Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Chapter 8
Francina Churchill was coming home. Everybody on Highbury Street heard it and within ten minutes of the announcement the whole neighborhood was buzzing with stories, both fictional and outlandish. Night was comfortably settled in her usual chair at Blossom Cottage when Ed came into the room announcing the news. She gave a small smile then commented, "Wonders will never cease." Ed gave her a look but she was once again reading The Sunday Globe, studying the latest editorial shenanigans.
A week later Mrs. Weston threw a grand dinner on Saturday night and invited everyone to meet her much-absent daughter Francina. However Joseph Fairfax had to excuse himself from the fete, as he had appointments with prospective agents for the whole day and was unable to attend the party. His absence disappointed a great deal of people but Ed was rather glad the future Hemingway was not going to come to the party. Competition, no matter how slight was unwelcome in his life and Ed was used to being the center of attention. Sharing that crown did not sit well with him. Especially when his best friend Night spent most of her time involved in some deep metaphysical conversation with the ex-patriot from Savannah whenever the two met.
As it turned out Francina was a beautiful, willowy creature, born to the manner of those privileged in life and luxury. She was also gifted with the ability to enter into any conversation and dominate the discussion within minutes without jarring the other speakers. All in all a talented, gorgeous woman whose single-status was a mystery to all men in her presence. Ed saw her standing by herself and immediately sought out her desirable company.
"So I hear you've been making yourself home at Savannah." He commented amiably.
"Savannah is where I have to be. Home is where I want to be and Boston is home for me." Was the reply and it pleased Ed to hear it.
"We have another Savannah citizen roaming the streets. Joseph Fairfax, have you ever met him?"
"Yes I have. He's a friend of the Campbells, who are acquaintances of mine. So he's trying his luck to be a writer up in Yankee land?" Ed smiled and gave a nod.
"I've read some of his material and though I think he's got a lot going for him, but it's still rather...untamed. Some parts were outright amateurish I thought."
In spite of his unexplainable dislike of the author Ed could not agree with this observation so he roused himself to defend the absent writer from the lovely critic, "I will admit his subject matter is not to my taste but Joseph writes earnestly and with much heart. Night says he means every word he puts down on paper, no lying, no sarcasm masking as wit but true and honest words meant to dig the readers right to the bone and make them look within. I think he'll be famous pretty soon and we can all say 'I knew him when.'"
She gave a bright smile then chuckled in amusement, "I guess I have become used to sarcasm masquerading as wit. Not to mention the sensationalist novels that dominates the literary scenes nowadays. So Night has become acquainted with the writer?"
"I think they're plotting the next Grisham novel." Ed replied dryly, "Either that or he's going to write her autobiography. She thinks highly of him and that means the rest of us should too."
"Oh so she dictates the scene around here?" Something in her voice made Ed look at her sharply.
"Night doesn't dictate anything, she merely lives the way she wants to live. G-d knows she's sacrificed enough to earn that privilege."
Francina heard the edge in his voice and retreated, "Good for her then. She looks to be a formidable person, even in her silence. I'll have to try my best to get on her good side because I really don't want to know what her bad side's like." Ed laughed out loud and shook his head, "She doesn't have a bad side, and that's the miracle of it all. And even if she did nobody has discovered it yet so don't worry about it. Come on let's go over and bother her a bit. Make her talk about something trivial for a change."
Francina was very amused at the comment and hooked her arm around his, "Let's. There's only so much serious philosophy one can take for an evening." The two handsome couple approached the woman and soon the three were in an animated conversation. Mrs. Woodhouse smiled as she watched this scene, how perfect, how lovely, and how wrong it all was. Miss Weston quickly made her way to Mrs. Woodhouse's side, "I am so grateful for all your kindness, not to mention the presents. This is so perfect, to have Francie back with me."
Mrs. Woodhouse turned to the glowing mother, "You have a beautiful daughter Isabelle. And I am very happy for you. Will she be staying on now?" The woman sighed, "I don't know, I hope so but heaven knows what other stunts my mother will pull so she could get Francie back to Savannah. There are times I could cheerfully strangle that woman. But then matricide was never a fashionable sort of crime." The deadpan comment made the other mother laugh out loud.
Isabelle gave a sarcastic smile and continued, "Francie told me she wants to find a place here. She already has job interviews lined up next week and she's almost done closing on a condominium so I think or at least I'm hoping she's serious about making Boston her permanent home. She hates the weather down South anyway. Oh look aren't they just the perfect picture?" Miss Weston whispered and pointed to the trio. Mrs. Woodhouse stared at the portrait, yes they were, one dark and two fair. Mrs. Woodhouse stared at the oldest in that group, how she wished she'd interfered sooner. Sometimes she could be so stupid she amazed herself, and now things were out of her control. All she could do was sit back and pray fervently that things will run its proper course.
"I hope Francie does stay." Miss Weston reiterated, "And hopefully Ed will give her a good enough reason." Mrs. Woodhouse smiled at the comment but did not add anything herself. Unfortunately for the prodigal daughter both her and Ed's good opinion of Francina Churchill took something of a dive the next day when they found out she flew down to NYC in order to do some furniture shopping for the new condominium she did purchase in the Back Bay area. And out of everyone this foolish behavior could offend it was Night who was most disapproving.
