Constance found it effective to respond to her client's emotions with similar attitudes. Her father had taught her this-Burton Westerley knew how to work people. So when her clients cried, she gently empathized with them. And when they got mad at her, she got just as mad right back at them. It helped to assert her control, to show them that she wasn't some demure woman who couldn't handle the situation. She rarely worried that an argument would escalate into violence. Besides, there was an officer just outside the door who would run in if she called for help. And she was definitely not worried about Nick Veseli.
Constance stood up tall and slung his anger back at him. "Look, buster, cut the crap. They found nearly a thousand pictures of naked boys and girls in your place. If the prosecution can show that you're selling the stuff, you're going to prison for as much as forty years. And even if you get out sooner, you'll spend the rest of your life living as a registered sex offender. Is that what you want?"
Humbled, Nick wailed out. "No! I never did that! I swear! I don't lust over little kids. I'm a school principal-my whole life is about helping kids." He dropped his face into his hands and moaned. "I'll never be able to work with children again, will I?"
This poor man. He seems sincere. She could usually tell when emotions like that were real. But today, her senses were clouded by her own emotions. She allowed herself to believe him, if for no other reason than she wanted him to be an honest man. "I can't really say how this will turn out. But I promise I'll do my best for you." He had no idea how much of a promise that was, coming from her.
Nick raised his face to look up. He took a deep breath. "I really had my life together. Now this." He threw himself back against the chair and stared at the ceiling.
After a few seconds, he leaned forward and gazed at Constance. His mouth curled up in a leer while his eyes scanned her body with a sizzle that she'd never before experienced while awake. "I can tell you one thing for sure, lady. I like my women fully grown." He tightened his mouth and then whispered, "Like you." He smiled appreciatively.
Constance had heard this sort of talk many times before. As a young female attorney who dealt with the least fortunate members of society, she was occasionally confronted with their inappropriate longings. But rather than upset her, Nick's declaration thrilled her-it told her exactly what she wanted to hear.