All I Want Is Forever Read Online Free PDF Page A

examples and tell me if you feel the same.”
    Jasmine flipped open the first page of the blue folder. She tapped a forefinger on the photocopy of a newspaper article. “I read about this kid. She gets hooked up with the wrong boyfriend in college. When he gets caught with drugs, he rolls on her. Result?”
    â€œHere we go,” Bill muttered as he rolled his eyes. “She gets to rant about men and conservatives.”
    â€œEven better, conservative men,” Eileen said with a grin.
    â€œHe gets off with a slap on the wrist and she gets a life sentence for drug and gun smuggling.” Jasmine slapped the table hard. “Low-down dog!”
    â€œExcuse me, but little Miss Debutante knew he was dealing on the side.” Talia held up a hand to stop Jasmine’s protest. “I’ll save my tears this time, okay?”
    â€œShe shouldn’t serve a life sentence for being youngand stupid.” Jasmine leaned forward. “Most of these cases involve poor, minority kids.”
    Talia glanced away from the intense young woman’s gaze. Mama Rose had said the same thing about Monette time after time. “Go to it then. Save all those little idiots from themselves.”
    Pete sat straight and looked Talia in the eye. “Certainly Jasmine will help on this one. But it’s you they want, Talia. The DA from your hometown specifically mentioned your reputation.”
    A nasty suspicion took root as Talia drummed her fingers on the leather chair’s arm. “I don’t know the man,” she said in a curt tone.
    â€œHe knows you or at least your work,” Pete replied. He flipped through the report. “And he wants help dealing with the state legislature as well.”
    â€œLouisiana isn’t known for being liberal on law and order issues. The legislature defeated a bill just this year to reduce sentences for several nonviolent crimes.” Talia frowned.
    â€œIs that right?” Pete propped both elbows on the table.
    Talia nodded. “In fact, this is a reversal of their position. But then it might make sense.”
    â€œHow’s that?” Eileen asked.
    â€œA number of legislators, even some hard cases, have said building more jails isn’t the answer.” Talia lifted a shoulder. “I have to say they surprised me with that one.”
    â€œLock ’em up, and let ’em rot? Is that really how you feel?” Jasmine asked.
    â€œNo, but—” Talia cleared her throat. “Look, maybe this young woman needs a break.”
    â€œShe’s one of many,” Jasmine said.
    â€œI’m really busy. Besides, Jas here is damn good. She can handle it.” Talia smiled at her.
    â€œHell yeah I can.” Jasmine nodded. “But you know Louisiana politics and all the nuances.”
    â€œI haven’t lived there in over ten years.” Talia tapped a forefinger on the smooth surface of the conference table.
    â€œBut you’ve obviously kept up on what’s happening in the state,” Pete said. “Jasmine is right on target. That kind of insight is invaluable.”
    Talia pressed her lips together too late. Nice going, big mouth! She was backed into a corner. Her colleagues would wonder if she continued to fight on this one.
    â€œFine,” Talia said with a tight smile.
    The others went on talking about the weekend. Talia spun her favorite Cross pen in a circle. She couldn’t wait to see Derrick. He would get a piece of her mind for the neat little setup he had engineered.
    Â 
    Derrick stood in the foyer of the Chinese restaurant. He glanced several times at his watch. Relax. You’re early . Still, a knot of tension in his neck muscles wouldn’t listen to logic. She’d run from him before. Maybe she wouldn’t show.
    They’d grown up and not seen each other in more than five years. The last time was in the hospital when Miss Rose suffered a mild heart attack. He hadn’t