Most of the women in the office may have been past fifty, but they still cast admiring glances at the handsome man in the charcoal suit and dove-gray silk tie.
Kate gave a delighted laugh. “I thought you had a full calendar.”
“I did.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek and noticed the young woman seated across from his mother’s desk. Drab suit, but great legs. He shot her a smile before turning to Kate. “Luckily my last client of the day canceled. So I thought I’d get started on Tio’s case and see what ammunition to use against his idiot caseworker.”
Kate felt the heat rise to her cheeks. “Cameron, I’d like you to meet Summer O’Connor.”
“Summer. My friends call me Cam.” He gave her one of his killer smiles, guaranteed to melt the heart of any female within range. “How nice to meet you.”
“I doubt you’ll think that in a moment.” The young woman froze him with a glacial look. “I’m Tio Johnson’s idiot caseworker.”
Kate had the good sense to discreetly leave so Cam could dig himself deeper or find a way out of the hole.
“Sorry.” He tried another smile, hoping to melt at least some of the ice. “My mouth got ahead of my brain.”
“I’m sure it’s happened a number of times before, Mr. Lassiter.”
“It’s Cam. Look, could we sit and talk like civilized people?”
“One of us can. I don’t know what to expect from you, however.” She settled herself in the chair.
Instead of taking the seat behind his mother’s desk, he straddled the corner of her desk and faced his opponent, who still hadn’t cracked a smile. “Why don’t you tell me your impressions of Tio Johnson and his situation.”
“Fine.” She crossed her legs.
Cam tried not to stare.
“Tio’s case is typical of so many I’ve seen.”
“You’ve been working as a caseworker for…” He paused. “How many years?”
“Six. Since I graduated from Georgetown with a degree in psychology.”
That caught him off guard. With that soft, almost breathy voice and wispy blond hair, she looked more like a college coed than a psych major who’d already worked for years in the field.
“As I was saying, Tio’s case is typical. A father in prison, a mother who walked away from her responsibilities and an aged grand mother who is simply too old, too tired and too beaten down by the system to care for the boy.”
Cam grinned. “That argument of age discrimination won’t win you any points with most of the judges I’ve met.”
She flushed. “You’re right. I suppose I ought to temper my words, even though I honestly believe the grandmother in this case simply can’t control an angry, hostile boy.”
“Don’t blame it on age. My own grandfather is well past his prime and still cooks, cleans and is directly involved in all the Lassiter lives.”
“You have younger siblings?”
He shook his head. “I’m the youngest.”
“You see? You and your siblings are raised. Furthermore, you have a mother who is educated and committed to her family.”
“Another bias showing, Ms. O’Connor. Education or the lack thereof should have no bearing on a person’s ability to care for family. Furthermore, if you’ve looked into the juvenile system, you’ll find that so many of the children entrusted to that institutional care fall through the cracks and become lost children. Is that what you want for Tio Johnson?”
“Don’t twist my words, Mr. Lassiter. I want what’s best for my client. And right now, I feel that he would best be served in a juvenile facility until the courts determine his future.”
She had the most incredible green eyes, eyes that could go all soft or shoot sparks when he touched a nerve. It occurred to Cam that Summer O’Connor might look like a fragile flower, but she would certainly be a tough competitor.
Her voice went soft again, as though realizing that others in the outer office might overhear. “As I see it, the real culprit here is Tio’s father. He has no right encouraging the boy to see him in prison, when his influence can only be negative.”
“On that we can both agree.” Cam’s tone hardened. “I have no use for a cop killer.”
“If that’s so, then I challenge you to visit Tio’s father in prison and plead on behalf of his son. Ask him to order the boy to stay away. If he agrees, I may allow Tio to remain in his grandmother’s care. If he refuses, I have no choice but to place the boy in safe custody, for his own good. He can’t afford to miss any more classes.”
“Why can’t you visit the father in prison?”
“I did.” She sighed. “When he learned that I was Tio’s caseworker and considering taking the boy away from his grandmother, he went into a rage.” She shivered just thinking about her reaction to Alfonso Johnson. She’d been absolutely terrified by the anger in him.
“Then what makes you think he’d see me?”
She looked him up and down, her lips curving for just the merest moment as she studied the expensive suit, the Italian leather shoes, the elegant designer watch at his wrist. “You could hardly be mistaken for a social worker.”
He could have bristled at her remark. Instead he threw back his head and laughed. “Yeah. I guess you’re right.” He thought a moment. “But I have absolutely no interest in meeting this criminal.”
“Very well. I’ll sign the documents today asking the judge to sever the grandmother’s rights and demand that Tio go into a juvenile facility.”
His tone hardened. “Why this rush to judgment?”
“Rush? Is that what you think? I suggest you read his file a little more closely. Tio has missed as much school this year as he has attended. If he misses any more days this year the school has the right to refuse him permission to return until he has made up all the material he missed or make him repeat the grade next year. Now, as this idiot social worker sees it, the boy’s future is in the hands of a selfish father who wants to be an influence for evil in his son’s life. If you find the thought of visiting a criminal in prison too offensive, don’t blame the rest of us for the choices we make.”
