Martha had baked a pecan pie, which made her even more popular than usual with the teenagers, Kristin and Kevin. After the pie had been demolished and the adults were sipping the last of their coffee, Martha dropped a bomb not at all popular with me. “I’m going to be away probably all next week,” Martha said. “We’re trying a civil case in Duluth and the lead attorney wants me to be second chair.” “Congratulations,” Carol said. “That could be great experience for you.” “Take your long johns,” Al said. “If you think it’s cold here, wait until you feel the winter wind whipping off Lake Superior.” “Who’s the lead attorney,” I said. I had visions of Martha spending a week in the same hotel with an up-and-coming law office stud muffin. “Sara Norris,” Martha said. “You met her at the Christmas party.” Indeed, I had met Sara. She was slim, brunette, in her early forties, and best of all, the married mother of two teenagers. “How am I going to keep warm while you’re gone all next week?”
