Page 28 of Reckless Chance
“Let’s not talk about work. What are we having for dinner?” I ask.
“The chef is preparing a tasting menu for us. He’ll be out to explain it in a minute. While we’re waiting, can I ask a favor?”
“What’s that?”
“I’d like to hire you as the Athena’s attorney to handle any legal issues related to Mr. Brentwood’s accident. Will that work?”
“What? Why me? You have a whole stable of lawyers on call.”
“This is different.” He shrugs.
“How could this possibly be different?” He’s not making any sense.
“You were there, which means you have firsthand knowledge of the accident scene. Your instincts to investigate and protect my business kicked in automatically. You were impressive. I trust you to look after my best interests.”
“I see.” I turn my head, staring into space, considering whether I’d be allowed to take on the case. Even though I’m his wife, it should be fine. I don’t know if it would be wise though.
The tap, tap, tap of Sean’s finger against the table interrupts my thoughts. Is he nervous about my answer? Does he feel obligated to ask me to help but hopes I’ll turn him down?
After a couple of minutes, I meet his eyes, shaking my head. “I can’t do it. You should find someone else.”
“What do you mean? Of course you can do it. I assumed you would jump at the chance to have the Athena as a client.”
“I didn’t mean that I’m not qualified to do it. I don’t have time. My work for other clients is already keeping me ridiculously busy.”
“Your firm has an abundance of attorneys who can help with that work. Bringing in the Grand Athena as a client would be great for your career. It would certainly impress the partners at your law firm. Teaming up would be a win-win for both of us.”
I pause before conceding, “It could be.”
Why does Sean look relieved?
20
SEAN
This doesn’t make sense. There’s no reason for her to be hesitant.
Regardless, it’s time to seal this deal, so I press forward. “Please, do this for me. There’s no question it will be beneficial for both of us.” If she only knew what’s at stake for me. Ironically, I’m leery of her finding out.
“Itiswithin my area of expertise. Plus, you’re correct that bringing in the Athena’s work would grab the law partners’ attention. There’s one problem. I’m still not sure we should entangle our lives further, but if you sincerely want me to, I’ll do it.”
She agreed, so I’m not going to worry about what’s going through her head. Thereisone more condition to weave into the deal.
“I do. Thank you. It’s a relief to know that you’ve got my back on this. Having you here will make it much easier to deal with the repercussions of the accident.”
Her head whips around. “You expect me to stay in Las Vegas while I work on this?”
“It makes sense. The witnesses are all here. The accident took place at the Athena, and the prop that caused the accident is onour stage. Also, any lawsuit will be filed in Las Vegas. This is where settlement negotiations will take place.”
“I can’t argue with those points, but there’s no need for me to stay here full time. I can fly over for settlement negotiations or court dates.”
“For now, it will be simpler for you to be on site. You already have a place to stay. It’ll be convenient for both of us. You won’t be here long if Mr. Brentwood’s family is reasonable. My preference is to reach a settlement as soon as possible. I’d rather not rack up enormous attorneys’ fees for the next year or two when it appears the Athena needs to compensate Brentwood’s estate for the accident.”
“Agreed. I could stay a little longer to interview everyone, take another look at the tree, and reach out to the family to offer a settlement. Who knows, we may wrap this up quickly.”
“Let’s hope so.”
Just not too quickly. Three months will be perfect.
