Life Support

by Robert Whitlow

  Several hours later, Alexia was in her car leaving Eleanor Vox’s house when Gwen called her cell phone.

  “How is it going?” the secretary asked.

  “I’ve met with five of the clients who have the most urgent cases. I spent half an hour with Eleanor Vox and feel better after nibbling the pastries she’d made. Where’s Leggitt?”

  “He came in a few minutes ago and will be leaving for the rest of the day after lunch. Do you want me to transfer the call to his office?”

  Alexia hesitated. “No. If I tell him I’m coming, he may bolt out the door to frustrate me. I think it would be better to show up and demand the files.”

  “I did some snooping since we talked this morning. The boxes are in a closet in Vicky’s office.”

  “How did you get in there without her knowing it?”

  “I paged her from another extension, put a handkerchief over the phone receiver, and told her a Mary Kay representative was here to see her.”

  Alexia smiled. “I’ll be there in five minutes.”

  Alexia’s heart began beating faster as she turned into the familiar parking lot. She picked up the release forms and noticed that her hand was slightly damp. Instead of immediately opening the door of the car, she sat still and forced herself to breathe normally. There was no reason why she should be so uptight. She’d faced the worst Ralph Leggitt had to offer when he tried to intimidate her into compromising herself in the Richardson case, and he had no right to keep her from representing her clients. However, her rationalization didn’t work and her jitters didn’t leave.

  The familiar hallway was unchanged. As she walked toward Gwen’s desk, Ken Pinchot turned a corner and suddenly faced her. He was drinking a cup of coffee. When he saw her, he stopped so suddenly that the coffee spilled onto his tie and splattered the front of his immaculate shirt.

  “Look what you made me do!” he blurted out.

  The idiocy of Pinchot’s juvenile attack did more to calm Alexia’s nerves than fifteen minutes of confidence-building speeches.

  “Sorry, Ken,” she said. “I didn’t realize you would be in the hallway drinking a cup of coffee without looking where you were going or thinking about whom you might meet.”

  Pinchot grunted. “I didn’t know you’d be coming back. Your office is empty.”

  Alexia held up the client release forms. “I’ll be visiting on a regular basis until all my clients make a decision about future representation.”

  “You’ll need to talk to Ralph about your cases. The files aren’t in Gwen’s office anymore.”

  “I know. I hope the stain comes out of your tie and shirt.”

  Alexia continued to Gwen’s work area. The secretary was shaking her head.

  “Don’t tell me. I heard,” Gwen said. “The Prince has been in a foul mood all week. The other partners are giving him grief about his accounts receivable. He’s owed over $100,000, and some of the bills are over nine months old. I heard Mr. Leggitt tell him yesterday that you never let your receivables get out of hand.”

  “Maybe in a year they’ll nominate me for sainthood. Wish me luck. I’m off to force my way into Leggitt’s office.”

  “If it gets ugly, scream at the top of your lungs, and I’ll call 911.”

  Alexia walked down the hall and turned the corner to the waiting area for the senior partner’s office. Leggitt’s secretary looked up.

  “Is Mr. Leggitt busy?” Alexia asked. “I need to talk to him about several clients.”

  The woman picked up the phone and had a brief conversation. Alexia prepared her next line of argument if he refused to see her.

  “Go in,” the secretary said.

  “Oh, thanks.”

  Alexia opened the door. Leggitt was standing at the end of the room where the conference table was located. He turned around. Alexia stepped forward with the sheets signed by her clients in her hand.

  “I’ve come to pick up some files,” she said. “I have authorization forms—”

  “Just see Vicky,” Leggitt interrupted. “I asked her to put your files into her office so there wouldn’t be any confusion. We’ve hired a new lawyer who will be moving into your old office next week. He’s bringing business with him, and we needed to clear out the filing space next to Leonard.”

  “Okay. I have the request forms from five of my clients.”