"I can't believe she flew down to NYC to buy a bed." She commented in an incredulous voice when Mrs. Woodhouse informed her of this behavior over Sunday brunch. Even Ed was a little taken back, the expense, the lack of reasoning not to mention leaving her mother alone all struck him as a bit of selfishness that he didn't see the evening before. "But I guess I'm not surprised." Was the final comment from Night and Ed was tempted to say something. He refrained though, remembering what Night's opinion of the errant daughter was before and Night never said anything to provoke someone into an argument. She was probably feeling badly for Miss Weston he thought, and who wouldn't? Why didn't Francina invite her mother along for the trip? Why go down to NYC by herself for three days? Ed shook his head, better not meddle into family affairs unless he wanted to make another mistake like he did with Elton.
The front door bell rang and Mrs. Woodhouse went to answer it. It was Miss Weston and Ed's uncle just dropping by to say hello. They were immediately invited to share the brunch but declined as they've already eaten. Instead they took some tea and began an amiable conversation with the three already situated at the table. The talk soon got around to the Coles, a new family in the neighborhood. They moved into Chestnut Hill when their Internet business took off few years' back. They were good, unpretentious and very kind sort of people but to Ed's mind rather, or very abrasive. He could never stand their company for long though he hardly saw them more than twice a year.
The couple decided to have an outside dinner party while the weather was still fair and talked about it for a long time, since July actually. Ed feared that he would get an invitation from them though they barely knew each other and came up with the perfect excuse to refuse the offer when it did arrive through their mailbox. He would say his mother wasn't feeling well and that would be the end of it. To his utter mortification he discovered during the course of the conversation everyone BUT the Woodhouses got an invite for the sumptuous dinner. Night receives hers a week back, his uncle and Miss Weston just got theirs. This peaked his curiosity and he asked around quietly to find both Harry and Professor Bates also received theirs during the week. Well, where was his?!
Chapter 9
Edward and his mother received their invitation the day before the dinner-party. He was now torn, he wanted to refuse because that was the sane thing to do but everyone else was attending and he was curious to see what would happen at the party. So he opted to attend but planned to exit early.
Francina was present and she immediately sought his company when he came through the door. "Hello there! I was wondering if you'd come."
He stared at her a bit surprised, "Why wouldn't I?"
"Oh I don't know. This doesn't look like your type of scene." He gave a rueful grin, was he that obvious?
"So did you get to furnish your place while you're in New York?" The edge in his voice wasn't meant but she heard it all the same.
"I know it looked very silly to you but it wasn't to me at the time. I wanted to make a home here Ed and I wanted to make it so perfectly that no matter what calls me back to Savannah I would long to return to Boston."
Her reply touched him and he thought sometimes silliness isn't so when certain people do it. If it was done by...Night for example it would never look silly. It would either be a moment of foolish avarice or well-thought out plan. But nobody would ever dare pin her actions as silly. So the same applies for Francina, she wanted a perfect home, what's so wrong about that? Nothing. It wasn't silly; she wasn't being ungracious to her mother. And if her mother doesn't hold a grudge I have no right to either.
He was chatting with Mr. Cole when Night entered the room. She obviously walked as she had a pair of comfortable Keds on with her relaxed outfit. He strolled up to her watching her calm down her wind-blown hair. "Well I see you had a fine time driving here Night."
She threw him an irritated look, "If you weren't looking you wouldn't have known I didn't drive here."
"Oh I would have. Your car makes noises that could wake the dead. Seriously, with all the money my firm pays you, you can afford to get a new car. Ever thought about buying one made in this decade and not when the Cuban Missile Crisis was the focus of the news?" She wrinkled her nose at him but he saw her amusement flash behind the black eyes.
"But then you are always...untouchable so I guess it doesn't matter how you arrive as long as you do. Just breeze in like you own the place and nobody can say otherwise. I think that's how you win half your cases. The opponents see you come in the courtroom and wilt because you made yourself home the moment you stepped in. Like you have nothing to worry about because judge and jury will take your side. After all you're Night Lee and you don't need to explain anything further than that."
"You talk too much, assume even more and give me that glass. I'm thirsty you twit." He laughed as she swiped his drink and finished it. Night was received warmly by the Coles and soon afterwards dinner was announced. Francina was placed next to him and the two immediately fell into gossiping. "Did you hear what Joseph Fairfax received yesterday?"
"No, what?" Ed whispered.
"An original manuscript written by Hemingway, I don't know which novel but someone said it's For Whom The Bell Tolls. Southeby auctioned it off and it somehow made its way up to Boston and into Joseph's lap." She informed her co-conspirator. Ed's reaction was incredible to behold.
"That costs a fortune! Who sent it?" He asked his good manners overtaken by curiosity.
"Nobody knows. It was an anonymous gift. But can you imagine? Opening up the delivery package and pulling that out?" She replied cheerfully.
"You know who it is don't you?" Ed asked slyly and was rewarded with a flash of teeth.
"I have my suspicions." She answered blithely.
"Well? Don't keep me in suspense, spit it out woman!" He demanded, his fair head bowing closer to hers.
"I don't think it's from the Campbells. They are well off enough I suppose but even they can't indulge in such extravagant presents. I think it's from Mrs. Dixon, formerly Miss Campbell. G-d knows her husband's rich enough to not miss few thousand in the bank!"
"Why would she buy him such a gift?" Ed was in confusion.
