On most Saturday nights I would be either at the club in sleeping in my bed, but this time the answer was neither. I was actually at the office, working on my opening for a case that started on Monday, clocking overtime like a madman. I was slowly sipping scotch and eating cold pizza while working on it when I got the call from David Parsons. He sounded a little panicked but it was kind of hard to tell as the signal was weak. He told me about the situation, and that his friend was arrested and I needed to come down there asap to get him out of jail for shooting an animal in self defense. I took a deep breath and said I would be on my way. After having a few cups of coffee while getting dressed to leave, I managed to get sober enough to drive and made good time to get to this sheriff's station, but I stopped at every coffee shop on the way down to help get me even more sober. When I arrived to the station, all it took was a little sweet talk a few fibs to get the man out of his cell. These hicks were too gullible and Jim was a free man in no time at all. I could tell that despite the brisk air, Jim was happy to be a free man again.
"Get in," I called out to Jim, "I'm going to drive you back to David's place."
"Will do," Jim replied, as he appeared happy not to be walking, "Sorry about dragging you out here in the middle of the weekend."
"I appreciate that," I said, as he appeared to mean it, "But shit happens, and I'm still billing his ass for a few extra hours for it anyway."
"I'll be sure to tell him you fought valiantly and for a long time," Jim added.
"No need, but appreciated," I replied, "Let's get going."
Once back inside the Jag, I fired it up and got us back on the road as it would only take a few minutes to get him back to David's cabin.
"I hope this didn't ruin your weekend," Jim said, trying to sound sympathetic.
"My weekend was already done," I replied, not really that upset. "I was lacking sleep but I substituted it with caffeine on my way up."
"I noticed the cups in the back," Jim said, "You must have gotten sloshed last night."
"Only a little bit," I said, lying again. "But let's keep that between us."
"I can't believe you woke up the local DA," Jim said, sounding impressed.
"I didn't," I said, revealing the truth, "But this early in the morning people will believe anything just to get assholes like me to shut up."
"Damn, you are good," Jim said, as he couldn't believe it.
"That why I get the big bucks," I said, as I cut the corner, "But after talk, I bet you that fat fuck won't even file the paper work and the DA will never even know the incident occurred. If you hear back from someone, I'll still take care of it but forgive me if I don't hold my breath."
"Sounds alright to me," Jim concurred, "I doubt we'll hear back from them either. Well done."
"Keep quite for a moment, Jim." I said as I had the car dial a number for me. Moments later David Parsons answered his phone.
"David," I started once the line went live, "I got your fellow out of jail. Bill took good care of him."
"Good to hear," David replied, "I'll make sure you're well compensated for your efforts."
"Oh, I intend to be," I replied, almost laughing. "You're going to get a bigger bill than usual for this one, David."
"Understood," David agreed, "Thanks for the help anyway."
"Happy to help," I said, as I could hear his smile, "But I need to work on Monday's case, so after I drop Jim off ask your guests to behave for the rest of the damn weekend."
"Will do," I said, "See you soon."
"We'll be there in a few minutes," Colby confirmed.
After I disconnected the line, I looked back at Jim.
"What?" I asked him.
"You two sound rather close." Jim observed.
"He's been my client for a very long time," I explained, "And his company also has very deep pockets so the billing is going to make the effort all worth it."
"Fair enough," Jim said, as he understood.
"Here we go," I said as the cabin was becoming visible. "Man, there's a whole party up there."
"You have no idea," Jim said, laughing a little bit.
"Well, stay out of trouble from here on." I reminded him.
"I will be, scout's honor!" Jim said, making a half-assed salute.
As I pulled the car into the lot, I could see David coming down the stairs to greet us. Jim quickly got out of the car and was greeted by David. I took my time getting out and let the two men have a moment to speak and the moment Jim left to go back tot he cabin, I stepped out of the Jag to have a talk with David.
"David," I said, walking over to shake his hand. "Nice to see you're doing well."
"Thanks for your help, but I might need more." David replied, as he gestured for me to look behind him.
I took a moment to peek over his shoulder and realized I was referring to the young lady that was still standing on the back deck. If I didn't know better, that sure looked like David's young mistress from the city.
"David," I started, "Is that who I think it is?"
"It is," David confirmed, glad to see I was able to figure it out.
"What the hell is she doing here?" I asked, "Does your wife know about her?"
"She's met her, but doesn't know about us," David explained, "She got her weekends mixed up and it's going to be a disaster if she stays any longer."
"I have a feeling you'd like me to do something about this," I asked David, "Am I right?"
"It you can take care of this," David added, "You can charge me double for today's work."
A small grin slowly crept onto my face, and I think David was even a little creeped out.
"Alright, David," I replied, padding his shoulder like a good friend, "I got this."
I quickly scooted up to the cabin and up the stairs to the back patio where Megan was still residing as she was watching me speak with David.
"Meagan," I said, trying to give her a warm smile, "I'm a little surprised to see you here!"
"Ditto," Meagan replied, "What are you doing here?"
"I bailed his friend outta jail," I answered, "Something about shooting endangered wildlife."
"Seriously?" Meagan asked, as she could hardly believe it.
"What about you?" I asked her, "What are you doing here when the wife and guests are here?"
"This is technically my weekend," Meagan replied, "I guess he changed plans without telling me."
"That's a royal fuck up," I admitted, "But something tells me his wife had something to do with this more than David did. So, let's get you out of here now. I'm going back tot he city right now and can give you a lift back."
"And what if I don't want to go?" Meagan asked.
"I'm not asking," I said, my tone getting a little more annoyed. "Unless you'd like me to inform David who bailed you out two weeks ago after your little spat at Club Zee."
Megan didn't respond, and was biting her lip as she had no answer to that.
"Yeah, that's what I thought," I said, aware that the matter was settled, "Say your goodbyes and get your shit. You're coming with me."
"What about my car?" She asked.
"Forget it," I answered, "I'll have it towed. We'll say there's engine issues and that's why you couldn't return and that I offered to take you back."
"You're not that trusting, are you?" Meagan inquired.
"Not one bit," I replied, "I am going to personally make sure you get your cute ass back to the city. So pretty please with sugar on top... get your shit and get in the Jag."
"Alright," Megan said, "I'll be right back."
"Quickly," I reminded her.
I watched as Meagan when back inside to get her things, and I turned to David and gave him a wink to let him know all was well. The sooner I got that brat out of here, the less likely it would all blow up in David's face. I took a deep breath, and patiently waited for Meagan to get her shit and act together so I could get her the hell out of dodge.