Chapter 16

“Do you think he’ll be ready for that?”

“That depends upon how long it’ll be before the trial begins. As I understand it, a preliminary hearing is scheduled in a couple of weeks. The trial date will be set at that hearing.”

“Well, I’m no psychologist, but it seems to me that it would be good for Steve if he was able to face his father in court and testify.”

“I tend to agree with that sentiment,” Lydia said, “but it’s going to take a little time to bring him to that point.”

Then my cell phone rang. I noted the originating area code and said, “This is a business call, and I need to run upstairs to the office.” I answered the call as I hurried down the hall and up the stairs.

By the time I reached my desk, I’d made a decision, passed it along to the caller, and made a few hasty notes on a yellow pad. As I concluded the call, Steve stuck his head into the office.

“Uncle Philip, we’re going out to the pool for a while,” he said.

“Enjoy yourselves. See you later.”