“It’s okay, Maeve. Yes, I know. I had your mother sign a prenup before we married, so her assets are protected if things don’t go to plan.”

  Davina gasped as her mother thrust a glass of wine into her hands. “So…?”

  “Just the same as I did for my assets. My daughter was horrified but as I told her at the wedding, it was her inheritance I was looking after.”

  “At the wedding?” Davina turned to her mother.

  “Oh yes, Jane came with us as the witness,” her mother chattered. “She’s such a nice girl. Getting married soon and I can’t wait.”

  Davina opened her mouth and closed it while Micah drew near, offering silent support. The anger inside her built, but she held on to Micah’s hand. Hoping like hell she could stave it off. Peter appeared to be a nice man, and she didn’t want to embarrass him or Micah with the outburst that would no doubt follow a loss of control.

  “It was a shame you couldn’t get away from work, Davina. It would have been so nice to have the four of us there. But I understand sometimes things come up. Your mother told me you’re a solicitor?” His eyes settled on her, kind and understanding.

  And the entire story my mother spun is a total bloody lie. For a moment, she wondered what he’d say if she told him?

  “I work in family law. Mostly with low income, domestic violence and so on.”

  Peter frowned. “But isn’t that hard?”

  “Someone has to do it and it’s something I’m good at.”

  He smiled and patted her hand. “So long as you enjoy it, my dear. I told Jane when I handed over control of the business that she had to love it, to make the time and effort worthwhile. Thankfully paint seems to run through her veins more than blood.”

  Dinner was a stilted affair. Maeve dropping hints about her friends with grandchildren on the way and weddings to arrange. Every comment a slice at Davina.

  Micah filled in where he could until Maeve disappeared into the kitchen. “So, what do you do, Micah?”

  “I’m a painter.”

  “Oh. Houses? High rise?”

  On much more comfortable ground, Davina held his hand. “He’s actually a pastellist. Micah McKay.”

  Peter’s mouth dropped. “McKay? I’ve got one of your seascapes in my office. Well. My word. You’ve got a wonderful skill, almost magical in the way you bring your work to life.”

  Her mother appeared at the door. “I made your favourite, Peter, darling. Blueberry cheesecake.”

  By the end of dessert, Davina couldn’t wait to escape. “Mother? Micah, and I need to go. Thank you for dinner. Peter, it was lovely.” She didn’t offer the usual ‘I hope we meet again,’ because somehow that would have been rude. Even if it was the truth from her perspective.

  They left, and she closed her eyes once they were back in his car. “So, what did you think?”

  Micah sighed. “I’m not sure I’m keen on your mother, but Peter seems nice.”

  A bubble of laughter rose. “I thought that too. I mean, Peter was trying, which is more than most of her men ever did. That he wanted her to keep her assets to herself too went a long way with me.”

  The drive home was quick, traffic having subsided, and they slipped into her home.

  She tugged off her shoes, released her hair and dropped her bag onto the side table.

  “Micah, you’ll stay, won’t you?”

  “I will. But just to hold you. I think we both need time to work out how this relationship thing is going to work.”

  Saturday was a day of relaxation. Micah and Davina treated it no differently, waking later and trawling leisurely through the shops.

  “I need groceries,” Davina had declared, and he laughingly agreed, having seen the contents of her refrigerator, freezer and pantry.

  Arriving home, they’d unloaded the bags and settled in with a movie.

  “We should really meditate,” she told him, her face aglow with, he guessed, embarrassment. “I’ve got some yoga pants and a bra top I could wear.”

  What a shame. He closed the door on the thought and smiled. “We could. I’ve got a bag in the car.”

  She laughed. “Pays to be prepared, huh?”

  He’d ducked out that morning and dropped by his place, grabbing some necessary items in case she allowed him to stay a little longer. Not that he planned anything, but with Davina, he was always hopeful.

  He’d just reached for his keys when Davina’s phone pealed.

