Page 26 of Feared

Isaac kept his tone calm and even, in almost the exact same cadence as Roger, and Mary had never heard anything like it, especially from a PR type or publicist. They all talked a mile a minute, which was a job requirement since everybody hung up on them.

Isaac was saying, “They’re registered and they wear identifying badges during the event. In this way, we know exactly who is asking what questions, which is important information. If we had run the conference, we would know who the reporter was who asked those questions. Because clearly, she has some information that we need.”

Bennie sighed. “Okay, good point, but still I don’t think we need you.”

Roger looked over at Bennie. “You don’t like taking orders.”

“No one ever gives me orders, so I don’t know whether I like it or not.”

Roger smiled, cocking his head. “And I’m betting that you don’t like taking orders from a man.”

“I have never done that either.” Bennie smiled slyly, and Roger smiled back, and Mary wondered if this qualified as foreplay for lawyers. Meanwhile, Roger was barking up the wrong tree because Bennie was totally in love with her boyfriend, Declan, who might’ve been the exact opposite of Roger in every way. Namely, that he talked normal.

Roger leaned back in his chair. “In any event, you hired me to represent you, and Isaac is a part of my team. An essential part of my team. If you want me, he comes with.”

“Oh fine,” Bennie said irritably, and just then Mary heard a noise behind her and turned around to see John Foxman standing in the threshold of the conference room, dressed in a tie and a three-piece gray suit. His forehead was knit, and there were dark circles underneath his eyes, as if he hadn’t slept well.

“Hi, everyone,” John said uncomfortably. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Bennie rose. “Foxman, this is Roger Vitez and Isaac Chevi.” She gestured at John. “Gentlemen, this is John Foxman.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Roger said, though he didn’t rise, and neither did Isaac.

“Sorry to interrupt, I want to get this over with, so I just thought I would come in.” John squared his shoulders. “I reached a decision about whether I’m staying with the firm or going.”

Mary sighed inwardly. She wasn’t ready for this yet. She needed carbohydrates. Or not to be pregnant.

Judy set her sandwich aside. “John, seriously?”

John avoided her eye, turning to Bennie. “Bennie, this isn’t easy, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. You know I think the world of you and this firm and—”

Bennie interrupted him, “What’s your decision?”

“I’ve decided to resign. I don’t think I can work here any longer.”

“And why is that?” Bennie shot back.

Mary took it like a blow. She’d been sure that John was going to stay, after Bennie’s pitch last night. Judy looked equally upset, her lips parting and her attention glued to John, but she didn’t say anything.

John sighed stiffly, his face a grim mask. “It’s not tenable to stay here, in view of my statements and my view.”

“Your view?”

“The fact is I made those statements, and they were the truth. I do feel out of place here, and even more so, since the Complaint was filed.” John’s expression softened. “I truly don’t think you discriminated against me, however. And I do think you would have made me partner one day. But those are counterfactuals. Now that the lawsuit has been filed, I don’t think I can stay.”

Bennie frowned. “But what about the fact that this damages the case against us? We’re parting ways, and the obvious conclusion after what happened is that the plaintiffs are correct on the facts. Or that you’ve been ousted.”

“I can’t control the implications of what I do, or what people infer. But I’ll make it clear that this is my decision, not yours. I’ll draft a statement that I’m resigning voluntarily and run it by you.”

“Statement or no statement, the facts speak for themselves. The implication is clear. It could even look like retaliation.”

Judy blurted out, “John, this is a mistake. The Complaint was just filed and everybody’s upset. It’s going to settle down. Why don’t you give it a week or two? See how you feel then.”

“I don’t think so, Judy.” John shook his head. “I’ll feel the same way. It’s a Band-Aid, and there’s no reason to pull it off slowly.”

Mary felt an overwhelming sadness descend over her. She could see that John had made up his mind, and he was jumping the gun. “John, Judy’s right. Can’t you just give it some time? I mean, I really loved getting to know you and working with you.”

John smiled at Mary, softly. “I appreciate your saying that. I really enjoyed working with you, too. But I have to go and I don’t want to delay.”