The dining room at one of the classiest restaurants in the city was packed as you would usually find it during the lunch rush. This was an ideal place for people of power to meet, break bread, and then cut deals that would make them both even more insanely rich than they already were. The owner should get a cut for all the money made, but would have to settle for charging very high prices for the food that is seldom finished and the drinks that are most of the time watered down or given too much ice. The patrons honestly didn’t give a flying fuck about the corner’s cut, because the atmosphere of the place is what told the person you were meeting there that they matter and so do you. You show power by being able to book a table with little or no notice, and that exhibited what big shot you were. As Russell Benson arrived, he didn’t even need to make a reservation as there was always a table waiting for him. The same could be said for Jefferson Jones who arrived shortly before Russell did. As Russell walked up to the entrance to the dining area, the maître de met him there with a pleasant smile as he enjoyed serving the fat cats who loved to spend.
“Mr. Benson,” the maître d’ started, “Would you like a table?”
“I’m actually here to meet with Jefferson Jones,” Russell replied, “I assume he’s already here?”
“Right this way, Mr. Benson.” The man said, grabbing a menu.
The maître d’ led him to a small table by one of the big windows, and Jefferson Jones was already there, enjoying what was so far a liquid lunch. Jefferson quickly drained what left in his glass and then gestured to the man with the menu.
“I’ll have another,” he called out, “And I’ll take that too.”
After taking the menu, the maître d’ walked way with a huff, because he didn’t like be treated as a waiter, he was in charge.
“You know,” Russell said as he sat down, “Gerard doesn’t like to be treated like that. Not one bit.”
“That’s his name?” Jefferson replied, deep with sarcasm. “I really don’t give a rat’s ass at the moment.”
“I can tell,” Russell said, “You’re hitting the bottle rather hard today.”
“It’s five o’clock somewhere,” Jefferson retorted.
“Seriously, man.” Russell said, “This isn’t healthy.”
“It’s alright,” Jefferson said, smiling back. “My work for today is already done, so this really is my five o’clock.”
“I’m not here to brag,” Russell said, aware of what he meant by that statement. The only client he was going to work on that day had fired him so Jones suddenly had nothing to do. “I need to hit the ground running, and could use your help. I’m more than willing to profit share if that’s what it will take.”
“Hit the ground for what?” Jefferson asked. “He needs to take the deal.”
“Xander’s not taking the deal.” Russell corrected him, “And he never will.”
“He said that?” Jefferson asked.
“I think his exact words were I don’t care if I run my company into the ground or spend the next few decades in jail.” Russell recalled, “There will be no deals, period. We are taking that lying bitch to court, and I am personally going to take her and her greedy shakedown lawyers to the fucking shed and tear them apart.”
Upon hearing that declaration, Jefferson sat up in his chair. Russell suddenly had the man’s full attention. “You can’t be serious!”
“Oh, I’m serious.” Russell confirmed, “And that’s why I’m his lawyer now, and you’re not.”
“I gave him my honest opinion,” Jefferson started, tapping the settlement offer with his index finger. “This deal is what’s best for him and his company: he needs to pay to make this mess go away.”
“That may have been the best advice,” Russell said, “But it wasn’t the best position for you to take. You were more than just a lawyer to Xander and you let him down bigtime. He needed you to have his back and you told him to surrender. There’s just one problem with that strategy.”
“And what’s that?” Jefferson inquired.
“The kid is innocent,” Russell answered, “And I believe him. The question I have for you Jefferson is why don’t you believe him?”
“I never said I didn’t!” Jefferson cried out.
“But you also never said you did,” Russell added, “Xander told me he asked you straight out during the settlement meeting, and you didn’t say anything. You’ve known the kid since he was born, and you were unable to give him a straight answer whether you thought he was guilty or innocent. And you wonder why the kid fired you?”
“It’s not that simple,” Jefferson tried to explain.
“No, it is that simple.” Russell said, “If you think he’s innocent, you tell him.”
“What if he’s not?” Jefferson asked.
“Then you fucking lie,” Russell answer without hesitation. “Do you honestly think Johnnie Cochrane thought O.J. was innocent? It didn’t matter, because Johnnie defended his client to the bitter end, regardless of what he thought. That’s what Xander needed, and that’s what he’s got with me. We’re going to fight these preposterous charges and take the fight to them.”
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“I’m confused,” Jefferson admitted, “If you have no intention of taking the deal, then why did you want to see it?”
“I want to see what I’m dealing with,” Russell said as he grabbed the copy of the settlement and picked it up. “Inside here is Intel about who we’re dealing with and what their strategy is going forward. To use a football metaphor this is the opposing team’s playbook, and I intend to study up before we meet on the field.”
“Alright, I get it.” Jefferson said, “Anything else you need from me?”
“Not yet, but if there is can I depend on you?” Russell asked.
“I’ve been in the kid’s corner forever,” Jefferson declared, “And I still represent his father, so I’d help him out of loyalty to the old man too.”
“Good to hear,” Russell said, “Is it fair to assume the old man doesn’t want any of this to go public?”
“You would assume correctly,” Jefferson answered.
“You know what’s going on here Jefferson,” Russell reminded him, “If either man pays this woman to make it all go away, the flood gates will open and both Junior and Senior will be paying for false allegations for the rest of their lives. Once someone pays to make something going away, you might as well paint a bullseye on their backs. They’ll be targeted by every shill and grifter cause they’ll be pegged as suckers who will pay with little or no fight.”
“I know how it works,” Jefferson replied, “They could lost far more if the stock drops, so this might be the path of least resistance.”
