Playing Dirty Read Online Free Page A

So let the games begin.
     
    After I left Maria, I was driving down Washington Street, and a call came in on my BlackBerry. I looked down to see who it was, but the screen of my phone read “no caller ID.” I started not to answer it, but then I figured it might be one of my clients trying to call me collect.
    “Hello,” I finally said, and sure enough the recorded prison system message came through loud and clear. So I waited to hear the name of the inmate, and when I heard the voice, I immediately accepted the call.
    “Miguel Santos, is that you?”
    “Yes, mami, it’s me. I’m so glad you answered my call.”
    “What’s going on? What do they have you down there for now?”
    “They are trying to pin this murder on me.”
    “What murder?”
    “They’re trying to say I executed this Mexican dude and his family a couple of nights ago.”
    “Oh yeah, I heard about that.”
    “Yeah, it’s been all over the news, but I didn’t have anything to do with it.”
    “Where were you on the night it happened?” I asked.
    “I was at home.”
    “Was anyone there with you?”
    “No.”
    “Do you have a bond?”
    “No. The magistrate denied it.”
    “So, what do you need me to do? Because we can work this thing out a couple of different ways.”
    “Don’t worry about getting me a bail hearing. I was thinking more on the lines of you taking my case and working your magic so I can get out of here for good.”
    “Well, okay, that can be arranged. But, you know, I’m going to need my retainer fee before I make any phone calls or file any motions.”
    “How much is your retainer?”
    “Come on now, Miguel, do you have to ask?”
    “It’s been—what?—four years since I had you as my attorney?”
    “Believe me, Miguel, nothing has changed but the gas prices.” I chuckled.
    He chuckled a bit himself, but it sounded like it was forced. And then his laughter stopped. “Well, umm, I was wondering if you could do this case for me as a pro bono. You know, since I helped you out and referred a lot of people to you throughout the years.”
    “Are you having some kind of financial problem?” I didn’t hesitate to ask. The mere thought of him asking me to take his case for free damn near sent me into cardiac arrest.
    “Yes, things are looking bad for me right now. I’ve got a lot of gambling debts floating around out there. But as soon as you get me out of this mess, I can get you the money with no problem,” he insisted.
    I paused for a second, because I didn’t want to come off as a self-righteous bitch. But, on the other hand, I realized that there was no need for me to beat around the bush with him. There was no way in hell I would take his case without payment up front. I don’t do that shit for anyone. It doesn’t matter to me how much money you paid me in the past. I can’t live off memories. So, if you don’t have the cash at the door, then we have nothing further to discuss. “Miguel, I am so sorry! I don’t do pro bono cases. But if you tell your judge that you’re financially indigent, then I’m sure he will assign you a court-appointed attorney. I wish you the best!” I told him, and then I politely disconnected the call.
    After I laid my phone down in the passenger seat of my car, I replayed the entire conversation in my mind. I mean, how could he get up the nerve to call me with that bullshit? And then, on top of that, tell me he had gambling debts, like that was going to make me feel sorry for his ass! Come on now, give me a fucking break! He’s a fucking loser with a capital L, and I can’t help him. If he knew what was best, he’d lose my damn number really quick.

Monday Morning
    I started prepping myself for Sheldon’s case before I even called him back and before he officially hired me. I mean, there was no doubt he would hire me and I wanted shit to be in place for the case. For the price I was going to charge Sheldon, I had to guarantee him an acquittal, just like I did all of