  “I don’t need to see them,” he said nonchalantly. “Make copies of the authorizations for our records, but in the future a letter from you letting us know that you are assuming representation will be enough. Of course, we’ll expect you to reimburse the firm for any expenses incurred while the files were here and pay business credit on billings prior to your leaving, but there’s no need to obtain written authorization from the clients. We’ll trust your accounting.”

  Alexia’s mouth dropped open. “Uh, thanks. How often do you want me to file a report?”

  “How about once a quarter? You stay on top of your accounts receivable so it should be cleared up within six months.”

  “Okay.”

  Ralph Leggitt motioned toward the conference table. “Have a seat. I’d like to talk to you for a few minutes.”

  Alexia pulled back a chair. “Thanks for the cooperation. After what happened the other day, I wasn’t sure what kind of reception to expect.”

  “I was upset with you, but the more I’ve thought about it, the more I believe it will work out for both the firm’s good and yours as well. The new lawyer is going to be helping Bruce and me in the business transaction area, and we’re getting totally out of the divorce business. If I get a call from a prospective client, I’ll send them your way.”

  “That’s great,” Alexia said but raised her guard in anticipation of a salvo of manipulation.

  “I heard you made an offer on a house on King Street.”

  “Yesterday. News travels fast.”

  Leggitt gave her a wry smile that wasn’t exactly friendly. “It’s my business to know what happens in Santee. I think it’s a good location. It’s close to the courthouse and in an area where there are going to be more and more professional offices. If you need a good word at the bank, let me know.”

  “Thanks, but I’ve already made an application. Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?”

  Leggitt rubbed his hand across the top of his head. “No. I’ll get to the point and not waste your time. Are you going to represent Rena Richardson on the assault and battery charge filed after she slapped her father-in-law at the hospital?”

  That’s it, Alexia thought. She sat up straight in preparation for Leggitt’s attempt to convince her to abandon Rena. Her former boss’s friendly overtures of the previous few minutes were about to prove vaporous.

  “Yes,” she said.

  “Good,” Leggitt responded matter-of-factly. “I’ve recommended that Ezra drop the criminal complaint before it goes to hearing before a magistrate. He and Rena may not like one another, but it will be hard for them to cooperate at any level if there are criminal charges flying about.”

  Alexia was stunned. “Is he going to take your advice?”

  “He’s authorized me to contact the police officer who processed the complaint and notify the magistrate that there is no need for a hearing. I’ll try to call them this afternoon and confirm everything to you in writing. Where do you want me to send a letter?”

  “Uh, care of Rachel Downey’s office. I’ll be there for several weeks before the renovation of the house is completed.”

  “Very well. I’m sorry you won’t be able to bill your new client very much on the case.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll be busy.”

  Alexia got up to leave.

  “Please sit down. There is one other thing,” Mr. Leggitt said.

  Alexia resumed her seat.

  “I’ve also recommended that Ezra correct the problem that caused Rena to become upset. As I’m sure you know, he transferred money from Baxter and Rena’s checking account and put it in a separate accoun
t for Baxter’s benefit. He will put all the money back into the joint account within a couple of days. Rena should call the bank on Friday and make sure it’s been properly credited.”

  “Why did he change his mind?” Alexia asked suspiciously.

  “Calmer heads prevailed. This has been a very stressful time for the whole Richardson family. They’ve all made mistakes.”

  Alexia was having trouble believing that such a total change of heart had occurred. She tested the waters.

  “Has Mr. Richardson used the power of attorney to make other transfers from Baxter’s name? Rena doesn’t know the details of the family businesses. She needs to be reassured that Baxter’s estate will be intact if he dies and his ownership interests preserved in case he doesn’t.”

  Leggitt met Alexia’s look and blinked a couple of times. “Ezra thought about safeguarding everything Baxter owns and asked me to prepare the documents to set up a trust but didn’t go through with it.”

  Alexia wanted to probe further but couldn’t think of a way to do so without implying that Ralph Leggitt was lying to her.

