– Go on, then!
– You go! Shell have my head!
– Oh, she might chew you up and spit you out! Right, Olivia, you sorted this mess, so you can sort it out yourself!
Alison Hall closed the file she’d been reading, cocked her head, and listened. Yes, sounded like her cueotherwise, the squabbling in front of her office door could go on forever, and there was much more to get through today. Kicking off her heels, she padded silently to the door and flung it open, shooting the girls a toothy, predatory smile and arching one eyebrow.
Ladies, to what do I owe the pleasure? Is there a problem?
She barely kept from laughing at their startled faces. It was always the same they froze, like rabbits in headlights. Lizzy looked blotchy, and Olivia seemed on the brink of tears. Wonderful. Thats just what Alison needed today.
Lizzy, would you get me last quarters report? I want to check the numbers. Olivia, come in for a moment, will you?
Alison stepped aside so Olivia now clearly about to cry could shuffle into her office. Lizzy looked imploringly after her, but Alison shot her a quick, reassuring smile.
Go on now. Well deal with it.
Miss Hall, please dont be too hard on her. We just couldnt get a couple of the expert statements included in the file on time. Its my fault, really. Lizzy whispered, fiddling with the belt of her brand-new dress.
Defender to the rescue, eh? I heard you. Off you go. Alison winked at Lizzy. Good choice, by the way! Lovely dress. Now if youd just sort your makeup and swap those glasses for some proper lenses.
Lizzy managed a shy smile and nodded.
I went shopping with Katie yesterday. She showed me the makeup counter.
Did she now? Forget to take your whole salary with you?
Almost. But she said the pricy stuff is a one-off, then you just top up as you need.
Has she shown you how to use it? I cant tell.
No, her cat fell ill so she had to dash to the vet. It was a bit rushed. Were meeting today for a proper lesson.
Right, get to it. Dont forget the report.
Ill be quick!
No need to sprint. Im about to let off some steam, and its best Olivia hears it alone. Keep an eye out, will you?
Lizzy nodded, hurried away, and Alison closed the office door, exhaling deeply.
Olivia! Tissues on the desk. That pretty box, yes. Sort yourself out. Youre not lounging on your sofa at home. Theres a time and place for tears and not in my office. Now, explain why your files are such a dogs breakfast. Its a right mess!
Miss Hall, I Olivia reached for a tissue.
Yes, you! Who else? More to add? Why do I have to waste my time picking up your pieces? Honestly, dont bring your personal issues into the office. Understood?
Olivia flinched, tugging at the sleeve of her blazer to hide her wrist.
Alison squinted. Shed clocked it, then. Oh, the youth these days Alison circled behind Olivia, sat down, and slipped her feet back into her shoes. The joy of being five foot nothing.
Alison had always been petite. After having her daughter Grace, shed gone up two dress sizes and had to change her entire wardrobe.
Look at you, round as a dumpling, she muttered at her own reflection every morning. Wasnt tall to begin with, now Im just a little round ball on legs. No gravitas!
One day, chatting with her friend Anna who had a bit of a reputation as a style guru Alison caved and bought herself proper heels.
Ive hardly worn heels since my school prom, Anna! Why am I being punished?
For all your sins! Anna snorted, watching Alison try out the shoes in the mirror. Stop moaning! Youll be dashing around in them within a week. Though honestly, you didnt need to buy such skyscrapers.
At least now you can see my legs! Alison grumbled. Anyway, measure me up, I need a new suit. No, two. Ones got to be pink!
Heavens, what a fancy! Who do you plan to look like in that?
Strategic wardrobe, darling. You wouldnt get it.
She was spot on. Marching into the courtroom in her new pink suit, Alison left the whole lot judge, prosecutor, and defendants speechless. Only the old hands who knew Alison Halls reputation kept a straight face. There were all sorts of stories about her. Sweet to look at, but shed turn into a wolf in the proceedings. Anyone who underestimated her because of her curly hair and pink heels regretted it swiftly. Alison loved playing up to this persona, especially when dealing with new judges or overconfident barristers.
