Internally, I had baulked at the prospect of representing one of Leonard’s acquaintances, especially in company law, which is Tom’s forte more than it is mine. Externally, I knew better than to let the enormity of the task show on my face.
McMillan is a well-known local businessman who has political ambition, so any blemish on his character he wants removed by litigation laser treatment. In other words, I’m to make sure not only does he win the case of unlawful dismissal brought about by a former barman at the club he owns, but I’m also to ensure he comes out of it with not a speck of dust or dirt on or around him.
‘Don’t even think about saying no,’ Leonard had said as he had passed over the files. ‘You’re perfectly capable of dealing with this. The right outcome will do the firm the power of good.’
‘No pressure, then?’ I had joked with half-hearted enthusiasm.
Leonard had looked me dead in the eye. ‘There’s every pressure, Clare. Every pressure, so make sure you win.’ He had paused in the doorway and turned to me. ‘Unless, of course, you don’t think you’re up to it.’
I hadn’t faltered. ‘Of course I’m up to it,’ I had said. I could read the sub-text. If I wasn’t up to the case, then I wasn’t up to the job and, therefore, by default I wasn’t up to being a partner in the firm.
I work steadily on the case for the next two hours when, despite my instructions that I wasn’t to be disturbed, there’s a knock on the door and Leonard appears in the doorway.
‘Just wanted to make sure you’re still alive,’ he says coming in and closing the door behind him. ‘Sandy said you’re working on the McMillan case. How’s it going?’ He nods towards the papers and law books spread out in front of me.
I sit back in my chair, dropping my pencil onto the desk. ‘Not too bad. Difficult, as we expected. It doesn’t help that the other party have come up with a witness now.’
‘Well, then, we need to come up with a witness too.’
‘There isn’t one. McMillan isn’t the most popular of bosses, as it turns out.’
‘Find one.’
‘I’ll do my best,’ I say, aware that there is little conviction in my voice, and instantly regret letting that show. It’s not the sort of trait that makes one a convincing lawyer in court.
Leonard hasn’t missed it either. ‘Don’t give me any banal platitudes,’ he says. ‘Find a witness. I don’t need to spell it out to you, do I?
‘Of course not.’ I rearrange the papers on my desk to avoid eye contact with him. It’s no wonder he is one of the best lawyers in town, known for his ruthless streak in the courtroom. It can be intimidating just being in the same office as him and that’s when he’s on your side.
‘McMillan is ambitious, not to mention influential,’ says Leonard. ‘It will do well to keep him sweet. You do know what I’m saying?’
‘Yes. Yes, I do.’ Of course I do. McMillan puts a lot of business the firm’s way. He has negotiated a company law deal for Leonard, which has bolstered Leonard’s pension fund, and which was agreed over several glasses of malt at the private club of which they are both members.
‘Good. I know you have a lot going on. I spoke to your mother earlier and she brought me up to speed with the news about Alice. But leave all that at home. Compartmentalise your life. It’s the best way.’
‘I know. That’s what I’m trying to do.’ It irks me slightly that Mum has already spoken to Leonard about Alice. I know she and Leonard are old friends and he is fully aware of the situation, but it makes it all the more difficult to keep my personal life out of the work place when those two things cross over.
‘So, winning the McMillan case – you know it will be a feather in not only the firm’s cap, but in yours too.’ Leonard turns to leave. ‘You’re my protégé, Clare, don’t fuck up.’
Chapter 5
The girls are already bathed and in their pyjamas when I get home. It’s been a long day and Luke is reading Chloe a bedtime story. I feel a little annoyed that he has already started and hasn’t waited for me. I love reading to the girls at night. It’s probably more for my own benefit, to ease my conscience, my atonement for not being there. Luke knows this and it almost feels like a punishment for being home late.
‘Hey, there, precious,’ I say in a soft voice as I go into the bedroom.
Chloe immediately extracts herself from the crook of Luke’s arm and bounds across the bed. ‘Mummy! Mummy!’ She launches herself into my arms and I smother her in kisses. ‘Daddy read story. Little bunny has lost balloon.’ Her face takes on a serious look as she explains to me that the balloon was red and blew away.
‘Oh, dear, poor bunny,’ I say.
‘Come on, Chloe. Settle back down now,’ says Luke, pulling back the duvet and patting the mattress.
‘I’ll finish reading,’ I say, slipping my jacket off and dropping it on the end of the bed.
Chloe bounces up and down on the bed. ‘Mum-my! Mum-my! Mum-my!’ she chants.
Luke gives a sigh and stands up, passes me the book and gives me a peck on the cheek. ‘The King is dead. Long live the King.’ He gives Chloe a kiss. ‘Goodnight, sweetheart. Sleep tight.’