Cam could feel his temper, always carefully banked, beginning to heat. “If I agree to study his father’s file, will you agree to hold off your decision for another day?”
She tapped a finger on the arm of the chair. “Another day takes us to the weekend. That means you’re buying yourself some extra time, at the expense of my client.”
“Not at the expense of, but on behalf of your client, Ms. O’Connor. I’m considering this only because I care about that boy.”
“Then we’ve finally found common ground, Mr. Lassiter. Because I care about him, too.” She considered, then nodded. “All right. I’ll give you the weekend. But on Monday, my recommendations will go to the judge.”
“As will mine.” He took the file folder from her hands and stared into those eyes. He’d thought them green. At the moment they were more gold than green. Cat’s eyes. The thought made him smile. He’d better beware her claws. He had an idea he’d find them as sharp as her tongue.
“Until Monday, Ms. O’Connor.”
He held the door and watched as she made her way through the outer office. Not only did she have great legs, but her backside wasn’t bad either.
The thought had him grinning as his mother returned to her office. “Why the smile, Cameron?”
“Just enjoying the scenery.” He turned and saw his mother’s frown. “Sorry. I’m smiling because I’ve bought a little time. Summer O’Connor has just given me the weekend to study Alfonso Johnson’s file.” He held up the folder. “Is this all there is?”
His mother rummaged through her file drawer and came up with a bulging folder. “This is all I have. I’m sure the police and court files would be three times this size.”
Cam gave a sigh, thinking about the golf game he’d hoped to fit in on the weekend. Now it looked as though he’d be spending his free time the way his mother spent hers.
“Homework,
” he muttered. “I always figured this ended when I got out of school. Now I seem to be doing more than ever.”
“Join the crowd.”
He started out of his mother’s office, then on an impulse turned back. “What say we phone Pop and have him meet us for dinner downtown? The way he’s been working lately, he’d probably enjoy a break.”
Kate’s smile was radiant. “That’s a grand idea, Cameron.” She picked up her cell phone and punched in the numbers, then waited.
“Kieran. Cameron is at my office. If you haven’t started dinner yet, we thought you might enjoy meeting us downtown at…” She looked at her son questioningly.
Cam muttered, “Finnegan’s.”
“…at Finnegan’s.” She listened, then said, “Fine, Kieran. We’ll see you there in an hour.”
As she set aside the phone she laughed. “Knowing your grandfather, he’ll be there first, to see that he gets the best booth.”
“Not to mention time to sip a brew.” Cam waited while his mother returned files to the drawer, clearing at least a little of the litter from her desktop.
“Come on.” He dropped an arm around her shoulders. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
Kate couldn’t help laughing as they stepped out the door. “I know you think this neighborhood is dangerous, but the people around here know me and look out for me.”
He held her car door. “Yeah. Probably because you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to their neighborhood.” He cleared his throat. “I know I don’t say this often enough, but I’m really proud of the work you do.”
Kate touched a hand to his cheek. “Thank you. And you make me proud, too, Cameron.”
He closed the door, then walked to his car and followed his mother’s lead into traffic.
His mind wasn’t on his driving as he threaded his way between cars. He found himself smiling as he thought about Tio Johnson’s caseworker, Summer O’Connor. He doubted that she would soon forgive or forget his slip of the tongue. Not that it mattered. If he could persuade her to change her mind and let the boy remain with his grandmother, they wouldn’t have to see each other again.
Too bad, he thought. If they’d met under more favorable circumstances, it might have been fun to get to know her better.
Still, she wasn’t his type. Too serious. He preferred to date women who were interested in a more laid-back, casual relationship.
He’d learned very early in life that there was no such thing as permanence. If his life should prove to be as fleeting as his father’s, he intended to enjoy the hell out of it while he was here.
Chapter 3
Summer O’Connor parked her car at the Northside Apartments and collected her mail before taking the elevator to the sixth floor. Once inside her door she shed her shoes and tossed her purse and mail on a nearby table. Ignoring the blinking light on the phone machine, she headed toward the kitchen and poured herself a tall glass of ice water. Then she padded to the sofa and settled herself against the cushions, enjoying the silence.
There were days when she thought if she had to listen to one more voice whining about life’s injustices, or one more supervisor complaining about lost paperwork, she’d simply walk away and never look back. Not that she ever would. The truth was, she loved her work. Loved knowing that she could make a difference in someone’s life. Someone who might otherwise be lost.
If only she didn’t have to deal with so many fools.
Like Cameron Lassiter.
She sighed and set aside the water. Everyone in the department knew about Kate Lassiter. How her husband, a decorated D.C. policeman, had taken the bullet meant for his partner, leaving a young widow with four children to raise alone. How Kate had gone back to school for her degree, and had earned the respect of everyone who knew her by turning her back on big money to work as a family advocate in the poorest section of the city.
Apparently her son didn’t share her values. Everything about Cameron Lassiter screamed success and big bucks. The perfect haircut. The perfect suit. Even the perfect smile.
She’d had to work hard not to let that smile get to her. The first glimpse of him in the door way with his mother had Summer’s heart doing strange things. But then she’d overheard his sarcastic comment about Tio’s idiot caseworker. She’d show him who the idiot was.
