Angels Walking Read Online Free PDF Page A

grandparents.
    Not that she didn’t love them. They meant well, Sami believed that. She had just never really learned to live under their roof. They didn’t mind her separation from them. In their eyes, dating Arnie Bell was the best thing Sami had ever done. By now Arnie was a third-year lawyer at a storied firm on Santa Monica Boulevard. He’d be making six figures in no time. Running the country one day, no doubt. That’s what Sami’s grandmother said about him.
    The restaurant was just ahead. Trastevere. Sami could see Arnie sitting at their favorite corner table, looking over his shoulder, slightly irritated. Poor Arnie. He hated being off schedule. She giggled to herself, thinking about something her roommate had said the night before.
    “Arnie needs a few surprises to shake him up a little.”Mary Catherine had grinned at the idea. “Like maybe let a mouse loose in his Acura. You know. See what he’s made of. He’s too safe for you.”
    Despite her friend’s objections, Sami liked Arnie. He was good for her. He had the same desire to be successful, the same sensible spirit. He was loyal and dependable—no weekend motorcycle trips for Arnie Bell.
    No panic attacks.
    Which in a world of uncertainty was a good thing for Sami. But sometimes she wondered if safe would be enough. As a kid she was terrified of two things: heights and living on her own, away from her grandparents. Now her high-rise office and her apartment were two of her favorite things.
    Which sometimes made her wonder if she was missing out on something even more exciting. Something she hadn’t yet considered. Like sky-diving.
    Sami rushed up to the table, breathless. “Arnie, I’m sorry.” She kissed his cheek and took the chair across from him. Arnie was a few inches taller than Sami, with thinning brown hair that wouldn’t be around for long. He’d been a sprinter in high school, but his best athletic days were behind him now.
    “I was beginning to wonder.” He smiled, but his eyes held a hint of disdain. “You’re never late.”
    “The Atlantis account.” She gave a slight shrug. “I got distracted. Took longer than I thought.”
    “Well.” He fluffed his napkin across his lap and his eyes lit up. “I have good news!”
    Sami hesitated. Okay. So they were done talking about Atlantis. She slid her chair in and set her purse beside her. “Tell me.”
    “You won’t believe this.” He smiled, clearly satisfied with himself. “The senior partner told me today they’re looking for me to take on a case by myself next month.” He raised his brow in her direction, waiting for her response. “Can you believe it?” He leaned closer. “Samantha, this is huge. It usually takes five years of assistant work before new lawyers get their own case.” He didn’t give her a chance to respond. “This case is one of the most difficult in the medical malpractice division of the . . .”
    Sami stopped listening. The blue sky through the front window of Trastevere distracted her and made her remember that summer. Sitting at Tyler’s games his senior year, watching him pitch and believing there would never be anyone else for her as long as she lived.
    “Samantha?” His tone changed. “Are you listening?”
    “Yes. Definitely.” She sat a little straighter.
    “What did I say?”
    “You’re working on a big medical malpractice suit next month. You’re handling it by yourself.” She leaned closer to him. “That’s wonderful. I’m so proud of you, Arnie. Really.”
    “Thank you.” He looked hurt. “But I was telling you about Manny being jealous. He’s been at the firm longer and he hasn’t had a case of his own yet.” He paused, studying her. “Did you hear any of that?”
    Sami glanced around, looking for some way of escape. A nervous bit of laughter slipped between her lips. “It all sort of blends together sometimes. The law stuff.”
    His shoulders and face fell at the same time. “That bothers me. I mean, we’re