Page 133 of Dr. Bad Boy

I nod. This is something Ellie and I talked about last week at my first hockey game. I wore Max’s Canucks jersey and grudgingly put on a horrifying knit toque with buck teeth and big googly eyes. “A beaver,” she pronounced proudly.

“Wow,” I said.

“That’s my second attempt. This was my first one.” She pulled a matching one from her bag and popped it on her head.

She’d knit us matching beaver toques to wear while our men played hockey. Because we were the unofficial cheering squad, the Frisky Beavers, and she was an adorable dork.

I put the hat on.

And we talked about how women lived in fear of losing their jobs, and men dreamed of starting their own businesses, and how we’d all be a little further ahead if we could just shift the power on that.

Gail’s right. No matter what, I’ll be fine.

If I’m fired from Katz & Novak, I’ll open my own firm. A terrifying idea, but I’ve learned lately that wonderful things can come from stepping into fear.

I take a deep breath. One minute to go. I stand, and Gail follows me all the way to Novak’s office.

Our human resources administrator is already there, and I nod at her, acknowledging her presence. I requested it when I asked for the meeting.

“William,” I say, holding out my hand. “Thank you for making time for a formal sit down. You know Gail Besson.”

“I do. Nice to see you again, Gail.” He shakes my hand, then hers, and gestures for us to sit. “What is this about, Violet?”

I take a deep breath, then let it out. Slowly. I get to set the pace, at least to start, and there’s no need to rush. But there’s no beating around the bush, either. “As of this moment, I can no longer represent Max Donovan’s legal interests. In July, prior to Mr. Donovan retaining the services of this firm, we met in a social capacity. Our next meeting was here, in a professional capacity. However, the nature of our relationship was established at that initial meeting, and we have reached the point where it would be advisable for a Chinese Wall to be established around the work this firm does for his account. Further, my attorney has a letter which she will now share that outlines my concerns as to how difficult this was to bring up at an earlier date, most specifically the lack of an internal policy with regard to pre-existing personal relationships.”

I wait as Gail hands that over, then continue. “I am proud of the work I have done as an associate here at Katz & Novak. My billing…” I continue, the rest of my planned spiel spilling out more effortlessly. I’m not one to brag, but I can talk confidently about my accomplishments.

When I finish, William doesn’t say anything at first. Between the two named partners, he’s the glad-hander, the people person…and he’s smooth. Controlled. Marek Katz works a hundred hours a week and is a deadly negotiator, but William Novak is the face of the firm for a reason.

He knows how to do this, how to destabilize the person across the table from him with nothing more than careful silence.

“We take professional development seriously for all of our attorneys, but particularly for our associates,” he finally says, leaning forward on his desk and drumming his fingers on his blotter. “This is a serious charge that you didn’t feel comfortable raising the conflict of interest when you were brought on to the account.”

I stiffen, but before I can say anything, Gail puts her hand on my forearm. “My client is not making any charge or accusation at this time. The letter in front of you is only to provide a clear documentation of the facts which we are informing you of today. She remains a committed and proud associate of this firm.”

“And yet she hired an employment lawyer,” William says, laughing. “Come on, Gail. You’re here to make sure I don’t fire Violet, which I have no intention of doing, and not just because you’d sue us for all we’re worth if I did.” He turns his attention to me. “Thank you for informing us that you are no longer able to represent Mr. Donovan. A Chinese Wall will be put in place, and I trust that you will diligently protect that as well.”

I exhale. “I will.”

“The matter of our internal policies will need to be revisited.” He frowns. “On a personal level, and I’d like your attorney to note the distinction…” His gaze lands on my ring finger. “I take it congratulations are in order?”

In more ways than one, but we’ll leave the baby news for another day. I nod.

He returns the simple gesture. “Okay, then. Back to work.”

I’m shaking as we return to my office.

“That’s not necessarily the end of it,” Gail warns me as she closes my door.

“I know.”

“And if you get any flack, from anyone, report itimmediatelyto human resources. You won’t be forgiven a second time for hiding anything that should be addressed.”

I know that as well. “Thank you, for everything.”

She grins. “Don’t mention it. This was fun.”

And her bill will be in the mail. I laugh. I get it. We shake hands, then she leaves and I buckle down to get my own work done.

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