The View From Alameda Island. Robyn Carr

      He gave a huff of forlorn laughter.

      “I know it’s not funny,” she said.

      “No, it wasn’t that. It’s just that... I like you, I really do. I don’t want anyone else. I didn’t set out to find the meanest lawyer in the Bay Area. But you remind me of my grandmother... When I was younger, of course. But will you be able to get me a fair deal out of this?”

      She smiled patiently. “Don’t let looks deceive you, Mr. Magellan. Most of the time they never even see me coming.”