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| Faith Creek Mysteries |
Hundreds of miles away, attorney Tessa James balances a promising career and an unexpected engagement, unaware that tragedy is about to bring her home.
Episode 2 | A World Away
Tessa James hurried through the doors of Margaret Sanford & Associates, in downtown Manhattan. Troy Garner, the receptionist, was waiting for her with a cup of cappuccino.
Margaret Sanford & Associates wasn’t flashy, but it was powerful — one of the most respected litigation firms in Manhattan. Their specialty? High-profile civil and criminal defense.
“I know. I know. I’m late,” she said, accepting the hot, steaming liquid. “I overslept. I have just enough time to go over the Stoner disposition before court.”
“No, you don’t.” Troy said. “You have a meeting in five minutes.”
Tessa made her way to her office. “Good morning,” she said to the rest of the staff along the way.
Troy opened the door for Tessa. She strolled in, placed the oversized expensive bag and shades on the glass desk. She hung her coat on the rack.
“I just hope Cameron doesn’t go off on another business trip any time soon. We have a lot to talk about. So much is happening between us.”
Troy squealed. He hurried over and looked at the ring on her hand. “You’re engaged?”
“Shh,” Tessa replied. “Keep your voice down.”
“Why? This is big news,” Troy said, admiring the ring. “I have to give it to him — the man has good taste. Two carats with a princess cut.”
“It is nice.” She smiled.
“You’re wearing it,” Troy said.
Tessa admired the ring. She had to admit — it was beautiful. She smiled. She sat down in the black oversized chair and glanced over at the picture of her and Cameron smiling cheek-to-cheek. They were happy and made a good-looking couple.
“You’re glowing,” Troy continued. “I’m so happy for you.” He sniffed.
Tessa’s head snapped up. “Are you crying?”
“You know I get emotional at times like this,” Troy said. “Have you decided on a date?”
“It’s only been a couple of hours,” Tessa pointed out. “I have so much going on right now.”
“Like making partner,” Troy said.
Tessa didn’t respond. She had been at the firm four years. She hadn’t clawed her way out of Faith Creek, Arkansas, just to be overlooked. She worked harder than anyone in that office. Grew up in a town where people still whispered about who your people were, then rose high enough to earn a full ride to Harvard — then law school, graduating top of her class. She’d spent four years in the D.C. Prosecutor’s Office before transferring to New York, taking cases no one else wanted. Her conviction rate was solid. Her caseload now was double what the other associates carried — and she still met every deadline. If that didn’t earn her a seat at the partner’s table, what would?
“You deserve to make partner.”
“I hope Mrs. Sanford thinks so,” Tessa said.
“How could she not?”
“The terrible two,” Tessa said, referring to the senior partner’s twin daughters, also working at the firm. They were hoping to make partner just from nepotism.
“This firm plays to win — and so do you,” Troy said, warm and certain. “I’m just speaking it into the universe.”
“Thank you,” Tessa said, removing a folder from the desk’s bottom drawer.
“Back to the wedding,” Troy said. “I know a great planner. She’s the best in the business.”
“Another relative of yours?”
“Of course,” Troy said.
“I don’t know anything at this point,” Tessa said.
Troy handed her the iPad. “Here you go.”
Tessa skimmed through her daily schedule. “I know about Nancy Sweet’s statement in her ex-husband’s murder case. Where did these other cases come from?” She sighed.
Troy made a face. “I think you know.”
Tessa let out a loud sigh. “Emily and Trina.”
“They’ll keep doing it until you stand up for yourself,” Troy said. “Those two get away with murder around here.”
“Ready, Tessa?” Angie Harris said, strolling into the office. She was a close friend and fellow attorney. “We don’t want to be late. You know she hates it when people are late for one of her meetings.”
“I know. I’m right behind you,” Tessa said. She took another sip and followed Angie. They walked down the hall toward the conference room.
“I need to talk to you about something,” Angie began. Her eyes fell on the diamond ring. “Oh my God, did Cameron propose?”
Tessa’s eyes twinkled. “Yes, he did,” she whispered.
“Congratulations.” Angie whispered back.
“I don’t want to make a big deal out of it.”
“But it’s a big deal,” Angie replied. “Marriage is a big deal.”
“You sound like Cameron.”
“I know your views on marriage,” Angie said.
Tessa let out a small sigh. “Then you know I have to give it some thought. I don’t want to lose Cameron. He’s not only the best thing that’s ever happened to me, but the only positive thing going on in my life.”
Angie frowned. “Then why wear the ring if you’re not sure?”
“It’s Cameron’s idea,” Tessa explained. “He thinks it will help me give an answer.”
“Okay,” Angie said. “So that large diamond on your finger is suppose to help?”
“I don’t want to hurt Cameron’s feelings.”
Angie shook her head as she studied the ring. “You’re wearing it to make him happy, but you’re not sure you want to marry him?” She lowered her voice. “That seems like a recipe for disaster.”
“Angie, what should I do?” Tessa twisted the ring on her finger. “ I care about Cameron, I do. But every time he brings up marriage, I feel uneasy. Is that normal, Angie? I should be excited instead of…terrified?”
“Most women would be on cloud nine,” Angie said. “Hank and I dated for two years. He never brought up marriage. You know the rest.”
Tessa said in a soft voice. “That’s what scares me. You two were happy—until you weren’t.”
Angie’s gaze dropped to her empty ring finger. "At least I got Hannah out of the whole mess." Her voice softened as she looked back up at Tessa. "And you got a goddaughter who adores you. Just because my marriage crashed doesn't mean yours will. I still believe in happily-ever-after—even if mine took the scenic route."
Tessa smiled, thinking of her goddaughter. “Hannah is incredible. I just need time to think.”
They stood outside the conference room door.
“Look,” Angie whispered. “I can’t tell you what to do. I love both of you. But if you’re not sure, don’t do it.”
Tessa looked at the ring again. Cameron's proposal echoed in her mind—his confident smile, the certainty in his eyes when he'd said they were meant for this.
Taking a deep breath, Tessa pushed open the door and stepped into the conference room. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and the hum of quiet conversations enveloped her. Margaret Sanford, the firm's founding partner, sat at the head
Tessa's carefully planned life begins to unravel as devastating news forces her to make an impossible choice.Discover More:
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Note: Faith Creek Mysteries is a work of fiction created for entertainment and inspirational purposes. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, or events is purely coincidental.
Continue the journey with the James family. Visit the Faith Creek Mysteries collection to read every episode and follow the investigation from the very beginning.
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