Part 1
“Please come in and have a seat,” Helen Madison said as she welcomed her visitor.
“Thank you so much,” Elizabeth Winslow replied gratefully.
As the lady entered, Helen immediately noticed the expensive and well-tailored business suit she wore. She also couldn’t help but see that the woman was upset, although she appeared to be marshaling significant energy to maintain her composure. Helen gestured to a small round table with two comfortable looking chairs, and they both took a seat.
“Thank you again for seeing me again on such short notice… Ms. Madison, is it?” Ms. Winslow began.
“Yes,” her host interjected politely, “but please call me Helen.” She flashed a warm and knowing smile designed to put her guest at ease. “May I offer you something to drink, Ms. Winslow? Tea, water, coffee… something stronger, perhaps…?” she added sympathetically.
Grateful to be received so kindly, her guest thought for a moment, and then replied with a nervous smile, “You’re too kind and thoughtful, Helen, and I’m Beth.” Then, looking slightly sheepish, she added, “you know, perhaps a glass of wine would hit the spot right now, if it’s not too much trouble.”
“Of course not,” Helen replied at once, “it’s after lunch, and I have a lovely rose chilled.”
Beth Winslow watched as her host stepped over to a counter and opened a cabinet to reveal a small refrigerator. Beth took a moment to survey the well-appointed office as her host procured two wine glasses and placed them on the table. The furniture and décor were sleek, modern… and expensive. Beth Winslow was very knowledgeable about such things. The entire ambience was one of understated luxury.
“I’ll join you if that’s OK,” Helen replied a touch conspiratorially. She knew instinctively that it would put Beth more at ease. She gracefully poured two glasses of the rose and then placed the bottle in an ice bucket which seemed to magically appear out of nowhere.
“Please let me know if you like it,” Helen said as she raised her own glass slightly in a half toast.
Beth obligingly took a small sip, and she immediately appreciated the quality. She savored the wine’s delicate notes of fruit for a moment, and then she set her glass down appreciatively. “It’s quite nice,” she said a little more calmly. “I don’t normally indulge like this, but it’s been quite a day.”
“I understand,” Helen replied sympathetically. “Most of our clients find us when things have already gotten… complicated. But that’s why we are here.” Helen smiled again. It was time to get down to business. She opened the black leather folio on the table in front of her and looked down for a moment. Then she looked back up, and said, “Please tell me about Steven’s situation.”
After a brief pause, Beth began slowly. “My son was well behaved as a younger child, but around the time he turned fourteen, he just started finding trouble. At first, it was normal teenage mischief… minor misbehavior in school, average but not horrible grades, talking back to teachers, and the like. He would get detention, or I would ground him a week or two. He would behave for a bit and then slip again.”
“I see,” Helen said with understanding. “And if my notes are correct, Steven is now almost sixteen?” she asked.
“Yes, he turns sixteen next month,” Beth confirmed. Then she continued. “But his father and I were having difficulties in our marriage, and Steven probably didn’t get the attention he really needed. Then, a little over a year ago, I caught Steven’s father in an affair, and our marriage ended abruptly. He ran off to Europe with his new girlfriend, and he basically washed his hands of Steven and me. Steven’s father is an extremely successful business entrepreneur, but he is also an immature and spoiled brat. After the initial shock, I understand now that I’m much better off without that man-child. Steven’s behavior, however, seemed to nosedive after his father left.”
“Oh dear, I’m so sorry Beth!” Helen exclaimed. The two women exchanged a silent glance, and then they both took another sip of wine.
“There was underage drinking, two bad speeding tickets while he only had a learner’s permit, a shoplifting incident, and now he’s been caught at school with a not insignificant amount of marijuana!” Beth looked so worried now. “As I told your secretary earlier, I just came from the juvenile court hearing this morning. It’s a more serious drug charge due to the quantity and the fact that it was at a school. Considering his previous offenses, the judge is inclined to keep him in juvenile detention!”
Beth looked more dejected now. “After reviewing all aspects of Steven’s case, the judge encouraged me to meet with one of her clerks who gave me your information. To be honest, I’ve never heard of anything like this diversion program before, but at this point I’m desperate,” she ended almost in defeat.
“That would be Judge Lawrence, correct?” Helen asked politely, although she already knew the answer.
“Yes, that’s right,” Beth affirmed, “She seemed to be a very no-nonsense woman, but she also seemed to care.”
Helen had listened closely as Beth talked. She was already very familiar with the details of Steven’s case, but she felt it was important to let the client tell their own story. She also knew Judge Andrea Lawrence very well.
Helen gave her guest the most sympathetic and confident smile she could muster, and then she said gently, “Beth, you are in the right place. We can help you and Steven.”
“Let me tell you about SFI and our services,” Helen began.