who has no clue she’s very attractive. Which is good, since I don’t like women who are stuck on themselves.”
“Well, thank you for the compliment, but I don’t think I’m anything special.”
“We’ll have to see what Spence thinks, won’t we? You just missed him, by the way.”
Tish shook her head. “Damn.”
“I hope that does not imply you’ve been wasting time talking to me in the hopes he might show up.”
“Not at all. I’ve enjoyed meeting you.”
He pointed at her t-shirt and cocked his head toward the hotel. “You staying there?”
“Till Christmas. My house caught on fire and a tree hit it, so that’s where the insurance company put me up. It’s close to my office.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Tish, by the way.”
He shook it. “I’m Benny. Nice to meet you, Tish from the hotel. So, should I tell him you’re looking for him?”
“I’d rather try to run into him. Less stalkerish, if you know what I mean.”
“I got ya. But I can help you narrow things down. He’s usually here between seven-thirty and eight.”
“Thanks, Benny.”
He flashed a wide grin. “See you tomorrow, Tish from the hotel.”
“So that’s what you’re gonna call me?”
“Easier to keep track of people that way. So you’re Tish from the hotel and he’s Spence from the block. Some of my other regulars are garment district Julio and Broadway Jill. I think it’s only fair since people call me Benny the soda guy.”
“Anyone ever tell you that you’re a character, Benny?”
He put his palms up and smiled. “Every day for the past thirty years when I get home to my wife.”
“Benny, I have a feeling she’s a very lucky woman.”
“Nah. I’m the lucky guy.”
The light tap on his office door jolted Spencer out of deep thought. He looked up to see Ariel holding some newspapers. “Hey, Ariel, what’s up?”
“You look like you’re solving the world’s problems.”
“Nah, just thinking about stuff.”
“Right. Stuff.” She walked in and took the chair in front of his desk. “Anything I can help with?”
He shook his head. “Nah. So what are you bringing me?”
“I’m going to need your help on a client I agreed to represent who is about to get sued.” She handed him the one of the papers.
He quickly read the article on the front page, saw the name of the person in question, and shook his head as he tossed the paper on his desk. “No way. Ariel, we don’t need a client like this.”
She put up her hands. “Whoa, hold on. I told you I had a case coming up with a horrible person and you didn’t care. I seem to remember you said we’re in business to make money.”
“I know, but…Peter Brent? The guy is evil. And I thought we agreed not to take any more clients so we could slow down.”
“I know, but I already told him I’d represent him after you didn’t have a problem. Besides, he’s a relative of mine so I’m kinda stuck.”
“You’re related to him?”
“Not something I want to shout from the rooftops, but he’s a cousin. I can’t say no.”
“Sure you can. You pick up the phone and say we’re too busy, which wouldn’t be a lie. Then recommend the appropriate sleaze bag who won’t mind getting in bed with him.”
“I would but this is the guy who put me through law school. I never would have been able to afford it without him. I’m sorry, Spence, but I really do owe him despite the fact that he’s turned into a creep.”
“How did you ever get hooked up with someone who has this kind of reputation?”
“Like I said, he’s a cousin and I see him every year at the family reunion. He’s loaded. And back then he didn’t have a reputation and simply wanted to help me out. He grew up with my mom and they’re good friends. Look, I can certainly keep your name out of it but I may need your help with research and prep on this before I go to court. You’ve had a couple of cases like this one and you know how to win them.”
“I’m not sure I’d wanna help him win anything. But that’s not the problem. The problem is we can’t keep our firm’s name out of it. And you know the public is going to side with the plaintiff. He’s the obvious bad guy here. Big corporate meanie screwing one of his employees out of a fortune. I’ll help you behind the scenes with the research and prep but I can’t be your second chair. Some of our clients would not be happy seeing me defending him.”
“They won’t be happy seeing me do it either.”
“Yeah, but you have the legitimate excuse that you’re related to the guy. Make one of his staff attorneys second chair.”
“Okay, I see your point. Anyway, can you get some stuff together for me this afternoon since he wants to meet with me soon?”
“Sure. I’ll dig out the old case files and write out some strategy for you.” He looked at the newspaper again. “Ariel, is there any chance you can settle this?”
“Don’t think so. My cousin is very stubborn even though a settlement would be pocket change to him. It’s like he’s got a vendetta against the woman. But I’ll try like hell.”
“Please do what you can. Tell him the negative publicity would be far costlier than any settlement. If he hasn’t realized that after reading the papers. Speaking of which, don’t give a damn thing to the media. Silent running and radio silence. The sooner we get this case off the calendar, the better.”
“I will do my best. Hey, if nothing else, we’ll make a fortune off him so we can take more pro bono stuff.”
“I guess that’s one way to look at it.”
“And speaking of things on the calendar, don’t forget you’ve got that charity auction tonight.”
“It’s on my to-do list though I’ll be a little late. You wanna go with me?”
“Nah, I’d spend too much money. But I won’t complain if you buy me something nice.”
“I thought that was your boyfriend’s job.”
“It is, but you have
