The Fallen Angels Book Club Read Online Free

same way as in our book club selection .
    I got up and checked in for a second time with the receptionist, who was multitasking—acknowledging me with a nod while murmuring into the phone and typing energetically. Boone’s building was only a few blocks from the one where I worked. Not as upscale as Triple D, his office was located in one of the downtown Victorians in a quiet setting without any real view. After a few moments, Clay came out, extending one beefy hand as he directed me down the hall to his office.
    â€œHollis, sorry to keep you waiting. Come on in. How are things going?” He pointed to one of two black leather chairs facing his desk.
    â€œThings are going well. I’ve started on my pardon statement. I’ve identified all my references and I should be able to have everything to you by the end of May.”
    Boone epitomized self-assurance. Since I’ve known him, he’s made me feel that if anything could be done, he not only could, but would, do it. I know a lot of attorneys. When I went looking for one to help me file and obtain a Certificate of Rehabilitation, his name was first on my list. It’s too bad he didn’t work at Triple D. Legal fees were costing me megabucks, but as far as I was concerned, my privacy was priceless. Research told me Boone had successfully represented many ex-felons. He knew what it took to get the desired court decision. I trusted him. Looking at him now, I could see something was wrong.
    He pursed his thin lips and shook his head. “You’re going to have to move a little faster. Judge Pine announced his retirement at the end of the summer. He’s known to be a strong supporter of the rehabilitation program. However, he’s being replaced by Judge Mathis who is … well, let’s just say he’s not soft on crime.”
    Great.
    My heart beat a little faster. “When do I have to have it all done?”
    â€œI need your paperwork by the first week in May.”
    â€œYou’ve got to be kidding. That’s only six weeks!”
    â€œI know it’s a little tight, but it’s important we get the right judge.”
    â€œBelieve me. No one knows that better than I do.”
    He held up his hand. “You can do this. How many references are you missing?”
    â€œWell, I don’t have any yet. I know who I have to ask, but I wanted to get the notice that I qualified first.”
    The most critical reference would come from my employer. After paralegal school, I didn’t lie on my employment application about my conviction. My current boss, Avery Mitchell, knew my circumstances. He interviewed me through a temp agency. Unlike the several other law firms I interviewed with, he gave me the break I needed.
    Clay sat up. “Well, now you’ve got the notice. It’s time to get moving. We can’t let this window close. If you wait, we have to assume it’ll take one to two months for your petition to make its way through the system again. We don’t want to be given a judge like Mathis midstream. You need to finish your statement as soon as possible. Judge Pine likes to have plenty of time to read a petitioner’s request.”
    â€œI’ve got it outlined.” I put the events of the last couple of days out of my mind and energized my voice to sound upbeat. “I just need to write it. I can be finished with a draft by the end of next week, along with securing my first reference.”
    â€œGood, good. Let me see the rough draft as soon as you finish.” He glanced over at the clock. “Is there anything else?”
    It briefly crossed my mind to mention Rory’s murder. Instead, I lied and shook my head.

CHAPTER THREE
    T he next morning was Saturday and I was on a mission. I had a statement to write. Clearing the kitchen table, I opened my laptop and listed the points I needed to cover. I could only imagine what Boone would say about my application if he knew I