  Instinct had him turning as she answered, her face wreathed in smiles that died away once she heard from whoever was on the other end of the line. “I’m on my way, Jane. Stay safe.”

  Her hands shook as she disconnected the call. “Can you take me to…” she gulped Micah’s gut twisted.

  “Anywhere, just tell me.”

  “The Gerrets Apartments on Hollington Street. Jane—one of my clients—was attacked by her ex-husband earlier today. She’s… I need to get there.”

  “Come on, then.” He ushered her out the door, grabbing her bag and keys as she sailed past him, a testament to her level of concern that she’d forgotten about them.

  It was quick driving, but on arrival, police and ambulance officers milled at the front door.

  “I’ll need you to stay here, Micah.”

  Much as he wanted to be with her, though, he understood that she’d asked him to give her help where she most needed it, but also had a job to do. So, he gave a single nod. “If you need me, just call.”

  He waited by the car, eyes capturing the vision before him as she moved closer to the throng of officials. Whatever she’d said, there was initial consternation. Then an officer beckoned over, and she retreated within.

  Micah waited. At thirty minutes, he moved slightly, so he leaned against the building. At the one-hour mark, she returned. Pale and drawn. “They’re taking her downtown to the hospital. Her brother was transferred earlier. He’s critical, but they had to question her first.”

  “How do you do this day-after-day, Davina?” The words slipped out and now she crumpled on herself. He cursed himself for a fool and dragged her close, across the centre console of the vehicle. “I’m a ham-handed twit, Davina. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  Her shoulders quivered, but she shook her head. “No, you’re right. I don’t know how I do it. It’s… There are so many things that go wrong in these cases. Jane’s case, though, it spoke to me from the beginning. I guess I became too invested in her situation. She tried to get away from him, left with nothing except her purse, Micah. We applied for the restraining order and the judge refused it because he didn’t think we had enough proof. Now she’s lost the baby, her brother could die and all I can do is stand on the sidelines.” Her words ended in a wet and garbled wail.

  “But at what cost to you?”

  “I know. I can’t do this much longer. I want out, but I don’t know what else I can do, Micah. Family law is all I’ve practiced for years.”

  His eyes burned in sympathy, because the cases had heaped upon her, the situation with her mother reinforcing the negative view of marriage. That she could even look at a man without either loathing or fear was a minor miracle.

  “Do you want to go home, Davina?”

  She shook her head. “I should go to the hospital.”

  “Why?”

  Now Davina blinked, but the silence between them stretched.

  “Would you normally?”

  “No. No, I wouldn’t, Micah. What I would normally do is start on the paperwork for an Order. I mean… I don’t even know why he was released, but…”

  “Office?”

  This time when Davina shook her head, there was more force behind it. “No, home. I have everything I need there. I’ll get the paperwork together, then lodge it online. Nothing can happen until I get a court date, but I can request a Temporary Protection Order until things can get rolling.”

  She slid on her seatbelt and satisfied she was safe; he started the car and headed for her home, the entire time considering what she’d said. He wouldn’t press her for details, understanding the confidentiality of the situation, but he could and would offer her moral support.

  Chapter

  Seventeen

  On Sunday, Micah helped Davina with the washing. She was quiet, and he wondered what was going through her mind. By eleven, he was urging her out the door. “Family lunch date,” and she smiled wanly, as if her mind were a million miles away.

  Once they returned to her apartment, she disappeared into her office, reappearing three hours later, tired but with the first natural smile she’d shared all day.

  “I’ve extended my leave. I need time to think and to be honest, now that I have a PA, this is the best time.”

  “Best time for extending your break?”

  She shook her head. “No. Jane’s case hit me harder than any other I’ve been involved with. I think it’s time I investigate other options and choices. I mean, I like the people I work with. It’s a great office mostly, but the work is getting to me. The last week, I’ve been able to concentrate on other things and it showed me I don’t want to continue down this path.”

