themselves. That’s risky. If they strike first, they will strike first. Michael’s ego demands it. And when he does, I’ll be ready. He considered this. My standard rate is 450 per hour. Litigation retainer is typically 15,000. I was already pulling out my checkbook. Drop the agreement. I’ll wire additional funds if needed. You’re certain family lawsuits get ugly? It’s already ugly, Robert. I’m just making sure I don’t lose. I wrote the check without hesitation. $15,000. Neat handwriting. Tore it along the perforated line, slid it across the desk. The ease of the motion revealed what words couldn’t. I’ll prepare a comprehensive defense package, Robert said. Everything we need. I stood, gathering my folder. Also, prepare a civil complaint for the 78,000. Have it ready to file, but don’t file yet. You really think they’ll sue first? Michael Sterling doesn’t know how to admit defeat. He’ll sue, and when he does, we’ll counter punch. We shook hands, not the polite greeting from when I’d arrived, but the firm grip of equals, of partners in strategy. My hand was on the doornob when Robert spoke again. Waldo, why wait a week to come see me? I turned back, looked over my shoulder. I wanted to give them time to make a mistake. Desperate people always do. I stepped into the hallway, elevator visible down the corridor, afternoon light streaming through the floor to ceiling windows. A man with a plan moving forward.
January arrived cold and gray. I learned through Harold’s connections that Michael and Amanda had found an apartment in Del Paso Heights, a rough neighborhood a world away from Land Park. I didn’t seek this information. It simply arrived the way news does in a city where people talk.
