by Annie Dyer
Jackson shrugged. “Try having a toddler. Van’s hair is constantly in Teddy’s hands.”
The rest of the partners had disappeared, leaving the room empty apart from the three brothers and me.
“How old’s Teddy?”
“Eighteen months. I think we’ve aged about half a decade since he stopped sleeping though.” Jackson rubbed his eyes.
“Don’t listen to him, Georgia. He’s just trying to get sympathy.” Max shook his head.
“You’ll understand in a few months.” Jackson shook his head. “And don’t start, Seph. I haven’t punched anything for about a week and I might mistake you for a punching bag.”
“This is because when I baby sat on Friday night, Teddy slept all the way through.” Seph smirked, looking incredibly pleased with himself, hands behind his head, tilting on his chair in a manner that would’ve caused a teacher to give him detention. “Just call me the baby whisperer.”
I looked from Jackson to Seph. “Does Teddy not normally sleep through?”
“No.” Jackson’s answer was immediate. “And it’s starting to worry me.”
“But he slept through on Friday?” I looked at Seph.
Seph nodded, his grin broader than ever. “From eleven through till six. Then we got up, had our first breakfast and watched cartoons. Perfect Saturday morning.”
“Where did you sleep with him, Seph?”
Jackson’s head snapped round to stare at his brother. “In Teddy’s nursery. Where Teddy should’ve slept.” He frowned.
Seph’s smile waned.
Caught.
“We were in the lounge. We fell asleep with the TV on.” He shrugged. “Worked though.”
Jackson opened his mouth to speak but I held up a hand. “White noise. My guess is that he stopped sleeping through when he moved into his nursery. Am I right?”
“Pretty much.” Jackson pushed his hand through his hair again, a trait I was beginning to recognise in all the brothers I’d met.
“Get a white noise app downloaded. It’ll change your life.” I pulled out the last pin from my hair and felt it drop straight down, its weight finally free.
Jackson’s mouth opened and closed a few times. “White noise?”
“The noise your radio makes when nothing's being broadcast or a TV when nothing’s on. It helps babies and toddlers sleep.” I shook my hair, feeling relief. Maybe, just maybe, I’d be able to get away with wearing my hair down here.
Maxwell squinted at me. “How do you know this?”
It was my turn to shrug. “I read a lot. And I have friends with kids a similar age.”
It was true. Just not the whole truth.
Jackson stood up, clutching his phone. “Max, can you talk Georgia through the basics – fire alarm shit and all that while I call Vanessa?”
Maxwell nodded. “Unless Seph has time?” He looked at Seph. “Give you both chance to meet properly too.”
Seph shook his head and stood up. I hadn’t really noticed him as he came into the room, just when he’d already been seated. He was tall, well over six feet, and had the build of someone who was familiar with the gym. His hair was dark enough to look black, and there was a dusting of stubble that suggested clean-shaven wasn’t a description he was familiar with. Dress trousers clung to muscular legs and as a woman who had gone far too long without any sight of a male member, I wondered exactly what was underneath them.
I made eye contact fast.
“I have a meeting booked with David Hartford. But don’t worry, I ate before.” His eyes fell on me. “Can we catch up this afternoon? About five? We could grab a drink and I’ll tell you all the sordid secrets about Maxwell. You’ll never be able to look twice at him again.”
“Five’s fine. Not sure about the secrets.” My smile was polished, the proper one that could be worn by a Sunday school teacher, perfected in previous partners’ meetings where I had been the only woman and subjected to a lot of speculation. “I’ll maybe put a hold on them for the next month or so.”
“I like her.” Max grinned. “Both of you go. I’d like to wish you luck, Joseph, but I had to put up with the Hartfords for about six months when David swore his vasectomy went wrong, so I have no sympathy.”
“Thanks. Love you too, bro.” Seph smiled again and left the room, his voice echoing back through as he wished someone a good morning.
“Nice guy. Batty as a rabbit on poppers though. He’ll look after you.” Max pushed a small pile of papers my way.
I pushed all the ways that Seph could look after me right out of my head. I was practiced at this: relationships, one-night stands, friends with benefits – all of that and any other euphemisms – had been burned at a stake about five years ago. I looked, and boy, did I look, but I didn’t touch, unless it was myself with a steamy book.
I pulled the papers over to me. “I’m sure we’ll get along fine. What’s this I’m looking at?”
“Some health and safety shit that makes us compliant. You’re meant to read it and agree to say you’ve understood. All people who work here have to – which they do, and then forget about it as soon as they’ve put the pen down. Just don’t tell Jackson that.”
“Tell Jackson what?” The door opened and Jackson came back in, phone in hand.
“Nothing.” Max and I spoke at the same time.
Jackson shook his head.
I started to read, taking in what was there. Unlike most people, I didn’t forget what was in the contents of what I’d signed. I always read the small print. Sometimes, learning the hard way really did teach you a lesson.
Chapter Four
Seph
“I really appreciate you changing your schedule to fit in with mine, Joseph.”
