Now That IS A BTSA

I had earlier commented in passing about Sydney Sheldon's novel Tell Me Your Dreams..

What follows is an excerpt from the same novel - a conversation between a young married couple in love with each other. The husband, David, is a corporate lawyer working in a prestigious law firm where he expects to be made a partner within a day or so. Being made partner would mean higher salary and being able to buy the dream house that they have identified and decorate the house the way they had planned. The lawyer is asked by Dr Patterson to represent the latter's daughter Asheley who is accused of serial murder. The doctor had many years earlier operated on the lawyer's mother when she had a serious medical problem - the lawyer was penniless and a student then and all other doctors had given up hope. Kincaid, a senior partner in the legal firm, where the lawyer works has made it clear to the David that the firm does not want to be tarnished by the negative publicity of the defendant's case where she is accused of three murders. The firm does not want the lawyer to take up this case. The lawyer is in a dilemma.

Now read on...

When he spoke David said, "I have a choice. I can say no to Dr Patterson and become a partner in the firm, or I can defend his daughter and probably go on unpaid leave, and see what happens afterward." 

Sandra was listening patiently.

"There are people much better qualified to handle Ashley's case, but for some damn reason, her father won't hear of anyone else. If I take the case and I don't get partnership, we'll have to forget about moving. We'll have to forget a lot of our plans. Sandra. "

Sandra said softly, "I remember before we were married, you told me about him. He was one of the busiest doctors in the world, but he found time to help a penniless college going boy. He was your hero, David. You said that if we ever had a son, you would want him to grow up to be like Steven Patterson."

David nodded.

"When do you have to decide?"

"I'm seeing Kincaid first thing in the morning. "

Sandra took his hand and said, "you don't need that much time. Dr Patterson saved your mother. You're going to save his daughter." She looked around and smiled. "Anyway, we can do this apartment over in blue and white."