“My name is Stone Barrington. I’d like to speak to Mr. Whittaker, please.”
“I’m sorry. Mr. Whittaker is unavailable. May I take a—”
“Tell him I’m calling about theAmanda Jaeincident. I’m sure he’ll want to talk to me.”
“Can I have a callback number?” she asked, annoyed.
“I’ll hold,” Stone said.
“Sir, Mr. Whittaker is a very busy man. I highly doubt he’s going to drop everything to talk to you.”
“Humor me.”
She sighed. “What did you say your name was?”
“Stone Barrington.”
“One moment.”
The “hold” music lasted less than half a minute before it cut out and a male voice said, “This is Cory Whittaker.”
“Mr. Whittaker, Stone Barrington, Woodman & Weld,” Stone said.
“I’m honored, Mr. Barrington. I’m a big fan. How can I help you?”
“I’m calling about theAmanda Jae.”
It sounded to Stone like Whittaker actually gasped.
“Don’t tell me that you want to be named as one of the plaintiffs in my lawsuit?” Whittaker asked, barely containing his glee. “I canabsolutelydo that. The only reason I didn’t reach out to you earlier is I thought you might want to—”
“Actually, my question concerns the wrongful death suit you intend to file.”
“Oh,” Whittaker said, sounding both confused and disappointed. “What about it?”
“It’s my understanding that Samuel Jones’s family is holding out.”
Whittaker’s tone turned defensive. “Where did you hear that?”
“Is my information wrong?”
Whittaker was silent for several seconds before saying, “Why are you asking? Are you planning on finding them and getting in on the action yourself?”
“No. That’s not the kind of law I practice.”
“Phew. For a second there, I—” Whittaker stopped himself. “Wait, was that a dig at me?”
“It was merely a statement of fact.”
“Ah, okay,” Whittaker said, relieved. “Yeah, they haven’t signed on yet, but only because we haven’t been able to find anyone related to him.”
“No one?”
“No one.” Whittaker paused. “Listen, if you happen to have a lead on somebody who is, do me a favor and send them my way. I’ll pay you a finder’s fee.” He paused again. “Only if we win, of course.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Thanks. And in case you change your mind, I’m serious about adding you to the pain and suffering suit. Just say the word.”
