Lawyer Up
“What in the world have you gotten yourself into now?”
Monty Verona was clearly not happy, and even though Rome knew there would be dire consequences for all that had happened, he’d never been happier to see his father, or the lawyer by his side. Franklin McNair was one of the top lawyers in all of California, probably the country. If anyone could make sure Rome wasn’t charged with anything, it was Mr. McNair.
While McNair was in talking to the detectives, Rome sat in the waiting room next to his father, not sure how much he should say and how much could wait until he got home. His mother, Lacy, would be much more understanding about the entire situation and was certain to hold up for Rome whereas Monty could be a bastard when he wanted to be. The idea that this could cloud his “good” name was far more important to him than the fact that Rome’s best friend was dead.
“I’m sorry, Father,” Rome said, his face swollen from crying. Every time he thought of Mark lying there, of Tim floating away, he got tears in his eyes. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”
“You’re lucky so many people saw what happened. One or two might try to pin this on you, but enough people are saying that you didn't push him, that you both fell, and that it was an accident, they shouldn’t charge you. But I’ve had about enough of all of this, Rome. You’ve defied me for the last time.”
Rome knew exactly what he was talking about--not working for his father’s film company. If he hadn’t been trying to make a name for himself, if he hadn’t been making a movie with another company, his father would’ve had more control over who was involved. He could’ve protected him from Tim. None of this would’ve happened.
As angry as Monty was about the fact that Rome had been working for another company, he would be ten times more upset when he found out the truth about Ella. And at the moment, it was just a matter of time. The detectives had said they already knew about the wedding when Rome told them, so if his father didn’t know yet, he would shortly. If the detectives could get their hands on the information that quickly, so could Monty. Rome thought his father didn’t know yet, though. If he did, he wouldn’t be as calm as he was at the moment. For most people, the huffing and puffing his father was doing, the crossing and uncrossing of his arms, would’ve signaled a person was not calm at all. But for Monty Verona, this was calm.
Rome glanced up at the scowl on his father’s face. He looked much like an older version of Rome. Taller, broader in the chest, his dyed hair darker and oiled back. He had deep grooves in his cheeks from scowling all the time, too. He was muttering under his breath, still unable to believe his son had gotten himself involved in a double homicide, or a homicide/accidental death.
That wasn’t surprising, though, because Rome couldn’t believe it himself.
After an hour or so, McNair came out, followed by the detectives. “Thank you, gentlemen,” the lawyer said, shaking their hands.
“We’ll be in touch,” Det. Bassett said, glaring at Rome.
“I don’t think you will,” McNair said. “We all know this was an accident, and Rome just happened to be in the same ocean at the time of Bolt’s death. That’s not a crime.” He waved dismissively at them and then turned to his clients. “Rome, let’s go. Mr. Verona….”
His father didn’t say anything, only stood, glared at the detectives, and headed for the door. Rome dropped the blanket he’d had wrapped around himself, trying to ignore the blood stain on his shirt, and followed his father out, praying this would all be over soon. He needed to talk to Ella. He prayed she wasn’t angry at him, but he wouldn’t blame her if she were. While Rome hadn’t killed her cousin himself, it was still his fault Tim was dead, and that might just be unforgivable.
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