"Mrs. Dixon owes her life to Joseph Fairfax. They grew up as neighbors and were childhood friends from the time he moved to Savannah with his mother. The Campbells were great friends with Joseph's father and took both of them under their wings when they came to town. When the mother died the Campbells adopted Joseph with Professor Bates' approval and treated him like their own. Anyway they threw a party on a yacht they rented for the weekend and their only daughter slipped and fell headfirst to the water. She drank too much Ed and went under immediately. Joseph dove in after her and saved her life. That was all everyone talked about for weeks after the accident."
"Where was her husband?" Ed asked more intrigued than ever.
"Below deck, missed the whole thing. Swore he would pay back Joseph Fairfax for saving his wife's life. The next thing I know Joseph moved to Boston to be with his uncle and that was that."
"Makes for an interesting triangle doesn't it?" Ed added his eyes lighting on the somber and slim figure of future O'Henry.
"There was some talk before she became Mrs. Dixon..." Francina trailed off teasingly. Ed ribbed her to continue, "But nothing was ever proven, even by the most gossipy hens in Savannah. And if they can't find any evidence then in all likelihood nothing ever did happen between them." Ed gave a judicious nod yet he couldn't help but wonder.
He was making his rounds after dinner and fell into conversation with Mrs. Weston. "Ed, there you are. I have some questions to ask you and you are just the right person to ask them!" Ed tipped his head sideways, a sign of open invitation.
"Do you know how the professor and Joseph got here?" She asked almost bubbling with delight at her secret. He shook his head.
"Night called a cab for herself but when she found out they were going on foot she insisted they take the cab because she was going to be 'delayed'. What rubbish! Night's never late for anything but the professor believed her and took the taxi. Well during dinner I found out they didn't have a car so I offered to drive both of them home but Professor Bates told me Night already made arrangements with the taxi to come and pick them all up! Wasn't that the sweetest thing you ever heard?"
Ed laughed a little, "I would but I know Night Isabelle and that's something she would do without thinking. She's just that kind of person. You know I teased her about her wind-blown looks when she came in but she didn't say anything. I should have known actually. After all she's my best friend."
"And that's why I need to talk to you Edward Woodhouse. I think I'm going to make a match my dear boy, between our Night and Joseph Fairfax. Of course this is all your fault Cupid but tell me what do you think?" She asked her eagerness gleaming from her eyes and her words.
"Night and Mark Twain over there?" Ed almost shouted, "How the...no that's not possible. He's too young for her to begin with."
"He's older than you Ed." Mrs. Weston replied in confusion.
"You can't be serious." Ed replied totally taken back. "She's happy being single. She's got the world underneath her feet. She's going to be made a full-partner before November and her workload's crazy enough as it is. She's even got a case that could go all the way up to the Supreme Court! You can't fill her head with such nonsense now Isabelle. We can't have her focus on such...stupid trivialities. Not when she's on the brink of fame and I am rather amazed you could even pull such a plan out of the air."
"I didn't dream it." Mrs. Weston replied dryly, "I'm only reporting what I'm seeing. But you must admit if she's in love and decides to marry Fairfax you can hardly use the Supreme Court to dissuade her to do otherwise. Seriously Ed, what's wrong with you? Isn't she your best friend? So why are you more concerned about your firm's reputation than with her happiness?"
Ed gaped like a goldfish, "I'm not arguing she should remain single Isabelle, but with Joseph Fairfax? That is so wrong I cannot even begin to start where..."
"Ed, I'm only making guesses, stop hyperventilating." She remarked bemused by his reaction.
"Guessing from what?" Ed asked, "Night would have given that cab to a total stranger if the person looked needy enough. That's her nature. She loves to take in lost souls and help them. Besides he's a black-thumb. Didn't you hear him complain about how bad he is at raising plants? He'd probably kill her garden in a year if she lets him in the house. And like you said, he's younger than she is. Too young in my opinion."
"The age difference doesn't sit well with me either." Mrs. Weston agreed thoughtfully, "But really, it's not that bad. And besides she's got enough money to throw some away for a handsome young bachelor. I think it's about time she lived it up a little."
Ed's jaw began to hurt him because it was open for so long. "That's insane. I'm sure Joseph Fairfax wouldn't mind such an arrangement but it would be a total degradation for Night. And think about this, Professor Bates stampeding across her front lawn because he forgot to turn off the Bunsen burner in his house. Can you imagine the havoc he would wreck over at Donwell? He'd burn the whole house down in a second."
Mrs. Weston had to laugh at the image Ed just painted. "But it's not what we want Ed. It's what Night wants. She's almost 39 Ed and she needs to settle down. And I think Joseph can appreciate her for all her finer qualities and if she feels the same, then why not?"
"Because Night is not the reckless kind Isabelle. She has plans; she probably mapped out her whole life to the moment of her death. I cannot imagine her throwing all that away for some scribbling gigolo."
"You can't help but wonder though. I personally think she bought the Hemingway manuscript for him."
Ed shook his head, "No way, she will never do something like that. It's devious, secretive and extravagant. And she's none of those."
"She adores his writing." Mrs. Weston countered, "I heard her say he was the next Hemingway. That's why I think she bought it for him. Kind of an inspiration for the young man, something to keep him going through these hard times. Besides I heard Mrs. Cole talk to her about it but Night didn't say one word. Just sat there with a smile on her face. I think she did it and for the best reasons - love, hope and admiration for talented and handsome writer. I think our Night's romantic underneath it all."
