Page 17 of Exposed

Mary let it go. Bennie was weird sometimes. “But this case is so sympathetic and OpenSpace was clearly in the wrong.I have the facts, including contemporaneous notes by the plaintiff that are very convincing, and I detailed that in the complaint.”

“So?” Bennie glanced at the complaint with a frown.

“I say that we call Nate together, tell him about the complaint, and even that we disagree on the representation. Let’s put the cards on the table and see if we can settle this case, informally, because all of our interests are aligned.”

“How are Dumbarton’s interests aligned with somebody suing its subsidiary? And if anybody calls Nate, I will. Alone.”

“Because when this complaint becomes public record, or if it came to light in a newspaper, it would be terrible publicity—”

“Is that a threat?” Bennie recoiled.

“No, it’s a fact,” Mary answered, though it was a threat, kind of. And Bennie was the one who had taught her to use the media to her advantage in a case. “It’s a case that they’re going to want to settle, if they have any sense at all. I have no doubt that when you read this complaint, with their interests in mind, you’ll feel the same way, and I’m willing to be reasonable in my settlement demand.”

Bennie didn’t say anything.

“Tell Nate you’re doing him a favor, in a way.”

“How am I doing him a favor, when my firm is suing his sub?”

“Because you got him in at the ground floor. If the plaintiff had gone to anyone else, you wouldn’t have known about it. We’re giving him a chance to make this go away before it gets bigger, and I’m not charging any fee. That saves him thirty percent, right there.”

“You’re doing it for no fee?”

“Of course. I told you, they’re family. I love this little girl. Her father, and her grandfather. I love them all.”

Bennie rubbed her face, leaving a reddish mark on her fair skin. “Mary, I’m trying to compromise, but you’re not understanding this from a business point of view.Ourbusiness. Nate has his pick of law firms in the city, but he’s been loyal to me, even as he’s outgrown—”

“I know but—”

“Wait, hold on. Don’t disregard that. I will tell you, as someone who’s been running a law firm longer than you have, that no business prospers by ignoring its client base.”

“You’re right, but I have the same problem. This is a case that comes to me out of the neighborhood. It’s very high-profile in South Philly, and everybody knows Rachel. The school, the synagogue, and the church have held bake sales and fundraisers for her since the day she got sick. I even organized one at my old high school.”

Bennie fell suddenly silent, so Mary kept going.

“I have a client base too, and even if my heart weren’t on the side of taking this case, then my client base is. Everybody in South Philly will know if I turn them away,everybody. It could hurt my reputation, even ruin it. And frankly I could never live with myself. I’m begging you. Please call Nate, OpenSpace, or whoever, and try to settle it informally.”

“I couldn’t go forward without investigating it myself, you know.”

“Then please, investigate. Do whatever you have to do. It’s all in the complaint.”

“Okay, enough.” Bennie picked up the complaint. “Tell you what. I’ll read this and decide.”

“Great, thanks!” Mary’s hopes soared.

“I’m doing this for you, partner to partner. I’m compromising.”

“I appreciate that,” Mary said, meaning it. “When will you let me know your decision?”

“As soon as possible.”

“Tonight?”

Bennie shot her a warning glance. “We’ll see.”

“Okay, thanks.” Mary started edging backwards toward the door. Every lawyer knew that when you win, get out of the courtroom. She opened the door and fled before Bennie changed her mind.

CHAPTER SIX