But there are bad people in it. Still, if there were
no bad people, there would be no good lawyers.
―Charles Dickens
Luther Crowe's Law Office
Now that I knew how I had been betrayed by my family's lawyer I needed legal advice so I could disentangle myself Arthur Reid.
Seeing as Nat Cohen was the only person in West Harbour I knew I could trust, I naturally turned to him for advice.
We were sitting at the outdoor patio of The Jitterbug Cafe enjoying a soup and sandwich lunch.
"Two lunch invitations in the same week--I must be providing you with good intel," Nat joked.
I smiled and teased him back"You are a font of knowledge, but don't underestimate your pleasant companionship, my friend."
"Thanks, Marcus. I value your friendship too. Anything else I can help you with?"
"Glad you asked", I laughed. "I need a lawyer."
Nat's face fell. "Are you in trouble, Marcus?"
"No, nothing like that," I assured him, "but after our talk the other day I decided I didn't want Arthur Reid handling my affairs. Can you suggest a good lawyer?"
Nat didn't hesitate. " I highly recommend Luther Crowe--he's been a friend of our family for years and is probably the most competent and trustworthy legal counsel in West Harbour."
"Sounds good," I smiled.
"I found out something else about the Yardley's," Nat continued. "Lillian Yardley stayed at Whitehern for a year while her father was over-seeing a railway project in South Africa. He thought it too dangerous for Lillian to accompany him because of marauding rebels in the area and asked Isaac McQuesten if she could stay with his family while he was out of the country."
"That would explain why Lillian was regarded as an outsider by Edna and why she was also suspicious of me possibly divulging family secrets."
"Edna?" Nat asked. "Wasn't that the name of the tour maid at the McQuesten house?"
"Yeah, long story, Nat. I'll fill you in some time but right now I desperately need legal advice."
"Well. just walk a few doors up the street. Luther's office is here on Main Street and he likes being part of the community. He'll probably see you right away if he's free."
I thanked Nat and sought out the much-needed legal advice.
Luther Crowe's law office was exactly how I pictured it--a modest but practical building on Main Street.
An antique brass bell tinkled as I entered and a low male voice rumbled, "Be right with you."
Moments later I was exchanging pleasantries with a older man with salt and pepper hair and a firm handshake.
"Glad to make your acquaintance, Marcus--Nat phoned and said you'd be coming."
"Word travels fast in West Harbour," I laughed.
"Well, I can assure you any words we share in this office will travel no further."
I decided then and there I was going to like this man.
I had enough of my secrets being the talk of the town.