Read Fox is Framed for Free Online Page B

delicate-fingered hands, and dark hair swept back from a no-bullshit face. She wore suit pants and a sleeveless blouse, and she studied her BlackBerry as she walked.
    â€œMarcella, who are all these people? I told you I’m booked solid today.”
    Her receptionist just shrugged, not taking her eyes from the phone screen. “They say they want to see you. I tell them you’re booked, but they think if they wait, then maybe . . .”
    â€œExcuse me for a moment,” Nina said to my father. Putting a hand on my arm, she stepped around me. “I’m not taking new clients now,” she announced to the room. “Even if I were, I wouldn’t have time today. And even if I had time, you’d need appointments. Marcella can give you the names of attorneys I refer cases to. Other­wise, I’m afraid you’re only wasting your time.”
    The man in red started to rise, but she turned without seeing him, the room instantly becoming invisible to her, her body language communicating refusal so clearly and forcefully that the pimp sat back down.
    Nina held the door as we filed into an inner hallway, me lugging the file box. As the door closed I heard her would-be clients begin talking all at once.
    â€œYou’re having to beat them off,” I said. She was an attractive woman and I wanted her to notice me.
    â€œI swear to God, if it weren’t for the trouble of having to hire someone to replace her, Marcella would be out on the street.” Nina showed us past a small, cluttered office and a tiny kitchen to a small conference room. On the table were a vase of lilies, a water pitcher, a coffee carafe, and three fresh legal pads and pens. “Nina Schuyler,” she said. “Call me Nina. Please, set down your things.”
    I put the box on the floor and we took our seats. “I’ve followed your case with interest. And was thrilled to get the draw. I’ve read the court’s order, and I’ve read the briefs. Yours was well done,” she said to Teddy, who simply nodded. Despite all her years practicing in the city, she made no direct acknowledgment of his reputation. Lawrence introduced Dot, and Nina graciously took her hand.
    I gave her one of my cards. “Leo Maxwell.”
    She placed the card on the pad in front of her. “Here are my ground rules. Right now, it’s a bit crowded in this room for my taste. I’m happy to keep the two of you informed, but you shouldn’t expect to be included in decisions. You’ll sit in the gallery, not at the counsel table. You won’t be second chairing this trial. This is a vessel with one captain, and that captain is me.”
    â€œOkay,” I said. She appeared not to notice the look my father was giving her. “You want Teddy and me to take a walk?”
    She considered the question. “No. You can stay. You all can, for now.” She turned a few pages of the file in front of her, which as yet was thin. “We’re set for a probable cause hearing next Friday,” she said, reading from her notes. “According to the court’s order, motions to dismiss will be heard at that time. Briefing is due”—she consulted the file again—“in two days.”
    â€œLeo can handle that,” my father said. “I don’t want us asking for a delay.”
    I offered her an apologetic look, only to be shut out by the intensity of her focus. “It would be a mistake to give the state more time,” she said, carefully returning Lawrence’s stare. “You know how they’re using this time.”
    He held her gaze grudgingly, then looked away. “I have a pretty good idea.”
    Nina leaned slightly back in her chair, now including me, Teddy, and Dot in her attention. “They’re interviewing your old cell mates, everyone you might have spoken to during all those twenty-one years you spent in prison. Most men who do time, like you, make