Sin and Tonic by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0000000000000
Published: 2024-07-04T03:13:35+00:00

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Chapter Eleven

Jasper’s text had me driving right to Low Key as I was leaving the vet’s office and less than five minutes later, I was seated across from him and my new lawyer. I’d expected Zander Nells to resemble my friend if only because I was used to Jasper’s buddies all looking like they came from the same cookie-cutter mold of tall, broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted perpetual boys of summer with too-white smiles and dyed hair as they fought time and age and any chance of a long-term relationship.

Instead, the short, skinny guy who slipped into the booth across from me with his thick glasses and heavy beard reminded me more of a mini-mobster than I’d been expecting. Jasper’s dark eyes took me in with a single flick of his gaze before Zander was whipping out paperwork from his very expensive-looking leather briefcase, gulping a giant mouthful of piping hot coffee like he couldn’t feel a thing, the thud of his Rolex on the tabletop loud between us as he tossed me a pen.

“Sign here,” he said. “Rate is $350 an hour.”

Hang on a second. I pulled back, scowling at Jasper whose smile told me he was sorry but not sorry to put me in this position.

“I’d like to talk about the case first,” I said. “Before I agree to anything.”

“Ms. Hogan,” Zander said, both hands on the table. “I’ve already looked into your case and there’s no way we’ll lose.” He pointed at the paper in front of me while I felt my resistance crumble. “You see this?” I had no idea what he was referring to until I spotted a line that read Munroe County Animal Control and caught my breath. “That means you went through the municipal shelter, correct?” I nodded, barely able to comprehend what he was saying through my growing excitement. “Had you simply taken the dog in, whether he was abandoned or not, if the real owner returned and could prove that ownership, according to Florida State Law #705.102, prior to ninety days you could be charged with theft or, at the very least, sued if you failed to return the dog upon request.” He shrugged. “Lost animals are considered property in this state.” That was… disturbing but I let him go on without comment. “You would have no legal rights up to ninety days.”

“I’ve had Bruno for over a year,” I said.

“That wouldn’t matter in this case,” Zander said. “Even after three months, it’s only partial rights, Ms. Hogan. State Law #705.104 says a finder of a lost pet has co-ownership and legal rights, yes. However, the true owner still holds all legal rights of the original ownership. That owner could file a lawsuit against you, a Writ of Replevin and Emergency Break Order. You could be sued up to four years after taking in the dog.”

That sounded very much like I was in trouble after all. “They can sue me?” And take Bruno?

“They could have,” he said, “except you were smart.” Zander finally flashed a smile at me.

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