Checkmate

27

"Kim, Cyril McAdams is here to see you," Destiny said in a hushed voice, approaching my desk and looking over her shoulder as if worried speaking that name out loud would conjure the man to magically appear in the room.

I cocked my head as my eyes searched the ceiling. I made no effort in hiding my confusion about who this McAdams guy was and Destiny rolled her eyes at my ignorance.

"He's defending Ronan O'Day," she sassed and parked a hand on her generous hips as she searched my face.

Instantly, it clicked and my eyes widened in recognition.

"Right, Erin Samuel's ex-husband's attorney."

"That's the one," she said and I nodded, closing up the file I'd been reviewing.

"You may let him in," I said as I stood and she went to the door to bring in my guest.

   With a nod, she disappeared behind the door. A few seconds later, the door opened and Mr. McAdams walked in. From his strides alone he looked fit for the part. Rocking a buzz cut probably gifted y his retracting hairline and balding middle, the man sported a smirk the moment he walked into the room. Bellow average high even for a woman, Cyril McAdams still found a way to look down his nose while looking up at me. How arrogant did you need to be to do that?

"Mr. McAdams, how may I help you?" I said, offering my rehearsed smile and extending a hand.

He ignored them both as he sighed once we were at arm's length and began scanning our surroundings.

"I believe I'm the one here to help. I thought I'd stop by and settle this matter privately and save you the embarrassment you'll face in front of the judge if you go through with this," he said, only looking at me to flash a cynical, tight-lipped smile.

"How kind of you. But I don't need convincing. The judge will decide whether or not he'll allow us to go to trial," I said firmly, mimicking his fake grin.

He nodded for a moment, rocking slightly back and forth before tsking loudly as he reached into his briefcase.

"Well then, in that case, I guess you won't be needing this."

He extended an envelope that I reluctantly took.

My gaze did not leave him as I tore open the paper, pulling out the content.

I quickly scanned over the paper. Beginning to focus more on the words spread out before me, I tensed as the name and signature at the bottom of the page changed everything.

Sucking on my teeth as I tried not to curse, my previously stoic attitude stood no more and the man smirked knowingly.

Well, this day quickly went to shit.

"Have a nice day, Ms. Graham," he mused.

I watched him turn on his heels and walk away.

   Technical issues were all that was needed to lose a case. This contract would give me enough reason not to take it on, but before I dismissed it, I needed a word with Erin to make sure she hadn't deliberately hidden this from me or I wasn't getting the full story. So about half an hour after I requested an emergency meeting with Ms. Samuels, Destiny ushered her in.