You're Still the One

Never Underestimate the Opposition

Meredith could see no one believed her. She moved to the table, where she had placed her bag. She could hear them say something behind her, probably thinking she was backing down. After grabbing her phone, she turned back around and noticed Harvey and his assistant watching her closely, at least they weren't underestimating her or Mike.

She hated when people, especially lawyers, learnt who she was, it never ended well. The whole reason she told Mike not to mention his past was so people didn't connect the dots, and he didn't have her stigma held over him. She had to save his place here and his reputation even if her method might backfire. Meredith believed that at least Harvey would fight for Mike's position here, especially after what she was about to, he would appreciate a personal hot spot for potential billables.

"Richard Bailey, he's one of your clients?" asked Meredith, looking at Louis and Jessica.

"Both of ours," replied Louis hesitantly, "Why?"

"He was an old client of DWB," said Jessica, remembering when she signed him after DBW fell.

Meredith nodded and pressed the call button on her phone. She went to place it on her ear but then decided against it and put the phone on speaker.

I will show all of them what I am capable of.

The phone made a dialling tone as it lay on Meredith's hand. Harvey didn't know what to think, she was either very smart or stupid, he didn't know which yet. He was pulled from his thoughts by an answer.

"Meredith, to what do I owe this pleasure? Finally decided to get back in the business I have a contract ready." said a voice on the other end of the phone.

Meredith laughed before replying...

"Richard, I thought you were happy with your lawyers."

Meredith looked at Jessica and Louis.

"I am. I'd be happier if I was dealing with you though. You know as well as I do that they tried to rip me off when I first signed with them, you're the one you caught it. I never would have known if it wasn't for you."

"That's why I'm your consultant, Richard."

"You weren't my consultant then. But after that, well I would prefer it if you were my lawyer. I always did like your methods even back when you worked with Barnes."

"And I liked you as well, you weren't some rich ass," said Meredith, waiting until Richard stopped laughing before continuing. "You were an easy client, and the gifts helped as well, Mike and Grammy loved those."

"I always knew it was the gifts, you don't like me at all? How is Mike and your Grandmother? Well, I hope."

"Grammy is doing okay, she's in care facility now."

"I'm sorry to hear that, she was a formidable woman."

"She still is, Richard. Still scolds me about being a part-time consultant."

"And so, she should. Wasted talent. Tell her not to worry, between me and the other old DWB clients, we'll eventually convince you to come back and practice."

"You can keep trying but..."

"You didn't immediately say no, we're starting to wear you down. I shall have to tell the others. Maybe I should enlist young Mike as well."

"You'll have a hard time catching him. He's busy with work"

"What is he up to now? He's 20?"

"22, actually. He's a lawyer, Harvard graduate" said Meredith proudly.

"I should be sceptical, but I'm not surprised, given the conversations I had with him all those years ago. You've done well, Meredith, considering everything. Where is he working? Since you're being so difficult, I may just hire him instead."

Meredith leant up against a desk and looked at the partners in front of her. She started to smile smugly at the looks on their faces.

"Pearson Hardman. He's only an associate, he won't have any of his own clients just yet, Richard."

"Pearson? Well that's perfect, I'm due for the contract renewal with them soon. I'll rework the deal, so he works my cases with Jessica and Louis."

"He would be honoured to work with you, Richard. I believe he still has the BarBri Legal Handbook you gave him. But I'm sorry to say, he works exclusively for Harvey Specter."

Louis tried to speak but stopped when Meredith raised her hand and shook her finger at him. She glanced at Harvey and smiled before locking eyes with Jessica. It was time to show them what she could do.

Harvey was amazed, Mike's sister was so subtle. She completely controlled the conversation and led Bailey to the conclusion she wanted. He'd never seen anyone work like that, most lawyers weren't subtle, they usually were much more obvious in their manipulations.

"I know Specter, he was a Junior Partner when I moved to Pearson Hardman. What do you think of him?"

Meredith could feel Harvey's gaze, it held so much intensity, it felt like it was burning a hole through her. She looked at before replying.

"Mike works for him."

"The best then. It looks like I'll have a new lawyer."

Looking away from Harvey and his shocked expression, Meredith took some joy in the looks of disbelief, and no small amount of anger, on Jessica and Louis's faces.

"You shouldn't, Richard. Mike honestly won't mind who you sign, he would help out with your cases. You shouldn't change lawyers just ..."

"It's nothing, with the amount I'm paying them I should be allowed to change lawyers whenever I want. Besides, I only picked Jessica because she was ruthless and from what I hear so is Harvey. But I'd prefer to work with someone who you trust Mike with. It's says a lot about what you think of the man. Do you think you could work out a deal where I'll be Mike's client when he makes Junior Partner? I'll hire Harvey, but I want Mike once he becomes available"

Meredith looked at Harvey.

Harvey was in shock, he'd never secured a client so quickly. He noticed everyone's eyes on him and slowly nodded his head. He had no issues with passing off a client to Mike especially since his sister helped him sign him.

"I'm sure he won't mind at all and if not then I'll work something out for you."

"Perfect, I'll send you the contract, once I get it, to look over it."

"I'm always happy to help, Richard. I'll even send you a draft of the contract later today with the stipulation about Mike. I'll talk to you soon."

"Thank you, Meredith. I'll contact you when I know more. Remember, whenever you want back in."

"I'll give you a call."

Meredith hung up the phone and looked around, pleased with the looks of shock and awe around the room.

There. Who was soft now?