Page 32 of Lisa's Unexpected Valentine's Day

“Really?” She perched on the edge of the sectional, looking like she wasn’t sure what to expect.

“Really. Okay, let’s take this in reverse order.” He shifted through the papers and passed one over to her. “This is a copy of your lease. Correct?”

She glanced at it and nodded.

“When your landlord dumped all your things on the sidewalk and changed the locks, he broke the terms of your lease, and incidentally, the laws protecting renters. He didn’t officially file for an eviction. You were not properly served with notice to vacate. On top of that, he tried to recoup the missing rent by selling your furniture. So, after chasing him around, and discussing the situation with his…attorney…” Rick’s mouth twisted, and a note of derision entered his voice.

He shook his head. “If you want to call him an attorney, I think it was his brother-in-law and I have trouble believing any legitimate law school would have taken him. Anyway I have some options for you. First, there’s this.” He handed her a check.

Lisa’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. Maya leaned over to look and let out a slow whistle. It was an awfully big number.

“What’s this for?” Lisa asked in a breathy, shocked sounding voice.

“That is your security deposit, your first and last month’s rent, an estimated value for your furniture, and a hefty bonus for pain and suffering. I suggested that they compensate you generously for your trouble, otherwise I’d be filing charges. Theystill saved a lot of money on the fines, and this way the money goes to you and not the city.” He sat back, grinning.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a check this big before.” She swallowed hard and shook her head. “So, you said there were options?”

“Ah, yes. Well, with that money you should have no problem getting set up in a new apartment, and I have a letter of reference for you here, but as you should never have lost your place to begin with, Mr. Anthony Scazzy will be happy to welcome you back to your former rental.”

Lisa frowned. “I… don’t know if that’s a good idea. He’s probably going to be really mad about all of this.”

“Oh, he was ready to bite bricks. But I can keep my eye on him to make sure there’s no retaliatory behavior, if that’s what you want.” He sucked his teeth, making a tsking sound. “I have to say I wouldn’t recommend it. In my experience people who cut corners in one place will do it in others. Better to find a new apartment.”

“Yeah, I—yeah. I’d rather do that.”

“Great. Next problem. Unemployment. After speaking with several supervisors I was able to expedite your payment. You should be receiving your first payment, which will include backpay, within the next few days.”

“Finally!” she blurted.

“Yes, well part of the issue was your former employer made a claim of gross negligence, which held things up, but—”

“Hewhat?” She jumped to her feet. “How could he do that?”

Maya could see her shaking with upset, and quickly got up to hug her. “What a dick. I’m so sorry, Lisa.”

Rick gave them a minute and then cleared his throat. “I know this is upsetting, and we’ll get to him in a minute, but his claim was dismissed. You were awarded the full amount. It just added to the wait time—which is already ridiculously long right now.”

Lisa nodded and slowly sank back down in her seat, with Maya pressed against her for emotional support. “Sorry, I just… it’s so infuriating that he would do that.”

“Unfortunately it’s not uncommon for employers to do this, and it might not be personal. It keeps their costs lower if claims are denied.”

“That’s still terrible.”

“It is, but in this case it backfired. The Unemployment department does investigate these things and your co-workers spoke up. Several were willing to state that they’d heard him pressuring you to date him, as well, so if you’re interested… I’ve referred this to the prosecutor. Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue, and I don’t think you’re the only one he’s done this to.”

“He’s fired other women for not dating him?”

“Probably. There’s no reason to think you were the first… or the last. If it goes to court, you’ll probably be called as a witness. If you want my advice…” He let the offer trail off.

“Of course, please.”

“If the prosecutor finds enough evidence to file charges, you might want to consider filing a civil suit against him as well.”

“Oh…” She trailed off, chewing on her bottom lip as she considered it.

“In my opinion, you have a case, but it’s not something you need to worry about now.” He pushed the pile of papers across the coffee table. “These are for your records.”

She picked up the pile, flipping through it slowly and glancing at each page before she looked up at him. “So, this is it? Everything’s fixed?”

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