A woman should be a mystery! shed tell her staff. Take notes, girls! Well. Not literally youd look dreadful with moustaches! I see stubble, youll have to find new jobs. Dont embarrass the firm or my good name. And boys remember, its not about what a woman looks like, its the brains she chooses to show you. Not just in court, either. Got it? Off you go, then.
Alison ran her practice with an iron grip. She often said, There are as many solicitors in London as there are dogs in the park!
We need to be the best! shed declare, glaring at her sometimes nervous team.
Not that they stayed nervous for long. Two weeks in the office and most newcomers relaxed. The old staff, by unspoken agreement, never revealed to the newbies what really went on day-to-day. Alison even knew they had a sweepstake on how long each new recruit would last, and she sometimes joined in herselfalways telling off anyone who cracked jokes about mother of all solicitors.
When youre my age, Ill show you how its done!
She knew they called her Mother Alison behind her back, just as she knew those trainees would one day be her rivals. Alison was a keen fan of Machiavelli and, whether friend or foe, preferred to keep everyone close.
Shed fib about her age; she wasnt even fifty yet. But those who knew her history only a few, since Alison let almost nobody into her private life agreed that shed already weathered enough for ten people. Some pitied her, some thought she was bonkers, but many respected how she handled everything life had thrown at her.
Her story started grimly. At three, little Alison was found alone and locked in a flat, silent for two days, not making a sound. Her mum had popped out to the corner shop for bread, but wasnt found for a year and a half, and only what was left. Whoever did it got life in prison, but that wasnt much help to Alison. Shed only survived because of Molly, a scruffy mongrel her mum had rescued from the street before Alison was born. While the police searched, it was Mollys yowling that finally got the neighboura Mr. Slaterso riled up he broke the door down. He found Alison so weak she couldnt cry, just clung to his neck, barely whimpering.
Little mite. Had a rough time, havent you? Dont cry, love, Ive got you.
It was Mr. Slater, with the help of the local curtain-twitchers, who tracked down Alisons father once she was taken into care.
Are you a man or what? Your daughters about to end up in foster care! Howll you sleep after that? he yelled at Michael, who was too stunned to reply.
Michael hadnt known about Alison. After a silly argument, hed left on an archaeological dig, chasing buried secrets instead of womens mysteries, and didnt come back for years. So it was up to Alisons grandmother to raise her.
Judith Hall, the grandmother, regarded the skinny, wide-eyed girl with a gruff sigh.
Gods sent me a present! Now what am I meant to do with you?
Of course, she knew full well. First, she scrubbed both Alison and Molly till they shone, then fed them porridgeAlisons least favourite. She pronounced them both a handful but promising.
A bit of noise is a mark of character. Well make something of you yet!
Judith threw herself into Alisons upbringing, enrolling her in everything from gymnastics to art, and teaching her to read. Judith, a well-known sculptor, even hired a nanny, Zelda, to help out. Every day was planned to the minute: gym, music, the zoo, museums, endless outings. Nursery wasnt for Alisonshe learned at home, immersed in creativity.
Zelda, love, Ive got a muse today! Take charge of Alison, will you? And Zelda would appear fifteen minutes later, clutching the list for that day.
Make sure she eats the fruit. Kid needs her vitamins! Judith would say.
Alison would give her granny a ceremonial kiss and march off.
To outsiders it looked odd, but it was the best fate could offer that child. Judith could seem stern, but she adored Alison more than shed ever loved her son.
They say grandchildren are the first true children, shed tell her friends.
It took a while, but Alison came to trust Judith, eventually loving her as the second mum she needed. Her own mum was just a blur, but Judith made sure to keep her memory alive with photos above Alisons bed and desk.
Thats your mum. She was good, and she loved you dearly. But Im your granny and I love you, too. But dont forget your mum, alright?
Alison would nod, but in her heart, Judith was always her second mum.
Alison had declared her future by Year 8: barrister, no question. Shed devoured her late grandfathers library and was absolutely set.
No criminal law, though, Judith warned. Youll just project your old pain onto new cases. Pick something else.
When Alison started her second year at university, Judith fell ill.
