Fractured Bonds

3 - Jacob

Contd from Three Years Ago.

Mike called me yesterday to let me know about his appointment with his lawyer. He told me I could join if I wasn't busy. I don't understand why he thinks I wouldn't rearrange my schedule to assist him. Perhaps all those days he spent with our grandfather left a lasting impact on him.

As I step into Levinson Woods Blanchard, I spot Mike standing by the elevators at the firm's entrance. His presence there feels like a positive sign—maybe he's eager to discuss the case with me.

"Hey, Mike," I greet him, and he responds with a simple "Hey." Our conversation starts on a dry note.

"So when are we meeting this lawyer of yours?"

"I just spoke to her. We're meeting for lunch, and that's when she'll discuss the case with us. I'm waiting for her to come out so we can go together."

Emerging from the office, a stunning brunette strides forward, her warm honey toned skin making her look like a goddess; commanding attention with every step. My breath catches—she's beautiful, the kind of beauty that leaves you momentarily speechless. Did I linger too long in my admiration? I hope not; after all, she's the lawyer my brother selected, bypassing any input I might have offered.

Her dark waves cascade around her face, framing eyes that seem to hold secrets—the kind you'd unravel over late-night conversations. Her lips curve in a knowing smile as she approaches, and I can't help but feel a mix of curiosity and nervous anticipation.

She extends her hand to Mike, and he introduces her: "Emma Sinclair, my lawyer." Then it's my turn. I swallow my nerves and offer my own introduction: "Jacob Pendragon, his brother." The moment hangs in the air—a collision of worlds, secrets, and possibilities.

"Shall we?" She asks, pointing toward the open elevator. "So, we have started contacting the people who were on shift with you on that night. They have all agreed to give testimonies in court and in depositions. We might start with depositions next week. Since there are a lot of people who have been in contact with you and the patient that night, we've decided that the deposition will be at a hotel conference room near your hospital. Too many people traveling at different timings for testimonies will make it hard for them and us if anything goes wrong. I wanted your confirmation on this before we proceeded on this plan."

I have to say, I'm surprised. Not only is she stunning, but she's also an incredibly skilled lawyer. I didn't expect that Mike's lawyer would be this good. But I'm going to have to get our company's legal team on this case too. In case she fucks up, I can have other lawyers at the ready to jump in and protect Mike from this going colossally wrong.

We make our way into the restaurant when I see this woman who looks extremely similar to Emma is seated at our table. She sees Emma and immediately gets up and hugs her. I assume she's her sister because she looks too young to be her mother. And, Mike had mentioned that Emma was the sister of his friend—a fellow doctor.

Mike gets up from his seat and hugs her and introduces me, she extends her hand, "Dr. Eleanor Sinclair, How do you do?". "Jake Pendragon, doing good, what about you?". "Good too! Nice to finally meet you!"

During the remainder of our lunch, Emma provides a detailed briefing on the trial proceedings. She emphasizes the significance of character testimonials in helping the jury perceive Mike both as a doctor and as an individual. Emma also mentions that Eleanor might be summoned by the plaintiff's lawyer, and if necessary, I could testify about Mike's character. 

As we exit the restaurant, Emma and Eleanor head back to their respective work. Now, I must find a subtle way to ask Mike for Emma's number.

"Hey, Mikey, do you happen to have Emma's number? Mind sharing it with me?"

"What do you need her number for? Planning to ask her out?" he smirks.

"Nah, she seems too focused on work for my taste."

"Work-oriented women aren't your thing? Seriously? Even Mom knows you're into workaholics."

Shit. I need to come up with an excuse.

"I'm going to ask her for copies of everything she has on your case. That way, if she fucks up, I can keep my legal team informed so they can step in promptly."

"Okay. Sure, but you do know that I don't want the company's legal team involved in this case. Even the hospital's legal team is minimally involved. Alright, I gotta go, I'll text you her number and call you up soon. Take care, man"

"Bye Mike"

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