Page 14 of Hunt Me (Dmitriyev Bratva #1)

I tried not to appear unnerved, even plastering the practiced smile on my face. As with any career, acting was merely a part of the job, pretending to be something you weren’t or displaying confidence necessary.

But in the world of law when criminals were often more cunning than given credit for, lawyers were required to appear unmoved at all times. This was just a test of my resolve and chutzpa. I was up to the task.

“I think I’d be an excellent fit for Jenkins, Riley, and Smith because I’m tenacious.

I refuse to allow any stone to go unturned, never allowing my nerves to get the best of me.

First, I take ethics seriously so I can’t be swayed by incorrect facts or attempts at extortion as two of your previous attorneys found themselves involved in.

I’m also well versed in state and local ordinances, which is also key to the needs of any corporation with a brick-and-mortar facility.

As attorneys, we must be able to protect our clients under duress, providing the best possible care while keeping to the letter of the law. ”

I’d only told a single little white lie.

I’d glanced over a few development ordinances since a few of their clients were land developers turned resort owners.

While there was a list of reputable clients on their website, I’d heard through the grapevine that the less scrupulous clients were kept secret for fear of ruining their reputation.

Every speech was different, every answer catered to the practice. I could tell instantly I’d struck a nerve.

“Everyone has at least one weakness, Ms. Rork. Those who excel in our industry are those who know when to cut their losses and when to use those traits to their benefit.”

I was surprised by his answer and I could swear the man was goading me. Why?

“I understand, Mr. Jenkins. However, it’s also important to rely on the strengths brought to the table, especially strength of character.”

“Now I’m curious, Ms. Rork. How do you feel about walking the fine line between right and wrong, or in other words, riding the gray area of the law?”

This was in direct contrast to my father, who’d been the first to teach me there was truly no gray area.

I’d researched the clients his firm represented, many of them corporate moguls, the kind of people who had enemies simply because they were successful.

Was he trying to tell me resorting to unscrupulous methods of representing the firm’s clients was necessary?

That went against everything I’d been taught and what had been ingrained deep within.

“The law is clear, Mr. Jenkins. It’s very black and white. There is no gray area.” My father would be proud.

I had no clue from his expression whether I’d blown the interview.

He chuckled. “Good answer, Ms. Rork. I like your style and perhaps you’re right.” He walked from around his desk, studying me intently. “You have an impressive resume, including clerking with Judge Daniels in Connecticut for a summer.”

Judge Daniels was often considered a cruel man to his employees as well as the criminals who walked into his courtroom. I’d found him fair and what I’d learned in the few months I’d worked for him had been priceless.

“He was an excellent teacher of all things fair and reasonable.”

Mr. Jenkins continued studying me and I could tell he’d already made up his mind. “Yes, but before he was a judge his lack of empathy for his clients led him to the loss of a seven-figure salary.”

Was he gaslighting me? Or simply trying to determine if I was driven by greed or my oath to the law? I had a feeling it wasn’t the latter.

“He was a generous man, Mr. Jenkins, giving of his time and knowledge. In my mind, he was extremely wealthy.” His smile upon hearing my words sent a shiver down my spine. He’d simply brought me in as a curiosity.

“That sounds like something our good mayor would say.”

Bingo. I took a deep breath, glancing out the window while fisting my hands. I had no catchy comeback. Defending my father’s honor wasn’t going to win me any points.

“You’re a very intelligent woman, Ms. Rork. That’s clear to see. I do hope at some point you’ll learn and accept that looking the other way is often an excellent attribute.”

“I can’t do that.” At least I was being honest.

“Understood. Unfortunately, I don’t think you’ll?—”

“Let me stop you right there. You don’t think I’ll be the best fit for your organization. Right?”

His smirk pissed me off. “That is correct. However, I’m positive you’ll find the right firm, Ms. Rork.

You’re highly intelligent and come from a very good family.

You’ll just need to alter your standards to do so.

The world wasn’t created in shades of black and white only.

Understanding the world must be seen as gray will provide success.

Anything else will spell failure. Perhaps that’s something your father didn’t teach you, which is sadly why he won’t be successful in this town. ”

Alter my standards. I could take his comment in several ways and maybe I was wrong, but it seemed as if he was telling me that anyone could be bought for a price. Maybe I was doomed to remain an assistant for the rest of my life.

I also had a feeling he was directing his animosity toward my father.

In the whirlwind of interviews, it seemed the perspective employers had simply wanted to provide a message I could relay to my father.

My dad had a hardnose reputation, his attention to detail delaying several major developments for months.

My mother had told me they’d received several anonymous threats, which hadn’t bothered my father in the least.

He thought he could take on Goliath and win.

“I’ll be happy to provide your… sentiment to my father, Mr. Jenkins.

However, as far as losing my sense of the law and its intent, that’s not going to happen.

I believe in the law. In right and wrong.

Good versus evil. I refuse to lower my standards for anyone.

Thank you for your time and I’m also certain you’ll find the right person to be your lackey. I’m just not that girl.”

Yep, burning bridges 101. When my feathers were ruffled, I didn’t care how many explosives I used.

As I walked out with my head held high, I had a strong and strange feeling the man had dropped a clue. Or maybe he’d been issuing a low-lying threat. Whatever the case, something was off with either my presentation or my values.

Which I refused to lower.

For anyone.