Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82453 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82453 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Rook
Backstabbing in business is part of everyday life in Manhattan. If I can use it to pad my bank account tonight, I’m here for it.
Posey is, too.
She’s sitting to my right, eating up every word falling out of the mouth of my potential new client. The man is rich with a capital R. The private jet he took to get to New York earlier today is proof of that.
Dalton Allard may live in Boston, but his business holdings are spread out over several eastern states. Since he’s hunting for new legal representation in the Empire State, I tossed my name in the mix.
Helena pulled some magic out of her hat when she spoke to him yesterday because he agreed to meet with me tonight.
I expected Helena to attend this dinner, but her rule of not socializing with her co-workers apparently extends to seeing any of us outside of regular office hours.
That suited me just fine because I’ve never had an issue selling myself.
My potential client motions for the server to approach. Once he’s within earshot, Dalton requests a bottle of stellar champagne. This dinner is on me, but I’m not about to balk. The retainer fee I expect to have in my hand before the night is over will fund not only my child’s entire college education but will cover the cost of a degree for every kid of every staff member currently on staff with the firm.
“Thorsen,” he refers to me by my surname, just as he has since we met thirty minutes ago. “Tell me why you’re the man for the job.”
I’d list my accolades, but I’ve dealt with enough men like this to know the correct response. “You already know why.”
That sends his brown eyes in my direction. Posey’s gaze tracks his movements. She’s been doing that since we sat down.
I have no idea about her relationship status, but from what I’ve witnessed, she’d be open to anything with him. I mentally berate myself for not dragging Eamon along to this instead of her. Eamon is in a committed relationship with Declan’s assistant.
“Touché,” he bites out with a smirk. “Your reputation precedes you. You’re not afraid to go for the jugular.”
That’s extreme, but on point. I do whatever it takes to ensure my clients come out on top, whether that’s within the scope of a dispute with a former employee or, in Dalton’s case, the acquisition of a billion dollar enterprise whose headquarters are located in a prime spot on Park Avenue.
He wants control of the company, and all of their real estate holdings, too. I thought I was greedy.
“He’s not afraid at all,” Posey backs me even though I never asked for it.
“Right,” Dalton brushes off her words and her with one single nod.
If her heart feels that, she sure as hell isn’t showing it. Instead, she’s stealing glances at our server.
“I expect you to shoot straight from the hip and get me what I want at bottom dollar.” He taps his fingertip on the top of the table to accentuate his point.
His bottom dollar is higher than everyone else’s I’ve ever met, so I nod assuredly. “Not a problem, Allard.”
Two can play his surname game.
It seems he enjoys the volley between us, because he almost smiles. “I have two tickets for the Mets game tomorrow night. You’re sitting next to me for that.”
I’d prefer to have my cock in Carrie’s throat tomorrow night, but this deal is the largest the firm has ever landed or will land, I suspect, so I nod. “We’ll celebrate with good scotch after the game.”
Smoothing both hands over the lapels of his suit jacket, he laughs. “Celebrate? You have a hell of a lot of faith in the Mets.”
I shake my head. “I have a hell of a lot of faith in myself. We’ll be signing a contract detailing my representation of your interests in New York State, Allard. We’ll do that in our Empire Suite at Citi Field.”
Judging by the expression on his face, my mother’s drive to impress future clients is paying off. Shortly before she retired, she purchased exclusive rights to that suite in a multi-year deal.
The server returns with a bottle of the requested champagne and three glasses. He sets to pouring as Posey sighs. “I like baseball, too.”
I’d invite her to take in the game with us, but I’m dragging the firm’s heavy hitters to the ballpark with me tomorrow. Every attorney on our payroll will get a call from me before I go to bed tonight. Attendance is mandatory.
I just wish Abby were here to share this milestone with the rest of us.
Posey will witness the drawing up of the contract in the office tomorrow morning. Then, I need her back at Declan and Abby’s apartment to put the finishing touches on the mural.