"Good morning and happy Friday, Amelia!" Ross said as he stepped into my office. "You survived your first week."

"Hi, Ross." I smiled.

"How are you feeling? Did you get a chance to look over the case?"

"I'm feeling, no, I am very confident, sir. I spent a lot of time this week preparing." I wasn't exaggerating, either. I studied the case notes every single day this week during breakfast, on my lunch break and even before bed. I knew it cold. I knew it like the back of my hand.

It didn't appear too complicated. Leo Brass Incorporated, a substantial construction firm in the city, believed their chief accountant, Roy Franko, was skimming profits and hiding them in offshore accounts. Leo wanted to hire a firm to take Roy to civil court and sue him for the missing funds. My job was to prove to Leo, the founder, president, and CEO, that I could establish Roy was, in fact, stealing money and hiding it elsewhere. I didn’t usually handle civil court matters, but Leo was a major client of the firm’s, and handling his case would be a way to get my feet wet at the new office.

It would take a lot of legwork and a pinch of detective work, too. We'd have to hire a private investigator and also an impartial accountant to look over the company's books and numbers. I read in the file that Leo hadn't gone to the police yet; he didn't want the story to leak to the press or have it tried in criminal court proceedings. At least not yet, anyway.

"We're meeting in Conference Room B in about fifteen. See you there!" Ross waved and scurried out of my office.

I took a deep breath, gathered my notes and the case file, and finished the last dregs of my French vanilla latte, which I purchased at the cafeteria since I threw the first one all over myself. Coffee grounds permeated the air around me, but I hoped nobody would notice.

I'd worn my best outfit today: tight, yet professional, black pencil skirt, matching blazer and a sheer white button up top underneath. I also donned a pearl necklace and earrings for an extra touch of chic. I thanked myself for investing in the teeth whitening treatment back home before I moved because it allowed me to sport a bold cherry-red lipstick without my self-esteem crashing down.

I stood and smoothed my outfit one last time as I departed my office and headed toward the conference room. Thankfully, only my coat was soaked this morning. My outfit survived that embarrassment.

Leo Brass seized a spot at the large marble conference table. He stood as I entered the room, and a broad smile stretched across his face.

"You must be the famous Amelia Montgomery I've heard so much about."

My cheeks reddened to the color of my lipstick as I extended my hand toward him. "Pleasure to meet you, sir. I hope you've only heard the good things about me."

"All good things, I promise!" A hearty chuckle erupted from his rotund belly.

At around fifty years old, Leo still appeared handsome. I could tell, though, at one time he was probably the fire in every woman's loins. His salt and pepper hair lay cleanly styled, and his crystal clear cerulean eyes sparkled. He was the perfect businessman: handsome, charismatic and genuine.

I only hoped I could wow him more than any other attorney so he'd hire us to take on his case.

"Can I get you water, coffee?"

He raised his water glass. "I'm all set, but thank you, Amelia."

I sat down in a comfy leather chair across from Leo. The conference rooms in the office screamed prestige with awards covering the walls and beautifully painted portraits of various attorneys spread about.

"So, you just moved here, if I'm not mistaken?"

"Yes, sir. About a month ago."

"How do you like our city so far?"

"It's been an adjustment; I won't deny that. But, so far so good."

"How do you like the firm?"

"Well, it's much bigger than my last firm, but I'm already in love." I wasn't sure if he was genuinely interested or probing for details. However, I didn't need to embellish; I really did love it here so far.

"Happy to hear that!"

Then, Ross stepped into the room with a jovial expression and arms extended. Leo stood again, and the two men embraced each other like long-lost friends.

"Leo! How are you?"

"I'm good, but I'll be even better once you prove to me you can handle my case."

"You're in amazing hands, my friend. I see you've met Amelia, our star attorney?"

"You've got one hell of a woman on your hands," Leo said, glowing.

I blushed again. I wasn't used to such high praise, especially from men in my field. At my last firm, I was looked down upon almost as if I were the secretary. I think some men couldn't handle my intelligence. At least, that's what I told myself after a particularly stressful day.

"Shall we get down to business?" Ross proposed.

"Absolutely," Leo concurred.

I cleared my throat and stood before both men as I began the opening statement of my presentation.

"Leo, first I'd like to say thank you for considering Logan and Logan Attorneys at Law. We understand your need for privacy and the desire to meet a speedy conclusion in your matter. We are grateful you are considering entrusting us with your case, and we promise to meet and exceed any and all expectations you may have. We also know there are other firms bidding for your business, but we assure you, Logan and Logan is your best bet when it comes to recovering your missing income and prosecuting the man or people involved to the fullest extent of the law."

I went into a little more about my background and explained my history with high-profile cases. Bragging a little, I also detailed my win/loss ratio, which was phenomenal.

Leo and Ross's respective gazes stayed fixed on me during my entire presentation, and the intensity of their stares only fueled my desire to land the case. I laid it all out on the table and promised a favorable outcome for Leo Brass Incorporated, even though attorneys shouldn't make promises. However, confidence bloomed inside of me like a flower at the beginning of spring.

I concluded my speech and held my breath as Leo opened his mouth to speak. "Ms. Montgomery, you are something else. I'd like to sign a contract to work with you immediately."

Relief and exhilaration washed over my body as I broke out into a jubilant grin. "That's excellent, sir! I am so happy to hear that."

Ross clapped Leo on the back. "Happy to work with you again, my friend. I'll have the paperwork drawn up right away."

I felt like a giddy little girl who received a pony for her birthday. I was only at the law firm for a week when I scored my first big case. This fresh start thing was looking less scary by the minute. I was slightly taken aback that Leo decided to hire us on the spot, but I assumed other firms failed to provide an impressive speech as I had done.

Back in my office, Ross first knocked, then burst into the room. "You were excellent, Amelia! This is going to be huge for our firm!"

"I'm happy it went so well, too."

"We are so lucky to have you here. And, I'm happy I bugged you persistently until you accepted my offer."

I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "I'm happy, too. Although, I don't think my old firm was too happy about you stealing me away."

Ross returned my smile. "Leo wants to take us out for dinner next week to celebrate."

"Sounds good. I can't wait!"

"Laurie is drawing up the paperwork now, and I'll have her bring it up to you shortly to sign. I also have her come up with a list of PI's and freelance accountants to help with the case. Of course, you will have final say on anyone we hire."

"Perfect," I said.

"Well done, Amelia. I have a good feeling about this one."

"Me, too, sir."

Me, too.