Page 38 of The Interns

“Two weeks ago, a cease and desist letter was sent to Prescott Family Plumbing, Prescott Family Enterprises, and Freddy Prescott Junior and Senior just to cover all the bases,” Reed started. “We didn’t hear anything back from them until just this week. They’ve given notice that they’re seeking damages for lost wages and emotional distress in addition to the criminal charges in the battery case against Johnson. They sent over some records from senior’s personal doctor to support the claim,” he said as he offered up copies of said documents.

“Of course they did.” Al motioned for Reed to set them on the desk. “It’s the only leg they have to stand on in this case, and they’re going to use it for all it’s worth.”

“We also got a call from opposing counsel the other day,” Maya added. “He floated the idea that the tool actually belonged to his client since it was created on premises with parts they had supplied to Johnson. He said he was extending a professional courtesy by giving us the head’s up.”

The bite in her voice when she said professional courtesy made Reed and their boss snicker.

“And what do you make of his ever so courteous phone call?” Al asked.

“I think it’s a bluff,” she answered without hesitation. “We have depositions from Johnson and the entire plumbing crew stating that he fabricated the tool off site, and I got the ledger from the local hardware store showing that he purchased every single part that he used.” A twisted grin formed on her lips as she listed the insurmountable evidence she had supporting her client. It felt damn good to be on the winning side, especially with her on the team. “If he ever wants to level that charge formally, I’ll be happy to respond.”

In fact, Reed almost wished he would, because he would take great pleasure in seeing Maya respond.

“This lawyer knows he doesn’t have a case, so he’s going to drag his feet in hopes that he wears you down,” Al said.

“That’s not going to happen,” Maya said firmly.

Reed glanced at her. She was looking at Al, but her words felt like both a warning and call to action directed at him. Just because it was her last day on the job, she was not giving up, and he better not either.

“It’s good that you broke this case,” Al continued. “That you’ve spent time with this man and have seen the wrong he’s sustained firsthand. Don’t ever lose sight of what you’re fighting for, especially during this part of the case when you’re bogged down in paperwork and going back and forth with lawyers.”

“I won’t,” Reed swore.

Maya watched him and nodded, affirming his statement.

“And Reed’s almost ready to file the patent application for Mr. Johnson,” she pointed out. “He’s done an amazing job.”

“Well, I don’t know about that. It’s complicated,” he added, humbled by the endless forms and legalese he’d been trudging through over the past month.

“It is,” Al agreed, “but that’s the kind of service I was speaking about. You two are smart and driven, but what matters most is that you have heart. That makes the difference between a good lawyer and a great one. You’ve exceeded my expectations. Truly. It’s been an absolute pleasure having you this summer. My future interns have a lot to live up to.”

Reed looked to Maya to see if she had anything else to add before they formally ended their meeting, but she had grown quiet, looking down at her hands where they lay folded in her lap, so he spoke up. “Thank you, sir, for giving us this opportunity.”

“Yes,” Maya echoed. “Thank you.”

“I can see everyone’s waiting on us,” Al said as he gazed past them through the glass doors of his office. “Are we all set?”

Reed glanced at Maya again, then nodded on their behalf.

“Excellent!” Al popped up from his chair and grabbed his suit jacket off the back. He looked excited, and not just for the food and drink that awaited them in the conference room. It was no secret that the man loved a celebration, but he loved speaking in front of an audience, big or small, even more.

Reed and Maya stood from their chairs and followed him out.

“Sir?” she said as he placed his hand on the door. “Sorry. Al?”

He looked over his shoulder. “Yes?”

“No big speeches, please.”

“But you deserve one!”

She just shook her head.

“As you wish, Ms. Hendricks.”

Reed stayed back, ushering Maya out of the office in front of him and noticing how subdued she’d become. He took his place beside her in front of their coworkers and looked to Al to start the festivities.

“Everyone, gather around! As you know, today is the last day for our summer associates,” he stated as he gestured toward them. “Now I know that goodbyes can be hard, so I have some good news to share first that should make it a little easier. I’m happy to say that I’ve managed to convince Reed to stay on part-time to continue his work on the Johnson case.”

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