Listen I apologize for jumping to conclusions, but if you knew my daughter Averys sentence trailed off as he sat the pen down on his desk. Taking a deep breath, he continued. So what can I do for you? he asked in a more gentle tone.

Im here to ask for your help not your money. Your daughter is trying to destroy the reputation of someone that I care about deeply and I was hoping that you would help us stop her. The man sat silently as Marina told him the details of Jessicas actions. Its obvious that your daughter has a problem. Maybe now is the time for you to confront it instead of paying people off to make it go away.

Avery looked down at his checkbook and then pulled out the drawer and returned it to its place. So you want me and my wife to be at this meeting Friday? Is that what youre asking?

Yes.

How will that help? All I can see happening is my familys reputation being sullied right alongside this Dr. Hammonds. But I somehow knew it would come to something like this eventually.

Nothing that happens in that room will be made public. Once they find out that your daughter lied, they will seal the complaint and file it away never to be seen again. Avery sat silently contemplating Marinas words. After a few moments, he finally spoke again.

Well be there, he said looking at Marina with glossy eyes.

Thank you! Marina stood and moved to shake the mans hand. Extending his own, he looked at a picture on his desk. Marina could not see who was in the picture, but from the look on his face she knew it was Jessica.

I just dont know when she stopped being my little girl and turned into what she is now. I just hope that this somehow helps.

All we can do is hope, Marina replied softly.

***********

Cecilia sat with Marina at their usual table at the Planet. Unable to participate in her own defense work had made the day agonizing for Cecilia. Its 3:30shouldnt they be done by now? Cecilia asked looking towards the door once again.

Theyll be here, Marina said reassuringly. Here try this it will relax you. Marina slid the cup of tea she had made for herself in front of Cecilia. The doubtful woman picked the cup up and took a careful sip.

Mmmmm… what is it? Cecilia asked taking a bigger drink.

Im not telling its my own special recipe, Marina answered smiling.

Awww come on… you wont even tell little old me? Cecilia asked leaning in towards Marina and making lovey-dovey eyes at her.

Especially you I have to have something to make you come home every day, Marina teased back.

Oh youve got something to make me come home alright Cecilia said leaning in and kissing Marina gently.

Christ! Sometimes you guys are sickening you know that? Shane said sliding her thin frame into her usual chair next to Marina. The smile on her face let the women know she was joking and Marina shoved her playfully.

Youre just jealous!

Thats right so if youre ever up for a threesome Shane moved her eyebrows up and down suggestively and they all laughed.

So how did things go? Cecilia asked anxiously as their laughter faded.

Well I found out that Jessica wasnt very picky about who had she ***** with. I talked to six women and she fucked four of them not all of them attractive either, Shane replied making a face.

Well there goes my ego I had no idea she got around that much, Cecilia said reaching for the cup of tea again.

And I got a date for Saturday too.

You would you hoochie! Alice had walked up to the table just in time to hear Shanes last comment. She nailed all six of them, she said flopping into a chair.

JESUS who didnt this girl have ***** with? Shane asked checking her pockets for her list. Only three of the women I spoke to are willing to be there Friday. I put a mark next to their names. Just then, Alices cell phone began to ring.

Hey Dane whats up? Alice said looking at her caller ID before answering. NO *****??? OK yeah were on our way! Alice snapped her phone shut and stood up with all eyes on her. Tinas having the baby!