Surprise Help

Douglas looked at the file morosely. The facts weren't good -- not only did Luther and an accomplice rob a store, they pistol whipped the clerk and assaulted two customers. Moreover, both he and his accomplice both had a track record. They weren't actually innocent by any means. Maybe arguing that got longer than other people who committed the same offense? Maybe a sympathy campaign and angle for a pardon? Why on earth was Elizabeth asking him to do this?

Just then, his youngest daughter, Katie came into his little office space in the home. She didn't know he was her biological father. She called him Douglas. But while Douglas couldn't see himself in appearance in her, he could see his intelligence.

"Hey Douglas, Mom said you have a little project," Katie said, sitting down at the table. She looked at the top document. "Jeez, this doesn't look good. Do you want a helper on this project? I've got school locked down for the semester, so I'd be happy to help."

Douglas still was pessimistic about the project, but he thought it was a good opportunity to spend more time with Katie. He smiled wanly, nodding to her.