I smiled, hoping my professional mask was well-fitted today. As a teenager, I’d loved being a twat with some of my father’s older clients, at least when they couldn’t hear what I had to say. It was around the age of fifteen when I’d become fluent in sarcasm, a language in which, unfortunately, my mother held a PhD.
When David Hartford had requested a nine-thirty breakfast meeting, he’d assumed I’d have stuff to rearrange to fit him in. I’d let him believe that, asking if I could get back to him, just to check with the client that I’d need to rearrange. It’d fed his need for being important and I’d won the first battle, because even though I was his legal representative, the war wasn’t just against his brother, it was against me too. He was paying me; therefore he knew better.
To be a good lawyer, you didn’t just need to know the inside of a law book, you needed to know the inside of people’s minds.
“Not a problem, David. Are you happy going through a few things here?” We were in Amelie’s café, my suggestion given the proximity to the offices and to David Hartford’s flagship jewellery store, the one he was still involved with running on a day-to-day basis, or so he said. I suspected he spent most of his time on a golf course, if I was honest, and in reality, it’d been a long time since he’d probably seen the inside of a store.
He sat back in the chair and gave me a patronising smile. “I’d like to get to know a little bit more about you, if I may. I’ve dealt with your father and oldest brother in the past, but not yourself, so I consider it due diligence to interview you, so to speak.” He lifted his cappuccino – extra shot – as if it was whisky.
The number of fuck offs that rested on my tongue, waiting to be ejaculated, were uncountable. Instead, I sat back in my chair and smiled. “Certainly. I expect Maxwell has given you some background too.”
“He certainly has.” David winked and cocked his head to one side.
This was where I could get my fun, with maybe a side of revenge. Max would only have said positive things, knowing full well that this was a sales pitch. I imagined the graphics I could make up, quoting him and the praise he’d given to reassure David Hartford that I was a suitable man for the job. Wonderful. Every cloud.
“To save repeating what you already know, what did Max tell you
? I don’t want to waste your time duplicating information.” I saw Amelie shake her head as she walked past, and I figured she’d caught part of the conversation.
David drained the rest of his coffee and gestured to Amelie for another, giving her a grin that turned my stomach. I didn’t worry; Amelie had seen off bigger leches than David Hartford, but it annoyed me. At some point, I’d find a way to put him down for doing that, but not now.
“Max told me you graduated with a first and won a prize in your final year in intellectual property law, quite a prestigious one. He said you were meticulous and detailed and that technically you were brilliant. He also mentioned that you’d just been awarded Rights of Audience, which even I know is a big deal. Very few solicitors have those higher rights. He told me I couldn’t go wrong with you; that you were dedicated and always acted in your clients' best interests.”
Even the wooden table could hear what that last sentence was loaded with. I’d deal with that later though; right now I was savouring Max’s words. Praise from Biggest Brother didn’t come often.
“That pretty much covers it.” I knew it wouldn’t. I was probably thirty years younger than David, and my face had been pictured a little too often in magazines that weren’t connected directly with the law.
David nodded. “You married?”
“No. Like Max said, I earned higher rights last year which took some studying. The last few cases I’ve had have meant additional hours to prepare for court – my lifestyle isn’t conducive to having a family.” Yet. It wasn’t conducive yet.
“You have a reputation for enjoying a party.”
I couldn’t argue with this. Nor was I going to excuse or deny it. “It’s been a way of blowing off steam and relaxing.”
Another nod. “Fair point. I did a fair bit of partying when I was your age. I’m sure you know exactly what I mean.”
I didn’t smile or acknowledge it.
“Did Max mention I have a Master’s degree in intellectual property law also?” It was something that was forgotten, mainly because I’d done it on the side while I was completing my training contract. I’d grown up in the office, so being a trainee hadn’t been that challenging, hence I’d picked up some extra study.
David gave me a smile that suggested Max hadn’t mentioned this, but David wanted to pretend he knew anyway.
“He said you were well qualified. I must admit, I don’t have the same confidence; you’re young, which means inexperienced, and this case is going to stretch you.”
I didn’t have a temper. My share had been distributed to Payton. But the urge to lean over the table and grab hold of his collar to give him a good shake was almost irresistible.
“If you aren’t confident that I’ll be able to represent you, Mr Hartford, then maybe you need to look at another firm.”
My father had taught all of us to never be held hostage. We chose who we represented; we were bound to offer honest advice to potential clients and be transparent, and if something made us feel uncomfortable then we should politely decline to offer our services.
The Hartfords had been clients for decades, but that didn’t mean we had to carry on that relationship. Marie had taught us all that we could say no to sex; our father taught us all that we could say no to business.
Right now, David Hartford was trying to prove he had a bigger, more expensive penis than me. I wasn’t the sort of person to get involved in such a pissing competition.
“Now then, I’m sure your father will want you to keep my business.” He put his hand out to block Amelie’s path. “Could we have some service, love?”
She smiled, her teeth slightly barred as his tone was demanding and cold. “Someone will be with you in a few minutes.”
“Can’t you just take the order?”
Amelie shook her head. “I’m about to leave, so I’m afraid not. But Marnie knows you’re waiting.” She nodded towards the young girl who had started there full time.
