“This doesn’t sound…hopeful,” Naomi said.
“It’s a process that could take years,” Fran explained.
Years meant expensive. Years meant Mary Louise wouldn’t get to see Allen graduate law school.
“No offense, Fran, but I was feeling a lot more optimistic about this before I met you,” I confessed.
Fran’s grin was lightning quick. “It’s my job to bring the doom and gloom to make sure you understand worst-case scenarios, which in this case means investing several boatloads of time, money, and energy. But…”
I perked up.
“I think we have a good shot at winning this,” she continued.
“You’re a roller coaster, Fran,” I told her.
“I get that a lot. Here’s what we do have going for us. The sentence is wildly disproportionate to similar charges in the state, which is reason enough to appeal. Given the fact that she’s been through several public defenders, we can also argue that Ms. Upshaw did not receive proper representation.”
“That sounds reasonable,” Naomi said.
“We also have you,” Fran said, looking at me.
I pointed at myself. “Me?”
“We need interest in the case, in Mary Louise. The more attention we can bring to this, the better. You’ve heard of convictions being overturned thanks to true crime podcasts and their rabid followings?”
“Sure, but I don’t have a podcast.”
“No, but you have a face and a story. We’re sitting here today because your father passed away and you wanted to continue his legacy of championing the underdog. You, your dad, his connection to Mary Louise through her son, it’s a story, and stories make people care.”
“I get that. Believe me, I do,” I said, sweeping my arm toward the window to indicate the book stacks. “But how am I going to help on that front?”
“You’re the face,” Fran answered. “We want people to know who Mary Louise is, why we’re working to get her out, what they can do to help. And you’re the one who is going to tell them.”
“Uh, why can’t you be the one to tell them?” I asked uneasily.
“Because nobody likes lawyers. You’re a small-town librarian who believes in social justice. You’re smart, you’re pretty, and you’re nonthreatening.”
Naomi choked on her second cappuccino. “She’s a little threatening.”
“That works too,” Fran said.
“Okay. So what do I have to do?” I asked.
Fran interlaced her fingers. “We’ll start small. I’ll set up an interview for you with some local media. I can put you in touch with some PR folks, give you some talking points. Once that article comes out and we get some interest drummed up, I’ll see about an in-camera review with the sentencing judge.”
“What’s an in-camera review?” Naomi asked.
“Basically I’ll ask for a private, in-chambers meet with the judge and district attorney. We can ask Judge Atkins to reconsider the sentence.”
I straightened in my chair. “Wait, the judge could just decide to reduce the sentence?”
“It’s a possibility. I haven’t done any digging into him yet,” Fran cautioned. “But this is an older conviction. The judge may have mellowed a little with time, or he might appreciate the PR boost that comes with criminal justice reform.”
Naomi and I shared another look, a triumphant one.
“I’ll give the best damn interview in the history of interviews,” I promised.
Fran shook her head. “They’re gonna love you.”
“How does this work financially?” the ever-practical Naomi asked.
“My firm takes on a limited number of pro bono cases a year,” Fran said, eyeing us both. “If this becomes a case that requires a significant time investment, we may ask you to pay reasonable court costs.”
“Or we settle the whole thing in one visit with the judge,” I pointed out. “So how do we move forward? Do we need to sign something to make it official?”
“I just so happen to have a retainer letter with me,” Fran said, snapping open her sleek briefcase. “Once this is signed, I’ll pay my new client a visit.”
Me: Not that you care, but the attorney has been retained! And she’s taking the case pro bono! She’s on her way to meet Mary Louise!
Lucian: Congratulations, exclamation point abuser. Welcome to the nightmare of the justice system.
Me: Has anyone told you that you really need to tone down the over-the-top positivity? No? Weird.