All I Want Is Forever by Lynn Emery

the most cursory examination shows the obvious; poor people end up in jail more often and with longer sentences.” Jim set his mug down with a thump.
    â€œWhich doesn’t mean they’re not guilty,” Talia said. “Something the critics are quick to point out.”
    â€œWe’re not trying to help people get away with crimes. If one segment of the population committing similar offenses gets the benefit of probation, shouldn’t everyone?” He leaned forward.
    â€œOkay, granted. But people should be held accountable for breaking the law.” Talia lifted a shoulder.
    â€œI thought she was here to help us.” Jim wore a crooked grin as he drank more coffee.
    â€œI see her point, Jim. We have to answer the opponents,” Marti replied.
    â€œExactly, especially since they have valid arguments,” Talia said. “There is no such thing as a victimless crime when you get right down to it.”
    â€œNot everyone sent to prison is guilty. Even those who did the crime shouldn’t do the time longer because they’re poor or Black,” Jim countered.
    â€œLiberals use those arguments. They’re not in control at the moment.”
    â€œDon’t I know it.” Jim looked at Talia hard again. “I hear your firm usually comes down on the right of most issues.”
    â€œTrue, but my boss doesn’t follow strict party lines. Pete likes to make his own decisions on individual issues.” Talia took another folder from her briefcase.
    â€œWhat about you?” Jim’s bushy eyebrows arched over his dark eyes.
    Talia decided honesty was the best route to take. “I’ll admit to mixed feelings on the issue.”
    â€œHave you been the victim of a crime?” he asked.
    â€œWe all pay one way or another,” Talia said smoothly.
    â€œWell, I’ve been a victim. Some little creeps broke into my condo six years ago. I’d like to get my hands on ’em, too!” Marti wore a fierce expression.
    â€œThere you go. A typical gut reaction to crime.” Talia nodded at Marti. “You’ve got to do a lot better than trying to get the public to feel sorry for convicted felons.” She wanted to steer them away from the personal.
    â€œWhich is why I’m interested in your thoughts.” Marti got up and poured more coffee into her mug.
    â€œThe wording in Senator Jackson’s bill should change. Take the bite out of your opponent’s best argument.” Talia glanced from Marti to Jim Rand. “Emphasize getting tough on crime.”
    â€œWhat?” Jim wore a puzzled frown. He took off his glasses.
    â€œYou’re joking.” Marti blinked at her.
    Talia sat forward. “Listen, I’ve seen the polls from his district. The biggest fear after job security is crime. Some of the poorest neighborhoods are held hostage by drug dealers.”
    â€œYes, but they also have suffered the highest rate of incarceration. They see the ugly side of the law when it jails their kids,” Jim said, pointing at her with his glasses in one hand.
    â€œMost of those people, Professor Rand, are the victims of these so-called kids. While mama is trying to get her little darlin’ out of prison, her neighbors are inside dancing for joy.” Talia met his gaze head-on. “I grew up in the same kind of place.”
    â€œI’m not disputing the impact of crime, but—”
    â€œYou can’t ignore it either,” Talia broke in. She turned to Marti. “The opening of the bill starts out talking about how long sentences don’t change crime rates. Then it goes on about the need for social services. I say begin with the need to concentrate limited law enforcement dollars on the most heinous offenders.”
    â€œI don’t know. Senator Jackson has always been a vocal advocate for rehabilitation and crime prevention.” Marti’s neatly arched eyebrows drew together in concentration.