"I think you common sense took a vacation." Ed replied. "And I hope you didn't mention this to anyone else. I don't see anything happening between the two. So from now onwards you can never complain about my hyperbolic imagination. Not after this conversation!" She chuckled and kissed him on the cheek, "Time will tell Ed and I hope I come out the winner. It would be so nice to see Night happy and in love."
"She's happy now." Ed replied sharply.
"Not like a woman satisfied with herself. I know Ed, after all I am one." That response ruined rest of the evening for Ed.
Before he left the party he sought out Night's company. "What do you think about the manuscript?" Night turned to him and shrugged her shoulders, "Rather useless I think. I can't imagine why the Campbells did it to begin with, except maybe to bribe him to coming back to Savannah. Either way it's an extravagance which shows poor judgment." The answer should have satisfied Ed, and it did, almost. But Mrs. Weston's suspicions were now firmly planted into the soil of his imagination and there was nothing Ed could do as the weed took root and began to bloom.
Chapter 10
It was becoming nightmarish for Harry. This was all due to the fact that the case he was handling for Night went to hell in the last half-hour. Their client turned on him in the midst of the negotiation process with the opposing side by demanding more money - about a million dollars more than what was discussed previously. The number shocked not only the defendant but Harry as well. Not only was it an enormous sum but it would also double the final bargaining price.
The negotiation quickly deteriorated after the outrageous demand was put on the table and Harry had no choice but to look for third-counselor. The other side would have walked out on the whole process but his own attorney knew Harry was trying to bring his client around so he opted to stay. Ed was the first person who came to Harry's aid. He was quickly briefed on the fiasco that was currently taking place at Redwood Conference Room and when he entered the door his demeanor was tailored to the situation.
His firm but friendly tone of voice brought some relief into the tense room. "Sorry I'm late. I have few..."
He never got to finish the conversation as the door opened again and Night entered. The tension returned as her face was one of intense focus and no small displeasure. She turned to her friend, "Thanks Woodhouse for taking my place but I'm here now. Sorry for taking so long but my previous appointment ran over. May I?"
Ed had no clue as to what Night was doing but he gladly stepped aside to let her handle the thorny situation. She sat down in the middle between Harry and the recalcitrant client and opened her own files. She turned around and whispered something her client's ear. He responded and she gave a single nod.
"Gentlemen I was informed quite recently that the final amount of the settlement was doubled. Have you been informed of this change?"
"We sure did." Responded the irate buyer. "And there is no way in hell we're dishing out that much money for the property. He signed a contract with us to sell that..."
"A contract which you violated in three points and made null."
"But Mr. Ritchie agreed to go through with it again if my client amended his actions, fixed the violations and recompensed him for all out-of-pocket expenses." Halloway smoothly interjected.
"A term your client has yet to fulfill." Night replied quietly. Halloway shifted a little in his chair.
"The amount is somewhat..."
"The amount was and is reasonable. And we are all aware the timeline Mr. Ritchie agreed to expired as of ten this morning."
The defendant paled a little. "I can assure you..."
"Your assurance is not what is required here sir. Your actions were and as of eleven today Mr. Ritchie was given another offer. A firm is willing to take the property as is and added a generous five hundred thousand on top of the figure you've given." The sheer pressure in the room could have broken the outer hull of a Triton submarine.
Halloway asked, "May I have some time with my client?"
"Of course. The door to the right leads to another conference room." Halloway and his client quickly exited. Ed sat back, relaxed and decided to watch the drama unfolding in front of his eyes. Harry took a deep breath, shook his shoulders to loosen the tension like an athlete and waited like the rookie he was. Only Ritchie and Night looked to be relaxed. She flipped through couple of pages from the notepad she brought with her and turned to the client to discuss few options.
The two whispered and it was some time before silence once again reigned. Finally the door opened and the two men re-entered the meeting. Halloway didn't even bother to wait until they sat down. "Mr. Demme is willing to pay $300,000 above the agreed sum and he is willing to meet all the required points of the original contract by Friday."
"I'm afraid the sum isn't quite good enough." She replied without hesitation. "It is only 60% of the second legitimate offer and to accept that would be an absolute detriment for Mr. Ritchie. And the deadline should have been fulfilled as of this morning. I sincerely doubt he is willing to extend it any further."
"$400,000 and all the terms in the contract will be done by Thursday at four. If it is not my client will step aside and all the agreements will be considered void from the beginning. He is also willing to pay for any outside costs, including your legal fees. That must make your client somewhat happy Lee knowing what you charge by the hour."
"My fees Halloway are legitimate and reasonable by any standards you care to choose. And don't even attempt to bring my firm's personal interests by pulling such a stunt." The biting tone in her voice told Halloway he stepped too far with her. He never knew how to handle this woman in or out of court. She was one of the most expensive lawyers in town and her firm made millions off of her skills but her reputation and track record made all those little dollar signs worth it at the end. Every time he confronted her he felt like a First Year again and he resented it. Unfortunately his resentment had seeped into this meeting and poisoned the whole process. A mistake which could cost him dearly.
Mr. Ritchie turned to her and whispered something. She replied and the two held a small conversation. She turned to the opposing side, "You have until Thursday morning at nine. The paperwork will be sent to your office by twelve. Are we clear on the terms here everyone?" The nods were all she needed. The defendant and his attorney made a quick exit and rushed to see it all come to pass.
Their client talked for a while then left the firm in a better mood than when he entered the oak doors. After his departure Night turned her younger protégé and gave the young Turk his first lecture. "Next time you need my help ask. You should never wait until the last minute, it's too dangerous and could cost us plenty." Harry gave a sheepish smile.
