Read Online Free Fall by Chris Grabenstein - Free Book Online Page A

best. I’m sorry we won’t get the chance to see him this trip, but I understand—professional commitments come first.”
    â€œYes, Dad.”
    Okay, I’m not a voice analysis expert, but Michael Rosen doesn’t sound as happy as he did two minutes ago.
    â€œLove you, son,” says Dr. Rosen.
    â€œSee you next Friday,” says Michael. And then he must jab a button on his phone because we’re hearing nothing but dial tone.
    Dr. Rosen holds out the telephone. Monae takes it.
    â€œIt’s this button here, sir. The red one with the little phone picture on it. That turns it off.”
    â€œThank you, Monae.” Dr. Rosen wheels a couple inches closer to Ceepak and me. “So sorry to keep you fellows waiting. That was my youngest son, Michael. A very important television producer out in Hollywood. Very successful. Six Emmy Awards. Several other professional citations. You’re Adele Ceepak’s son John, right?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œShe’s shown me photographs. And let me just say, she is extremely proud of you.”
    â€œAnd I of her, sir.”
    â€œAttaboy. Good for you. Monae?”
    â€œYes, Arnie?”
    â€œHave you offered our guests a glass of lemonade or, perhaps, a Stewart’s root beer?”
    She turns to us. “You want a root beer or lemonade?”
    â€œNo, thank you,” says Ceepak.
    I hold up my hand. “I’m good.”
    â€œYou want a bagel, Arnie?”
    â€œWe have bagels?”
    â€œThe policemen brought ’em. They’re warm.”
    â€œYes, dear. A bagel would be nice.”
    Monae leaves again. She has a sassy way of walking out a door. Reminds me of the motion of the ocean.
    â€œSo, gentlemen,” says Dr. Rosen, “you are conversant with Christine’s unfortunate situation, I take it?”
    â€œYes, sir,” I say.
    â€œHowever,” says Ceepak, “to be clear, we are here this morning only as concerned individuals. We are not operating in our official law-enforcement capacities.”
    â€œOf course, of course.” Dr. Rosen shakes his head. “I can’t believe Judge Guarnery signed the TRO. He used to be a patient of mine. Worst overbite I ever saw.”
    â€œWell, sir, the TRO is only the first step in the process. Even when a Temporary Restraining Order is issued under a judge’s signature, there must be a hearing on the complaint within ten days.”
    â€œAnd do you gentlemen have any suggestions as to how Christine can best prepare for this hearing?”
    â€œIt might be advisable for her lawyer to subpoena the police report for the incident in question. Request any and all available evidence gathered at the scene.”
    I grin. Ceepak’s hinting at those neck photos I took.
    Dr. Rosen sighs. “Her lawyer. Unfortunately, young Miss Lemonopolous is not in a financial position to retain competent counsel. She simply can’t match Mrs. Oppenheimer’s monetary resources. And I can’t loan her the money, as I can’t be seen as taking her side in this matter—not if I wish to keep the peace with my daughter-in-law, Judith.”
    â€œWho’s Mrs. Oppenheimer’s sister,” I say.
    â€œAh. I see you are aware of my predicament. I do, of course, have several friends at temple who are lawyers, highly respected members of the bar. I myself work with Steven Robins, a senior partner at Bernhardt, Hutchens, and Catherman. However, as I stated, I can’t really assist Christine without incurring the justified wrath of my son’s wife, Judith.”
    â€œWe’re thinking about hiring Harvey Nussbaum,” says Ceepak.
    Dr. Rosen nods. “An excellent if prohibitively expensive idea.”
    â€œMy mother has offered to pay Ms. Lemonopolous’s legal bills.”
    â€œReally? That’s extremely generous. But if I may, why would she be willing to do such a thing?”
    I almost say “