Page 13 of Private Lives

‘So good to have you here at last, Matty,’ said Larry, slapping his son on the back. ‘How about we mark the occasion with a spot of early lunch?’

Matt glanced at his watch. It was barely ten thirty. ‘How about tomorrow? I should probably get settled in. I’m keen to get my feet under my desk.’

‘No can do,’ said Larry. ‘I’m not in tomorrow; semi-retired, remember? Come on, Helen, we need to wet the baby’s head, eh?’

Helen Pierce looked unimpressed as she gathered her papers. ‘I’m snowed under, Larry. The Balon case needs my attention.’

‘Balls to Balon,’ said Larry. ‘This is an auspicious day! My boy has finally come home to his rightful place. We need to celebrate.’

He leaned out of the door.

‘Denise!’ he shouted down the corridor. ‘Get us a table at Scott’s, will you? The sooner the better. Matthew, Helen and I. Tell Mario I want a decent table this time.’

‘How about we bring Anna Kennedy?’ said Helen. ‘She started today as well, remember?’

‘Anna?’ said Larry, frowning. ‘Is she the good-looking brunette? Good. She can come as long as she doesn’t drone on about work.’

Matthew was relieved to see that the restaurant was quiet. It was still early for lunch, and the chic dining room was only just beginning to fill. He knew how loud and embarrassing his father could be, especially when he got stuck into the claret. As they all sat down, he glanced over at Anna Kennedy, who looked as uncomfortable as he did. Then again, she could well be one of those ball-breakers who never cracked a smile. In the taxi to the restaurant she had been making calls, barking instructions at her secretary. She had only been at the firm one morning; surely she didn’t already have a caseload? She caught him staring and he glanced away. She was undeniably a very attractive woman, who probably had men ogling her all the time. The last thing he wanted her to think was that he was a sleazeball, especially as he was her new boss.

‘So where were you before?’ he asked her as they sat down at the table.

‘Davidson’s. I did a lot of their short-notice injunction work. Privacy law and libel.’

Matthew nodded. Impressive.

‘What brought you here?’ he asked.

‘Well, obviously DP has an international reputation for protecting the interests of . . .’

He placed a hand on her forearm. ‘Don’t worry, it’s not an interview.’

She shot him a playful smile.

‘Okay, it was the money,’ she whispered.

Matthew laughed. Maybe she wouldn’t break his balls after all.

‘It’s not too early for a Scotch, is it?’ said Larry.

Helen flashed him a frosty glance that reminded Matthew of his mother.

‘Just me, then?’ said Larry, unfazed, waving the waiter back over.

‘So what do you make of our little law firm, you two?’ asked Helen.

‘Well, I’m surprised nobody’s growling and gnawing on bones,’ replied Matthew.

‘What?’ said Larry, coming into the conversation late.

‘I think Matthew is referring to Donovan Pierce’s reputation.’ She smiled. ‘That we’re the Dobermanns of the legal world.’

Matthew nodded.

‘There’s a certain truth to it, I do admit,’ said Helen. ‘But I prefer to see ourselves as protective rather than aggressive. Our client base is well known and wealthy and we do our best to shield them from the exploitation of the media.’

He couldn’t help smiling. ‘But who is exploiting whom here? Celebrities are happy to use the media when it suits them. The papers sell copies off the back of the stories, and firms like Donovan Pierce earn huge fees trying to keep the peace.’

Helen didn’t react; instead she turned to Anna.