“You got my email and you’re coming for Thanksgiving. You and Elle, of course.” She winced that she’d almost forgotten to mention Patrick’s longtime girlfriend. They’d been living together for nearly two years, but Lucy and Elle butted heads when they were in the same room. Maybe because they didn’t always agree on criminal justice issues, and maybe because Patrick was her brother and she didn’t think that Elle was quite good enough. Sean had pointed out more than once that Patrick hadn’t liked the idea of Sean—his business partner and friend—getting involved with his sister and yet Patrick had come around.

Lucy tried to explain that this was different, but she knew that it wasn’t. Patrick loved Elle, and Lucy had to find a way to like her. They’d both tried when Lucy was in DC in May, even going out for coffee a few times. It had been awkward, but she didn’t want anything to come between her and her brother.

“Actually…,” Patrick said.

And she knew.

“Elle’s in the middle of a big case,” he continued, “and we don’t know if she’ll be done before Thanksgiving. She can’t just walk out in the middle of it. There are three kids at stake. Their dad is nowhere to be found, their drug addict mother is in jail for possession with intent, and CPS split them up because the oldest has been in trouble. We’re going to try, Luce, I promise, but I can’t guarantee.”

“I understand,” she said, but she really didn’t. Yes, she understood why Elle couldn’t leave. The one thing she admired about Patrick’s girlfriend was that the lawyer fought for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. But couldn’t Patrick come out for one night? Would it kill them to be apart for a day?

“Luce, you don’t sound like you understand.”

“Let me know. I won’t force you to give me an answer, okay? I just want to see you. I miss you.”

“I miss you, too, Sis. I promise, we’ll really try. How’s work? Sean told me about the flooding and the prison escape.”

“All good,” she said, though knew this was just small talk. Sean and Patrick worked together remotely on many projects, and Patrick talked to Sean more than he talked to her.

Lucy heard her name and looked up to see her boss, Rachel Vaughn, motioning for her to come to her office.

“I have to go, my boss just called me in for a meeting.”

“I mean what I said, Lucy. I will do everything possible to come out.”

“I know you will. Love you.” She hung up.

Maybe Rachel had a meaty case for her that would keep her mind off her family this week.