Page 36 of Near Miss

Joan walked into Stone’s office with theNew York Post.“Have you seen the legal news on Page Six?”

“That’s the gossip page, not the legal news.”

“It is today,” she said, handing him the paper, folded to the headline.

ASPIRING ATTORNEY ACES BAR EXAM!!!

Never been done before. The examiners won’t say who, until the grades are officially announced, but he’s at one of the top firms.

“They say it’s a guy, see?” Joan giggled. “I can’t wait until they have to correct that.”

“How do you know about this, Joan?”

“I know about everything, didn’t you know?”

“You’ve been eavesdropping, then?”

“You’ve all been shouting it from the rafters. Why do I need to eavesdrop?”

“Oh.”

“I hope they gave her a raise,” Joan said.

“Twenty-five percent, and you may as well know it all. She got a bigger office, a sofa, and a TV that disappears into a cabinet when a client shows up. Now, keep it to yourself, will you?”

“This is the one who’s moved into the flat next to mine?”

“Have you moved back in already? If so, this is the first-known case of somebody moving out of a twenty-room house and into a four-room flat.”

“I couldn’t sleep in that place for another night. It just wasn’t me!”

“Well, before you know it, she’ll be moving into a twenty-room house! She’s that smart.”

“I guess you won’t need me anymore, huh?”

“Not after you’ve briefed her on the security system codes and instructions, but stay on, anyway. I’m used to you.”

“Gee, thanks!” Joan flounced out.

“And don’t flounce!”

Joan slammed the door, for emphasis.

Later, Matilda entered Stone’s office. “Knock, knock.”

“Most people knockbeforethey come in.”

“I find it more interesting to keep people on their toes. Are you still busy?”

“No more than usual.”

“Can I assume you are planning on eating dinner?”

Stone glanced at his watch. It was nearly sixpm. He’d spent most of the afternoon going from one client phone conference to another and had lost track of time. “If there’s a meal I never miss, it is that.”

“Oh, good. I was afraid I would have to go it solo.”

“That would be a crime. Patroon? Leave in thirty minutes?”

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