Vance is pissed. This is bad news for him. And us by extension. My plan to ask to be replaced is crumbling before my eyes.
“We need to get ahead of all this. Vance will you be able to stay with Cassie to go through everything about these new plaintiffs? We need to know everything so we can counter.”
Vance looks over at me, and I keep my face as neutral as possible, but there is a slight narrowing to his eyes as he studies me, waiting for me to reply.
“I have plans this evening,” I say with my most realistic neutral look.
“We need to get out on top of this Cassie,” Harry says. “I’d offer to help but I have the Flannagan case tomorrow and want to do my final prep.”
“There is no need to rush this, we have time to respond,” I point out.
“You’re making it sound like you don’t want to be around me,” Vance says. It’s said in a joking manner, but I see through it. Harry seems to be the only oblivious person in the room today.
“Not at all,” I smile. “I have a prior engagement I can’t cancel. It might also be a good idea for me to read through the new allegations first.”
“They’re trying to fuck me over that is what is going on,” he says, resuming his pacing. “They want money off me, same as that bitch, Cara. They’re trying to ruin me. And I’m paying this firm to stop that, so we need to work on this now, tonight.”
“We don’t know their identities yet,” I point out, knowing I’m about to lose my shit if he utters one more slur about that woman. “Unless you’re aware of who they are?”
Harry glares at me and Vance stops pacing.
“I have no idea,” he says, his teeth grinding over the words.
Oh he fucking knows. It wouldn’t surprise me if this bastard has a list of women he’s harmed.
“It’s an honest question,” I say. “As your attorney’s we do need to know if this is something you are aware of.”
“I’m not. It’s more money grabbers they’ve pulled out of their ass. I’ve probably never even met them let alonedoneanythingto them.”
“Don’t worry, Vance,” Harry appeases him. “Cassie is right, we have time so let her read the amended complaint and our investigator can look into things. This won’t be a problem. We’ll deal with this the same way we’re dealing with the current issue.”
Well, color me fucking surprised. It’s not about helping me out, this is about the fact it does make sense for me to read the new court filings. It would be a waste of time going through everything with Vance now.
“Why don’t we regroup in a couple of days,” Harry suggests. “That way we will have a fuller picture of the new allegations and a game plan to work on the defense. I’m sure we can get this thrown out.”
Vance pulls his shoulders back and lets out a sigh. “Fine. I’ll have my EA call you tomorrow to arrange a time.”
“Thank you,” I say with a nod.
“This is bullshit, I want that on the record. These fucking women are like leeches. All they want to do is ruin men when they don’t get what they want. They should know their fucking place.”
He says it while staring straight at me. It’s not so much a threat, though some other women may feel threatened or intimidated. He’s pissing me off and trying to get a reaction. When he sees he isn’t going to get it, he says goodbye and leaves.
“We really need to make this go away.”
“If they have a valid complaint, I can’t make itgo away,” I tell Harry. He knows it’s not that easy.
“Judge Mercure likes you.”
“What?” I look at him in shock. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Harry looks flustered as he gathers his papers. “I didn’t mean anything untoward, just that you have some sway with the judge.”
“It’s one thing forcing me to take on this case because you want a woman on his side, it’s an entirely different matter if you think I’m going to use any relationship I may have with a judge to get ahead of this. I thought I knew you better than that, Harry.”
“We have to win this.”
“By breaking not only my ethical stance, but my oath of admission to the bar? You’re suggesting I do something illegal.”