"Will do Night. Sorry, but one thing I am still confused about...who was the new buyer?"
"There wasn't any." She replied serenely. "Mr. Ritchie did have an offer this morning but he turned it down. Obviously he was having second thoughts during the meeting and thought he could break the whole deal by being unreasonable. I convinced him otherwise."
Ed began laughing and couldn't stop as Harry stood there with his mouth open. Night gave an amused glance towards the stunned attorney before she left the group. "That's why she's good." Ed informed the new member of the firm. "And that's why she will be made partner before October comes around."
"She just saved my skin didn't she?" Harry asked almost to himself.
"Nah, she does that out of habit, it's almost second nature with her. I told you she's one of the best if not the best. You are lucky to have her as your mentor Harry so stick to her and learn. She's got lots to show you and trust me they are worth the price of patience. Want to do a delivery lunch later?"
"Sure, which one?" His friend asked cheerfully, feeling the strain flow from his veins.
"Hemingways. I feel like a hogie today." Harry chuckled at the comment and agreed. Ed returned to his own cases and Harry was left standing by himself. He turned around and examined the room where he almost lost his job and his reputation. Wordlessly he place his hands on the armrest of the chair she was sitting in and closed his eyes. I might be young and unpracticed but I am not stupid Ed.
Chapter 11
"Guess who came by earlier to see how we're doing?" Harry asked.
"Who?" Ed replied absently finishing his paperwork.
"Robbie. She took a break from school and came by to say hello to everyone." For some reason the mention of her name made Ed feel rather uncomfortable. The Elton fiasco was almost forgotten but now it came back fresh in his mind and Ed was annoyed to remember what he tried so hard to forget. But he was able to hide it underneath a light voice, "How's she doing?"
"Studying her head off as usual. She told me to say hello to you and that every female in her Labor Law Class thinks you're a babe."
The statement made Ed's head rise up from the paperwork. "What?"
"She took pictures at her farewell dinner, remember? She has them in her apartment and from what I hear this law firm's going to be innundated with CVs from the female graduating class."
"I expect her to do something like that. Goes to prove my point earlier about that woman." Ed replied sharply. So brusque was his response Harry decided to change the topic of conversation.
"What's the dress code for Night's brunch?" He chose the right topic as Ed's face broke into a smile.
"Anything will do. She's not one to care for such formalities. I'm going to bring the best bottle of champagne. How about you?"
Harry hesitated only for a moment, "Oh don't know yet, I'll probably dig up whatever I can find around the place." Ed didn't hear the pause and suspected only polite indifference from Harry regarding Night's invitation to her famous fall brunch. The working week faded into Saturday and the Highbury Street crowd found themselves crammed into Night's kitchen come eleven. It was a bright and beautiful day with the breeze just cold enough to promise a chilly late fall. The leaves were starting to change color though they were far from the gorgeous spectrum New England was famous for.
Ed was busy helping his friend hand out plates when Harry came in holding a stunning bouquet of white roses. Night was taken back by the sheer clean shade of the flowers. "They are beautiful! Thank you Harry. Go grab some pancakes but you have to tackle Professor Bates for the maple syrup. He's hoarding all the jars now." Ed's gaze never left the roses as they were transplanted into the best vase she possessed. Two...no three dozen long-stemmed roses. That was not an appropriate present Ed quietly remonstrated against his friend for an occasion such as this and it will attract unwanted attention from everyone else.
He quickly scanned the room and to his annoyance found his fears to be correct. Everyone, including his mother, G-d have mercy, noticed the flowers and whispered to each other. Ed's frown only deepened further as he decided to talk to Harry about what was acceptable behavior with his friend. Night did her utmost to keep her reputation in the conservative arena and she never once had an intimate relationship with anyone in the firm. And he doubted she wanted to change that rule now.
Everyone heard the doorbell ring once more and wondered who it could be since all the familiar faces were present. The entrance of the two uninvited guests silenced the buzzing crowd. It was Sabine Elton and her fiancé August. "I thought I'd drop by for a second and say hello." She announced to the deadened room. Even Night who never lacked for tact stood stock still shocked at the woman's audacity. She threw a sharp glance at Harry whose face turned whiter than his gift and Ed who looked like murder incarnate.
"Hello Sabine." She greeted cordially, "Please grab something to eat and introduce us to your fiancé." Sabine turned to face the owner of the home she brazenly invaded and gave a polite smile.
"Thank you sweetie we will." Ed expected Night to jump over the butcher block and choke the woman when she said 'sweetie' but Night in a great demonstration of self-control turned her back to them. However Ed saw the white knuckles, the tight shoulder movements and felt even more anger towards Elton. Sabine came only to show off her new man and the large, very expensive, one-of-a-kind, made in South Africa, 2-carat solitaire diamond engagement ring. When Ed saw the large rock perched on the slim finger he could not help but wonder how many miners died trying to extract the precious stone out of its quarry.
"Well, hello Ed." Sabine greeted him loudly and he smiled in response though his eyes remained cold. "What do you think about August? I heard you know him."
"I know of him." Ed correctly none too gently. "He and my father used to belong to the Longwood Cricket Club. They played a few sets together but that's about it."
"Well he spoke highly of you but then who wouldn't about the Woodhouses?" She added and felt better as she saw him pale a little at the unspoken barb. Harry saw the confrontation and braced himself. He wasn't about to let his friend face that witch alone.
