Page 53 of Maddy's Justice

With this news, the jovial, good ol’ boy look on MacAlister’s face disappeared. In its place was a very serious expression as he glared at his three de facto subordinates.

“They did, did they?” MacAlister rhetorically asked.

“Sir, if the firm wants me to make a settlement offer, please, tell me what you have in mind and I’ll present it. I don’t mean to cause internal problems for Stafford, Hughes,” Marc said faking sincerity like an expert.

“We were hoping to get some advice from you,” Brandon Stafford quickly said.

“Five hundred thousand each, with no admission of wrongdoing and a nondisclosure agreement signed by each of them individually,” MacAlister interjected before Marc could respond.

Marc took a quick look around at the expectant faces and simply said, “Okay, I’ll present it.”

“What do you think?” Gavin Blake asked.

“Honestly,” Marc said, “I’d be very surprised, but we’ll give it a shot.”

“Fair enough,” MacAlister said. “If they turn it down try to get a counter-offer.”

“Of course,” Marc said hiding his annoyance at being told how to do his job.

On the drive home, Marc was completely silent for the first ten minutes. Finally, Maddy had to ask.

“Well, are you going to tell me about the secret meeting? What happened?”

“I found out who runs that law firm and it isn’t the people in downtown Minneapolis,” Marc replied.

“MacAlister, the old sleaze,” Maddy said.

“So, you didn’t like the attention?”

“He’s too rich and successful for me,” Maddy said.

Marc laughed and said, “Why am I not flattered by that comment.”

“Tell me what was said. It was about the case, wasn’t it?”

“Yes,” Marc replied and then told her.

EIGHTEEN

“Hey, sunshine,” Carolyn Lucas said greeting Marc on Tuesday morning. “How was your weekend?”

“Interesting,” Marc replied. “I see our newbie has joined us.”

“Good morning, Mr. Kadella, um, Marc,” Kellie Johnson, the new office law clerk said.

“Don’t start calling him Mr. Kadella, it will go straight to his head. Male ego,” Carolyn told her.

“Are you situated? New desk, chair, computer…” Marc started to say.

“New desk and chair that we hauled up from the basement,” Jeff Modell said.

“It’s all good,” Kellie said. “I’m just excited to get a chance to work with real lawyers.”

When no one replied to what she said, Marc looked at Carolyn and said, “Well, go ahead. Make your smartass comment.”

“You’ll learn a lot from them,” Carolyn said. “How’s that?”

“Disappointing. You must be getting ready to ask for more money,” Marc said.

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