The Wedding Party by Robyn Carr

again.”
    â€œHer daddy is—?”
    â€œA bouncer at one of the clubs I danced in.”
    Charlene took a breath. “Meredith…I have to ask you this question. Are you, or have you ever been involved in prostitution?”
    â€œNo, ma’am! I mean, I ain’t gonna sit here andpretend I didn’t ever find one of the gentlemen attractive…and I been known to accept a gift if the giver is a nice sort…but I didn’t ever sell anything to anybody!”
    Pam and Charlene exchanged looks.
    â€œIf there’s a custody dispute, your ex-husband will very probably say you were a prostitute.”
    â€œHe can’t prove nothing like that.”
    â€œNo arrest record?”
    â€œI didn’t say I wasn’t ever arrested…but I ain’t never been a prostitute.”
    â€œWhat were you arrested for?”
    â€œI was holding for someone one time. He must have seen an undercover cop in the bar and passed off to me.” She shook her head. “I ain’t the smartest girl in town, Ms. Dugan, but I ain’t ever done wrong on purpose.”
    â€œDid you do time?”
    â€œNo, I got probation…and I don’t do drugs, either.”
    â€œOkay, let’s fast-forward. Did your ex-husband tell you why he wants custody of Josie?”
    She shrugged. “He’s married now, has a daughter of his own, and he says he wants to give Josie a nice home.”
    The room was silent for a moment. Two of the three people present were seriously wondering if this might not be a good idea.
    â€œAnd…did you talk about visitation? Joint custody? Any compromise?”
    â€œNo, we did not,” she said emphatically. “Becauseright after I said no he got me with a left hook to the jaw and liked to have knocked me out. So I took my girls to a shelter and got me one of them…you know…protection things.”
    â€œTemporary restraining order?”
    â€œYes. Told him to stay away. Then I moved where I thought he wouldn’t find me. Ms. Dugan, he gave me custody and divorced us and never sent us no money or visited Josie…. He can’t have her now!”
    â€œWell, Meredith, I’m not going to mislead you. This is not going to be a slam dunk.”
    â€œI reckon Jake must’ve known that much because he wanted me to see you. He says you’re the best lawyer there is.”
    â€œIsn’t that nice of Jake,” Charlene said, and though she smiled, she had strong homicidal urges toward her thoughtful ex-husband.
    Â 
    Speaking of the devil himself, Jake was sitting outside Charlene’s office, waiting, when the door opened. Meredith flew right into his arms, hugging him. “Jake, you’re right about Ms. Dugan. She’s just about the nicest person I ever met.”
    â€œI told you so, didn’t I?”
    â€œI have to visit the ladies’,” she said. “Then we can go.”
    â€œThis way, Meredith,” Pam said, leading her down the hall toward the community ladies’ room. Charlene and Jake were left alone.
    Jake stood. “She’s something, isn’t she?” he asked, wiping at a stubborn spot on his pant leg. “I appreciatethis, Charlie. It looks kind of bad for her and the kid, doesn’t it?”
    Charlene shook her head. “You really tossed me a winner this time, Jake. The girl doesn’t stand a chance.”
    â€œIf anyone can help her, you can.”
    â€œEvery time you bring in one of these ‘favors,’ she’s worse off than the one before.”
    â€œCharlie, you might be the first break this kid’s had in her life.”
    â€œWell, remind her to call me to set up another appointment.”
    â€œWill do. Give it your best shot, will you, Charlie? She’s a good kid. She’s had a lot of bad luck, you know?”
    â€œI always give it my best shot, Jake.”
    When he was gone and Pam returned, Charlene was waiting for