  “I see. If I have specific questions, will you be willing to provide additional information?”

  “Within reason and the bounds of the law. Baxter is a minority shareholder and has the rights granted by the Corporations Act. If Rena assumes his ownership interest, she’ll be on the same footing.”

  “But what does that mean in terms of access to business records? The only way to know what Mr. Richardson is doing will be through disclosure.”

  “We’ll consider it on a case by case basis. Ezra is holding out an olive branch,” Leggitt said with an edge in his voice. “He doesn’t have to become adversarial.”

  Alexia didn’t back down. “And I’m willing to cooperate, but after what has happened to the checking account, Rena will have trouble trusting her father-in-law. It will take time to prove that she is going to be treated fairly.”

  Leggitt’s tone relaxed. “I totally agree. Dropping the criminal charge is the first step. Our conversation is the second. Transferring the money back into the checking account is the third. Ezra realizes it will be a gradual process. A key aspect will be our communication.”

  Alexia tapped her fingers on the arm of the chair. In the pit of her stomach she felt she was being led astray but couldn’t see how or for what motive.

  “Does this mean Ezra is waiving any objection to my representation of Rena?” she asked.

  “Yes. He has agreed to sign a waiver. What is Rena’s position?”

  “The same.”

  “Good. Nobody loses.” Ralph Leggitt stood to his feet. “Call me if you have any questions. You know the number.”

  28

  Believe one who has proved it. Believe an expert.

  VIRGIL

  Alexia stopped by Vicky’s office and found the paralegal cheerful and willing to help. The firm had a small cart for moving heavy items around the office, and Alexia loaded up as many boxes of files as she could put in the trunk of her car. While pushing them down the hall toward the exit, she passed Gwen’s desk.

  “I’ll talk to you before I leave,” Alexia whispered.

  Alexia returned the empty cart and made arrangements with Vicky to retrieve the remaining boxes. Then she stopped by to see Gwen.

  “Where’s Leonard?” Alexia asked.

  “Out of the office. Maybe the Prince sent him to the cleaners.”

  Alexia chuckled. “Do you still have my résumé stored in your computer?” she asked. “I’m thinking about reapplying for a job with the firm.”

  “What’s going on?” Gwen responded dubiously.

  “Mr. Leggitt was like sugar on strawberries. He’s going to refer divorce cases to me and let me take all my files without a whimper or a fight.”

  “You’re kidding?”

  “You saw me hauling out the boxes. Vicky even offered to help carry them to the car. I’m not sure it’s on the level.”

  Gwen narrowed her eyes. “If Ralph Leggitt is giving something with one hand, it’s because he’s taking four times as much with the other. You know better than to be duped.”

  “You’re wrong,” Alexia corrected. “He’d heard about the house I’m going to buy on King Street and offered to help me get a loan. Deep down, he’s a generous, kindhearted man.”

  “Stop it, Alexia. If you keep this up, my blood pressure is going into the red zone, and I’m going to have to slap you back into reality.”

  Alexia smiled. “Yes, ma’am. I don’t want a spanking, but until any ulterior motives are exposed, I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity to build my practice.”

  “I can’t blame you for that.”

  “Oh,” Alexia lowered her voice. “Do you know about the new lawyer who is going to be moving into my office?”

  Gwen shook her head. “No, what did he tell you?”

  “He’s going to do the same kind of work as Mr. Leggitt and Bruce.”

  “Boring,” Gwen responded. “Forms, forms, forms.”

  “Perhaps the end is in sight. When the contractor doing the renovation of my new office gets to your space, I’ll let you know so you can help decorate it.”

  Gwen smiled and patted Alexia’s hand. “That will be fun.”

  Alexia phoned Rena and left a brief message on her answering machine. Then she drove to Rachel Downey’s office. The real-estate company where Rachel worked occupied a commercial building that had previously been an accounting office. The reception area was nicely furnished, and there were two conference rooms.

