by Nick James
“I think it may have been more of a case of guilt by association. I mean my brothers, you know, involved in the drug trade, well, and then the murder. A lot of folks seem to get kind of nervous with that sort of information, even over at Legal Aid.”
“What do you know about the Privado Law Group?”
“What do I know? Well, I know you’re just getting started, and the firm will be exactly what the name implies, private. The firm will be working on matters concerning the Morales family. That will most likely include providing legal assistance to some acquaintances of Mr. Morales. I would guess possibly some transfers of property, funds, off shore accounts and some sort of international situations.”
“Do you know anything about me?”
“I know you were disbarred, served four years on a seven-year sentence. You were involved in some form of cooperation with the Federal authorities although information on that was somewhat murky. I know that up until quite recently you were working with the firm of Denton, Allen, Sawyer and Hinz. You worked on behalf of just one client at the firm, Mr. Morris Montcreff. I know you attempted to stop Mr. Hinz from taking his life and I know you were somewhat of an understudy to Mr. Denton, and looked after his well-bein prior to his passing last year. ”
Bobby was tempted to ask how Thomas knew some of the things he’d just mentioned, but then just as quickly decided against it. “What do you know of Luis Morales?”
“What do I know? I know that he is entitled to full and equal protection under the laws of the United States. Beyond that is there anything else I need to know?”
“With regard to Privado, no, I don’t think so. What’s your current situation at Legal Aid?”
“My current situation?”
“If you were to start here, I’m presuming you’d have to give some sort of notice, a couple of weeks, maybe more depending. At this time are you involved in any ongoing litigation?”
“At this time, I’m pretty much cooling my heels sitting on the sidelines. They’ve got me doing research and some case studies. To be honest I could start almost immediately. It would probably be a relief to them to watch me head out the door.”
“You have any questions for me?”
Thomas shook his head, and said, “No sir. I don’t. I’d just like to say I would love the opportunity to work for you and I can promise you that if you bring me on board you won’t be disappointed.”
“I can honestly say it’s been a real pleasure meeting with you. I look forward to talking to you in the very near future,” Bobby said and stood. “You mind if I hang onto this résumé?”
“Oh no, by all means, please do, it’s not a problem. I’ve got a second one here if you want it.”
“Thanks, but the one will do. Come on, I’ll walk you to the door, Thomas.”
They shook hands at the door, Thomas thanked Bobby, a number of times, said thanks to Erin, then stepped into the hall.
Bobby waited a moment before he looked at Erin and asked, “Well did you pick up one of your auras?”
“He’s a pretty big guy.”
“I don’t know anything about auras and I could have told you that.”
“I picked up on an orange-yellow with maybe a tinge of brown.”
Jesus Christ, Bobby thought. “Meaning?”
“Meaning he’s got somewhat of a scientific mind. He might be a bit of a perfectionist, loves detailed work, mentally challenging projects. The guy’s an eternal student, you know always studying shit.”
“Always studying shit.”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind. Anyone else coming in today?”
“Nope two more appointments tomorrow, same times, ten and two.”
“Then I’m going to go back to work. If you want to take off, go ahead. I don’t think much else will be happening today.”
“Okay if I hang for a while? You never know someone might knock.”
“Not a problem. Just give me a yell when you decide to leave.”
Erin nodded and went back to reading her book. Bobby headed back to his office, thinking about Griffin Lang and Thomas Thomas. He liked both of them, but wanted to hear what Luis had to say. He found it interesting that both were unhappy with where they were and wondered if that was a coincidence or had Luis somehow picked up on the fact. Two apparently competent attorneys both of whom had been passed over.
Chapter Twenty-Four
He’d barely settled back into the file he was reviewing when his phone rang. Emily. He debated taking the call, then answered after a number of rings.
“Hello?”
“Oh ummm, hi, it’s me. Just wondering if you’re you okay? How are you doing?” Emily asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine, no worries. Enough about me, more importantly how’s your head?”
She ignored his question. “I called the firm and they said you weren’t there, then transferred me to some other guy, but I hung up as soon as he answered. So what’s up? Just reading between the lines I’m guessing it can’t be all that good.”
“What’s up? Well, I tried to tell you,” he lied. “Do you remember me stopping by the other day?”
“The other day? Well, yeah, sort of. I mean, God, if you’re looking for an apology I’m sorry, okay? I know I was an idiot. All right, a drunk idiot. There, happy? I blame myself for sending that stupid email. What the hell was I thinking?”
“You weren’t thinking, you…”
“I know, I know. I was really drunk. Okay? There, I admit it. I was shit-faced, so can we just move on? It’s not like I can undo what’s already been done. Believe me I would if I could. When are you back in the office?”
“You mean at the firm?”
“Yes, at the firm.”
“I’m not.”
“What?”
“Yeah, kind if interesting after all that’s transpired. They let me go, told me they no longer needed my services.”
Dead silence on the other end of the line.
“When did this happen?”
“The day after Bennett Hinz took his life. Right before I came over to see you. I believe a martini or should I say martini’s were your poison of choice that afternoon.”
