“More money is always a good thing.” Maybe it was crass to say out loud, but I always spoke my mind. “I know what Grady brings to the firm, but how is Fleming a rainmaker for us? I’m not questioning you, obviously. Just curious.”
“It’s convoluted, but Brenner is friends with restaurant owner Tony Gigante.”
“I see.” Something niggled in my brain. “Isn’t Gigante related to the mob?”
Daniel sighed. “I’ve yet to see any proof, and believe me, I’ve looked. But aside from Gigante’s restaurant connections, and his wife’s beauty business, Brenner is friendly with Gigante’s wife, Christine. And she comes with a very big fish—Madden Steele.”
I whistled. “Now that’s a name I recognize. Very big fish indeed. I’m sure he has his own attorneys, though.”
“With the money Steele Industries has, they have their businesses spread around. We’d be handling some of the corporate tax work.” Darkness settled over Daniel’s face. “Brenner mentioned that Christine Gigante has quite a fewfriends who are contemplating divorce. Sad, isn’t it? It’s the one part of the job I’ve never liked—benefiting off someone else’s misery.” He pinched his eyes shut for a moment. “But then again, I guess we’re also helping people start new lives.”
“And escape from terrible situations. Although some don’t know when to give up and walk away. They keep holding on to something that died.”
Perhaps something in my voice caught Daniel’s attention because he said, “Anything you want to talk about, Weston? You know my door is always open.”
But mine wasn’t. I’d slammed it shut, locked it up tight, and thrown away the key.
“No, just ruminating on the past month of cases I’ve seen.”
“Such as? Care to share with me? Perhaps I could help.”
A dispirited sigh escaped me. “Do you ever get tired seeing the breakdown of a marriage? All the hate that was once love? I know you and Rachel have been married for almost half a century, but sometimes I wonder if that’s a thing of the past.”
“And you reaffirmed exactly why I campaigned to have you come to New York and work with me. It’s not despair you feel. It’s your heart aching.” I watched as Daniel left his chair to come sit by my side. “I know your father wasn’t the best role model. But you believe in fidelity. Love.”
“Whoa.” I held up a hand. “I don’t know how you ended up there, but that’s not where I was heading. And as far as Brenner Fleming and what he can bring to the firm, sounds good. If you’re happy, so am I.” The last thing I needed was to unburden my sad self to my senior partner.
Daniel studied my face. “Good. He’ll be here tomorrow. I’ll bring him by to say hello.”
I nodded. “I’ll see you then. I’d better get back to my office. I have a client who’s unhappy with the custody arrangement her husband is looking for, and I’m afraid it could get ugly.”
“Okay. Good luck.”
My upcoming call would be miserable, but I couldn’t help the smile on my face at the thought of seeing Brenner in the morning. I might’ve told Daniel that our rivalry was silly, but sparring with him had always put me in a good mood, and I relished the opportunity to flex those muscles. I returned to my office, but before I called the client, I made an appointment for a haircut.
Had to look my best when I came face-to-face with the enemy.
Chapter Five
Brenner
There was no reason to be nervous. I’d spoken to the senior partners at my firm, and though they were sad to see me go, they didn’t make a counteroffer. I hadn’t expected them to. It was hard to compete with the best. After that, it was easy.
At nine thirty I arrived at the offices of Walden, Booth, and Roth and was escorted to Daniel Roth’s office, where he greeted me with a handshake.
“Brenner. Good to see you. I can’t tell you how thrilled we all are that you’ve decided to join us.”
Highly doubtful, as Weston Lively’s name was still on the masthead, but I refrained from pettiness. “It’s great to be here. I’m looking forward to jumping in, feet first.”
“As soon as all the legalities are straightened out and the paperwork is signed, sealed, and delivered.” A tall man stopped at the doorway, and Roth’s eyes lit up. “Grady, come in, please. Have you met previously? Grady Allen, Brenner Fleming.”
Grady approached with an outstretched hand, and I stood to greet him. “No, I haven’t worked with you personally, Grady, but I’ve heard of you. I do some 18b cases. I see we’re going to be the newbies in the division.”
A surprisingly charming smile brightened Grady’s face. “Looking forward to working with you as well. There’s a good team in place here.” His gaze sharpened. “I hear you know another colleague, Weston Lively.”
“Law school classmates,” I responded dryly. “But we’ve been out of touch since we graduated.”
Except when he touched my dick last year.