"Hello Sabine." He greeted from behind her. She turned, threw a glance at his direction then turned back. The snide dismissal would have worked but Harry was made of stronger stuff than she realized. He circled around the lithe figure and joined Ed. "How's your business?" He continued partially wanting to annoy her into leaving Night's party.
"I sold it." She replied breezily. "August wants me all to himself and who am I to say no?"
"Brave man." Night muttered underneath her breath when she heard the comment.
"Besides August wants me to redo his places and it's going to take better part of the year to get it all done! He has the most gorgeous townhouse in Manhattan. Oh you have to see it!" She confided brimming with anticipation.
"Then maybe you should get to it." Harry said smoothly. His arrow struck home and Sabine's cheeks tightened in response. However she was not one to lack for words.
"And what would you know about taste? I've seen what you've got Harry and trust me none of it's very impressive."
"Everything depends on the eye of the beholder." Francina interrupted sharply when she overheard the conversation. Ed's eyes widened in surprise as he did not expect help from that corner. The second woman confronted the intruder and the two faced off. "And from what I've seen Harry's doing fine with what he's got. So whatever problems you had I can assure you it was yours not his." She linked her arms to Ed's waist and leaned back lazily on the counter. "You're not wanted here Sabine. Everyone else is too nice to say so but I on the other hand can and will rip your back open if you waste one more minute of our time. Get out." Her voice was dulcet and syrupy with her Southern accent and no one else outside the group heard the threat but it had enough sharpness to cut Sabine and make her bleed.
Yet it wasn't her words which drove Elton away but Francina's evident physical comfort with Ed. It was obvious to her that this attractive young creature succeeded where she did not and her pride could not take it. She made a graceful exit with August in tow and when the couple disappeared everyone gave a huge sigh of relief. Night watched Francina for a while, observing her interaction with Ed. Everyone talked about them, the most gorgeous couple in all of Boston. She knew some were even making bets on wedding dates and could not help but wonder if there was some truth behind the gossip.
The truth was Ed had fallen out of love with the honey-blonde as soon as he tripped over it. Francie was fun, she was great to be around with and being seen about town with the beautiful woman was never a burden which he would complain about. However she left him cold. Ed couldn't figure out what it was or wasn't to be exact. And it bothered him that he couldn't pinpoint what he felt or did not. There were also moments when she flashed her unpleasant side and Ed didn't like what he saw. It was a certain lack of understanding, a generosity of spirit to accept or at least forgive the foibles of others. Selfish Ed thought to himself, she is selfish and it wasn't totally her fault either. Her mother and her grandmother both contributed to her upbringing and though they were successful in many ways they've totally ignored the deeper teachings with Francina.
Nevertheless he still enjoyed her company and didn't mind one bit when the local rags, including the Improper Bostonian paired them together as the next hot couple to come out of Beantown. And today he was very impressed with her bravado when she matched Sabine's cattiness with her brand of will. He was still thinking about his alleged girlfriend when two figures on the deck caught his interest.
It was Night and his mother. Actually Mrs. Woodhouse had fallen asleep under the protective shadow of the patio umbrella but the sun had moved since then and she was now exposed to its rays. Being of fair skin Mrs. Woodhouse burned easily even if the sun had weakened into Autumn strength. Night saw her and took her shoes off as to not awaken the slumbering woman. Then she readjusted the umbrella so the Mrs. Woodhouse would be once again protected in its shade.
Ed's eyes dropped to the dishes in his hands and a small but pained look crossed the handsome features. A paucity of kindness...a generosity of spirit. Whose measurements did I compare Francina to? He took a deep breath and raised his eyes again. His mother was alone once more and the kind sprite had returned to her kitchen. His gaze drifted to the old tree in the corner of the backyard. When Night and Day were still children her father built a fantastic tree house composed of three separate levels for his daughters. Then they became too old for it so Mr. Lee invited Ed and his friends to come over and play in it while the Lees busied themselves with whatever project was at hand.
Ed always had memories of Night the earliest being when he was only five. She used to baby-sit for his mother and they played games until he tired out and went to bed. The memories deluged him and he nearly dashed out of the kitchen to find a place where he could hide from the others. Who were you comparing Francina to? His conscience asked once more.
I remember watching Night go off to college. I remember admiring her...wondering if I would do as well when I grew up.
I remember Night graduating from law school. I remember wanting to be just like her.
I remember Night's only serious boyfriend...the one who abandoned her when she remained with her dying father instead of joining him in his practice in L.A.
I remember so much...
But none of it made sense until now.
Ed's hair fell and covered his face as his head dropped almost to his knees.
Whose approval mattered most? Whose opinions did I always seek first? Ed couldn't escape from the self-revelation.
The anxiety attack I had when she told me she wanted to practice law in Germany for at least five years...the fear I felt when she had six job offers from top law firms across the country. The jagged edge which cut me every time one of the guys in the office mentioned his interest in Night. Why did I want her to remain just the way she was? Why am I always so desperate to make her stay in Highbury? To keep things status quo when in the end it would be impossible to do so? The pupils dilated so much that he looked like he had pure onyx for eyes.
She was my better half. She is my better half. It was her footsteps which I tracked through all life's obstacles. Her shadow I was trying to catch and keep. The age difference doesn't matter, it never did. Not then and not now. The dark hair, the dark eyes, the slight tilt of the head as she listened attentively...and the thoughtful comments which always followed afterwards. You were the harbor I always came back to Night. No matter how much wrong I did, how much I messed up you always gave me shelter and helped me to make it right.
