Jason
I get Damian Cain into his limo and head back up to the office. I’ve ordered Cain to stay in his damned house until it's time for court tomorrow. I hit the elevator button harder than I need to. I’m pissed. We have enough problems today with his outbursts. The last thing I need is for the paparazzi to catch him out drinking or doing anything else.
When Cain went off in that court room I wanted to kick his ass. I can't imagine how the judge and jury felt. We're going to have to work overtime to get him back in the juror’s good graces and that's a hurdle we don't need. The elevator doors open smoothly and I step out. I take a deep calming breath. Jacqueline and Marcus are waiting for me in the conference room, and the two of them are just as pissed at Cain as I am.
"Cain is a weapons grade asshole," Marcus says as soon as I shut the conference room door.
"What part of sit down, look handsome and innocent, and shut the fuck up does this idiot not understand?" Jacqueline says almost talking over Marcus. "He could have blown our case." I can hear the anger and frustration in her voice, and it makes me even angrier with Cain. This is Jacqueline’s first major case and she’s working her ass off for Cain, and at the first opportunity he demolishes all of her hard work. I hate seeing her stressed out like this, but I know Jacqueline is tough; she’ll bounce back.
"Cain is absolutely a jerk off," I say, "and he fucked up in court today but he's paying us top dollar so we have to unfuck the situation and we will, because we're the best at what we do and what we do is win."
"Damn right," Marcus says.
"Of course I'm going to win," Jacqueline says her frustration replaced with the confidence that I find so incredibly appealing, "but I still want to punch Cain in the face."
"We all want to that," Marcus says.
"How about we all get out of here and get some drinks,” I say. I think my team needs to blow off some steam. I know I do.
"Alcohol sounds perfect right about now," Marcus says.
"Agreed," Jacqueline replies, grabbing her purse from the table. "First round's on you."
I chuckle at that. We leave and walk the two blocks to the bar at The Ritz and get a table. We all order scotch and have the waiter leave the bottle.
"Some days I wonder why I ever became an attorney," Jacqueline says taking a long drink. "Why didn’t I pick a profession where I avoid assholes? I could have been a doctor or a hedge fund manager."
"My brother is a hedge fund manager, and it might not be the best job if you're looking to avoid assholes," Marcus says, laughing.
"In times like these it helps to remember why became a lawyer. So enlighten us Jacqueline. Why you did you?" I ask, genuinely curious. I want to know everything about Jacqueline.
"Become a lawyer?" she asks taking another sip.
"Yes," I say looking into her beautiful blue eyes.
"I actually wanted to do some good in the world," Jacqueline says. "I wanted to help people. I wanted to leave the world better than I found it."
"A noble goal." I say, turning to my other team member, "and what about you Marcus?"
Marcus finishes his drink leans back. "I actually believe in the system. I think it works and I wanted to part of it."
"Listen to us," Jacqueline says, "a bunch of idealists defending a billionaire. What about you Jason, why'd you become a lawyer?"
"Because I don't think innocent men belong behind bars even if they are billionaire assholes like Cain." Jacqueline and Marcus both laugh and see the tension drain out of them both.
"To saving assholes from themselves," Jacqueline says pouring herself another drink and raising her glass.
"To saving assholes from themselves," Marcus and I both say raising our glasses as well. "So, Jaqueline how well do you know Xavier?"
“We’ve been friends since undergrad." She says with a fond smile that suggests she and Xavier are a bit more than friends.
"He's a damned good attorney," I say.
"Tell me about it." Jacqueline says.
"I think he could be a great addition to the firm." It’s the truth. Xavier was on fire in that courtroom today and I could totally see him as an integral part of Stone, Carvall, and Winters.
Jacqueline laughs. "Seriously, Jason, are you trying to poach an attorney right under the DA’s nose in the middle of a trial?"
"Jacqueline, you know I pride myself on having the best lawyers in the city in my firm. Xavier is one of the best, and he’s not on our team. I consider this a problem, but I do have manners I wouldn't poach him from Wolff until after the trial."
"I don't know, Jason. It's not exactly going to be easy. The firm can’t just dazzle Xavier with prestige and money."
"I'm aware that Xavier’s net worth is close to a billion dollars Jacqueline, but I think our firm has more to offer than just money." I say and raise an eyebrow.
"Indeed it does," Marcus says loosening his tie and pouring himself another drink, "much more."
I see Jacqueline’s gaze focus suddenly on the entrance. "And speak of the devil." I say looking over at the bar and seeing Xavier taking a seat.
"You have to admit, Jacqueline, he's be an asset to the firm if he’s a team player."
"I can assure you, Xavier has always been a team player. He works very well with others doesn’t he, Marcus?"
I look over at Marcus. "Well," I say.
"He makes a good second," Marcus says. "He’d keep up with the team."
"Maybe it’s time you see for yourself if Xavier is a good fit," Jacqueline says as she puts down her drink. I can't take my eyes off her as she heads across the bar to Xavier.