  “Okay, so what do you want?”

  “I don’t know work wise, but I want whatever it is you’re cooking.” She sniffed the air, and he smiled.

  “It’s not finished, so you’re just in time to help me out.”

  She laughed again and his own mood lightened. “What do you need me to do?”

  Micah passed her a spoon and directed her to the stove top. “Stir that while I get started over here.”

  They chatted while he washed and tore lettuce, chopped the soft white fetta and prepared the other vegetables he planned to toss into the salad.

  Once the aroma wafted through the room, he came over, lifted the lid on a saucepan, and tossed in spaghetti.

  “Bolognese from scratch?”

  “Yup. My favourite version of it, anyway. I add a few extras and since it’s an easy meal, I can impress the important women in my life.”

  She gifted him a mock leer. “How many girls?”

  “Just you and my sister. Oh, and sister-in-law of course!”

  “Just as well you said that, otherwise I think Fenella would be really put out.” Davina wagged her finger at him.

  “Davina, would you come back to my place tomorrow? I need to complete some pieces and prepare for the showing.” He waited, unsure if she’d agree.

  “I need some time to do a little shopping, so how about I head over once I’m done. I have some things I need to attend to.” Her voice dropped to a subdued level again, and he wondered if she planned on catching up with Jane.

  “Would you like me to come with you?”

  Davina shook her head, hair flying. “No. Honestly, I just need some time.”

  He backed off, refusing to push her for any commitment she wasn’t ready to give. “Sure. You know where the studio is, just come through when you get there, then.”

  He took a quick look into the saucepan, tested the spaghetti and declared it ‘al dente’ and started serving.

  Chances were, Micah had already worked out what she planned, Davina thought as she entered the hospital wing.

  Seeing Jane was simply the first step in what she needed to do, having considered long and hard the day before how she’d felt about her work. It had taken Micah’s questioning on Saturday night to make her aware that she’d given so much of herself to her job, that there was little left for her or a life. Micah made her see that.

  It was time to make a change.

  Not that she planned to abandon any other clients—far from it—but she’d be informing her boss that Jane’s case was the last she’d take on and see through to the end. She intended to resign. A plan of action formed in her mind.

  She’d take on a bridging course, though deciding which branch of law she’d move to still eluded her. “I have time.”

  The ding of the elevator reaching its floor dragged her from her introspection and she stepped into the hallway. At the nurses’ desk she stopped and requested the room Jane’s brother was in and moved swiftly, knocking and entering at Jane’s “come in.”

  “Hi Jane. How’s Edward coming along?”

  The woman gave her a tremulous smile. “He regained consciousness overnight, and the doctors said he’ll pull through. They’re moving him onto a ward later today.”

  “That’s splendid news.” She reached out and squeezed the woman’s shoulder. “I wanted to see how you were both getting on, but I’ve requested a Temporary Protection Order, so that’s a huge step forward. Can you sign some paperwork for me?”

  The woman nodded and accepted the papers. “I just want to move on, Davina. I don’t want to live my life hiding from Danny.” She flicked through the pages, found the place where she had to sign, then pushed it back to Davina.

  She took a moment to stash them in her bag. “I won’t promise what I can’t do, but I’ll do my best for you Jane.”

  The woman nodded, and for a moment, they sat in silence.

  “Have you spoken to anyone? Therapists?”

  Jane’s glance, rolling her eyes, spoke volumes. “They’re fine with the physical stuff, but the one I saw yesterday didn’t have a clue about DV, so I’m not sure they’re going to be more than a little stuck for help. But Edward and I are going to see the DV counsellors once we’re out of here.”

  “Good.” Now Davina’s voice sounded rusty.

  Jane’s gaze narrowed. “Are you okay?”

  Unbidden, tears threatened, burning her eyeballs. “Yes, and no. Jane, I wanted to tell you I’ll be resigning from my job.”

