Page 11 of Nerdplay
No pressure.
“I expect another update by Friday,” he continues, “and it better involve good news. Monitor everybody. Snap a photo of some kid rinsing off paintbrushes in the camp creek so we can finagle a CERCLA lien against the property. Whatever it takes.”
“On it, sir. We’ll speak again soon.” I hang up before he can blather on. I wish Riggieri were a rare breed, but sadly, he’s interchangeable with many of the firm’s clients who seem to think the world should bow at their feet. Money brings out the worst in certain kinds of people.
I arrive at the meeting with thirty seconds to spare. As much as I try to focus on the agenda, my mind keeps returning to the Poconos. Specifically, to the unexpected powerhouse named Courtney Abernathy. The camp wasn’t at all what I expected. She wasn’t at all what I expected. It isn’t every day I try to negotiate with someone in short-shorts and a Nerdy By Nature T-shirt. The image of her long, toned legs flashes in my mind. There was absolutely nothing nerdy about those.
It takes me another five minutes to immerse myself in the discussion. The fact that it involves a private equity fund doesn’t help. The most entertaining aspect involves watching lawyers climb over each other to appear smarter and more important than they actually are. The only requirement from me was to show up, which I did. Another whoosh in the basket. Take that, Matt.
When I return to my office, Joel is seated in my chair with his legs propped up on my desk. He hasn’t bothered to move any of the paperwork out from underneath his dirty albeit expensive shoes.
“Hey, Joel.”
He smiles but doesn’t move. “I spoke to Riggieri. He’s foaming at the mouth about this camp. Says if we can’t convince her to sign a contract, then he wants us to find another way.”
I don’t follow. “Another way?”
“Leverage, Thorpe. He wants us to find leverage. Anything we can use to force her hand or take the land outright.”
“I ran a title search and checked with?—”
Joel holds up a hand. “All the official methods have been exhausted. It’s up to you to think outside the box. You can do that, can’t you?”
“Of course,” I say without hesitation.
“You know Lyman also has his eye on the partnership seat.”
“I’m well aware.”
“Between you and me, I’d prefer to have you seated next to me at the table. My wife likes your company. Says you’re polite and not a raging narcissist.”
“That’s ... nice to hear.” Joel’s wife also likes to mention swinging in my presence, but I decide to keep that nugget to myself. I wouldn’t get involved with a married woman, and I certainly wouldn’t get involved with one who bears an uncanny resemblance to my great-aunt Kathleen.
Joel slots his hands together and slides them behind his head. “Talk to me, Thorpe. How can we toss this trophy at Riggieri’s feet?” His gaze had a predatory sheen to it, like a lion dreaming of what he might do to a gazelle.
“Find leverage, like you said.”
“What are you thinking? A private investigator?”
My mouth decides to run faster than my brain. “Better than a P.I. Me.”
He swings his legs off the desk and straightens. “What do you mean?”
“The next two weeks of camp are for adults. I register as an attendee. Sneak around the campground. Find a smoking gun and shoot.”
His smile broadens. “I like the way you think, Thorpe. Dig up some dirt. Maybe a couple skeletons.”
“It’s a two-week program. That gives me plenty of time to find what we need.”
His excitement fades. “She’s already met you though. Think she’ll let you register?”
“I’ll do what I do best.” I flash a smile. The one that gets me a table at a fully booked restaurant or a date with a beautiful woman who refuses to give my friends the time of day. “Persuade her.” There’s no way I can register online. The second Courtney sees my name on the registration form, she’ll no doubt reject it. My chances are much better if I’m already standing in front of her with a packed bag.
Joel slaps his hands on the desk and stands. “I’ll divide up your current caseload so this can be your sole focus. You’ve got two weeks. Make this happen and the partnership is yours. I don’t care what Lyman brings to the table. LandStar is our top priority.”
“I won’t let you down.”
The moment he leaves, I start to hyperventilate. I pull the knot from my tie and unbutton my collar to get some relief.
