Page 55 of Reckless Chance
“Feel free, but that will slow down the process,” I call back calmly and continue walking with Sean back to his office. We’ve only taken a few steps when we hear security guards ushering the visitors into the elevator.
“What the hell was that?”Sean asks when we reach the privacy of his office.
“The strangest settlement conference I’ve ever attended,” I say, dropping into one of the guest chairs.
“Part of me wanted to accept the offer, pay the guy, and be done, but it was too easy. Something is off.”
“I wholeheartedly agree. I’m looking up Taylor Williams in the attorney database now. It’s possible he’s a recent law school graduate and doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
“What does it say about him?”
“Believe it or not, he’s listed as an attorney specializing in estates and wrongful death cases.” I’m stunned.
“Are you sure you’re looking at the correct person?”
“It’s the entry for the only attorney named Taylor Williams in Las Vegas. He’s with the Fishbourne Peabody law firm.”
“Are you saying he knows what he’s doing?” Sean asks.
“On paper, it looks like he should. In person, I’m not sure. If he’s experienced in this field, why did he only ask for $250K? I was expecting the starting request would be at least a few million, and you would be lucky to settle for a million, plus or minus.”
“Exactly. After all, we are a casino. I’ve had people stub their toe and ask for $250K. It doesn’t make sense.”
“No, it doesn’t, which has me wondering whether the will is valid and whether Mr. Galanis really is the sole heir.”
“Good point. My public relations team wants me to settle with the family quickly to keep the press at bay. However, I can’t settle until we’re sure it’s Mr. Brentwood’s actual estate and heir we’re dealing with. What’s the next step?” Sean asks.
“Investigate further. I’ll start by reviewing the will. I’ll also try to track down the witnesses to the will. My firm will run a social media and background check on Mr. Brentwood to see if any family turns up. We’ll also find out whether Mr. Galanis shows up as his partner. Do you have a way to find out who would have given Mr. Brentwood the ticket to the show? We need to know why he was in that seat on that night.”
“I’ll check with the ticket office, but people often trade and resell tickets.”
“Is Detective Fielder the type to exchange info with us, or will he try to shut down our efforts and tell us to stay out of police business?”
“In the past, he’s been reasonably open to working together. Why?”
“We should let him know about the unexpected visit by the supposed heir. He can run a background check to see if Mr. Galanis is who he says he is. Also, Detective Fielder should have Mr. Brentwood’s driver’s license. I’d like to get a copy and compare it with the signature on the will.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“If the detective is feeling particularly talkative, maybe he’ll also share other details of his investigation. His officers would have interviewed the performers and crew as well. I’d like to compare my notes with his. By now, he’s also probably spoken with the vendor who built the tree. I’m sure that Fielder would have asked whether the vendor used those latches on other projects and whether they have had any issues.”
“That’s a solid plan. I’ll set up a call with him. I’m not trying to get out of paying what’s fair. If the Athena is responsible, then we’ll take care of his family. Of course, this is a business. I can’t hand out money if it wasn’t our fault, but I’ll do my best to make sure whoever is responsible pays.”
“I understand. First, let’s find the cause of the accident and why your safety checks didn’t detect the problem. Second, we’ll verify who controls Mr. Brentwood’s estate. Then we’ll know the next steps. I’m going back to your apartment to work.”
“I’ll walk you to my elevator,” he says and guides me toward the flowing waterfall protruding from the back wall of his office.
He places his palm on a panel, causing the entire waterfall to move left a few feet, revealing the hidden elevator.
As we wait for the door to open, he pulls me into a tight hug and gives me a kiss on the forehead, saying, “In the past, we’ve had the occasional guest die from a heart attack or stroke. We couldn’t prevent those tragedies. I never anticipated dealing with deaths at the hotel due to unnatural causes. It’s been an emotional roller coaster lately. First, it was the deaths at thecooking competition five months ago, and now Mr. Brentwood. I don’t know what I’d do without you right now.”
“We’ve got this,” I say, holding him close.
“We make an unexpectedly outstanding team. You were great today. Is it wrong that I have a hard-on for my badass attorney? I have plans for you the next time you visit my office,” he whispers in my ear.
The elevator dings, saving me from the need to respond.
I leave, hot from his last comments and thinking wedomake an outstanding team.
