When David Hartford had requested a nine-thirty breakfast meeting, he’d assumed I’d have stuff to rearrange to fit him in. I’d let him believe that, asking if I could get back to him, just to check with the client that I’d need to rearrange. It’d fed his need for being important and I’d won the first battle, because even though I was his legal representative, the war wasn’t just against his brother, it was against me too. He was paying me; therefore he knew better.
To be a good lawyer, you didn’t just need to know the inside of a law book, you needed to know the inside of people’s minds.
“Not a problem, David. Are you happy going through a few things here?” We were in Amelie’s café, my suggestion given the proximity to the offices and to David Hartford’s flagship jewellery store, the one he was still involved with running on a day-to-day basis, or so he said. I suspected he spent most of his time on a golf course, if I was honest, and in reality, it’d been a long time since he’d probably seen the inside of a store.
He sat back in the chair and gave me a patronising smile. “I’d like to get to know a little bit more about you, if I may. I’ve dealt with your father and oldest brother in the past, but not yourself, so I consider it due diligence tointerviewyou, so to speak.” He lifted his cappuccino – extra shot – as if it was whisky.
The number offuck offsthat rested on my tongue, waiting to be ejaculated, were uncountable. Instead, I sat back in my chair and smiled. “Certainly. I expect Maxwell has given you some background too.”
“He certainly has.” David winked and cocked his head to one side.
This was where I could get my fun, with maybe a side of revenge. Max would only have said positive things, knowing full well that this was a sales pitch. I imagined the graphics I could make up, quoting him and the praise he’d given to reassure David Hartford that I was a suitable man for the job. Wonderful. Every cloud.
“To save repeating what you already know, what did Max tell you? I don’t want to waste your time duplicating information.” I saw Amelie shake her head as she walked past, and I figured she’d caught part of the conversation.
David drained the rest of his coffee and gestured to Amelie for another, giving her a grin that turned my stomach. I didn’t worry; Amelie had seen off bigger leches than David Hartford, but it annoyed me. At some point, I’d find a way to put him down for doing that, but not now.
“Max told me you graduated with a first and won a prize in your final year in intellectual property law, quite a prestigious one. He said you were meticulous and detailed and that technically you were brilliant. He also mentioned that you’d just been awarded Rights of Audience, which even I know is a big deal. Very few solicitors have those higher rights. He told me I couldn’t go wrong with you; that you were dedicated and always acted in your clients' best interests.”
Even the wooden table could hear what that last sentence was loaded with. I’d deal with that later though; right now I was savouring Max’s words. Praise from Biggest Brother didn’t come often.
“That pretty much covers it.” I knew it wouldn’t. I was probably thirty years younger than David, and my face had been pictured a little too often in magazines that weren’t connected directly with the law.
David nodded. “You married?”
“No. Like Max said, I earned higher rights last year which took some studying. The last few cases I’ve had have meant additional hours to prepare for court – my lifestyle isn’t conducive to having a family.”Yet.It wasn’t conducive yet.
“You have a reputation for enjoying a party.”
I couldn’t argue with this. Nor was I going to excuse or deny it. “It’s been a way of blowing off steam and relaxing.”
Another nod. “Fair point. I did a fair bit of partying when I was your age. I’m sure you know exactly what I mean.”
I didn’t smile or acknowledge it.
“Did Max mention I have a Master’s degree in intellectual property law also?” It was something that was forgotten, mainly because I’d done it on the side while I was completing my training contract. I’d grown up in the office, so being a trainee hadn’t been that challenging, hence I’d picked up some extra study.
David gave me a smile that suggested Max hadn’t mentioned this, but David wanted to pretend he knew anyway.
“He said you were well qualified. I must admit, I don’t have the same confidence; you’re young, which means inexperienced, and this case is going to stretch you.”
I didn’t have a temper. My share had been distributed to Payton. But the urge to lean over the table and grab hold of his collar to give him a good shake was almost irresistible.
“If you aren’t confident that I’ll be able to represent you, Mr Hartford, then maybe you need to look at another firm.”
My father had taught all of us to never be held hostage. We chose who we represented; we were bound to offer honest advice to potential clients and be transparent, and if something made us feel uncomfortable then we should politely decline to offer our services.
The Hartfords had been clients for decades, but that didn’t mean we had to carry on that relationship. Marie had taught us all that we could say no to sex; our father taught us all that we could say no to business.
Right now, David Hartford was trying to prove he had a bigger, more expensive penis than me. I wasn’t the sort of person to get involved in such a pissing competition.
“Now then, I’m sure your father will want you to keep my business.” He put his hand out to block Amelie’s path. “Could we have some service, love?”
She smiled, her teeth slightly barred as his tone was demanding and cold. “Someone will be with you in a few minutes.”
“Can’t you just take the order?”
Amelie shook her head. “I’m about to leave, so I’m afraid not. But Marnie knows you’re waiting.” She nodded towards the young girl who had started there full time.
