The Missing Piece by Kevin Egan Read Free Book Online Page B

while I have you,” said the other, “I just want to reiterate that I’ve written decisions on virtually every type of civil case. I also have intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the court system. I believe I would be a valuable addition to your firm because…”
    Gary had a nodding acquaintance with the man named Hugh, and though he never had seen the stocky bullethead before, he gathered he was a law clerk looking for a job. He’d never get it that way, thought Gary, as he kicked through the door and let the sounds of the party drown out the plaintive quaver in Bullethead’s voice.
    *   *   *
    Linda was standing at the bar and waiting for Hugh to return when Gary Martin rolled up into the space beside her.
    â€œBuy you a drink, Judge Conover?” he said.
    â€œI’m afraid I just got a refill.” Linda turned and lifted her spritzer. “And it’s Linda.”
    â€œNo, Judge. You earned the title. Using it’s the least I can do.”
    â€œThat’s silly. I’m still just Linda. To you, anyway.”
    â€œIt’s a nice sentiment,” said Gary. “Not very widespread, but nice.”
    Linda relaxed against the bar, taking him in. Even in the wheelchair, he still looked like the old Gary. His face huge, his beard full, his hair long and slicked back until it ended in gray-blond curls. His forearms were muscular. His stomach was round, but not as big as she might have expected three years after he took that bullet in the spine.
    â€œYou’re right. I suppose judges are different.” She sighed, but it was not just a physical sigh. She felt as if she exhaled a bit of her soul, reconnecting with her old friend and coworker. “I find it much harder being a judge than a law clerk. I didn’t realize what a good thing I had working for Judge Johnstone. Well, I did and then I didn’t.”
    â€œI always did,” said Gary. “Do you ever see him?”
    â€œNot since he … you know.”
    â€œHe visited me a few times when I was in rehab, but he stopped around that same time. Were you surprised?”
    â€œIf I was surprised, I don’t remember,” said Linda. “Things were difficult in chambers. We barely spoke to each other, and I’d already decided, well, I’d already decided a lot of things, but I just hadn’t told him yet. Then he dropped the bomb, and I didn’t need to tell him.”
    The bartender reached over the bar and handed Gary a pint of beer.
    â€œCompliments of the lady down at the end of the bar,” he said.
    Gary and Linda both turned to see Ursula raise a glass.
    â€œYou’re back with Ursula,” said Linda.
    Gary sipped, then began to cough as if the beer went down the wrong way.
    â€œYeah,” he finally said, then his voice came fully clear. “And you’re married. And a judge. How do those things feel?”
    â€œIndividually, fine. Together, not what I expected. This belief that you can have it all, I’m beginning to think it doesn’t mean all at once.” She shook her head. “Sorry. That sounds self-centered, doesn’t it?”
    â€œNot to me,” said Gary.
    â€œYou don’t need to be nice, or even polite.”
    â€œI promise I’m not.” Gary took a long pull on his beer, then licked the foam from his mustache. “You know, I get flashbacks from that day. Odd things, like random images. It’s like every second of that day has come back to me over the last three years.”
    â€œTell me one,” said Linda.
    â€œWell, I just today had a flashback of you and me standing in the courtroom and looking at the treasure piece.”
    â€œI remember that,” said Linda. “Was I ever in a mood.”
    â€œYour argument with the judge. It bothered him, too.”
    â€œNever said anything to me.”
    â€œHe told me during one of his visits with me in