Dead Ringer

“Another delivery, Be

“Alice Co

DiNunzio groaned, and Carrier’s Delft blue eyes flared in alarm. Only Murphy cocked her head, puzzled. “Alice who?”

“Alice Co

Murphy’s green eyes narrowed. Carrier was nodding, and DiNunzio bit her lower lip. Marshall eased onto the L.L. Bean box, her hand protectively on her tummy, and Be

“Alice was given up for adoption when we were born, and I didn’t know about her until we met as adults. We’re identical-at least we look that way. I haven’t heard a word from her in two years, since I dropped her off at the train station.” Be

“I thought she’d left Philly for good, but I think she’s come back. I think she stole my wallet and ordered all this stuff to jerk my chain, like Marshall said.” Be

“Your twin sister would do that to you?” Murphy asked, astonished.

“This is no ordinary sister,” Mary told her. “And no ordinary twin.” She sank to the box beside a silent Marshall as Murphy shook her glossy head.

“Whoa. This is so Port Charles.”

Carrier frowned. “What do you mean, made you look bad to the judges?”

Be

“Well, were you?” Carrier asked, and DiNunzio nodded with sympathy.

“It’s no crime if you had a drink or two, Be

“What?” Be

Carrier watched. “She won’t be listed.”

“I know,” Be

Carrier nodded. “Done.”

“Good, thanks.” Be

“Be

“To make matters worse, we’re already being outgu

“Robert St. Amien here,” came the response, a musical accent over the loud speakerphone. “Answering your own telephones now, Benedetta?”

“Sure, I’m a maverick, remember?” Be

“It’s fine. Even better. Are your young ladies there?”

“They are.” Be

“Hi,” they all chorused.

“Good morning, ladies,” St. Amien called back. “Be

Bull! “I know Bill. He’s another lawyer in town, who represents one of the other class members in your case. He filed a complaint against the trade association last week.” Be

“Several times, as I say, when I didn’t return his. He caught me on the last try. He tells me that he is one of the most experienced class-action attorneys in the country and that he wishes to represent me and my company.”

The associates stood mute, and Be

“No, he mentioned that he had heard I engaged you.”

Be

“Of course not.” St. Amien chuckled over the speakerphone. “Nevertheless, I told him I am already represented, by you.”

“Thank you.” Be

“I’m sure of it.” St. Amien chuckled again. “By the way, Mr. Linette said that there would be several other counsel and their clients-men I know-meeting in his office today, at noon. He invited you and me to this meeting. Shall we meet alone as we had pla

“We should go to Linette’s, absolutely. We have to coordinate with the rest of the class, and I want to establish your position as lead plaintiff.” Jesus. Be

“Mayer, Herman Mayer?” St. Amien paused. “Linette did not mention this. Herman Mayer is quite vocal, a troublemaker of sorts. But he is-how do you Americans say-a piker, in comparison with me.”

“I suspected as much. And you should also know that Linette’s complaint, which I will show you, seeks damages of seventy million dollars.”

“Oh.” St. Amien paused, and the associates started whispering among themselves until Be

“I think he’s nuts, but so be it. It doesn’t help the case to ask that much in damages, especially if you can’t prove it. But it gets clients. And headlines.”

“If I meet you there, I expect I’ll be pounced upon the moment I set foot.”