Page 49 of Passionate Defense

After twenty minutes of small talk, when they still hadn’t heard from Steven or Beth, despite two texts and a call from Lanie, her cell phone buzzed.

“Oh no!” she exclaimed after reading the incoming message. “Someone rear-ended Beth getting off the turnpike. She and Steven can’t make it. They’re still dealing with police.”

“Was anyone hurt?” he asked.

“She says it was a fender bender with no injuries,” Lanie assured him. She angled her screen and the accompanying picture of the wreckage his way, adding, “Except for Beth’s Mercedes.”

Ethan grimaced at the sight of the crumpled rear end.

“We can reschedule so she can be here,” Sarah graciously offered.

He glanced at Lanie. “We could go ahead without them, don’t you think?” he asked. “Beth has several pressing cases and was looking to fill this position as soon as possible.”

“Are you also a partner, Mr. Fischer?” Sarah asked.

“I’m an investor and have been consulting with the partners as they get their practice organized this first year.”

He and Steven tried to stay on the sidelines, allowing the two partners whose names were etched into the glass on the front door to make any decisions. The women welcomed their input, however, not only because of their half-million-dollar start-up investment but for their business savvy, and the two men had turned out to be integral members of their team.

“My husband is being modest,” Lanie put in. “He’s a law professor at BC and has years of experience in private practice. His expertise is invaluable to us.”

He nudged her thigh beneath the table in silent encouragement for her to take the lead, since she might be working for her one day soon. Lanie received his message and met Sarah’s gaze directly. “We’re a new practice. I take mostly criminal cases and Beth is our business law expert. Both of us are covered up with new client referrals. Whoever we hire will need to start out strong and keep up. What makes you think you’re that person?”

As though summoning her courage, Sarah took a deep breath then declared, her voice unwavering, “I thrive under pressure. I’m proud of the fact that all the cases I’ve been a part of have yielded successful and financially rewarding results for our clients. But you can get all that from my CV and references. If I may be candid...”

“By all means,” Lanie urged.

“Your formidable reputation precedes you, Mrs. Fischer. It’s one of the main reasons I applied to your firm. Another factor that sets you apart from countless other firms in the city is your dedication to representing women and their unique legal challenges. That has been sorely needed in Boston’s legal community, which has been a good ole boys club for far too long. I want to be a part of it.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Lanie’s face. The woman, who outwardly appeared to be a timid mouse, was anything but.

Sarah seized upon the opportunity and pressed on. “With a strong work ethic and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver high-quality results. I believe in leaving no stone unturned, especially where white-collar crimes and potentially embezzled funds are involved. I can assure you, if you hire me, you won’t be disappointed in my dedication or the quality of my work.”

Lanie glanced Ethan’s way, a silent moment of approval passing between them.To Sarah, he said, “I have a question, then I’ll let Lanie finish raking you over the coals.”

“He’s kidding,” Lanie assured her.

“I hope not,” Sarah Masterson replied. “I welcome a good grilling and respect any employer who takes the time to be thorough.”

Ethan glanced at Lanie, who was fighting a smile. She liked her as much as he did.

“I brought a list of the cases I’ve worked on.” From her briefcase, Sarah produced two copies of a document detailing fifteen years of fraud, abuse, and embezzlement investigations, for big corporations and small businesses in the area—most of them operated by women.

Lanie scanned the three-page document in amazement. “Who knew there was so much corporate corruption in the area? No wonder Beth’s phone has been ringing off the hook.”

“You have no idea,” Sarah replied. “Remember the Van Heusen case last year? I was in on that. The CFO diverted millions of dollars of insurance payments directly into his offshore bank account.”

“I remember him,” Ethan replied. “He got fifteen years in federal prison for Medicare fraud.”

Sarah’s eyes lit up behind her glasses. “I was the expert witness in that case. I love to see embezzlers get their comeuppance.”

“She’s ruthless, Ethan,” Lanie said with a grin. “I like her.”

He chuckled. “Sounds like my wife is a fan already. That’s half the battle.”

“Would you be able to come to lunch tomorrow to meet my partner?” she asked.

“I’d be happy to. If Mrs. Anderson is half as impressive as you are, I’d be thrilled to work with you both.”

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