The Seduction

For now, I’m stuck assisting the reallawyers on their cases: doing all the research while they take theglory. Most of the time, it’s not so bad: I’m learning a lot here.But then there are the lawyers who treat me like their own personalslave.

“Flaws!”

The yell makes me flinch. Carter Abrams IV,son of the senior partner here, and all round jackass. I’ve toldhim a hundred times my surname is Fawes, but he just likes to makemy life a living hell.

“Remember, you’ve got to stand up to him ifyou want to be take seriously,” Justine reminds me. “Keep lettinghim treat you like shit, and you’ll never earn his respect.”

I could single-handedly win every case onthe books right now, and Carter would still hate my guts, but Igive Justine a smile all the same. “Thanks, babe,” I sigh. “Ibetter get to it.”

“Flaws!”

I open the door to his office just as Carterlets out another yell. “I’m right here.” I try to sound likeJustine: confident and in control. Carter just sneers.

“Old man Ashcroft is in Conference Room B.He’s got more questions.”

I pause, confused. “It’s a simple will we’redrawing up. I wonder what’s the problem.”

“I don’t give a shit what his problem is,”Carter says. “Go handle it. That old fart rambles on, it makes mewant to blow my fucking brains out.”

“But you told me to gather case files forthe Montgomery appeal,” I start to reply. I’m buried with work asit is -- not just from Carter, but three of the other associatestoo.

“So? I’m not your fucking mother.Multitask!” Carter scowls at me. “Now don’t leave him waiting. He’san important client.”

Not important enough foryou to get off your fat ass and work for achange, I silently reply. But Carter isalready clicking at his computer again. As I turn to leave, I hearthe first moans from his speakers that mean he’s looking at pornagain.

“Close the door!” he yells. I shut it behindme with a shudder. One time I walked in on him without knocking andfound one of the assistants on her knees. Carter treats the officelike his personal playroom -- and because his daddy is the boss, hegets away with it too.

But as I turn down the hall to theconference room, my spirits lift again. Our client, CharlesAshcroft, is a great guy. He made his fortune in paper mills andshipping, back in the day. He’s in his late seventies now, andneeds a full-time nurse to wheel an oxygen tank behind him whereverhe goes, but he loves to chat and tell fu

“There’s my favorite future lawyer,”Ashcroft greets me as I step into the room.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” I tell him. “Can I getyou tea or coffee, or something to eat?”

“Psh.” Ashcroft waves my offer away, hisblue eyes bright and full of life, even against the wrinkles of hisold, weathered face. “You shouldn’t be fetching and carrying foranyone.”

“You sound like my friend, Justine,” Ilaugh, pulling up a chair.

“She’s right you know.” Ashcroft nods. “Thatmind’s too good to waste on these fools.”

“I’ll let the partners know you said hello.”I smile. “Ready to get started?”

“Wait a moment. Before we get down tobusiness, I have something for you.” Ashcroft reaches into hisjacket pocket.

“For me?” I frown. “You shouldn’t have.”

“Here.” He pulls out a slim, rectangularjewelry box and passes it to me. I open it, still confused.

Holy shit.

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