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CHAPTER 1

“I can’t do this” Ean Fever closed the client folder He leaned forward and laid it on Hugh Bolden’s ih was his boss and one of the principal partners with the New York law firm of Craven, Bolden & Arnez

“Why not?” Froh’s laser blue eyes took aim at Ean’s face His frown deepened the fine wrinkles between his thick gray brows “It’s like all the other corporate litigation cases you’ve worked”

“I can’t represent this client” Ean steeled himself for his boss’s reaction

“‘Can’t’ or ‘won’t’?” Hugh seemed more curious than confrontational

“Won’t”

The walls were closing in on hiard to take in the spacious office It s cos—conversation table with four white-cushioned chairs, executive desk, cabinetries and bookcases The entertainh-definition television, was black lacquer The picturebehind Hugh fraust sky

Commendations and civic awards decorated the walls and shelves But the partner’s office didn’t give any insight into the es of choice And after almost seven years with the firm, Ean knew the older man little better than on the day he’d intervieith him

Hugh shifted in his chair He crossed his right leg over his left and adjusted the crease in the pants of his navy Armani power suit “What’s on your mind, Ean? You haven’t been yourself for months”

Sixillness Ean had been unaware of Why hadn’t anyone told hih”

“To what? Employment law? Contracts? Torts?”

Ean shook his head as Hugh rattled off the divisions within the firo home”

Hugh’s gaze flickered His frown deepened “Is your mother sick?”

Ean appreciated his boss’s concern “No” At least, not as far as he knew

“Then why do you have to go home?”

“I’ this for myself”

Silence stretched Hugh took his s with opposing counsel

Tension ebbed froained confidence in his decision He hadn’t hing the pros and cons, what he felt against what he knew In the end, the tere the same He felt the need to return to Trinity Falls, Ohio, and knew he had to make the move now

Would soh Bolden understand that? The fir the partner wanted Ean couldn’t allow that to happen to him

Hugh sat back in the tall executive seat made of brown leather His expression cleared “Do you want a leave of absence?”

“No” Ean rose, gathering his writing tablet and silver Cross pen fronation before the end of the day”

He checked his bronze Oa atch It was alust He’d already put in more than four hours

Hugh stood Concern was evident in his expression “You’re resigning? Isn’t this sudden?”

“I don’t think so” Ean slid his hands into the front pockets of his dark gray Hugo Boss pants “I appreciate the opportunities you’ve given o”