Dorsai - Jan

"I understand. First, I'm not a civil lawyer; my field is criminal law.

For civil advice, I'd suggest that you visit a friend of mine. I'll be happy to set you up with him. Second, if whatever you have in mind*does* turn criminal, I would probably not be your best choice as a representative, for the simple reason that you've already helped me in a more personal way by protecting my daughter from that young thug. I would be happy to assist or guide another attorney, but would not be comfortable as your sole, or primary, attorney. With that said, let me say that I will be more than happy to hear what you have to say, and make suggestions based on what you tell me, as one friend – and I think of you as one – to another."

"I think I understand; I've heard that bit about a lawyer representing himself, and suspect that the idea applies to friends, as well. Very well then, let me start by asking you if you know a young friend of Susan's, by the name of Kelly."

"Yes, I've met her, she seems quite nice and intelligent. Susan has also told me a bit about Kelly's home life; something of a shame."

"Well, it is about her home life that I am seeking advice and suggestions. Kelly and I have become better acquainted since the Phil incident. Acquainted enough that we've found that we share a number of interests, and have a certain affection for each other."

"Indeed? How affectionate?"

"Affectionate enough that we've agreed that it would be worthwhile for her to move into my home on a full-time basis."

"I see. If I may ask, what would the living arrangements be?"

"I have a three bedroom home. One is my bedroom, one is set up as a home office and lab; the last is currently unused."

"That was not an answer to my question, but I'll accept it, for now.

What about the situation is it that you are seeking legal guidance on?"

"Being a minor, it is possible that Kelly would be subjected to some 'unpleasantness' from her parents. Unpleasantness to the degree that they might ultimately seek civil, or even criminal, redress against me.

I hope it does not come to that, but want to be prepared for it, if it does."

"Laudable. You have no idea of the number of people that I see that only seek counsel after the fact, when it is too late. As I said, my field is criminal law, and I can offer you some thoughts on what you might reasonably expect to face, if you like."

"I can't say that I like, but need to hear them."

He smiled, and said "First, if it can be shown that you are engaged in intimate physical contact with Kelly, you could face criminal charges, the least of which would be indecency with a minor; the more serious would be statutory rape or even contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Our local district attorney is prone to use the big guns, so some combination of those charges, and other minor ones, wouldn't be unusual.

Knowing something of Kelly's home life, I applaud you for any comfort or affection you've shown her; I have no doubt that it is or was completely consensual and mutual. I've done some research on you, and everyone that knows you personally states that you are an honorable, reputable, honest person – those are traits that would serve you well in court, if it comes to that. But as you say, the ideal is to avoid that, if at all possible. Let me refer you to my friend, and fill him in on some of what I know about Kelly and her situation. After you talk with him, he should be better able to give you suggestions and guidance that I wouldn't."

"And this person is?"

"Michael Thompson. He's one of several people in a group that I belong to that get together every so often. We aren't a consortium or club or anything; rather, we're basically the best in our respective fields of law, and get together to learn a bit from each other, and make referrals as needed – such as your case. In fact, if I may use your phone, I can give Mike a call now, and see how soon I can get you in to see him."

"Certainly. Here you go." I said, handing him my phone. He dialed, and after a brief conversation, managed to get me an appointment for that afternoon.

When he handed the phone back, I thanked him.

He answered me by saying "It is I who need to thank you. You helped my daughter at a time she needed it, and resolved a problem that I wasn't sure how to deal with. You've also given me no small guidance in how to prevent her from coming to harm in the future. I like you, and hope that we can become, if not friends, then at least friendly."

"I would hope that we could, too. As for helping Susan, she's a nice kid – young lady – and in good conscience, I couldn't let anything happen to her, regardless of WHO'S daughter she was."

"I expected as much. Like I said, I did some checking on you, and you are universally respected by those that know you, whether you're actually liked, or not – something I gather involves a certain amount of professional jealousy. There is no doubt in my mind that any relationship you have with Kelly is an honest one, and to her benefit.

I've met her parents a few times around town, and I must say that I have been much less than impressed with them; if you are able and willing to get her into a more affectionate atmosphere, you have my wholehearted support."

With that, he stood and offered me his hand. Standing as well, I took it, and we shook with more friendship than we'd had on first meeting.

I got to Michael Thompson's office that afternoon, a few minutes early.

To my surprise, his receptionist directed me right into his office after I identified myself.

After standing to shake hands with me, he directed me to a chair, and after we were seated, had someone bring in some coffee for us.

After a few sips, and a little idle conversation, he started things rolling by telling me "It isn't often that I see someone on such short notice, even from Steve. Whoever you are, you've impressed him. What is the nature of the problem?"

"There is a young lady of my acquaintance who is in an unpleasant home environment. I have offered to let her move into my house on a semi-to permanent basis. The problem is that she is 17 years of age, and I – and she – are not entirely certain that her parents would accept such an arrangement without some type of protest."

"I see. And what is the nature of the relationship between you? And what would the living arrangements be?"

"The relationship is one of mutual affection and respect. As for the living arrangements, I have an unused bedroom in my house."

"Mutual affection and respect, huh? Okay, I'll accept that. But you didn't answer the question about the living arrangements; you only told me about your house."

"Mr. Thompson, do you really need – or want – to know that level of detail? I understand that lawyers are considered to be 'officers of the court', and bound to report any criminal activity that comes to their attention."

"That is correct. Very well, then, we shall stipulate that the young lady involved will be moving into that bedroom, and proceed. What are the particulars of the young lady, and her home life, that she is so desirous of leaving it to join you?"

Over the next few minutes, I told him about Kelly – what I'd heard about her home life, what she'd told me herself, and so on, always careful to distinguish between what I'd heard, what she'd told me, and what I'd surmised.

When I was done, he looked very thoughtful for a bit before saying"What you tell me jibes with what Steve has told me. I believe that I've met her parents; hardly the kind of people I like to see procreating. Very well then, how is it that I can help you?"

"Kelly and I are both fairly certain that her parents will not object to her departure; if anything, we expect they will view it with no small relief. However, we want to have some means of dealing with them in the event that we're wrong in our estimation of the situation."