“Yup, and there’s no law in physics for why bumblebees can fly, either,” Lucy good-naturedly replies. “Big fat things with teeny wings. Blllbbllblllblll.” She imitates a bumblebee flying, both arms going like mad, just giddy.
“Shit, you on drugs again?” Marino rolls his eyes at my niece.
Lucy puts her arm around me and we walk out of the witness room. Berger by now has made it to the elevator, alone, her briefcase under her arm. The down arrow glows and the doors open. Rather unsavory-looking people step out, coming for their judgment day or about to watch someone else go through hell. Berger holds the doors for Marino, Lucy, Anna and me. Reporters are on the prowl, but they don’t bother trying to approach me as I make it clear by shakes of my head that I have no comment and to leave me alone. The press doesn’t know what just happened in the special grand jury proceeding. The world doesn’t know. Journalists were not allowed inside the courtroom, even if they obviously are aware that I was scheduled to appear today. Leaks. There will be more, I am sure. It doesn’t matter, but I realize Marino is wise to suggest I get out of town, at least for a while. My mood slowly descends as the elevator does. We bump to a stop on the first floor. I face reality and make a decision.
“I’ll come,” I quietly tell Jaime Berger as we get out of the elevator. “Let’s take the helicopter and go to New York. I’d be honored to help you in any way I can. It’s my turn, Ms. Berger.”
Berger pauses in the busy, noisy lobby and shifts her fat ratty briefcase to her other arm. One of the leather straps has come off. She meets my eyes. “Jaime,” she reminds me. “See you in court, Kay,” she says.
The End