When he ends the call, he very politely approaches the counter and asks for a double latte. I notice he’s charming in his politeness. Like, regardless of the business call he just ended, nothing could bring him down. I scan his finger for a wedding ring…nothing. As he waits, he checks his phone. It’s time for me to make my move.
“Hello,” I say.
I can tell immediately from the look on his face that I’m not his type, but he’s polite anyway. He has a good-humored face. “Hello.”
“So are you working with Crompton Enterprises?”
He looks around and smiles. “Well, it would be a breach of attorney–client privilege to tell you, wouldn’t it? But no, I’m not.”
Oh, this is getting better by the second. I need Caroline to be late so I can set this up.
“Hmm, I’m just curious because I know they’re looking for internal counsel at Crompton.” That was true. Caroline told me in one of our phone conversations.
“I’m just wrapping up this case I’m working on. I’m actually looking to move on. I’m familiar with Crompton. The company, not the owners.”
“What’s your name?” I ask.
“Marcus Levey.”
“Well, Marcus Levey, I’m Hayden Fox and I just so happen to be meeting with one of the owners of Crompton in a few minutes. I can introduce you.”
Just then Caroline walks through the door. Yes! She’s wearing the plunging neckline blouse, a bright red, A-line skirt, and stilettos.
“There she is,” I say.
Marcus’s eyes go wide. “That’s the owner of Crompton?” He swallows.
“Yes, it is. Caroline!” I call to her. “Come meet Marcus. This is Marcus Levey. He’s an attorney. A revered attorney.” I had to throw in that part to help the cause. He smiles at me. I continue. “For his work on another fraud case.”
“Hello,” Caroline holds her hand out and they shake, businesslike but for just a few seconds too long.
“I can assure you, Mr. Levey, our company is completely innocent of any illegal business activities. There is no merit to these accusations, and I gather the case will be open and shut, but Crompton would be happy to evaluate your body of work to see if you’re an appropriate fit.”
“Please, call me Marcus.”
“Marcus,” she says hesitantly. I know that look well. She’s smitten, and so is he.
I’m dying to call Diana right this instant, but I have to let this play out naturally.
“Well, Caroline, I’m sorry, I have to run,” I say. “I forgot; I’m meeting another client.”
She looks at me strangely.
“You and Marcus can discuss his work right now. It’s the perfect opportunity.”
“Sounds great,” Marcus says. “Let me buy you a coffee, Caroline.”
Chapter 16
I drive straight to Diana’s office and barge through the door. “I did it! I found her a new man. And, by the way, why didn’t you tell me she and Blake broke up?”
Diana is powdering her nose at her desk. She shrugs. “Oh, I thought that was old news.”
“Not to me. Anyway, I found her a lawyer.”
Diana’s eyes light up. “Wow, perfect timing. Good girl, Hayden!” She pulls out a checkbook. “Time for your bonus.”
She scribbles in an amount and hands me a check…for ten thousand dollars?! I almost pee my pants. “What on Earth is this for?”
