Heartbreak of a Hustler's Wife: A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page B

taking on a day of saving the world and her clients.
    The lobby of the circuit court building was brimming with activity as folks of all walks of life—hustlers, prostitutes, robbers, pedophiles, lawyers, police and any- and everything in between—filled the open space. “No cell phones, cameras, Bluetooths, Ipods, combs, brushes, nail files or clippers or anythingof that sort is allowed inside this building! If you have these items take them back to your car now!” Deputy McCall made the routine announcement in a firm, clear, no-nonsense voice. A twenty-year veteran of the sheriff’s department, he’d been at John Marshall Courts Building for the past twelve years.
    “Make two lines,” he continued after observing a few people pat their pockets, turn and walk out with frustrated grimaces just thinking about having to go back out in the below-freezing temperatures. “One in front of each of the two X-ray machines, and place everything in your pockets into the tray when it’s your turn.”
    Yarni, bundled up in a long full-length fur coat glided past the two long lines. With the swagger of a woman who was clearly used to VIP treatment, she walked straight to the express lane that was designated for court workers, police officers and attorneys. McCall’s voice instantly transformed from stern to familiar and polite. “How are you this morning, Mrs. Taylor? Cold enough for you yet?”
    Yarni couldn’t help noticing his toothy smile, dingy from years of smoking. She removed her butter-soft, calf-skin gloves, revealing her perfectly manicured minx nails. “I’m doing fine, Fred,” she said, “thanks for asking. It’s plenty cold all right. So cold I wasn’t sure if I should wear my boots or my ice skates this morning.” The two of them shared a slight chuckle, but Yarni kept it moving because she was running late. Traffic had been ridiculous and the clock was working against her this particular morning. The line for the elevator was at least two loads deep, so Yarni used her time wisely, since she didn’t have much to spare. She took the steps.
    Not many people had believed she could achieve the level of success that she had. With her own checkered past it was only by the grace of God and a lot of hard work that Yarni was a working member of the judicial system. Who could have imagined? After all of the trials, tribulations, perils and pitfalls, cat fights and tightropes that Yarnise Pitman-Taylor had been through that she would have made it to this stage in life?
    Like the R&B singer Monica, she was still standing. She had definitely come a long way, she thought as she ascended the two small flights of steps to reach the bull pen where her client was being held until she saw the judge. Lawyers had to log their names and times before being allowed to the holding area.
    “Hey, Riley,” Yarni said to the deputy sitting at the small desk. “How are you? I need to see Tangaleena Londers.”
    Riley took a glance at his watch and reluctantly shook his head. “It’s a few minutes past cut-off time and my boss is back there. I would if I could.”
    “I understand,” Yarni conceded, knowing that his hands were tied. But she was in a tight spot because this was her first opportunity to speak with her newest client. Yarni had taken the case at the last minute, after receiving a desperate-sounding phone call from the client’s mother. Mrs. Londers didn’t have many details about the actual crime to pass along to Yarni, but she knew that the magistrate had refused to give her daughter bail. After Yarni agreed to take on the case, it seemed as if within minutes Mrs. Londers had arrived with a portion of the retainer fee.
    “I hate being unprepared.” Yarni sighed, putting her notes in her purse while Riley looked at his own.
    “Well, Mrs. Taylor, it’s only a bond hearing it says here. Youcan handle that. It’s a piece of cake for a seasoned attorney like you,” he said with an assuring smile.
    The compliment