Page 43 of Legal Attraction

They talked for twenty more minutes about Richmond, sights to see, and about Muskanza company. Coral was completely put at ease. She liked them, both as a client and as potential friends. And even looked through pictures of their families on phones. If she were to create the picture of a wholesome company environment it would be in these three. It certainly didn’t jive with all the suspicion she’d originally had about the client. She decided to test their kindness. “You all are the most open easy-going people. Why all the secrecy surrounding your financials?”

Without even missing a beat, Juliette rolled her eyes and moaned. “That’s Edgar Hansen. The founder. He’s the most suspicious and superstitious person I’ve ever met.”

Coral smiled and waited for more. But Juliette just took a bit of food and they moved on.

As they were all finishing up and waiting on the bill, Thomas, who had said the least at their lunch cleared his throat. The others quieted and turned to him. He swirled his glass a minute and then shrugged. “I don’t know how to say this, and I’m taking a bit of a risk here, but I can tell you’re a good person. And you are so brand new. Can we talk about Goldstein and Smithson for a minute?”

“Of course. I’m sure you know them way better than I do.”

“Undoubtedly.” Thomas’ eyes were sincere, his warmth, genuine. “We’re not sure it’s a safe place.”

“You heard about our break in?

“Yes, and more than that, there have been unexplained threats, people being followed, honestly, we don’t travel with them anymore. We meet on location and leave separately.”

Coral frowned. “Do you think they are a target?”

“Yes, and I’m not sure it’s unfounded.” Thomas stood. “But that’s all we need to say about that right now. Just maybe keep your eyes open. And if you ever need anything, day or night, give us a call. Any of us three would keep a highly practiced closed mouth about whatever it is you need.”

Coral stood too, not totally understanding, but nodding. “Thank you. I’m sure I will need to be around longer in order to understand the situation fully.”

“Certainly. If you ever want more clarification as you get your footing, call me.” He handed her a card. “That’s a number I don’t give out to anyone. So please keep it quiet.”

“Oh, thank you. Yes, of course.”

“And our warning? It stays between us. Attorney client privilege?”

“Yes, all our conversations are that way. And I don’t know if it would be wise to repeat it either way. Weird behavior might go further into hiding. And I would not want to harm relationships. I think ours is one of the oldest client-attorney relationships our firm has.”

“I believe so. And I don’t think there’s any chance of that being disrupted.” Thomas pressed his lips together. The others went oddly sullen for a moment but then seemed to rally as they walked out a side entrance. “We have our own parking lot. Let us drive you to your car.”

“Oh, yes. That would be nice.” Coral was immediately panicked. Her detail would not know where she was, would be watching the inner door to track her.

“We’ve alerted your team and your car will be here shortly.”

Coral sucked in her breath. “Oh?”

“Certainly. Our teams need to stick together, don’t you agree?”

“Absolutely. If only for convenience’s sake.”

“I’m glad you have one. These are uncertain times.” Thomas patted her on the shoulder, somewhat awkwardly and Coral smiled. What had once been an easy, friendly lunch was now full of lingering unease and more than one question.

But her car pulled up first. Tony stepped out and nodded to her and the others. Then he hopped in the car behind.

“Well, that’s me.” Coral shook their hands and then climbed into her car. Their faces were friendly and open looking as she drove off. But she couldn’t get a good read on the meeting. Were they pleased with her? Did they trust her? She would have never guessed they’d be warning her about her own firm.

Her drive back through Richmond to the historic district was full of anxiety. Every car that passed, every light, every stop sign was a potential hazard. She just couldn’t shake the nerves that Muskanzas’ warning had caused to ricochet through her. Was she in danger at work? Besides an intruder? What about Rand? She’d trusted him. He was conveniently, too conveniently, present at the first attack and now worked at her same job? She didn’t know what to think or who to call. She dialed Tony.

“Yes, your highness.”

“What do you think about the situation at the restaurant?”

“We didn’t like it. Called it in. We were in a spot where we had no access to you during lunch.”

“Why’s that?”

“Their own security and the restaurant wouldn’t allow it. So we had to wait outside, watching the entrances.”

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