Page 43 of Rules of Engagement

"It's very important that I speak with him."

"Mr. Gort isn't taking any new clients at this time."

"Perhaps he'd like to think that over again," said Maddox. He held up his badge and the woman paled. "That way, is it?" he asked, pointing to the corridor she just exited. Taking my hand, he began pulling me along behind him. The assistant followed us, then started knocking on a door and letting herself in before Maddox could.

"I tried to stop them," she said breathlessly.

"Special Agent Maddox," said Maddox, holding his badge up again. "You've met Lexi Graves already."

"It's all right, Cordelia," said Mr. Gort, waving his assistant away. He stood up from his desk and held out his hand, shaking mine first and then Maddox's. "I don't get many visits from the FBI," he said before indicating we should both sit as he returned to his chair. "Was something wrong with the package you received, Miss Graves?"

"No, nothing's wrong with it," I replied, "but I need to know why it was given to me."

Mr. Gort frowned. "As I understood, the letter enclosed with it should have explained everything."

"Yes, it did sort of. I just don't understand why it was written at all."

"I believe that should’ve been explained too."

"Let's not waste our time running in circles," said Maddox. "What can you tell us?"

Mr. Gort leaned back in the big, leather office chair and steepled his fingers together. "Normally, I'd call security but since Mr. Solomon is my client, and I am aware that you are his fiancée, I won't. Mr Solomon spoke of you a number of times, and given his current predicament, I'm inclined to believe the right thing I should do now is to help you. That said, there isn't much I can tell you."

"Whatever you can tell me, please do. Like, when was this letter written? Was it really a year ago like the date indicates?" I asked.

"I don't know for certain, but I do know the package and the instructions for its delivery were lodged with me a little over a year ago."

"Do you know if something significant happened to Solomon at that time?"

"I think you're in a more suitable position to answer that than I am."

I thought hard, but nothing came to mind. Solomon and I had handled a number of cases before that, but I couldn't see any one of them scaring him enough to consider his own mortality, especially not at the hands of someone else.

"Do you handle all of Solomon's affairs?" I asked, hoping to change the direction of the conversation.

"Yes, all of his personal affairs. We handle his business affairs too and we also consult whenever he requires any legal advice."

"Did he need any recently?"

"No."

"Did he mention anyone he might be afraid of?"

"No. He didn't appear to have any concerns at all."

"Is there anything else you can tell us?"

Mr. Gort contemplated me for a moment. "I suggested he consider a pre-nuptial contract before he got married."

"Oh!" I never expected that.

"We advise all our wealthy clients to do so when they marry someone less wealthy," Mr. Gort said matter-of-factly. "Please be assured it is not a personal judgment on you or any other person. Additionally, Mr. Solomon did not make an appointment or ask to have one drawn up. Will there be anything else?"

"Did Solomon leave a letter only for me, or was there one left for anyone else?"

"Yours was the only one in our possession."

"Thank you for your time," I said, standing. Maddox followed me. We shook hands and left, walking out quietly.

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