I write down all of what they’ve told me, my mind working double speed. This is going to be a big and long case. It’s a medical mistake that’s resulted in severe disability. They might want to sue the hospital as well as the doctor. They’ll ask for a big compensation. It’s going to be tedious. Something that would require me to disrupt my whole life for weeks, possibly months. I get shivers just thinking about everything I would need to adapt. Plus, the reason for which they’re seeking legal counsel makes sense, but why did they want to work with me specifically? That part doesn’t make any sense. No one’s ever asked for my services in particular, especially not for a case of this size.

Once I’m done with my notes, I put my pen down and link my fingers in front of me. “First, I’d like to say I’m very sorry that happened to you, and I’ll be happy to talk to you about your options going forward after today. From what you’ve told me, I think you have enough here to build a strong case.” I look up to find Martina and Dennis gazing at each other, but Aaron’s eyes are straight on me. They look so much more alive than the first time we met, but still so sad.

It causes something in my chest to pinch. His life hasn’t gotten any better since the bar this summer—far from it. For some reason, it makes me uneasy.

I toy with my bracelet.

“But I’m actually not the most experienced at Silver & Prescott for medical liability cases, so I will—” I lean down to grab my bag, then pull out a card from the pocket where I leave them, “—give you the names of some of the best attorneys we have who specialize in cases like these.”

I hand the card to Martina, who takes it with a shaky hand, her eyebrows high.

“There’s a number on this card from the branch of the firm that’s located in Windsor, which is also going to be much closer for you. Just ask for Randall Stevenson. He’s the best.” I realize all this probably sounded dry, so I add a tight smile.

I wish I could help them more, but I didn’t lie. This isn’t my specialty. Sure, I’ve done a few medical liability cases over the past two years, but I’d rather they be with the best. They look like good people, and they deserve to win this. And that’s without taking into account all the personal reasons why working all the way up here would be less than ideal for me.

Aaron’s eyes are narrowed, an emotion I can’t quite pinpoint in them. He’s still holding his father’s hand, grip tight.