  The woman’s face shuttered. “I see. Who will take over the case?”

  Shaking her head and reaching out with a trembling hand, Davina cursed her delivery. “No. You’re the last case I’ll see through to the end. I’m going to stay with you, Jane. I won’t abandon you to someone else.”

  As Jane’s gaze narrowed, Davina sighed. “Look, I said that wrong. What I meant was I’ve decided once I see your case through, I plan to move to another sector of law. I got invested in your case. I feel for you Jane, and I intend to see you get what you deserve, but I’ve realized I need a life away from what I do now.”

  The woman sat there, watching her. “So, what will you do?”

  Now Davina sighed. “That I don’t know yet.”

  The knock on the door signalled the arrival of the doctor and Davina excused herself, assuring Jane she’d be in touch soon.

  She made her way slowly to the exit and turned left, wandering to the taxi rank, gave directions to her office and waited in silence as they travelled the distance. Once there, she paid off the driver and headed inside to hand to documents to Mel, who assured her she’d attend to them.

  It was only when Davina walked back out the office door that she drew a deep breath. Now she accepted the awareness that she’d already begun distancing herself from her role. Davina was more than ready to do something about the way her job had dominated her life. “No more,” she muttered and crossed the road to the mall opposite.

  The seed of rebellion urged her to shop, and Davina wandered the stores, looking for a wardrobe that included new underwear. It occurred to her, most of her wardrobe was chosen for the appropriateness of her work and now that she’d made the break, she’d need more leisurely clothes, comfortable and without the harsh lines of her daily work garments.

  She carried a pile of bags as she headed for the refreshment area and caught sight of Laura, laughing with friends.

  Too late to turn away, Laura caught sight and called her over. Davina sighed. No help for it.

  She settled at the table of the small eatery and a waitress hovered. “Small cappuccino thanks.”

  “Davina, it’s great to see you.” Indeed, Laura grinned and there was only a friendliness in her face, but it still ratcheted up her discomfort.

  “Yes. Timing, wasn’t it?” She answered. “You’ve been shopping?”

  “What? Oh, yes. Your father and I are trying to decide how to dress the nursery. Given this is likely my last chance to indulge in baby shopping, and it’s a new house, I felt I should try.”

  Make an effort. Great, just so long as they expect nothing else from me, Davina thought sourly.

  The others at the table rose and made their goodbyes and Davina felt a pang of guilt as the others left. “I’m sorry Laura, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  Laura patted her hand. “Not at all. They joined me for a cup of coffee while I drink my decaf tea.” She made a moue of distaste and Davina couldn’t help the amusement that bubbled inside her.

  “Okay.”

  The waiter returned with her coffee, and for a moment, she and Laura sipped in silence. “Actually, it’s fortuitous timing, Davina. Your father and I were planning on inviting you to lunch. It’s Austin’s birthday, and we wanted you to join us.”

  Davina’s gut quivered. “Oh…”

  “Look, I know things aren’t easy between you and your father, but we’d love for you to join us. Saturday at Bayside?”

  “I might be joined by... a friend.” Were you even supposed to say lover to your stepmother?

  “Of course, you can. He’s…?” Laura peered at her, questions in her gaze.

  “Micah’s a… He’s a painter.”

  “Good looking?” she queried, and Davina blinked, unbalanced by the girl-friend way Laura was talking. The only other time she’d met her had been at their wedding, and that had been difficult. Stilted even. The only thing she’d kept from all her father’s partnerships was the odd photo. Including one of Laura, her father, and the kids she’d put to one side with her mother’s photo.

  For the first time, Davina wondered if the distance she’d kept between them had hurt more than helped. Would she like Laura if she got to know her? She’d never even met these half siblings, unlike her half-brothers Dave and Josh. Dave, the nearest her age, hadn’t kept in touch, deciding that they had nothing in common and Josh… He’d be about fifteen now.

  Davina drained her drink and rose. “I need to get on.”