Luna @ work chapter
see how she's an impressive lawyer, already a resource at the firm
As one of the few lawyers with a husband, she's brought in on cases with men
we get to see men and her interaction with them at work
attorney/client privilege dictates they be alone with her in cases against their guardian/wife
we get to see her explaining the 'limits' of the law
(age? profession of wife?)
"I want to divorce my wife. When we married, we were in love, she was kind, we had fun. I picked her out of 45 applicants. A few years in, she started wanting more sex, complaining I was falling asleep at night, started pressuring me to quit my job. Then she talked to my boss, got me fired in exchange for a healing, which she then coerced me to provide. Now she keeps me up most nights, so even if I wanted to get a job, I can't because I'm sleeping half the day."
"I'm sympathetic to your situation, and I want to get you the outcome you want. The law says you can divorce a wife by meeting one of the pre-conditions for marital non-confidence. has she abused you?" (no)
"does she physically hurt or abuse you?" (No. She's hurt me a couple times, but nothing I'd say was abuse.)
"does she physically force you to have sex?" (Why would she need to? She just kisses me, or spikes my drink with her saliva, and then I'm begging for it.)
"do your wives give you a day of rest from the influence?" (yes)
"does she sell your sex for money?"
he's quiet, then puts his head in his hands, and starts crying. she moves closer, "it's okay. you can tell me." She rests her hand on his shoulder.
He's sobbing as he explains, "every several weeks, she brings a woman home and when I don't want to, she kisses me so I'll have sex. I suspect she's taking money, but I can't find out, because she never lets me see our finances. Can you help me? Please help me."
"The allegation you've made is very serious. A wife convicted of selling Healing can see 2-10 years in prison. There are avenues we can use to find out if your claim is correct, but if you're wrong, you won't be allowed to divorce, and your situation at home could become even more strained. Have you considered taking a certified Guardian wife? Other wives can help watch out for any abuse or improper behavior."
"I tried. She won't let me."
"And have you considered volunteering for a Healing Center? Men are much in need. If you becoming an enlisted in a Healing Center for three years, you can annul your marriages."
"I have considered it, but that's three *years*. I can handle a Healing Center, I just don't think I can handle it for that long. I want to divorce her. How do I divorce her?"
"Well, we start by getting proof that she's selling Healing. You can file a police report, and the police will investigate. A significantly more costly option is to hire a private investigator. Since you're here in my office, I assume some woman is covering your expenses?"
"Yes, my sister. I really don't want to file a police report. I hear I can be black marked as an accuser, and wives won't apply to marry me once this is all over."
"Any wife who won't marry a nice man who rightfully divorces his abusive spouse, doesn't deserve you." Tears welled up in his eyes. "It's okay. It's okay. You're lucky to have a sister. Most men who want a divorce have to rely on the public male relief fund, which certainly would not allow you to afford our firm. At this point, I recommend I talk to your sister, and find out if the costs of a private investigator are in her budget. If so, we'll go that route, if not, I recommend you file a police report so they can begin an investigation. Sound fair?"
"Yes. Yes. Thank you so much for," he breaks down in tears. "I just can't believe this has happened to me."
She holds and comforts him, "it'll be okay. it'll be okay."