Anything You Can Do(64)

CHAPTER 12



"Since you're the official attorney of record, you need to sign this and get it to the court as soon as possible." Bailey slapped a file onto Margaret's desk. The pleading paper-clipped to the front of the folder was partially hidden by a handwritten memo, "Margaret, handle ASAP."

Margaret scowled as she pulled the file across her desk, lifted the memo, and scanned the pleading.

"I checked at the courthouse," Bailey went on, "and confirmed my suspicions. Our client is trying to perpetrate an insurance fraud. She's done it before, with the roles reversed."

"So you took it upon yourself to draw up a 'Motion to Withdraw as Attorney of Record.' You don't have the right to do this!" Margaret exclaimed, pushing the file with its attachment away from her. "This isn't your case."

Bailey folded her arms adamantly. She'd expected protests after their last conversation. "Every case in this office concerns every lawyer who's a part of the firm. Since I became involved in this matter with your approval, and since I'm the one with the crucial information, I feel my actions are appropriate."

"Fine, you just go on and feel that way, and I'll take care of my case." Margaret drew the folder back proprietarily.

"Very well." Bailey offered a single sheet of paper covered with her sprawling handwriting. "Then you'll doubtless want to take a look at this—my notes from the courthouse."

Margaret snatched the paper eagerly, glanced at it, then scowled. "It's a photocopy."

"Yes." Bailey smiled without mirth as she turned to leave. "I have the original in case you lose that one." She paused in the doorway. "I'll be back to pick up the signed Motion as soon as you've had time to study the facts."

With a great deal of effort, she refrained from slamming the door on her way out.

When Austin got back to his office, his secretary handed him a message that Stafford Morris had called. The merger, of course. With everything else that had been happening, he'd forgotten all about that.

Easing into his chair, he studied the message slip fixedly as though he could somehow find an answer in the printed form. Bailey had hinted so strongly that she could block the deal, but would she, particularly after Saturday night?

He smiled at the memory of the easy camaraderie at the race track. His whole body tingled as he recalled the soaring vibrancy of their lovemaking, and he reached for the phone.

Having made an appointment to meet with Morris that afternoon, he decided to wait until then and approach Bailey in person about dinner. Whistling softly, he turned to work.

When he popped into Bailey's office without warning that afternoon, she seemed to be in a foul mood, barking instructions to her secretary. However, he felt a warm glow inside when she looked up at his greeting, and her scowl turned into a smile that curved her soft lips and twinkled in her sea green eyes.

"Thank you, Sharon," she said to her secretary.

"We'll finish up later. Come on in, Austin. How about some coffee?"

"Can't," he replied, returning her smile, savoring her presence and her obvious pleasure at seeing him. "Got an appointment with the big guy. Maybe you could work me in for ten minutes after he's through with me."

Her smile faded slowly as he spoke. She picked up a file from her desk and looked at it, then laid it back down. "Sure," she said. A shadow settled in her usually translucent eyes.

"Great," he replied, not understanding her change. "Great. We can discuss our favorite case, new developments, uh, you know…" His voice trailed off as her entire face glazed over in ice.

"If you wish to meet with me on behalf of your client, contact my secretary and we'll schedule a conference."

Jeez, she was touchy! "That's not what I meant," he said placatingly. "I'd like to talk to you about some—" he lowered his voice— "other things. I just thought maybe you and I also have something to discuss about Candy and Alvin's activities."

He'd been ready to deal with some anger on her part when she found out she'd lost, but not this withdrawal, this twenty-degree drop in the temperature of the room. He'd expected—even anticipated—sparks and fire.

"Bailey," came an irritated voice from the doorway, "this Candy Miller deal—oh!"

Austin turned to see the rabbity-looking associate he remembered from the insurance company's deposition glaring at him from behind her thick lenses.