Love you he thought numbly. But how do I say it without scaring you away? Or worse witness your pity because I will never be old enough for you to see me as anything else but the kid you used to take care of? How ironic, the one thing I got right might hurt us both. Joseph Fairfax - suddenly the writer solidified into a real threat for Edward Woodhouse. What was just a nuisance had graduated into a dangerous competition and Ed wasn't about to lose Night to a near-stranger. He had known her most of his life and if need be he would do everything in his power to permanently erase Joseph Fairfax from the Highbury social scene. The alternative was unthinkable for him and his determination and desperation hardened his soul.
Ed rejoined his neighbors on the deck charming them with his usual wit and flair all the while training his eyes on his friend of over two decades. He saw Professor Bates speaking animately to his nephew and Ed knew what he had to do. Get rid of one and the other would gurantee to follow...
Chapter 12
Ed was involved in a conversation with Francina and the two looked to be totally oblivious to the rest of the guests. His mother curious as to discover what they were talking about asked.
"Ed, Francie, what are you conspiring over there? Should we be worried?"
"No of course not. It's nothing." Francina replied quickly.
"Come on, tell us!" Professor Bates goaded cheerfully.
Ed saw his chance and didn't hesitate. "We were discussing the worst mistakes we've made in our jobs. Mine was sending off crucial piece of documentary evidence along with our discovery material to the opposing side. Francina here..." She punched his arm and gave him a mock look of warning. "Never mind, Francina is perfect." She gave a gracious bow to his direction and smiled brilliantly.
"That's interesting." Professor Bates commented then added as an afterthought, "Damn, let me see what would be mine?"
"You'd have a slight problem there as you can choose only one Professor." The remark was voiced without rancor or sarcasm but its barb was not lost on any of the listeners. The victim of the verbal attack took the longest to realize what was said to him but when he did his reaction was obvious. He flushed a little and took off his glasses, wiping them clean with his handkerchief.
"Well yes I guess my reputation proceeds me doesn't it?" He stated softly.
The conversation immediately picked up afterwards and soon everyone was chatting about everything save what just transpired. Ed turned to see Fairfax's face filled with dismay and embarrassment for and about his infamous uncle. It's enough Ed thought and turned his attention back to Francina.
She leaned over and whispered to him, "Tell me something, would it bother you if I went on a date this Friday?"
"No, of course not. Don't worry about hurting my feelings Francie." He replied genuinely surprised at her question. She smiled wisely and shook her head.
"I thought so. We're only friends aren't we? I don't mean that much to you do I? At least merit your jealousy?"
"No, should you? Do you want us to have more than what we're..." She laughed and gave a swift kiss on his cheek.
"No, I'm too young and life's too good for me right now to even begin thinking about settling down. But and this is serious if you find a man who might fit my taste send him my way. Who knows? Since I'm so terrible at trying to find a good man to fall in love with you might have better luck than I have so far!"
"What kind of man?"
"Don't know...green eyes. I like green eyes and clever, I need a man who can think on his feet but don't make him too smart. I can't stand intellectual bullies. Someone who's more stable than myself, and who likes to be the calmer partner in the relationship. I can't afford to date others with my temperament. Another words someone like yourself."
Ed chuckled, "Yes and if there aren't any out there who fit that criteria I'll make one." But he thought he already knew someone who fitted that check-off list to the letter - Harry.
Ed was carrying the plates and dinnerware his mother lent to Night back to the Cottage. Night was walking ahead with Mrs. Woodhouse and the two were talking so quietly he couldn't hear them. The party finally ended at four and if they had stayed any longer Night would have had to make dinner for nearly twenty people. So out of good will but with great reluctance the crowd dissipated. They all agreed as they walked out her doors this gathering was yet another success for Lee.
Night was in the kitchen putting away the leftovers when Ed joined her. He got himself a glass of orange juice and sat on the counter stool watching the woman he loved. It was extraordinary how one day could change one's life and how irrevocable some changes were. Night turned to him and in a grave voice finally spoke what was tormenting her for hours.
"I have known you since you were a child and that is why I'm going to say this. I have seen you careless, even with other people's feelings but Ed I have never thought you could be cruel. What were you thinking when you said those words to Professor Bates? Or were you thinking at all? I never believed I would one day hear those words come from you."
Ed paled, he had no idea she overheard his comment. "Night it was a joke. I freely admit it was a bad one but nobody took it seriously and he didn't have a clue as to what I was saying. Don't get bent out of shape about it."
"Wrong there. He knew exactly what you meant. We all did." She stared at him the dark eyes reflecting more than anger. It was disappointment laced with something Ed could not name but whatever it was he felt panic rise as he returned her gaze. "And the sad thing is he agreed with you. How..." She stopped and closed the fridge. Then straightened herself and turned to fully face him. "He was once one of the best researchers in his field. He had published over 40 articles and was in a team that went up for the Nobel Prize in Physics. But you know that, you've been in his place and you saw all those medals and citations. Yet you reduce him to nothing and you did it in my house. In my home Ed and I cannot forgive you for that violation not only of Bates but also myself."
"I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say. I know he's a good man underneath it all but even you must admit he gets on your nerves..."