“Sometimes that path is fucking stupid,” Russell retorted, “And you know it.”
“Now it’s clear why he hired you,” Jefferson said, “The man who values truth over everything else. You’re determined to take this to a courtroom and fight.”
“Yes, I am.” Russell confirmed, “And so is Xander.”
“Are you sure he’s up for this kind of fight?” Jefferson asked.
“Xander gave me an eight digit retainer,” Russell said, aware of the reaction he’d get from that. “So I’m pretty confident that’s exactly what he wants.”
Jefferson sat up in his chair upon hearing that. “Are you serious? Eight digits?”
“That’s how much he wants to fight,” Russell said, “He’d rather pay me a small fortune to take this to court rather than give that woman a single dime.”
“Damn,” Jefferson said as he drained the rest of his glass.
“Exactly,” Russell said, as he was enjoying this a bit too much.
It was at this point where their food arrived, and the two men sat there quietly eating their lunch as an awkward silence hung above their table. Russell wasn’t the kind of guy to rub things in, but he needed to know how committed Jefferson was to remaining loyal to Xander and his father so he wouldn’t be concerned about leaks from their side. Russell has also put the offer that Jefferson brought with him into his briefcase as it seemed unprofessional to have something with sensitive details about his client laying on the table in a public place. Without notice, Jefferson tapped Russell on the shoulder.
“What is it?” Russell asked.
“We have incoming,” Jefferson said, “The man who gave me that offer you stashed away. He’s no doubt coming over here to pressure me.”
“Well, he’s in for a surprise then.” Russell said, wiping his mouth and hands with his napkin. “Be a chap and introduce us when he gets here.”
“Why not,” Jefferson said, rather irritated. “Let’s extend my humiliation.”
“That’s the spirit!” Russell said, aware of the sarcasm being used.
“Jefferson Jones,” A man said as he walked up to their table. “Fancy bumping into you here.”
“Yeah, I bet.” Russell said, as he didn’t believe it for a second.
“Nice to see you again, Virgil.” Jefferson said, “I don’t think you’ve had the pleasure of meeting my colleague. This is Russell Benson.”
“I’ve heard of you Mr. Benson!” Virgil said, offering a hand for him to shake. “Your reputation as a gladiator in the courtroom is the stuff of legends in this town. I’m Virgil Spencer and it is a true pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine, I can assure you.” Russell said as he shook it.
“I don’t mean to be rude,” Virgil started, “But I need to speak with Jefferson about a very important matter, so could we have a few minutes?”
“No,” Russell answered.
“Excuse me?” Virgil said, not expecting that answer.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Russell replied, “Whatever you came to tell him, you can say to me instead.”
“What is this man saying?” Virgil asked Jefferson, as he was still confused.
At this point, Russell stood up so that he could look his enemy directly.
“What I’m saying is I represent Xander Hopkins,” Russell said, “So whatever you have to say to Jefferson, you can direct to me. As of a few hours ago, Jefferson was released by Mr. Hopkins and new council was procured in the form of me.”
“Is this true?” Virgil said, as he was shocked to hear the news.
“It is,” Jefferson confirmed, “I’m no longer representing Mr. Hopkins.”
“So, Virgil…” Russell started, “Does the fact that I’m in this game now instead of Jefferson tell you what you need to know? In case you still need help, let me spell it out for you: your offer is rejected.”
“I see,” Virgil said, as he seemed a little surprised. “I’m sorry to hear that. Perhaps we can set up a meeting and negotiate something that is more to your and your client’s liking?”
“I don’t think you get it,” Russell countered, “We’re not interested in many any deals. Zero. Ziltch. Nadda. Squat. Jack and shit, and Jack left town. The only thing I’ve been authorized to do is tell you and your dishonest client that hell will get a hockey franchise before she sees a single dime from us.”
“I guess we’ll see you in court,” Virgil said, clearly not pleased with the answer.
“I look forward to it,” Russell said, “Seeing that I’m a gladiator in the courtroom and all. That’s something you and the D.A. can look forward to experiencing first hand if you try to go after my client with these ludicrous allegations.”
“Well then,” Virgil said, looking back at Jefferson. “Sorry to hear about your dismissal.”
“Take care, Virgil.” Jefferson said, raising a glass to salute him.
“Russell,” Virgil said to his new opponent, “This hasn’t been a pleasure after all.”
“I did tell you it would be all mine,” Russell reminded him.
Virgil didn’t say anything else and simply walked away, aware that there was nothing more to say without making things worse. Russell turned back to look at Jefferson who seemed mildly amused rather than embarrassed.
“Having fun?” Russell asked.
“Actually, I am.” Jefferson confessed. “In all the time I’ve known him, I’ve never seen Virgil as intimidated as he was just now. You really rattled his cage.”
“Good,” Russell said, as he buttoned his jacket and grabbed his briefcase. “That’s just a small taste of what to expect when I kick his ass in court.”
“I might want to see that,” Jefferson said, “I should bring popcorn.”
Russell was about to say something, be he managed to spot someone in the corner of his line of sight. Someone who he knew was coming but didn’t expect to deal with so soon.
“Oh crap,” Russell said.
“What is it?” Jefferson asked.
“I think you’ll find this part amusing,” Russell said with a smile, “We have incoming; angry woman at eleven o’clock.”
“Oh my, she is quite angry.” Jefferson said, as he could see the anger in her eyes. “Ex-wife?”
“Oh gaud no,” Russell said, “Not this time.”
Before either man could say anything else, the woman strolled right over to where Russell was standing and slapped him right across the face with an open hand.