She knew all about guys like him. All flash and no substance. All they cared about was the way things looked. The flashy car parked outside the office could only belong to him. In a neighborhood like that, it was a wonder it hadn’t been stripped. Of course, the people around there had too much respect for his mother to allow that. Still, it would have served him right, flaunting his possessions like a spoiled little rich boy in a neighborhood where people were barely getting by.
It wasn’t that she disdained wealth. She’d grown up with it. Had even, in her youth, taken it for granted. But she’d met too many who enjoyed crowing about every success as though it made them somehow better than those less fortunate.
When the phone rang Summer ignored it and waited for the message machine to click on.
Her mother’s voice broke through the stillness.
“Summer, where are you? I told you we were celebrating your sister’s birthday tonight before we leave for Europe. I hope the fact that you haven’t answered means you’re on your way. I told Rose to plan on serving dinner by half past seven.”
Summer passed a hand over her eyes, feeling the beginning of a headache as she got to her feet and headed toward the shower.
The peace she’d been hoping for wasn’t to be.
“Thanks for dinner, boyo.” Kieran paused outside the Irish pub to clap a hand on his grandson’s shoulder. “It was nice to take a night off.”
“Yeah. I figured you were due for a break.” Cam kissed his mother’s cheek. “I’ll see you both in the morning.”
Kate arched a brow. “You aren’t coming home with us?”
He shook his head. “If you don’t mind, I’ll spend the night in my old room. But I won’t be there until late. I promised Elise Wentworth I’d stop by.”
“I don’t believe we’ve met her.” Kate glanced at Kieran, who nodded his agreement.
“She’s the niece of a client. It’s not a romance.”
Kieran grinned. “Would you like it to be?”
Cam shook his head. “There you go. Always scheming, aren’t you, Pop? I’ve told you before. I’m not looking for a relationship. I much prefer a few laughs and no tearful goodbyes when it’s time to move on.”
“In other words, you haven’t met the one yet?”
“The one?” Cam gave a roar of laughter. “Pop, I’m convinced there is no such thing as the one. I much prefer the woman of the moment to the woman of a lifetime.”
“Spoken like a man who has never been in love.”
Kate squeezed her son’s hand. “Thanks for dinner, Cameron. I need to get home and do a little paperwork.”
“See you tomorrow, boyo.” Kieran turned away with a wink. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“No need to worry. We won’t be alone. Elise is expecting a houseful of company.”
He climbed into his car and roared off down the street, heading toward Georgetown.
Cam had thought, once he arrived on this street of elegant mansions, he would have to check the addresses to find Elise’s place. Instead, all he had to do was follow the crowd. There were so many cars arriving, a valet service had been hired to handle the parking.
He turned over the keys to his car and followed several couples up the wide stone steps lined with pots of ivy. Inside a maid was accepting wraps and directing the flow of people toward the main parlor.
Cam helped himself to a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and made small talk with several lawyers from his firm.
“Here you are.” A pretty blonde took the champagne from his hand and sipped. “I told you to come for dinner.”
Cam smiled. “Sorry. I was otherwise engaged.”
r /> She gave a mock pout. “I hope she was worth standing me up.”
He let that pass without comment.
“Anyway, you’re here now.” She slipped her arm through his. “Come on. I’d like you to meet my parents.”
Cam glanced around as they threaded their way through the crowd. “Nice place. Is it paid for?”
Elise giggled, and it occurred to Cam that she’d had more than a little champagne. “Did I tell you I’m leaving for Paris in the morning?”
“I don’t believe you mentioned it. Is this job-related or a vacation?”
“Job?” She rolled her eyes. “Please don’t say that in front of my father. He’s been nagging me for months to find something useful to do. I think that’s the only reason my mother is taking me out of the country. She figures if we spend enough time touring and shopping, Dad will miss us so much he’ll forget to nag.”
She paused before a cluster of people and touched a hand to the arm of a white-haired man who was laughing at someone’s joke.
“Dad. You remember that nice young lawyer from Stern Hayes Wheatley that Uncle Don told you about? I invited him to my party.”
The rest of the group turned to stare, and Cam caught sight of Summer O’Connor standing in their midst. He wondered if he looked as surprised as she did.
Before he could recover Elise said, “This is Cameron Lassiter. Cam, my father, Daniel O’Connor.”
“O’Connor?” He accepted the man’s hand shake and glanced at Elise. “I thought your name was Wentworth.”
“It is. That was the name of my husband. I kept it after the divorce.” She caught hold of a woman’s hand. “And this is my mother, Jeanine.”
“Mrs. O’Connor.”
Daniel O’Connor wrapped an arm around his older daughter, drawing her a little away from the others. “And this is Elise’s sister, Summer.”
Summer’s tone was cool. “Mr. Lassiter and I have already met.”
Elise looked from her sister to Cam. “You have? Well, isn’t that interesting?” She put a proprietary hand over his, eager to get him away. “Uncle Don said to be certain to tell him the minute you got here, Cam. He’s dying to talk business.”