Modus Operandi

Chapter One: Golden Ticket

Golden Ticket

Have you ever been handed a golden ticket? I haven't. So when my boss, Mr. Ted Molyneaux called me into his office that day, I prepared myself for the worst. When he said he wanted to promote me but couldn't, my stomach churned.

I know what this is about, I thought. This is because I caught him and his lover together in the copy room. He has to know that I'm more traumatized than anything. The image is seared into my mind of Dean from accounting and Mr. Molyneaux going at it. I shuddered internally. It was only a matter of time before he addressed it.

"This is not about what you think it is. I'm not actually firing you." He grinned, showing his two rows of pearly white teeth.

"Not actually?" What the hell does that even mean? Who was "actually" talking about firing? And why is he smiling so damn hard? Was my impending unemployment a joke to him?

Noting my solemn expression, he continued. "Look I like you a lot. You are a good worker- kind, diligent, efficient, trustworthy..." Here he winked. Probably because I kept his little secret about Dean under wraps for months. "You and I both know that an office supply company is not the place for you. You need to be at a company that compliments your future... like... a law firm." He paused to take a sip of water from a canister on his desk.

I took his pause as an opportunity to speak. "No law firms in this area are hiring a secretary. None. Not one. I checked."

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. It erupted into a full on laugh. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! You just look so serious and devastated!"

Well, this is my job we're talking about, douche bag. My expression remained unchanged.

His smile faded."Okay, okay. What if I told you that I referred you to one of my close friends. A lawyer. Maybe you've heard of him. Demitri Hunter?"

I felt my eyes widen and I stared at Ted. Heard of him? He was the man I had dreams about working with every night. Dimitri Hunter had something like a 95% win rate, and I didn't think that was an exaggeration. He could wow a jury just by taking his seat at the defense table. "Demitri Hunter?" I asked in disbelief. How do you know him?"

He sat back in his chair, like he was surprised at my question. "Wow, my feelings would be hurt if I hadn't spent the last ten minutes messing with yours." Rolling his eyes he continued, "We've been best friends since diapers."

"I've heard of him. Best attorney in Georgia, probably. Offices here, Atlanta, Augusta, Valdosta."

Molyneaux continued, "Yup. Hey, you know your stuff! And you thought I was gonna give you bad news. That's me, always helping. I guess you could say that its my... modus operandi. That's what lawyers say right? Modus operandi? What do you think of old Mr. Molyneaux now?" He exclaimed, doing a little childish dance. I had never met someone so much in need of the approval of young people. Sometimes it just got sad, but never too sad.

I studied Molyneaux. He had tanned skin- stained by the Georgia sunshine. Around six feet tall, he was slim and lean for a man in his fifties. He had an amazing fashion sense— suits always neat, with the appropriate tie fastened tightly to his neck underneath his handsome, kind, face. He always let his beard grow out a little, the salt and pepper stubble adding to his fatherly, down to earth look. Despite what I saw happen with Dean, I respected the man, and I trusted him. Tears welled up in my eyes. "I guess my only question is 'How can I ever repay you?'" I responded.

"Just stay beautiful, Darlin', and when you become a rich and famous lawyer, represent me for free."

*a/n*

Up top is a picture of Molyneaux.... I could think of no actors that fit his description, so I just decided to use Dave Coennen up there and run with that until I could find someone more suitable... in the mean time, imagine him with some pepper in that salt. :)

-Pattie