Dont chain yourself to me, love. Live your life. Ill manage. Thats what carers are for! she insisted.
But Alison was stubborn as Judith herselfshe wouldnt dream of leaving her grans side. Dont be daft. Of course Ill look after you. Wouldnt you do the same?
For five years, Alison juggled university, work, grandma, and her dadwhod remarried a flakey woman with two kids of her own. Alison wound up taking the twins in herself, knowing full well their mum wouldnt cope. The kids saw their mum at weekends but lived with Alison and Judith, who brightened at the new additions.
Right, lets do it my way. We need a timetable! Alison declared, and Judith, back in her organizational element, got the kids into nursery and took charge of their learning, even though she was bedridden.
The twins, Ben and Amelia, started school ahead of the curve, thanks to Judiths unorthodox lessons.
Theyre ready for Year Two already, their teacher observed. Alison asked Judith to back off a bit: Too clevers just as tricky as not clever enough.
A few years later, her dad and his wife moved away, but left the twins. Every summer and winter, Alison took the kids to visit their parents by the seafeeding swans in winter and swimming in summer.
Thats how she met her husband, Dr. Henry Thompson.
She had just opened her practice, stress through the roof, when the twins term holidays came round again and she decided, forget it, nothing urgent on, might as well get away. All she wanted was a stroll on the beach, a pastry and coffee, and to find her own swans.
Each autumn, a flock settled on the towns main beach. One cheeky swan made off with Alisons scarf, and as she fought to pry it from the birds beak, a voice behind her said,
You swear at that bird beautifully! Latin curses Im impressed!
Alison managed to retrieve the scarf, dusted off, and huffed, Must be a learned type. You a doctor or a lawyer?
Why not both? he laughed.
Henry was a dentist. What did the poor bird want with your scarf?
It missed my pastry. Greedy thing nearly had me for breakfast! Alison chuckled, swept her hair from her face, and tried to keep her new fringe under control.
Your nose is bright red. Are you freezing?
Have you seen your own? she snapped, then caught herself and apologised. Why was she biting at everyone who was kind? She relented and agreed to his suggestion of coffee and cake.
Six months later, Henry moved to London, and a few years after that, their daughter Grace was born.
They didnt know, straight away, that Grace would always need extra care. The early signs were almost nothing, but when the doctors finally confirmed it, Henry just squeezed Alisons hand and said, Shes still our girl, isnt she?
Alison buried her nose in Graces curls. What more was there to say?
Judith had passed on by then; Grace grew up without grandmothers. Henrys mother, on learning about Graces differences, flat-out refused to meet her.
Shes not one of us. Theres never been anyone like that in our family!
Alison overheard and after that, banned her mother-in-law from the house.
You can send help, but I dont want to see her here again. Got it?
Loud and clear, Henry said quietly.
When Henrys ex-wife, Mila, offered to take the twins, Alison asked them simply, Where do you want to live? Of course, they stayed and became invaluable to Alison, helping with Grace, sticking to their own busy schedules but always there in a pinch.
Watching Grace grow, Alison sometimes wondered how things could have been, if only But she never let it turn to bitterness. Instead, her caring for Grace became a resolve to help all the young women who worked around her. Soon, her reputation as Mother Alison was firmly deserved.
Back in her office, Alison noticed Olivia half-hiding a bruise. So young, she thought.
Have you called the star for help yet?
Olivia started. Who?
The bloke who loves you so gently. Say you just walked into a door and Ill fire you without a reference.
Not yetI meanno. Olivia let go of her sleeve.
Still love him?
I do. But I cant stay.
Why not?
You cant forgive things like that.
Wheres the wisdom from?
My dad used to hit my mum. Always said it was for my sake. She covered the bruises and he taught her lessons. Well, he taught me plenty that nothing changes. It mustnt be forgiven. Thing is…
Yes?
Weve known each other since primary. He never used to be violent.
What happened?
Silly stuff games really. Hes hooked on the computer. Then the power went out. He lost his temper when I mentioned it, grabbed me, shook me. Ive never seen him like that.
