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them or figure out a way to find the money to fund her brother’s defense. She’d already turned down her parents’ offer of assistance. They’d both just retired. She would not consider taking a risk with the nest egg they’d worked so carefully to build. The whole situation was a disturbing throwback to her past. She and Eric, left to their own devices to take on the world.
    By the time the three-hour flight ended, Serena had put the finishing touches on an exhaustive list of questions for the team at the Justice Clinic. She picked up her luggage and then phoned Ian to let him know she’d landed. After she arranged to meet him at the clinic, she rented a car at the airport and plugged the address into the GPS.
    Driving in Dallas was a lot like navigating around Orlando—sprawling highways, lots of suburbs. She had plenty of time, so she took an easy pace, memorizing the details along the way. She’d made a reservation at an extended stay motel, but she’d need to find a regular place to buy groceries, get gas. When she’d lived here before, her only concern was finding her way to and from school on her own, hoping there would be food in the apartment at the end of the day.
    The clinic wasn’t located at the college. It was housed in a nondescript building a few blocks from campus. She parked in the ample lot and walked over to Ian who was waiting by the front door. He locked arms with her in an affectionate embrace that obviously came very easily to him. She resisted the impulse to pull away, half wishing she could enjoy closeness instead of avoiding it.
    “Good to see you again, Serena. I delivered Eric’s case files to the clinic last week so I imagine they’ve had a chance to get up to speed. I’ll sit in on today’s meeting to help with the transition, and I can provide you with some names of private investigators.” He drew back and gave her a long look. “You made the right choice. These are good people, and some of the best lawyers in the nation work with them.”
    She nodded, but saved her words until after she’d had a chance to assess them for herself. Ian led the way into the building, narrating all the way. The off campus location was the result of a generous donation from a group of prominent defense lawyers. A major benefit was free parking, a scarce commodity at the college, hence the off-site location.
    Serena barely listened to his rambling tour. A long list of questions occupied her thoughts, and she was anxious about meeting the attorneys who would head up Eric’s case. Ian rapped on an office door, but barely waited a second before sticking his head in. “Paul, Serena Washington’s here to see you.” He gestured for her to follow him into the large, but modestly furnished office.
    A burly, bearded man stood to greet her. He wore khakis, a white oxford shirt, and a tweed blazer, and he looked more professor than lawyer. His weathered face told her he’d seen his share of more than a classroom. His handshake was strong and firm. “Ms. Washington, I’m Paul Guthrie. Pleasure to meet you.”
    He held her hand long enough to convey his sincerity. She read kind resolve in his eyes and instantly trusted him—a rare occurrence. When he let go, he pointed across the room. Serena followed the direction of his gesture. He spoke, but she didn’t hear a word he said. The tall brunette standing across the room wore a hint of a smile, but her silent welcome wasn’t enough to explain why Serena felt warmth course through her belly. As she took in the woman’s chiseled features and sea-green eyes, she recognized the feeling she’d spent years struggling against. She was no stranger to the pull of attractive women, but a fierce determination to never be like her mother―dependent on others―had always given her the strength to keep her distance. Casual dates, playful touching, but never passion, fervor, or craving. Captivated by the contrast between this woman’s kind eyes and gentle smile