I have to eat the cost?”
“You shouldn’t,” Rocky replied.
“If I’m going to continue spouting the cover story about my car catching fire due to mechanical malfunction, then I would logically contact the dealership and insist on restitution.”
“Naturally,” Jonah said.
“I have to decide if I do it in person or through an attorney. Which would make a bigger impact?”
“A letter from a lawyer,” Avery said. “Even Spencer would have to take notice.”
“It might cost a lot of money,” Jonah said.
“I have money tucked away if that’s the option I choose,” Felix replied.
“You won’t have to pay,” Jude said. “I know a great attorney who’d represent you pro bono.”
“Who?” Felix asked.
“Jillian Sharkey.”
“You know The Shark?” Jonah asked.
“I do,” Jude replied proudly.
Jillian Sharkey was one of the fiercest attorneys in the country. She’d made a name for herself by filing the most significant class-action lawsuits against American corporations whose gross negligence caused people to become sick, severely injured, or had resulted in their death. Sometimes her enemies were conglomerates that tainted water sources by dumping toxins into the ground, and other times, it was automotive manufacturers who put the almighty dollar before recalling vehicles with defective safety equipment. Her latest target was the Catholic Church for failing to protect children from predatory priests.
Felix had watched an interview with her the previous week where the talk show host said she was either the devil or a democrat. Lisa Loren, the host, made it clear she didn’t like either one.
Jillian had smirked and said, “One of those is true. I’ll let you figure out which one.” Then she doubled down. “My next target will be any religious institution that has participated in or encouraged conversion therapy.”
Once Lisa had picked her jaw up off the ground, she said, “So, you’re going to war with Christianity.”
Jillian gave Lisa a look that shouted “you poor pitiful soul.” Her words had been much more eloquent though. “I am a Christian, Ms. Loren. I’m looking to take down fake Christians who twist words and phrases from the Bible and use them to cause great harm, especially to children. No one is above the law. I will not allow rapists and abusers to hide behind a pulpit.”
Felix studied Jude’s smug face. “Why would an attorney of her stature have time for such an insignificant issue?”
“Because she’s my mother, and you are very significant to me.”
Felix paused midway through the newsroom on Monday morning when he realized everyone was staring at him.
“What? You’ve never seen a man who was nearly blown up before?” he asked.
“We’ve never heard you whistle before,” Sanja said. She slid her glasses higher up her nose to see Felix better.
“Or smiling,” said Jerry Symon.
“Sanja, I’m sure you have a new restaurant to rip apart,” Felix said before turning his attention to the other brave soul who spoke up. “And you, Jerry. Wasn’t there a Little League tournament this weekend that needs your attention?”
Both of them continued to stare at Felix like he’d grown two new heads, so Felix continued to his office without further comment. He screeched to a halt when he saw Jimmy waiting outside his closed door.
“Oh, hi,” Jimmy said, straightening away from the door. He held a notebook against his chest. “I wasn’t sure you still wanted to do this after the weekend you had. Are you okay?”
Do this? It took Felix a minute to remember the email he’d sent the rookie reporter before leaving the office on Friday evening. So much had happened since then, it was hard to believe only a few days had passed.
“I’m fine, Jimmy. Thanks for asking.”
Felix opened the door and gestured for Jimmy to enter the room.
The younger man hesitated on the threshold. “I can come back later if this isn’t a good time.”
Felix sighed. “Jimmy?”
“Yes?”
“Do you want my help or not?
“Of course. Your email made my weekend. It quite possibly made my entire year so far.” Jimmy’s face fell and he squirmed a little. “God, I sound pathetic. You must think I’m a loser.”
“No, but I can see I have my work cut out for me.” Felix clasped the man on his thin shoulder. “Are you ready to hear rule number one?” Jimmy nodded eagerly. “It doesn’t matter what others think about you. They don’t get to decide who you are or where you belong. They sure as hell don’t decide your capabilities.”
Jimmy’s smile was tenuous and timid. “That’s where I want to be, but how do I get there?”
“You fake it until you believe it. One day