11. PROVINCIAL POLITICS

Richard glanced beyond his tall companion into the restaurant�s corridor, through the polished glass and beyond the softly twinkling lights that illuminated the outer terrace. He still held his cell phone in one hand and on realizing it, returned it to the clip on his belt. Garrett was watching him perceptively, uncanny understanding dancing in the depths of his eyes. �I�m afraid there�s nothing you can do,� Richard said. There was a tremor in his voice, not of fear but repressed anger. He moved as though to pass Garrett, but one strong hand shot out and prevented it. Richard looked down at the fingers on the arm of his suit and lifted his gaze with clear disapproval.

Garrett�s hand dropped, but the determination in his voice remained the same. �You have every right to be secretive,� he said, �but no man is an island, Richard. Sometimes having a friend to confide in makes all the difference.�

Richard slid his hands into his pockets as he often did when deep in thought. His murky blue eyes captured an indecisiveness that became all the more apparent against the premature wisps of gray at his temples. There was something remarkably dignified about him, poised as he was between the temptation of trusting another individual and maintaining the indifference that made him so formidable in court. For a moment he wavered; his lips parted slightly and nearly brought forth words, but then hesitated. �I thank you for your concern,� he said, maintaining the same calm that suited him so well at the bar, �but there really is nothing you can do. Now, let us return to the table before my wife becomes thoroughly vexed with me.�

He knew by the expression in his companion�s eyes that he was far from reassured, but Garrett was not one to push where he wasn�t wanted and allowed the moment to pass. Richard smiled, all traces of concern fading from his posture as he approached the matre�d. They spoke in low tones and Richard then returned to the table. Their wives were engaged in animated discussion as they approached, the topic at hand remaining on the topic of camping.

�If you never go camping, Charity, you will miss out on one of life�s most provincial pleasures.�

� �Provincial� is right,� came the jaded response, �although �rustic� also comes to mind. I grew up in the country. Sleeping on the ground, contending with insects and vermin, and cooking over an open fire hardly appeal to me. I would never agree unless there was a wood cabin involved, with running water and electricity so I can plug in my computer�and don�t give me any nonsense about �needing to get away.� Without my work, I would go absolutely out of my mind.�

�Spoken like a true workaholic,� her husband teased as he settled into his chair.

�You should know, taking business calls in the middle of dinner. I trust it was worthwhile?�

She noticed the slight glance her husband shot Garrett across the table as Richard picked up his knife and replied, �Yes, it was quite productive; last minute arrangements before the holidays. The office is in pandemonium, with the news of the DA�s retirement.�

�I did hear about that,� Carissa remarked. �He doesn�t seem old enough to retire. Isn�t it a bit premature�or are politics involved?�

�It�s all politics,� Richard reassured her. �He and the governor disagreed on the handling of a certain case. It was suggested to him that he retire, which is unfortunate since Brandon has always been a fair man in office. I�ll be sorry to see him go.�

Garrett suddenly inquired, �Have you thought of running, Richard?�

Silence fell over the table, amidst the low voices of other guests and the violin softly playing in the background. His presumption that the phone call had something to do with the affair was strengthened in the weighty pause before, a glimmer of respect in his eyes, Richard replied, �It had been suggested to me.