Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 104448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 418(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 418(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
As he continued to explain the details, I wondered what I was missing. It didn’t seem particularly complex. It was more… labor-intensive. It meant going through a laundry list of assets and determining the best way to draw up the legal language to make sure he was well protected.
Yes, it would mean plenty of billable hours, which was great, but it was also the kind of assistance that could be done by any attorney at my level. While I’d never minded helping Orris with his clients, and I always looked forward to organizing an estate with this many facets, I wondered why he didn’t have someone else take it over while I was still working on Katie’s situation.
“Should I assume you’d like me to release Lellie into Mr. McKay’s custody?” That wasn’t quite the right language since we both knew Lellie was already legally Dev’s without any kind of release. Katie had made sure in the case of her death, he had prima facie custody. If he flew away with Lellie today—and I was pretty sure he planned to—he’d be well within his legal rights to do so.
I clenched my fingers into a fist where he couldn’t see it. This was it. This was the end of my time with Lellie.
With Dev.
Acid burned in my throat as I remembered last night. Sitting around the table and laughing. Watching Lellie pick up each tiny piece of her broccoli between her little pointer finger and thumb after Dev finally convinced her to eat it. Listening to Dev tell Renata about introducing Lellie to the real Trigger. Seeing Kenji sneak a photo of the entire scene and send it to Way and Silas.
Falling asleep together like a little family.
“I think that would be for the best,” Orris said. “Your talents are better spent elsewhere, and I’ve scheduled an appointment for you with the gentleman for this afternoon.”
I gathered my thoughts, doing my best to bite my tongue. It didn’t work.
“With all due respect, sir, why bring me in on this case instead of having Jim or Louise handle your client’s needs?”
He leaned back in his chair. “He’s not my client. Not formally, anyway, though I’ve known him for years. The truth is, I have a full docket at the moment, so I suggested Miles hire you. It’s up to you to close the deal. He’ll be here at four.”
I stared at him. He was handing me the opportunity to sign a seemingly wealthy client with little to no effort on my part?
What the hell was the catch?
Orris continued. “I had a long talk with Miles and his father and assured them both that you were the best man for the job. I smoothed over any concerns Joe had—which were mostly about your age—but Miles himself seemed willing to meet you on my recommendation. Apparently, you also have a mutual friend. I can’t remember who, but I’m sure you’ll talk about it when you meet.”
“I… I don’t know what to say, sir.”
Orris smiled slightly. “I think the words you’re looking for are ‘thank you.’ I think you and Miles will really hit it off. I told him that you, in particular, are a firm believer in client first, firm second.” He shot me a look that was clearly meant to chastise me for my behavior on Katie’s case.
I kept my mouth shut. This client was a gift I couldn’t and wouldn’t refuse.
“I’ll do my best,” I promised. “And I’ll obviously take good care of him as a client.”
Orris nodded and shook my hand. “I have no doubt. You’re a solid attorney, Tully, and you work hard. If you can help us retain this client, it’ll reflect well on you when partnership decisions are made.”
After thanking him politely, I made my way back to my office and closed the door.
I needed to call Dev and tell him I wouldn’t be flying back to Majestic with them.
My hands shook as I pulled my phone out of my pocket.
“Hey, how’d your meeting go?” He sounded happy and light, like he’d ended up getting a decent amount of sleep despite the rough night.
“Hard to say. I mean… good in that I got a lead on a wealthy new client…”
“Wow. Excellent. But…?”
I tried to figure out how to tell Dev I was being pulled off his case. “He dangled a big fat carrot to get me out of the Scott business,” I admitted.
There was silence for a beat on the other end of the line. “Does this mean you’re not coming back with us?” Before I could answer, he muttered, “Of course it does. What was I thinking?”
I wanted to jump in and reassure him. “I… but of course I’ll…” The truth was… there wasn’t a reason for me to return with them to Wyoming. My life was here, and his was there. He was doing great with Lellie and no longer needed my help. He had friends there if he needed support.