“Oh, God, I an such a total bitch.”
Bobby decided not to argue that particular point. “Yeah, it was a pretty short meeting. They told me they’d enjoyed firing me, that I’d been on a free ride, and that they didn’t want to hear from me.” Bobby waited for a very long moment, enjoying the silence on the other end. “You could see it in the way they acted, they weren’t kidding, the bastards actually actually enjoyed it. Made me clean out my desk in about three minutes, escorted me to the elevator and then literally waved good bye and as the elevator doors closed they just laughed at me. Hey, Emily, you there?”
“But what, what did they say about Elizabeth’s insurance policy? I, I mean we were expecting some sort of word.”
“My understanding is Bennett Hinz was the person who would dealing with that.”
“Yeah, but, he’s not there anymore. God, it was all over the news, he jumped out a damn window. If he’s…”
“I know I was there, Emily.”
“If he’s not there, and you’re not there, they still have to honor our claim, don’t they? Don’t they have to?”
“I don’t know what they’re going to do, Emily. They have a number of options, one of which is to ignore your claim completely, another would be to pay today and there are a whole host of things in-between. I don’t know what they plan to do. I’m not sure they not what they’re going to do. I can tell you this, it’s what they were arguing about with Bennett Hinz for the last two days before he took his life. Did you ever talk to him, Hinz?”
“No. After I sent that email I was too embarrassed, even for me. I thought if I waited a little longer maybe we could maybe have had an honest discussion. Of course, now that’s gone out the window. Oh, Jesus, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put it like that.”
“Yeah, awfully bad timin
g, exactly when he didn’t need any more pressure,” Bobby said pouring salt in the wound.
“What do you think I should do?”
“I think you should call the firm, talk to Charlie Sawyer or Virgil Allen, they’re the two principles right now. Actually, talk to Sawyer, he’s probably your best option now,” he said thinking Sawyer would probably be just stupid enough to take her head off over the phone.
“Just a second, I’m writing that down. Charlie Sawyer and what was the second name?”
“Virgil Allen. But stay clear of him you never know the sort of mood he’s in and he’s been know to make some bad decisions and then follow them to the end rather than admit he made a mistake.”
“Okay, any ideas what I should say?”
“Well, just listen to what Charlie Sawyer has to say. Don’t threaten, don’t yell, don’t cry, don’t argue with him. Whatever he suggests, unless it’s to come down and pick up the insurance check right away, don’t commit. If they tell you they’re not going to pay…”
“Not going to pay? My sister Lizzy is fucking dead. My mom hasn’t been able to sleep through the night ever since she got word she’d been killed. She’s damn near seventy years…”
“I know all that, Emily. Sawyer and Allen are well aware of it too. What I’m telling you is, do not react. Don’t let them know what you’re going to do. Keep them guessing. If they play dumb and say they don’t know a thing about it, tell them you’ll contact the insurance company, then call me. Don’t let them contact the insurance company, and don’t you do it, okay?”
“God. They are really being bastards about this.”
Bobby wondered how they would react when the woman Allen referred to as a tramp phoned to see where the insurance payment was. “That’s their style, unfortunately. You just stay calm, don’t react to anything they say, and let me know.”
“God, I don’t know.”
“Just be polite, listen and then call me. Just a thought her. You know what might be a good idea?”
“What?”
“If you could record the phone conversation. You never know, they might say something that could prove useful down the line.”
“Record it? How in the hell do I do that?”
Bobby was probably the last person who could answer that question. “I have no idea, but I know someone who could help you. When are you planning to call them?”
“I don’t know. Sometime tomorrow, once I get up. Maybe around ten.”
He was thinking Erin and ten wouldn’t work because he had an appointment coming in. “Let’s talk tomorrow morning, okay? Don’t call them until we talk. I think I can have someone come over and record the call, or at least show you how.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, not to worry.”
“You gonna be okay? God, here I am worrying about me and never even asked what you’re going to do?”
“I got a couple of irons in the fire. Don’t worry about me.”
“I really feel bad about the way I acted when you stopped by. I’m sorry. I intend to make it up to you,” she said, her meaning implicit.
“Maybe in a couple of days. I’m putting a few things together right now. Let me get that finished and then I’m all yours.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” she said and then disconnected.
Erin stepped into his office a half-hour later. “I’m taking off, see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, thanks again and enjoy your evening. Hey, you know how to record a phone conversation?”
“On a cell?”
“Yeah.”
“There are a couple of ways.”
“Here’s the deal. I got a friend who’s going to call a law firm tomorrow morning. She’s not going to be happy with what she hears. I’m hoping they put their foot in their mouth and say something stupid.”
“I could show you how to do it, the recording.”
“And I’d only screw it up. Would you consider going over to her place around eleven tomorrow and showing her how?”
“I ‘spose. Doesn’t she have to tell them it’s being recorded?”
“I’m wondering if there’s a way you could maybe add that bit after the fact. These guys are really trying to screw her elderly mother. It involves the death of a daughter and…”
“What? They don’t want to pay the full amount?”
