Winds of Fire

get to it, I'll be in the office half the night catching it up.”
“Good luck with it, Kate,” Frankie called after her.
“I'll need it,” Kate replied over her shoulder as she opened the door and quickly exited.
Johanna came back with the coffee and set a steaming cup on Frankie's desk before walking to her own desk. She settled herself in her chair and held her mug in her hands. “I can't wait to show off the back yard to everyone.”
Frankie smiled. “Why don't we invite Trey, Will, and George, too?” she said. “Make a real party out of it instead of just a little get together with Kate and Arlan. And it'll be the perfect time to make sure Kate's entire shower and wedding plans are still on track. We can see if George and Arlan have their end of everything under control. George needs to plan a bachelor party. I want to see what he comes up with.”
“Sounds good to me. Knowing George he'll think taking Arlan out for a couple of beers will cut it.”
“I'll make sure that Trey and Will steer him in the right direction.”
Johanna sipped at her coffee and glanced at the wall clock. “What time is Kendall Longman coming in?”
Frankie shrugged. “She didn't give a definite time, only said this morning. Maybe she's changed her mind.”
“She did sign the contract,” Johanna reminded her.
Frankie scratched her head. “That's true, but it doesn't mean anything until she pays the retainer and we sign the contract, too.” She was thoughtful for a minute, and then shook her head. “There's something off about her. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's been bugging the hell out of me.”
Johanna peered at her over the rim of her coffee mug and grinned. “You say that about almost every new client. No one forced you to agree to take her case, hon. You're the one who said it felt right. And when it feels right to you, it usually is. That's why I trust your instincts if I'm not around when a new case comes up. You haven't been wrong yet.”
Frankie chuckled. “I know, but maybe my instincts are off this time. Something's not right about her.” She picked up her coffee mug. “You'll see what I mean if she shows up.”
“I should have spent some time over the weekend doing a preliminary search. Just to familiarize ourselves with her and her husband.”
Frankie raised an eyebrow. “We never begin work on any case until we have a signed contract with retainer in hand. Besides, the weekend was only about you and me without any mention of work.”
“And what a perfectly beautiful weekend it was.” Johanna smiled. “Well, until she comes in, I think I'll take care of some invoices and clear the files on your closed cases. Though I have to admit you did do more paper work than I thought you would have.”
Frankie screwed up her face. “Paper work and I don't get along. Never have and never will.”
“I knew that way back in Philly when you'd push it off on me.” She scowled, and then laughed. “But I love you anyway.”
“Good to know.” She blew her a kiss and then pushed her chair back and stood. “Do you want a breakfast sandwich? You didn't eat anything for breakfast this morning. I can run over to the coffee shop.”
“I was too excited about coming back to work, but I am starving. A cheese and egg breakfast sandwich would hit the spot.”
“You've got it.” Frankie grabbed her jacket from the back room and was reentering the office when the door swung open. She quickly spread her jacket over the back of her chair and then walked swiftly towards the door, meeting Kendall Longman who was halfway to their desks.
“It's nice to see you again, Mrs. Longman,” Frankie greeted her cheerfully.
“I brought the retainer check,” Kendall said.
“Please, have a seat,” Frankie said leading her to one of the chairs situated in front of Johanna's desk. “This is my partner Johanna Obrien.”
Frankie saw the glimmer of shock in Johanna's eyes as they swept over Kendall Longman.
Johanna smiled pleasantly. “It's nice to meet you. Can I get you a cup of coffee, Mrs. Longman?”
The woman shook her head. “No, thank you.” She pulled a check from her purse and laid it on Johanna's desk as she seated herself. “It's a cashier's check,” she said focusing on Frankie. “Now I need to know when you can start. I hope right away.”
Johanna retrieved a notepad from a desk drawer and picked up a pen. “First, we're going to need a little bit more information than what you've already given to Frankie. Do you have a picture of your husband?”
“I thought maybe you could find a suitable one on the Internet.” She swept a hand through her hair. “His picture is posted in several articles.”
Frankie frowned. “Do you have one? Preferably a recent one.” She watched Kendall Longman's stiff movements. The woman appeared nervous. “If not, I'll look and see what I can find.”
Kendall reopened her purse and rummaged through it for a full minute. “I have one in here somewhere,” she said in a low voice. “It's not a recent one, though, but he hasn't changed much.”
Frankie noted the same sad look in Kendall Longman's eyes that she'd seen last Friday. It made her want to help her no matter what. As she caught Johanna's eye, she knew by the look in those beautiful eyes that Johanna was getting the same feeling. But Frankie also knew they had to tread slowly. They really knew nothing about this woman, who looked as though she lived on the streets. Usually they got different reads on their cases and then put their heads together. That's what made them a good team. Johanna was more patient and read people well. Frankie was impatient and judged everyone on the first impression. This time, though, their impressions appeared to be the same. They both pitied the woman sitting in