned for the door. “I think I might.”

Addie walked in past her. “Is Jessie leaving?”

“I gave her an assignment.” I glanced at my laptop, ignoring Addie’s needling stare.

“Oh.”

I felt some sort of satisfaction having a secret from my officemate. I wasn’t a rule breaker, but today there was something renegade about my attitude.

We both looked up when we heard a rap-tap on the frosted glass of our front wall. It was Max Harrison.

“Professor Harrison.” Addie suddenly had a bright smile and warmth.

“I know you’re busy, but Emily I was wondering if you had a few minutes.”

I could feel the anger dripping off Addie. She shouldn’t be jealous. Neither of us knew what this was about.

“Of course. Would you like to sit?” I offered.

“How about we take a quick walk?”

I covered my salad. “I can do that.” I grabbed my jacket and followed him outside.

We started on one of the sidewalks that lo

oped around the building.

“I don’t usually interject in any of our resident’s cases, but I wanted to discuss a specific one with you.”

“Oh?” My eyebrows lifted.

He shoved his hands in his wool jacket. He had a plaid scarf tied in a hefty knot under his chin.