Page 44 of My Turn

There was a stop I needed to make along the way, so I climbed into my Bronco and headed further into the city. The office wassmall, located in a strip mall, which might make things easier if I had to resort to less desirable tactics.

I parked on the other side of the lot and walked to the suite I needed. The woman at the desk looked up and flashed me an overly friendly smile.

“Welcome into Moore, Levian, & Associates. Do you have an appointment?”

“No, I actually didn’t know I was going to pursue this. There’s a case that involves my family. I want to get information about it.”

“Do you know who the attorney on the case is?”

“Moore.”

“One moment.”

She stood and disappeared into the back. I took a Hershey’s kiss from a bowl on the desk and smiled. Even though I hated them, I popped it into my mouth. I grabbed one more and put it in my pocket just before the receptionist returned with a man who looked barely out of law school. His dark curls were cut close to his scalp and he wore a dark blue suit that was more stylish than I’d expect from a recent grad. He must’ve come from money. Most likely, there were prestigious lawyers in his family considering he was already a partner at this firm.

“Hello, I’m Carl Moore,” he said, holding out his hand. I shook it firmly and smiled in a friendly way. “Luna said you’re here for a case involving your family.”

“Yeah, it’s regarding Jaykob Weste and his daughter, Alicia.”

“If you join me in my office, we can discuss that.”

I nodded and followed him to the end of the hall. He held the door open, then motioned for me to sit on a couch off to the side. He settled in an armchair and crossed his legs.

“You must be Jayson Weste, considering you have the same exact face as Jaykob.”

With a tight-lipped smile, I shrugged. “I had it first by seven minutes.”

“Twins always say that sort of thing. Is it true?”

“Maybe. My parents don’t remember. Mom refused medication, so she was a raging mess and dad was smoking a joint before she went into labor. I think he was still smoking up until one of us was halfway out and the nurses had to go find him.”

“That’s… interesting.”

“They’re very free people.”

He laughed before he clasped his hands on his knee. “I wasn’t under the impression that you were interested in being involved with this case.”

“Let’s just say that I want my parents to be happy, which means doing what I can to help them. And if they do find a way to have Alicia in their lives, I want her to know me.”

“You’re aware that this is not a case for custody or visitation rights. It’s simply to establish a conservator for the estate left by her parents.”

“I know, but it’s still important to them. It’s a step, I guess, and they want what’s best for the kid.”

“Do you?”

“Of course. That’s why I want to support them.”

“And what is it you’re looking for here? To say your piece, get information, or test the waters?”

“I want to know the details.”

He regarded me carefully. The longer I was around him, the more convinced I was that he had more prowess than his age would suggest. He was good at appearing objective at all times and his stare felt like it was meant to intimidate. I leaned forward and quirked a brow.

“There’s not much I can do for you, Mr. Weste. I don’t represent your parents or Alicia’s father. I’m here to helpthe court determine what’s in the best interest of the minor involved.”

“Does that mean you can’t tell me anything?”

“I can tell you what the process will look like, as well as what you can do to help. I can give you the court dates and any updates along the way. If you want information about the other parties involved, that’s not something I can provide.”