Page 3 of Property of Yak

I paste a fake smile on my face as I turn to look at my boss. Henry VanDuran is the best lawyer in Oakheart. He represents everyone, no matter if they are innocent or guilty. Much to my father’s dismay. Being the chief of police, his force are often the ones putting our clients in jail, so to know I choose to work for someone working to release them…well, let’s just say family dinners can be tense sometimes.

“Yes, sir. I will get right on that.”

He nods, walking away.

“Girl, I swear he has a crush on you. He never asks me to do anything for him,” Lisa whispers to me.

“You’re not his devoted paralegal. I am. It’s literally my job.”

She smirks. “I’m just saying. I wouldn’t mind riding that.”

I ignore her, getting to work on compiling the Jones files.

It’s not that I’m blind. Henry is an attractive man. It’s his personality that gets in the way for me. He’s cold. I don’t think I have ever seen him date someone. He has no friends, only colleagues. His legal secretary once told me that he didn’t get a single call from family on his birthday.

It’s sad to think about, but I think it says a lot about the man. Besides, he is my boss. I was hired on as his personal paralegal after there was a mishap where another paralegal didn’t know who to prioritize. From what I heard, he put up his own money to hire me.

I’m not messing that up for a quick roll in the hay.

The day passes by slowly. Some days I love my job. Especially when I am researching case law. It’s my goal to be a lawyer one day, so I love soaking up the knowledge. Other days, I hate it. Like today. Compiling files feels mundane. The research is already done. There’s nothing else to learn. Besides, it’s not like I get to go to court. Henry won’t sit and discuss the case with me. I’m only a tool to him.

Fifteen minutes before five, I knock on his door. When he calls out to me, I head inside.

“Perfect timing. I’m about to leave for a meeting. You have those files?” he asks without even looking up from his computer.

“Right here. Is there anything else you require?” I ask as I always do.

“No. You can go.”

I set the files on his desk and walk out without another word. Not even a single thank you from the man, but I don’t expect it anymore. It should bother me more, but it’s who he is.

Besides, the day is almost done, and I won’t have to see him again until Monday.

When I get back to my desk, I ignore Lisa wiggling her eyebrows at me.

“I’m headed out. I’ll see you on Monday,” I tell her.

“Ugh, lucky. Bart is keeping me for another hour at least. Go to happy hour for me. Please.”

I laugh. “I’ll consider it.”

Truth is, I plan to go home and cuddle on the couch with my partner in crime, Tabby. Dad and Liz don’t understand my obsession with my little tabby cat, appropriately named Tabby, but she is my companion. The only one I know will never leave me.

As I head out to my car, my phone rings. I see my best friend’s face and answer it.

“Hey, I’m walking to my car. What’s up?” I tell her, letting her know I won’t be able to talk long.

I refuse to talk on the phone and drive.

“Come out with me tonight.”

It’s a demand, not a request.

“Liz, I worked all day. My feet hurt. All I want to do is lounge around and watch old episodes of ER.”

“Julie Lynne Corday, you cannot waste your life watching television. Even if the kick-ass surgeon shares your last name.”

I roll my eyes even though she can’t see me.