Bennie frowned. “DiNunzio, to bring you up to speed, I was just telling Roger that I don’t think we need a spokesperson. We know how to speak for ourselves.”
“I agree,” Mary said, for solidarity. And also she did agree.
Bennie raised her chin. “I haven’t practiced law for decades to need a mouthpiece. I am a mouthpiece.”
Roger’s cool gaze slid sideways to Bennie. “Need I point out that your maiden voyage didn’t go quite as expected?”
“We were sabotaged, and Isaac would’ve been in the same position. We didn’t know the question was coming.”
“Isaac?” Roger turned to Isaac. “Would you have a response to that that you might want to share?”
Isaac nodded, with a pat smile. “Bennie, this is in no way criticism of you or the way the conference went. Your point is well taken. However, as a matter of procedure, when we hold a meeting at any time with the press, everyone is required to sign in and identify themselves.”
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.”
Bennie interjected, “John, how long are you planning on staying? A month? Two weeks?”
John hesitated. “No, I’d like to leave right away. Today. I have an interview across town. I think the next two weeks are going to be really uncomfortable. There’s no reason to put either side through that.”
Judy gasped. “Either side? What are you talking about? Aren’t we on the same side?”
“Of course we are,” John answered quickly. “I meant all parties.”
Bennie rose, surprised. “But what about London Technologies? This is the worst possible time, in the middle of discovery. We have twelve depositions to take and sixteen to defend. There’s even a dep to defend on Monday. How can you leave now? How is Anne going to handle that?”
“She’ll be fine,” John shot back, resentment edging his tone.
Bennie glowered. “And what about the client, Jim and Sanjay? My client. You have a responsibility to them, too. You’re here today, gone tomorrow?”
“They prefer Anne anyway. They won’t mind.” John took a step toward Bennie, extending a hand, then stopped, seeming to catch himself. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, all of you. I wish you the best. I’ll clean out my desk another time. I should go now.”
Judy stood up, upset. “John, really? You’re going to go, just like that?”
“Now?” Mary half-rose, not sure whether to hug him or let him go.
“Mary, don’t get up,” John said, waving her into her seat and flashing a sad smile at Judy as he headed toward the door. “Judy, sorry. I think I should just go now.”
“Good-bye, John,” Bennie called after him.
Roger broke the silence, clearing his throat primly. “Remain calm.”
“Oh shut up!” Bennie’s head snapped around, her face mottled with anger. “That he made the statement is bad enough. That he was interviewing with other firms is worse. That he’s leaving now is a death blow. And we’ll have to scramble to cover him on London Technologies. I have no idea how we’ll staff that case.”
Roger merely blinked. “I renew my recommendation that we initiate settlement negotiations.”
“I told you no.”
“I have your vote, but what about Mary and Judy? There are three partners here, not just one.”