“No. Actually they don’t want to pay. Period.”
Erin grimaced, then said, “You just give me the address and I’ll be there.”
“Okay, we’ll talk tomorrow. Enjoy your evening.”
“Thanks, don’t work too late,” she said then walked back down the hall and out the office door.
Bobby returned to his file, but was having trouble concentrating. It was too soon to check with the insurance company on the disposition of the payment Bennett Hinz had signed. It was too soon to have Emily threaten them with her images of Bennett out in California. He thought some more and came up with a rather simple solution. Just let it happen. The funds would be sent to the offshore account giving Bobby complete control. By the time Sawyer and Allen were aware the payment had already been made, the firm’s ship would hopefully be well on its way to sinking. He phoned Miguel an hour later and went home. Charlie Sawyer phoned just a little after eight that evening. Bobby ignored the call and let it drop into his message center.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Bobby arrived in the office just a little after eight the following morning. IThe weather was depressing, windy, cold, and rainy and he could not have been happier. He made a fresh pot of coffee, and started in again on the Montcreff files. At few minutes before nine, someone rang the doorbell and he hurried out of his office.
“Who is it?” he called as he entered the reception lobby.
“It’s me, Bobby,” Erin replied and he opened the door.
“Thanks, God, what a dreadful morning, it’s freezing. How was your night?” she asked as she set her computer bag on the floor, just behind the receptionist counter.
“Very low key. You?”
“Oh, you know, I always enjoy myself,” she said but didn’t comment any further.
“I guess I’ve got another ten o’clock appointment coming in this morning. Will you still able to help my friend record a phone conversation? It shouldn’t take that long.”
“Yeah, I can do that, I guess.”
He picked up a note pad from the receptionist desk, wrote down Emily’s name, phone number and address and handed it to Erin. “You’re only about ten minutes away. Maybe don’t give her any information regarding Privado just yet. I’d like to get things a little more established before I let people know what I’m up to. Who needs this area filled with flowers and piles of congratulations cards coming in the mail.”
Erin rolled her eyes. “Yeah, not a problem. Which reminds me, we should be getting a delivery of office computers sometime today and someone will be coming to install the security cameras in the hallway. Hopefully, I’ll be here when they come, but just in case. They can stack the compares against the wall and we want a full view of the hallway, that’s all you need to know.”
“Okay, fresh coffee for you in the break room. Let me know when my ten o’clock arrives and then your free to take off for Emily’s whenever you feel like it,” he said and headed back to his office. He phoned Emily fifteen minutes later.
“Hey there, I was hoping you’d call,” she answered.
“Just wanted to check in. I’ve got a friend heading over to your place at eleven, Erin Alvarez. She’ll set your phone up so you can record this conversation with Charlie Sawyer.”
“I really want to give those bastards a piece of my mind. What a bunch of absolute pricks.”
“I can’t argue with you on that point. But promise me you’ll do that once you have the funds in hand. Until then be polite, listen, and don’t react. Revenge is sweetest if you wait.”
“I’ve seen some shitty things in my day, but this one takes the cake,” she said. This
from the woman who attempted to blackmail Bennett Hinz into making the payment in the first place. Of course then Bobby poured gasoline on the fire by sending the email with the image.
“Please just promise me you’ll sit tight and do not react. That’ll just play into their hands. Be prepared for Sawyer to say they are not going to pay. Your response will be, ‘Okay, thank you.’ Be prepared for Sawyer to call you a slut or a whore, you response will be not to respond. Do not threaten Sawyer with a lawsuit or running him over with your car or burning down his house. We’ll deal with his response in a way that will get you the most bang for the buck. You’ll intimidate the hell out of him by not responding.”
“Mmm-mmm, I like the sound of that,” she laughed.
Sometime later Erin knocked on the door frame and said, “Your ten o’clock is here, Blake Finch.”
Bobby glanced at his watch, it was twenty after.
“Yeah,” Erin said and rolled her eyes. “I’m going to leave in about twenty minutes and head over to Emily’s, hopefully I’ll be back within the hour.” She turned, took a step and said, “Oh, Mr. Finch, please go right in, Mr. Custer is waiting for you.”
Bobby looked up just as a lean blonde man stepped into the office. He was dressed in a blue blazer, a starched white shirt and no tie. The top three buttons on his shirt were undone. His blonde hair was parted in the middle and combed back, a couple of long strands hung down over his forehead on either side of the part giving a sort of casual look although Bobby had the distinct impression they had been perfectly arranged.
He grinned, and charged toward Bobby. He flashed bright, white teeth and said, “Blake Finch,” as he thrust his hand out like a dagger.
“Bobby Custer,” Bobby said as they shook hands across the desk. “Let’s grab a seat over on the couch where we can be a little more comfortable. Can I get you a cup of coffee?”
“Yeah, cream and sugar if you would, not too much sugar,” Finch said and headed for the couch. He sat down, crossed his legs, and stretched his right arm across the back of the couch.
“Be back in just a minute.”