  “The office is not what you’re used to,” the realtor said, “but it will work as temporary quarters.”

  She led Alexia past the kitchen area and down a long hall until they reached a dead end at a door with a red exit sign over the top.

  “It’s on the left,” Rachel said.

  They went into a room that was bigger than Alexia’s office at Leggitt & Freeman but without any style. The walls were covered with thin paneling that had begun to buckle slightly along the joints. There was a thin carpet on the floor and a plain wooden desk in the middle of the room with a worn-looking leather chair behind it. A single window offered a view of the parking lot at the back of the building. A beige phone was on a small stand that looked like it would buckle under the weight of anything heavier. It was worse than Alexia had expected. Rachel saw the disappointment on Alexia’s face before she could hide it.

  “I wouldn’t expect you to bring clients back here,” the realtor said. “You can meet with them in one of the conference rooms. Just make sure we haven’t scheduled a closing or another meeting. The receptionist has a sign-up sheet that will let you know what’s going on. She knows to forward your calls to this office. Your extension number is twenty-four.”

  “This will work fine,” Alexia said, regaining her footing. “I just need a place so I won’t be trying to practice law from my kitchen table. I have boxes of files in the car. I’ll bring them in here and line them up along the wall.”

  “Did you apply for a loan to buy the house?”

  “Yes. I’m delivering my tax returns and bank statements later today.”

  “Good. Let me know if you need anything.”

  Alexia moved her car to the back of the building. It was just a few steps from the rear parking lot to her office. She was bringing in the final box when her cell phone rang. It was Rena. Alexia sat behind her desk and summarized her conversation with Ralph Leggitt. Rena was openly skeptical.

  “This is confusing,” she said. “I’m relieved about the criminal case going away and glad you can help me, but I’m surprised about the money. It’s not like Baxter’s father to let go of control. I’ll believe it when I see the money back in my checking account.”

  “You’re right. The proof will be in the practical steps they take. I’ll verify with the police in Greenville that the assault and battery charges have been dropped. As soon as the money shows up in your bank account, take most of it out and depo
sit it in an account that is solely in your name. We also need to find out if Leggitt was telling the truth about Baxter’s ownership interests in the family businesses. Do you think your source can help?”

  “I’ll ask him.”

  “Good. I’m going to call Dr. Draughton’s office in a few minutes. Ralph Leggitt didn’t ask me about Baxter, and I doubt they suspect what we’re planning to do. Does your source know about it?”

  “Uh, why would that matter?”

  “I’d like to know who is in the loop of our discussions.”

  “I haven’t talked to him since you and I met at the deli.”

  Alexia tapped her fingers on the top of her desk. “Things are much different now than when we talked. Are you sure you want to file the petition to terminate life support at this time? Once it’s filed, any cooperation with your father-in-law may go out the window. It might make sense to wait and find out more about Ezra’s intentions.”

  “No,” Rena said emphatically. “Do it as soon as possible.”

  Alexia heard the tone of Rena’s voice but didn’t cave in. “At least let me delay until next week. That way there will be time for the money to be redeposited to your checking account.”

  There was silence for several seconds. “After you file the papers, how long will it take for the judge to decide?”

  “A hearing will have to be set and subpoenas issued to the witnesses. If one of the doctors can’t come in person, we will have to take his deposition. Under normal circumstances it could take several months to work through the process—”

  “Months!” Rena blurted out.

  “But this is an extraordinary proceeding. Realistically, it will take at least seven to ten days to schedule a hearing. The judge will set it based on his or her court calendar; however, it will be a quick ruling.”

  “That’s what I want. As quick as possible. A few thousand dollars in a checking account is not as important to me as Baxter. No matter what happens, I think we’ll end up in a fight with my father-in-law.”

  “Before you make up your mind, let me talk to Dr. Draughton. The strength of his opinion may help us decide.”