Betrayed (Rosato & DiNunzio, #2)(100)

“I’m fine,” Judy answered, touched. “And thanks for the flowers you sent my aunt. That was so thoughtful.”

“Are you okay? Was this connected to your aunt’s money?”

“Yes, but is there a problem with the money? Is that why you called?”

“Not a problem with the money, per se. Believe it or not, my firm is closing, going out of business. They just told us, so I’m calling my clients. This is my last day.”

“What?” Judy asked, incredulous. “Eastman and Respondi is closing? That’s not possible.”

“I hear you, but it’s happening. It just became public. It’s pretty grim around here. Everybody’s in shock. I feel sorry for the staff.”

“How? Why?” Judy couldn’t get over the news. “You have, like, three hundred associates and partners. It’s one of the biggest firms in Philadelphia.”

“So was Wolf, Block. Remember them?”

“What happened? Can you say? Do you know?”

“Between us, the firm expanded too fast. We opened offices where we didn’t need them and we acquired too much overhead.” John tsk-tsked. “I saw it coming. I’ve had my résumé out for six months, but so far, not a nibble.”

“You’re out of a job?” Judy’s heart went out to him. “But you’re so able. You edited the Law Review.”

“Which guarantees nothing, in this economy.” John chuckled, without mirth. “If you hear that anybody needs an associate, think of me. I don’t only do trusts and estates, I can do any kind of general litigation. I feel weird asking you, but the truth is, I need a job. I’ll send you a résumé and my new contact information, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all, please send it. Any firm would be lucky to have you.”

“Thanks.” John’s tone changed, back to business. “Anyway, since the firm is closing, I have to make some changes to the paperwork for your aunt’s account, immediately. It doesn’t alter the account, but because my firm’s name is on the papers, we’ll have to redo and refile them. Can you come over to sign the new papers, sooner rather than later? They’re ready whenever you are.”

“Sure,” Judy answered, but she was starting to get an idea. “Did you say you do general litigation?”

“Yes. I was a trial lawyer for five years, at Thomas, Main and Henderson.”

“That’s a litigation firm. You must’ve gone to court a lot.”

“All the time, for all kinds of civil cases, both defense and plaintiff’s side. It’s really my forte. Eastman needed me in trusts and estates, so I played ball, but I’m itching to get back in the courtroom.”

Judy thought fast. “I know of a job you might be interested in. It’s not that great, but you’d be in court every day.”

“Fine with me. Where’s the job?”

Judy took a flyer. “Here at Rosato, working for me.”

John burst into surprised laughter. “Are you serious?”

“Absolutely!” Judy said, feeling a flush of satisfaction. The more she thought about the idea, the more she liked it, which we all know was something that happened with her. If John took the job, she could avoid trying the damages cases herself, get a superb trial lawyer on board, and keep the legal work for the firm. It didn’t hurt that he was superhot, and her very next thought violated federal sexual harassment law.

“Really? You want me to come work for you?”

“Why not?” Judy stopped herself, out of fairness to him. “But I don’t want to misrepresent anything. I need somebody to try seventy-five cases that I’m hating on, asbestos work referred to me by a New York firm. Damages cases.”

“Ugh.”

“I know. Would you consider it?”

“You know what, I’ll do more than consider it. What’s it pay?”

“We can negotiate that, when I come sign the papers.”

“Ha!” John chuckled. “Watch out, I’m a great negotiator.”

“Not better than I am, dude. You just told me I’m the only buyer.”

“Ouch!” John burst into new laughter. “I was bluffing!”

“The hell you were!” Judy told him, smiling. “Get ready for me to lowball you.”

“We’ll see about that. When are you coming over?”

“Right now. I’ll be there in fifteen.”

“See you.” John chuckled again. “Bring your calculator.”

“Very funny. Bye now.” Judy smiled as she hung up, popped up from her seat, grabbed her bag and coat from the chair, and hurried out of her office.

She hustled down the hall to the reception area, toward what sounded like a happy commotion. She turned the corner to see Mary, Allegra, and Marshall clustered excitedly around Bennie and Anne, who must’ve just gotten back from trial. She gathered that they had won, because everybody was beaming, and trial exhibits and boxy trial bags had been abandoned around the reception room.

Judy made a beeline for the happy group, in high spirits herself. “Congratulations, Bennie and Anne!” she called to them, and everybody looked over, flush with victory.

“Thanks, Carrier!” Bennie grinned. “Meanwhile, way to go! You hit another one out of the park! There are so many reporters outside, and they’re all asking about you!”