And afterwards?
He apologised, but I know I wont let it happen again. Especially since
Olivia faltered, staring at the floor, hand unconsciously on her stomach.
Alison raised her eyebrow, then rooted through her drawer and handed Olivia a business card.
Here. If anyone can help, these people will. Theyre very discreet. Tell them I sent you.
Olivias eyes widened at the clinics name. Are you sure?
Of course. Dont worrytheyll help however they can. But your partner must want it, too. Understand?
Ill try. Thank you!
As Olivia stood to leave, Alison called after her.
And Oliviamaybe you should stay with someone else for now. You dont need that stress. And your little one will need a calm, healthy mum.
Olivia turned, stunned. How did you
Dont underestimate me, Alison replied, standing up with a sigh. I wasnt born yesterday. Now, go sort your paperwork, please. Im expecting things to improve now that your personal life has, maybe, the start of a solution.
Yes, of course. Sorry
We all have our problems, Olivia.
At the door, Olivia paused, hand on the knob.
But Miss Hallwhy do you care? Why do you always help? Ive always been told other peoples problems arent my business. Mum and Dad always said to watch out for number one. But youredifferent.
Im not. I have my reasons, love. If youre sorted in your life, youll have room to actually get on with work. Cant do much with your head full of worry, can you?
Youre lying, Olivia said with a small smile. I meanyoure not being straight.
I am lying. But see, a good lawyer should do that when needed. Learn from me! Come on, lets get to work. Tell me how it turns out, later.
I heard they call you Mother Alisonthought it was a joke.
Ill show those cheeky sods! Alison chuckled, shaking her fist as Olivia left.
Lizzy, waiting outside with the report, nearly burst out laughing.
Olivia, I left my comments on your last case on your desk. Miss Hall, Mr Potts is here, and your hearing starts in an hour.
Tell Potts Ill see him in ten, and the rest of you, crack on. Poor old horse.
Which horse? Olivia blinked.
You know, the one that never did any work! Lizzy giggled, handing Alison the reports and nudging Olivia back to her desk. Come on, time to earn our keep.
Closing her office door, Alison dialled Henry. Hows Grace? Any calls from Ben or Amelia? All good? Lovely. Yes, seven oclock, as planned. Dont get mushy on me, Henry, Im not finished yet. See you tonight! Love you!
She straightened the photo of Grace on her desk, then glanced at Judiths portrait beside it, and nodded, lost in thought.
Im living, Mum. Doing my best, thats all. Thank you for everything you taught me. Thank you.The late-afternoon light spilled golden across Alisons desk, warming the old wood, the neatly-stacked files, and the vase of fading carnations Grace had picked herself. There was, for a fleeting moment, a hush beyond the doorvoices trailing away, shoes scuffing. Alison let herself settle, chin in hand, savoring the rare quiet.
She traced the handle of her favorite mug, a chipped relic from university. Alison Hall, survivor, solicitor, wolf and mothernone of it felt all that remarkable now. What mattered were the small things: the frightened girl whod found courage today, the shy recruit learning her own worth, her daughter thriving against every oddand the ever-ringing phone reminding her that being needed was nothing to resent, but a prize hard-won.
A sharp knock jarred her reverie.
Come, she called.
Lizzy peeked in. Everything alright, Miss Hall?
Perfect, Lizzy. Just tying up loose ends.
Want the door left open?
Leave it for now. Ill be out soon.
As Lizzy disappeared, Alison glanced once more at the faces in the photosher daughters lopsided smile, Judiths fierce eyes. She squared her shoulders, braced herself, and rose, feeling the click of pink heels steadying her stride.
If they whispered about her in the corridors, let them. If she mothered, prodded, scared and cared too muchso be it.
She stepped into the hallway, where her team waited: uncertain and hopeful, green and bold. Alison raised her chin, bright as ever.
Alright, everyone, she said, voice ringing clear, lets get to work. The world wont change itself. But we? We know how to begin.
And with that, Alison Hall marched on, laughter echoing behind her, leading the waynot just through the days briefs and battles, but into tomorrow, and every story after.
