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.She had on an understated but obviously expensive black pant suit, a white long sleeve shirt, and designer pumps.Her ears were adorned by small, dangly diamond earrings, and on her ring finger she had a simple white gold wedding band.There was nothing different about her at first glance."…I know you don't think I'm a freak," she whispered brokenly."I love you for understanding what Mommy is at such a young age, and I'm sorry this man hurt you by calling me names."Derrick grabbed a few napkins and offered them to her.She peered at him self-consciously, but then did a double-take.She frowned, shook her head, and sniffled again.She seemed surprised about something, but ultimately took the napkins from Derrick's hand."Thank you," she mouthed, wiping her face, and that's when Derrick noticed what was different about her.It was subtle.Her hands were delicate and soft-looking, and there was no Adam's apple.But the facial bone structure was slightly masculine; stunningly beautiful, but definitely masculine.At least that's what it looked like to Derrick's trained eye.Anyone could argue that a strong jaw line could belong to a woman as well.Heck, they'd only have to reference a couple of popular actresses to make their point.But Derrick had met a few transvestites, drag queens, and transsexual women in the course of his life.He knew how to recognize the effects of hormones and the work of a good plastic surgeon when he looked closely enough."Are you feeling better now?" she asked her daughter as she took a mirror out of her purse and checked out her face."Good," she said with a smile."I love you too, munchkin.Daddy and I will be home around seven.Do your homework and kiss your brother for me, okay? Bye!"She ended her call, fixed her eye makeup, and shifted on her seat to glare at Derrick."Eavesdrop much?" she asked jokingly.All traces of tears were gone from her face."I'm a lawyer," Derrick said with a shrug."You had me at 'he has no right to see you, and Daddy and I won't let him take you away from us.' Also…" He sipped from his coffee and let out a long sigh."I was in dire need of a distraction.I apologize."Derrick's phone chirped with a text message.He grabbed it immediately when he saw Noah's name."Excuse me," he told his table companion with a smile."I need to take care of this."I'm still in court.I was able to listen to your message but can't call you back right now.I had a talk with my off-again BF during lunch recess.Some fucked up shit going down at his place of work that has him frothing at the mouth.Head honcho using "that" particular situation we know about for personal gain.Off-again BF wanted me to tell you it's all in motion.Keep your cool.I'm here for you.ABC, your BF, and I will get you through this.I'll call you as soon as I get out of court."Oh, Jesus," Derrick whimpered, mentally deciphering Noah's text.ADA Jonathan Keller told Noah some fucked up shit is going down at the Manhattan DA's office, and DA—slash—Attorney General hopeful Dennis Lovett is using the false accusations against Tyler for visibility and media time.Derrick's mouth went dry, and a lump formed in his throat.This can't be happening… this can't be happening!But it was happening.That's why Danielle Contreras had met with Derrick's boss.Because, somehow, the partners at ABC had found out about DA Lovett's plans and were taking steps to protect their firm.Had Roman's contact called him back after all? And, if so, when? "Why didn't he mention anything to me?""Are you okay?"The smooth, melodic voice snapped him out of his thoughts."Not really." Derrick cracked his knuckles, then wrapped his hands around his coffee and forced a smile."Georgia is a beautiful name," he said, glancing at his watch.He had five minutes to get himself together before he had to leave for his meeting.He intended to make good use of the time."She's a beautiful girl!" she said with a huge grin.Derrick's phone rang."Excuse me again, please." He glanced at the screen."Hey, Casey.I'll be there soon.If Mr.Harrison shows up tell him—""You don't need to rush," his assistant cut him off."Stacey O'Donnell's covering all your appointments for the rest of the day."Derrick's heart dropped to the floor."Why?""I don't know," Casey whined."Abramoff came over and informed me she'll be replacing you today, and then said to call you and let you know you're to go straight to big boss Acosta's office the second you get back from court.I was hoping you'd tell me what in the world is going on!"His career was over, that's what was going on.Everything he'd worked his ass off for.Everything he'd achieved [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]