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that.”
    â€œIt’s okay, Derrick. I’m glad you came.”
    Derrick felt a rush that left him feeling dazed. Until that moment he hadn’t realized how much she meant to him. He was ridiculously happy at the simple statement.
    â€œI fought being assigned the mandatory-sentencing thing. I shouldn’t base my work decisions on a bumpy childhood. Talking to you helped me work through that.” Talia sat straight.
    His spirits fell a notch. “Glad I could help.”
    â€œI did a lot to escape those days, but I left behind pleasant memories, too.” Talia looked at him with emotion in her eyes. “Thanks for bringing them back.”
    When he took her hand again she seemed at ease. “Then the trip was worth it. Except—”
    â€œI know, the real reason you’re here.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Talia.”
    Derrick was more than sorry. He wanted to kick himself for waiting so long to visit Talia. Visions of a happy reunion flashed in his head. Now he had to bring news that was sure to upset her. She’d turn away from him for good. Still, he’d grown up and out of that schoolboy love thing, right? He’d moved on. Regret bit into him when her expression hardened.
    â€œIt’s not you. It’s Monette, but then it’s always Monette!” she said bitterly. “What is she up to?”
    â€œLike I said, she’s trying to get out of prison on parole. But this time it’s different. I hear she might have a chance.” Derrick pushed his half empty plate aside.
    â€œGot some rich old guy to bribe somebody?” Talia retorted.
    â€œNo, she has great legal representation. A project out of the Tulane Law Center is helping her. Professor James Rand and a group of law students take on select cases of inmates,” Derrick said.
    â€œSo Monette has been able to con them. No surprise. She’s that good.”
    â€œThese people aren’t gullible, Talia. You deal with lawyers.”
    â€œThey’re professional cynics,” Talia said.
    He nodded. “Professor Rand and his students thoroughly check out each story. I’m talking months of research, interviewing people involved and reading the trial transcripts.”
    â€œSo they’re taking on Monette’s case because?” Talia’s eyes held a spark of interest.
    â€œHer court-appointed lawyer did a poor job from what I understand.”
    â€œThat’s it?” Talia grunted. “Half the prisons could be emptied on those grounds.”
    â€œRand has a special interest in mandatory-sentencing cases. Also, this Tulane project takes on cases where there’s evidence the person is innocent.”
    â€œâ€˜Innocent’ is one word I wouldn’t use to describe Monette,” Talia said.
    â€œMonette says her conviction was funky, based on bogus evidence, and Rand knows it, whatever that means.” Derrick lifted a shoulder.
    â€œClassic Monette Victor speak for ‘Hold on to your wallet cause I’m working a scam.’” Talia wore a smile empty of amusement.
    â€œI don’t think so this time.” Derrick held up one palm to cut off another retort. “Okay, I know your mama.”
    â€œNo, Derrick. You don’t know her the way I do.” Talia stared into her empty wineglass for several seconds. She waved down the passing waitress. “Another one please.”
    He watched her without speaking. There was no use arguing with Talia about Monette. The facts were not in Monette’s favor anyway. Talia seemed to turn inward. She drew invisible circles on the red linen tablecloth. When the waitress brought a full glass of wine, she took a long drink from it. Derrick waited patiently. Finally, Talia squared her shoulders and looked at him steadily.
    â€œI can’t blame her for trying anything. LCIW isn’t a resort,” Talia said. The Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women held some of the toughest female