David frowned, looked at me, then back to Amelie. “I’m sure your manager would expect you to take our order before you go on a break.”
It was all I could do to not burst out laughing.
“The manager – which is me - is on her way to a meeting, love. And in case you’re considering making a complaint, I’m also the owner.” The smile was the prettiest she had. “Have a good day.” She swept away, her head held up high and for David’ sake, I was glad she wasn’t making his next drink, which would probably have some added additional ingredient.
He looked at me and shook his head. “Back to what I was saying; I’m sure your father would want me to continue to use Callaghan Green in the future. I feel I need some assurance that this case will be in good hands and maybe a more preferable hourly rate given your inexperience.”
“The rates are fixed, which you’ll know is standard for our practice. Max has gone through my credentials and I can send you a list of the cases I’ve led which are similar to this. Other than that, the decision is yours.” I stood up, picking up my phone which I’d placed on the table.
This was exactly what I’d thought would happen, Jackson too. I would be more than happy if David took his case elsewhere. I had enough to do.
“I’ll give it some thought, but I’d appreciate the list of your successful cases. Are you getting the bill?” He looked over at the till.
I was surprised he hadn’t suggested we discuss what I thought of his chances of suing his brother and winning were over dinner – with the firm paying. “It’s on my account.”
“You have an account here?” He looked surprised, as if this place should be beneath me.
I nodded. “I’m friends with the owner.”
He raised his eyebrows and smirked. “Enjoying perks other than the coffee, eh?”
“No.” He’d pushed one button too hard. “Amelie’s a family friend and I wouldn’t be so crass to say that of a woman or assume it.”
His face hardened and I figured I’d be speaking to my father later and explaining that David Hartford was no longer a client. Not that my father wouldn’t back what I’d said and agree with it.
“I’ll be in touch.” He had taken his phone out and was looking at the screen.
I nodded and wished him goodbye, not bothering to walk outside with him.
I wouldn’t bother to follow up our meeting with a phone call either.
“He said what?”
Maxwell folded his arms and sat back, his beer still untouched. Max had needed pulling away from his desk just about the time I needed feeding, and I was keen to avoid my office for the time being. There was a redhead inside it and I needed to prepare myself for speaking to her.
She wasn’t what I was expecting.
“He suggested that I had an account at Amelie’s because I was sleeping with her. He also assumed she was an employee and wouldn’t be the manager.”
“Because she was a woman? He’s up to his old tricks again. I thought he’d snapped out of that.” He leaned forward and picked up his pint, taking the first mouthful.
“What do you mean? Old tricks?”
“He got slapped with a lawsuit about ten years ago for sexual harassment. He managed to get off and settled out of court, and from what Dad said, that did calm him down a bit.” Max had managed to drink over half a pint in one go.
Must’ve been an intense morning.
“What sort of sexual harassment?”
“Verbal. He made innuendos to one of the assistant managers, hinted that she’d get further if she was more available to him. There were various inappropriate comments that you’d associate with three decades earlier. He wasn’t hands on, if that makes it any better.” Max nursed his pint. “Might need a second one of these.”
I felt the same.
“Not sure it does and I hope he goes elsewhere with this case.”
Max shrugged. “He won’t. This is how he usually behaves when we open a file for him. We didn’t represent him for the harassment suit; Marie told him where he co
uld stick that. You can turn him down though.”
“I know.” I hadn’t discounted doing that.
“But you know this is going to be a high-profile case. It’s the sort of thing you’ve been waiting for.”
“I know that too. Let’s move on to the glowing reference you gave him about me.” That was enough time spent on David Hartford. If he decided not to change solicitors, I had a decision to make, one I’d maybe make with my new partner, who I was trying not to think about.
Max shook his head. “If this lunch ends with me drinking whisky, it’ll be your fault.” He took another mouthful of beer. “I told him that you were qualified, all of it true. Don’t let it go to your head.”
“I don’t think you’d let me.”
His grin bordered on being evil. “I’m not going over what I said. It was all factual. What’re you ordering?” He gestured to the menu. “I’m going for the club sandwich.”
“Victoria still on the healthy eating thing?”
“Yep. No red meat, no beer in the house, everything’s organic or blessed by nuns on the third day of the crescent moon, or some shit like that.” He finished his pint. “I’m hoping this weird nesting phase is done with soon.”
I’d no advice to offer him. I knew jack shit about such things other than what I’d seen with my sisters.
“I’ll have the same.” No point in having food envy. “And I won’t tell Victoria.”
“We both know you will.” He glared at me. “Just like we both know you’ll mention to everyone what I said about you to David Hartford.”
“Probably.” No pointy lying about it. “Georgia’s brought some big clients.” I’d briefly looked over the list of files she’d come with. There were some big cases ongoing, and some clients who were impressive, given that she was around the same age as me, and had been a little fish in a bigger pond than Callaghan Green.
“She has. She should be a real asset. And we thought she’d fit in with everyone too.” Max smiled at the waiter who was arriving at our table. He placed the order, asking for another beer for himself.