Page 123 of Hidden Ties

Stonily, Jeffrey rose from the table.

“If you need any help with the Watson case, I’m more than willing to lend a hand,” Garrett offered once they were alone in the conference room.

“I have everything under control.” Dismissing the offer, Kent restacked his files.

“You really think you’ll be able to get a dismissal?” Garrett asked.

“I wouldn’t have said so if I weren’t positive.”

“Okay.” Kent angled his head forward. “You’re a cagey son of a bitch. I don’t know whether to believe you or not. So far, all I hear from you is promises and no action.”

“The only thing I promised you that I haven’t been able to fulfill was getting you Desmond Beck. Which you can’t blame onme. He wants Livvy fired. You’re prioritizing your dick over good business.”

“I’m not going to fire Livvy!”

“Then I don’t know what you want me to do. I told you he saw Livvy dining and dashing on a lunch ticket, leaving her trainee to pay. Desmond is old-school; he believes the owner of a business is only as good as those he employees.”

“Did you tell him I made it right? I hired the trainee! She no longer has to work under Livvy. What else can I do except fire her?”

“That was definitely a step in the right direction.” Kent nodded. “I do have a suggestion.”

“Which is?” Garrett looked like he would rather gargle rocks than take any suggestions from him.

“You could organize a small dinner party next week. Invite Desmond and his wife, and maybe four other couples. I’ll bring a date to sidetrack Desmond’s wife while you get better acquainted with him.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Garrett said approvingly. “Do you think he’ll accept the invitation?”

“Address the invitation to his wifeaftergiving a donation to her charity. They’ll accept.”

“You’re a slick son of a bitch.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Gathering his files, Kent looked at him questioningly. “Any other promises I have failed to deliver on?”

“What’s going on with the Ross case? You told me—”

“You should have read your emails this morning before the meeting. Morgan accepted the latest offer.”

“How much?”

“What we asked for.”

“Twelve million?”

“Yes.”

“You just made my day.”

“Glad to help.” Kent didn’t let Garrett bask in his happiness for long. “Buy the townhouse, but I wouldn’t install Livvy until Desmond signs on the dotted line.”

Garrett nodded. “Good call.”

He regretted his decision not to become a divorce lawyer, because he saw a huge settlement in Garrett’s wife’s future.

“Anything else? I have calls to make.”

“There’s just one more thing we need to discuss. I didn’t see a Valerie Monroe on the new clients we’ve taken on.”

“I’m representing her on my own.”