Page 54 of Reckless Chance

“Your show killed Mr. Brentwood. Mr. Galanis is Mr. Brentwood’s sole heir. It’s simple. You owe him,” Mr. Williams says.

Sean starts to answer, but I touch his forearm to stop him. This is my territory.

“First, no one killed Mr. Brentwood. He died in an unfortunate accident. Before there can be a discussion of compensation, if any, we’ll need additional information. For example, the police need to finish their investigation, and we need proof that Mr. Galanis is the heir.”

“Here’s Mr. Brentwood’s will,” Mr. Williams says, shoving a folder toward me.

“Thank you. Who is the executor of the estate?”

“Take a look at the will. Mr. Galanis is the executor and sole heir. That means we can talk settlement now.”

“Yes, I want this over with as soon as possible. Dragging this out would be too painful,” Mr. Galanis says.

“We’re all sorry for what you are going through. Do you have a specific proposal?” I ask.

Before his attorney can speak, Mr. Galanis blurts out, “I want $250,000. Now.”

That’s not what I was expecting. I’m distracted by Sean’s coughing. He was clearly anticipating a much larger demand, as was I.

As I’m handing him a glass of water, Mr. Williams says, “Don’t pretend that’s a lot of money to you. It’s nothing compared to the value of Mr. Brentwood’s life.”

Is this attorney for real? Does he not know that what he asked for is much lower than we were expecting? Has he ever handled a case like this before? I can’t help feeling bad for Mr. Galanis. He needs a better lawyer.

I do my job though, saying, “No payment can be made today. We’ll review the will in detail. We’ll also need a copy of the death certificate when it’s available, along with documents from the court formally appointing Mr. Galanis as executor. If we reach an agreement on a settlement, the details will be put in writing.”

Mr. Galanis huffs.

His attorney says, “We understand there are formalities. Can we agree on the amount and the timing for payment?”

“Mr. Cartwright and I will discuss this privately. Leave your contact information with Emily. We’ll reach out when we’re ready to talk again.”

“We can wait here while you talk elsewhere.”

“Our discussions will take longer than that, and we require additional time to look over the document you provided. We’ll be in touch in a few days. How can we reach you?”

“That’s not acceptable. We’ll wait,” Mr. Williams says.

Sean is busily typing on his phone, which he’s discreetly hidden beneath the table. He tilts his screen for me to see, and I nod at his smart move. Security will be here shortly.

“Why the hurry?” Sean asks.

“As my client says, this is horribly painful for him. He’s decided to move to the East Coast and leave the horrific memories of Mr. Brentwood’s death behind him.”

“I see. When are you moving?” Sean asks.

“Immediately,” Mr. Galanis says.

“I’m sure that it will take a few days to make arrangements to relocate. That will give us time to review the will and discuss your settlement proposal,” I say, standing to indicate this meeting is over.

Sean follows my lead. “Good day, gentlemen. We’ll be in touch,” he says, holding the glass door open for everyone to leave.

But Mr. Williams and Mr. Galanis don’t budge.

“We’re not leaving until this is settled,” Mr. Williams says.

“Youareleaving. As Mr. Cartwright said, we’ll review your proposal and contact you. Please do not show up unannounced again,” I say, walking through the door.

Mr. Williams calls out, “Perhaps we should head to the courthouse and file a lawsuit today.”