Texas Pride. Gerry Bartlett

a dinosaur. Now she noticed there was a blinking light with message printed underneath it. “I had no idea.”

      “Well, here’s her extension. Dial it. I don’t want to be used as a messenger, Shannon. So figure things out here.” She stomped back to her office.

      “Great.” Shannon picked up the receiver and decided to see if she could listen to her message first. God, she had over a dozen in her mailbox and finally slammed down the receiver midway through the list. She needed a notepad if she was going to call back all those people. Hopefully she hadn’t erased any of them. She took a breath then dialed the four-digit extension on the paper. Nothing happened.

      “Well, hell.” So she got up and took the elevator up to her sister’s office. Holly greeted her with a smile.

      “Happy birthday. Cass has been trying to reach you.” Holly reached for her own phone.

      “Wait! Holly, can you tell me how to call someone’s extension? I was going to return Cass’s call but when I dialed, nothing happened.” Shannon felt like such a fool.

      Holly smiled and gestured for her to come around her desk. “I can’t believe no one has taken the time to explain our system. It’s archaic but we don’t have the money for an upgrade right now. Watch and learn.” She quickly went through a tutorial. Luckily she was great with simple explanations and Shannon knew she wouldn’t forget what to do.

      “You’re a treasure. I hope my sister appreciates you.”

      “She does.” Cass came out of her office and gave Shannon a hug. “I hope I can take you to lunch today. Happy birthday!”

      “I’d love that. Thanks.” Shannon took a few moments to catch up on news. Cass was sporting a new engagement ring and planning her wedding to Mason MacKenzie.

      Business came first though and Cass waved her away when Holly called her to the phone. Shannon headed back down to her office with a smile. Lunch at a fancy place, Cass had made that clear. And dinner tonight with Billy. Maybe turning thirty wasn’t going to be the depressing disaster she’d thought it would be.

      * * * *

      Billy let Albert rant and rave long enough to get it out of his system then he had to get ready to go to court.

      “I’ll have the bike repaired. Tell me where to take it or you do it and send me the bill.”

      “The fucking Cruisers should pay for it. Showing muscle like that. They didn’t hurt your girl, did they? I swear to God—” Albert’s face was red and he looked like he was about to hit the wall with his fist.

      “Chill, Albert. I think she liked the excitement, if you want to know the truth. I was the one who was about to stroke out over it.” Billy gathered up the files he’d need. God, but he was tired. Was he going to be sharp enough to do his client any good? At least this was only a preliminary hearing. He hoped the evidence would be insufficient and he could demand the charges be dropped. If that didn’t work, a date would be set and then they’d have months to prepare because of a crowded docket. No big deal.

      “Who was claiming my guy has gambling debts?” Albert paced the office, his bulk filling the place.

      “He didn’t give a name but I’m sure you know him. The enforcer for the Skeleton Cruisers.” Billy handed Albert the business card with the club name on it then rubbed his eyes. He needed some drops or something. Mai usually had them in her first aid kit in her desk. He opened the outer door.

      “I know the son of a bitch. What was he thinking coming to you with club business in public like that?” Albert followed him out and leaned against a corner of Mai’s desk.

      “Eye drops?” Billy stuffed what he needed into his leather briefcase.

      “Sure, boss. Get off my desk, Albert.” Mai pulled open a bottom drawer and found a squeeze bottle. “You need sleep, Billy.”

      “Hah! Got lucky, didn’t you?” Albert had obeyed Mai instantly. “I have to jump through more hoops. Like those fucking acrobats we saw last night.”

      “Language, Albert.”

      “Excuse me, Mai. Like those motherfucking acrobats.” Albert grinned. “Someday you’ll realize you can’t change me completely, doll. It’s my edge you find so fascinating.”

      She got up and stalked around the desk. “And it is my edge you find so sexy.” She had a ruler in her hand and whacked his arm. “Foul mouths don’t kiss these lips, mister.”

      “Ow!”

      Billy finished dousing his eyes with the drops and grabbed a tissue. Fascinating. He could feel the tension between these two from here.

      “I think he’s sleeping where he stands. Maybe you should drive him over to the courthouse, Albert.” Mai’s soft hand touched his. “Billy, wake up.”

      Billy shook himself and grabbed his suit jacket. “Good idea. Drive me over in my car, Al. I’ll take a cab back. You’re right. I shouldn’t drive. But I wasn’t up all night with Shannon. Don’t I wish. Aunt Sally caught a DUI, Mai. You’ll see her new charges on my desk. Put it with the rest of her file.”

      “Oh, shit.” Mai covered her mouth with one hand.

      “Did I just hear a bad word come out of that sweet pink mouth?” Albert hooted then took Billy’s car keys. “We will discuss this when I get back, woman. Come on, Bill, let’s go. I’ll pull the car around front.” He stomped out of the office ahead of Billy.

      “I’m sorry about Aunt Sally.” Mai followed him to the door.

      “Me too.” Billy leaned against the frame and tried to find some energy. “I hope this is the last time. I got her into Caruthers about seven this morning. The way the courts are backed up, I’m hoping to make a plea deal that will keep her out of jail. Caruthers is supposed to be excellent. Maybe this time they can get her off the booze for good.” He rubbed his eyes again. “She’s killing herself, Mai. Just like…” He couldn’t say it.

      “Oh, Billy. You try so hard. This time, it will work. You’ll see.” She patted his back then handed him the briefcase he’d almost left on her desk.

      “Oh, will you call and get Gran’s car out of impound? Pay the fee out of petty cash. Call one of Sean’s drivers to deliver it to her. You can bet she’s freaking out. What day is today? She may have a doctor’s appointment.” He blinked to clear his eyes. “I should call her.” He pulled out his cell and stared at it, then walked toward his office.

      “I’ll do it. Leave Grandmother to me.” Mai steered him back to the door again.

      “Thanks. I may owe you a raise.” He frowned at his cell, not sure why it was in his hand then stuck it in his pocket again.

      “You do.” She smiled and gently kept pushing him to the elevator and hit the down button. “Focus. It takes thirty minutes to get to the courthouse. Take a power nap in the car. It will help.”

      “Good idea. I’ll tell Slash you ordered it.” He grinned and kissed her cheek, feeling a little loopy. “You ever going to put him out of his misery?”

      “Maybe. I know him well enough to realize he doesn’t appreciate anything he doesn’t have to work for. Sound familiar?” She raised a dark eyebrow.

      “Seriously? I have to endure a little analysis this morning on top of everything else?” But Billy did think about it on his way to the car. Yeah, maybe that was part of Shannon’s appeal. She had never been easy. Fun. When had he just relaxed and enjoyed an evening like he had with Shannon last night? Thanks to her housekeeper, he’d found out her birthday was today too. So tonight he’d see her again. A bright spot to look forward to. It was almost enough to give him a second wind. Almost.

      Once in the courthouse, things went from bad to worse. He couldn’t concentrate and his client was pissed. Billingsley was paying him an outrageous sum. So far it had