Move fast. Make the cut sharp and quick. Don’t look back. Something may be gaining on you.
Steve gave his notice to Jong Choi and said he could have the measly sticks of furniture that were in the apartment — unless he wanted them moved. Choi said he’d be happy to try to sell them and keep the proceeds, if Steve would move them to the parking garage.
Deal.
Then Steve called Ashley.
“Hey, it’s your favorite lawyer.”
“Steve, why — ”
“Sorry to call, really — ”
“What is it?”
“I need a favor.”
“Steve — ”
“Please.”
“What is it?”
“You know that garage of ours — yours?”
“Yes?”
“Can I impose for a bit longer? Before I completely clean out my stuff?”
“Steve — ”
“I feel terrible asking, but I’m leaving LA.”
“You’re what?”
“Getting out. Packing my bags.”
“But why?”
“You really want to know?”
“I don’t know. Do I?”
“It doesn’t have to do with anything bad. I mean, that I’ve done. I just don’t see any future here anymore. I’ve got my brother as a client. I figured I’d move out there. To Verner.”
“Verner? What kind of practice can you set up out there?”
“They commit crimes in Verner. They also have church issues.”
“Church?”
“My brother. He’s wanting to be a minister.”
“I still can’t believe you found your brother.”
“He found me.”
“And he’s religious now?”
“Let’s just say I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. He has some issues to work out, and I’m going to help him.”
“Do you know anybody else out there?”
“No.”
“What about support?”
“I’ll find a group.”
“Please do.”
“So I need to leave some stuff behind. Just temporarily. Until I get settled.”
“What is it exactly that you want to put in the garage?”
“My office,” he said.
“Your office?”
“Somebody came in and sacked the place. A client’s cousin threatened me with a knife. In general, not a good week. I have some bags and boxes and I promise as soon as I get the space in Verner, I’ll be back and clean it all out. I’ll even pay you.”
“You don’t have to pay me a thing, Steve. As long as it’s not long-term.”
“Yeah,” Steve said, “sort of like our marriage.”
“Steve — ”
“Sorry. Thank you, Ashley. I’ll be right over. I promise I won’t let you down again.”
Steve punched in the next speed dial.
“Hi, Sienna.”
“Oh, hi, Mr. Conroy.”
“You studying?”
“Con Law. First Amendment. Separation of church and state.”
“What have you found out?”
“It’s not in the Constitution.”
“The First Amendment?” Steve asked.
“No, separation of church and state. The whole area has been a mess since 1947.”
“Everson v. Board of Education.”
“Hey, you remembered.” She sounded impressed. Steve liked that sound.
“Some of it stuck,” he said. “I used to think the law was pretty cool.”
“And you don’t now?”
“Let’s just say I have a much more realistic view of things. But don’t let that keep you from being high-minded. That’s one of the things I love about you, your — ”
“Mr. Conroy — ”
“So you still want to work for me?”
Pause. “Well, yes,” she said.
“Even if I’m not an LA lawyer?”
“What are you?”
“A man without a city. I’m moving out. Taking my show on the road. To Verner.”
“You’re going to live there?”
“You don’t sound too thrilled.”
“No, I — ”
“I’m flattered, don’t get me wrong.”
Silence.
“I didn’t hear a hearty amen,” Steve said. “Could it be you’ll miss me or something?”
“I wish you well,” she said.
“Hey, I didn’t say we’d stop working together. They have phones now, and computers, and cars, the latest thing. They take you wherever — ”
“Why would you want me to keep working with you?”
“I’m still going to need help. We don’t have to be in proximity to do it, although being in close proximity might not be such a bad idea.”
“Mr. Conroy — ”
“Call me Steve now, please, and didn’t you have a good time the other night?”
“Yes, but — ”
“No buts. Let’s just leave it at that. Okay?”
“Okay. Mr. — Steve, can I ask you something?”
“Yes.”
“It’s about your brother.”
“What about him?”
“Considering his background, and considering the Eldon LaSalle connection, I wonder how much you can trust what’s going on out there.”
“I’ve thought about that. I know I may not be getting an angel here. But like you said, I can’t — wait a second. Did you just show some concern for my well-being?”
“Don’t you think being so close will make the situation more, what’s the word, precarious?”
“Maybe I’ll get a cat.”
“Do you have any idea what living in a small town is like?”
“Do you?”
“I’ve lived in some small towns. There aren’t a whole lot of secrets. Your life is going to be an open book.”
“Well,” Steve said, “it’s been a pretty lousy book so far. A new chapter would be nice.”
“Take care,” she said. “I mean it.”
“I’m glad somebody does,” he said.