Bailed Out (The Anna Albertini Files #2) - Rebecca Zanetti Page 0,73

a piece of paper across his desk. “Here’s your letter. Sign it.”

The resignation letter was quick and to the point without admitting anything or going into any details. I signed it quickly, instantly feeling adrift. “I probably will be unable to get in with one of the bigger firms right now,” I mused.

His grin was quick. “True. Give it a little time, and everyone will move their attention elsewhere, so long as you stay out of the news.”

That might be difficult with Jolene watching my every move, but so long as I stayed out of trouble, what could she do? I stood. “Nick? I really am sorry about this. I know I caused you a lot of problems, and I know you’re covering for me as much as you can.”

He also stood. “Listen. I’d do the same for either of my brothers, so I can’t judge you. But I’m your boss, and I have to let you go.”

“I know.” I smiled. “I’ll go pack up my office.”

“It’s already done.” He reached for a closed box. “I was pretty pissed last night when I got the first call after the story went live online, and I needed something to do. I didn’t break anything.”

I took the box, my stomach clenching. “Thanks for this.” It would’ve sucked to have had to pack up my office with everyone there during the day. “If you broke anything, don’t worry about it.”

“I said that I didn’t break anything.” He studied me, looking much more approachable now that I’d resigned. “You’re smart, and you’re an excellent lawyer with very good instincts. Don’t let one setback keep you from becoming the trial attorney we both know you’re meant to be.”

Okay. That was sweet. He should be yelling at me right now. “Thanks.” I carried my box to the door.

“Anna? I’m going to miss working with you,” he said, retaking his seat.

I looked over my shoulder. “Ditto. But who knows? Maybe we’ll still get a chance to hang out.” With that thought percolating in the air, I strolled back down the hallway to say my goodbyes. He had to know that Tessa was awesome, right?

I finished saying goodbye to everyone and walked out of the building toward the sidewalk, turning around the building toward the parking lot.

Clark sat on a curb with a box next to him that looked just like mine.

I faltered and then approached him. “Oh, no. You too?”

He looked up. “Yep. Signed a letter. You?”

“It was already written for me.” I set my box down and sat on the curb next to him. “This sucks. It’s my fault and I’m sorry.”

“I walked inside that funeral home on my own, and that was my fault.” He lifted his face to the sun, once again wearing his tough glasses. Apparently they hadn’t worked any more than had my red heels. “I’m not sure what to do now. Nobody is going to hire us here in town, and I love it here.” He looked at me. “What now?”

“Now? I’ve never been fired before, but I think we’re supposed to get drunk,” I said thoughtfully.

He winced. “My liver might never recover from the weekend spent with your uncle and his golfing buddies. Are you sure we need to get drunk?”

“I’m positive.” I stood and held out a hand to jerk him up. Then I looked around, not seeing his car. “Where do you live?”

“At an apartment on Oakwood. I usually walk to work.” He reached for his box.

I hefted mine beneath my arm. “Perfect. Let’s take these boxes to your place and then walk to Dunphey’s Bar at the end of Oakwood. Or would you rather go to Vassallo’s?” The two bars were across the street from each other.

“I don’t care,” he said, slugging his possessions toward my car.

“Let’s go to Dunphey’s,” I said. “It’s cheaper and we’re unemployed.”

Clark sighed in a way that was becoming very familiar.

I can honestly say it was the first time I’d spent an entire day and three meals in a bar. By nightfall, we were good and drunk and full of greasy bar food. My purse almost strangled me, but I got it strapped crossbody before heading outside into the darkness. We tripped our way back down the long street to Clark’s apartment, and motorcycle pipes ripped through the evening.

“Huh.” I stumbled and looked over my shoulder. “Is that Aiden?”

Clark grabbed my arm to keep me from falling and then hiccuped before tripping over a raised edge on the sidewalk. He fell onto