"I would never attack him in front of his friends and neighbors." She interrupted her voice deadly in its calmness. "No matter what I would never strip him like you did. It might have been few words Edward but trust me the damage is done. I also think you meant to hurt him. Why I cannot even begin to fathom but you meant it. It wasn't a joke was it Ed?" She knew him since he was a boy so she read the answer on his face quite quickly.
"The man doesn't have much and as he gets older he'll have less and less. When his father is institutionalized Ed Professor Bates is going to have to sell his house to pay for the care because he doesn't have adequate insurance to cover the costs. He's going to lose his home of over thirty years Ed and this is the man you made fun of. This is the man you used as target practice for your wit. It's rather sad to see cruelty is so fashionable these days but I guess if that's what makes you feel like a god then why not?" Ed turned his face away from her. Her accusations wounded him in ways unfamiliar to his sheltered life. It left him raw, without a place to hide so he refused to answer.
"This is the last thing I'm going to say as your friend Ed and I hope there's still enough respect you have for me to take this seriously. A human soul is a house Ed. The floor is composed of our strength. The walls are made of memories, pain, experience and knowledge. The roof is wisdom but underneath it all, the foundation...the foundation Ed is mercy and kindness. And without those two materials the rest of the house will crumble and collapse on the person. You've got everything Ed. You have youth, intelligence, money to burn and friends. You could have shown a little mercy, just a little today. Instead you chose to humiliate the man you once called Merlin." She stepped away from him and added successfully hiding her anguish. "I cannot help but think when I get old you'll treat me the same way."
Night fought back the tears and turned away from him. Enough she thought, I can't take this. Everything's changed and all I can do is stand by and watch. And G-d help me but I'm not brave enough. Not anymore. Ed remained quiet and this left her with no choice but to leave. Ed heard the door close behind her and took a shuddering breath. His eyes flickered about the room and he knew he had to explain. He heard more than condemnation in her voice, he heard her say good-bye. He quickly ran down the street hoping to catch her but he didn't see her on the sidewalk. He banged on the front door but there was no answer. He ran around the back and to his relief it was open. He dashed in crying out her name but nobody answered. He came to the awful conclusion she wasn't home and went to the garage. Her car was gone.
He waited for her sitting on her front doorsteps until six in the morning. But she never came back and he wondered where she drove off to. The misery he created out of his volition hounded him for the rest of Sunday and he even resorted to climbing to his old lookout to see if her car had returned. When he was a child he created a 'Pirate's Perch' on top of the house, wedged between two gables. He nearly broke his neck trying to climb into it for the first time in over a decade but his determination overrode his sense of self-preservation and Ed finally found a safe place to sit and watch for her car throughout the day.
The sun set with no sign of Night's return and Ed's worry turned to fear. He walked few blocks to see if she was staying with a neighbor but it was as if she disappeared off the face of the earth. He even called around asking for her but no one had seen her since her brunch and Ed found himself calling his brother in order to talk to Day.
When nine came rolling along his remorse had risen to an unbearable level and Ed reviewed the case-files he had not only for himself but also the firm's. Whenever an expert witness with qualification that Professor Bates could fulfill was necessary he recommended the man. It wasn't much but the act did assuage a little the raging feeling of guilt. It was two in the morning before Ed found himself taking a late stroll down the block. To his relief he found her car sitting on the driveway. He knocked on her door all the while formulating his apologies. He didn't care what time it was he wanted to speak to her and explain everything. The house remained quiet and no one answered him. He went around to the back and tried the patio door. To his shock he found it locked.
Chapter 13
It astonished Ed to no end that people who work in the same office, live on the same block could manage to not see each other but Night accomplished it. Whenever he tried to talk to her she was off to a meeting or with a client. She never replied to his messages and all but disappeared from the Highbury social scene. Nearly two weeks passed before he had a chance to observe her from a distance of less than ten feet.
She was passing by Goddard's office when she overheard a conversation. Ed was recommending once again to utilize Professor Bates' know-how in a complicated intellectual property case. Goddard grinned and shook his head.
"That man's going to make a small fortune off of us Ed. Why are you pulling his name out of the box so often?"
"He has some impressive credentials I didn't know before. Anyway he needs the money and he makes us look good. Did you hear what he did at the cross-examination yesterday?"
Goddard started to laugh, "Oh G-d yes, he basically took over the blackboard and danced all over the plaintiff's case didn't he?"
"The real funny part is he didn't even realize what he was doing." Ed explained laughing himself. "And when Jones tried to argue back Bates just shook his head and treated him like a Freshman in a Chemistry 101. I heard Jones had an apoplectic fit outside the courtroom. Oh well..." The younger man's light tone ended abruptly when he spotted the uninvited listener. Goddard saw the change in Woodhouse's mood and turned to see Night.
"Well here's the woman of the hour! Congrads, I heard you won the Gilligan Island's case." She shrugged her shoulders and gave a slight smile.
"That doesn't mean much if you look at the parties involved." She stated dryly.
"Well that's too bad. Have you had a chance to work with Bates yet? You'd get a kick out of him." Goddard said puzzled at her distant behavior. She gave another shrug then turned to Ed. For a moment Ed saw what he needed to see and though she expressed nothing in words or movement he knew she had forgiven much of his earlier mistake. However he also realized he has yet to make up for attacking Bates in her own home. How peculiar Ed thought that she could say everything she wanted without a sound, though it was definitely a 'Night' thing to be so eloquent and dignified with her expressive eyes. Suddenly without a warning or a word of farewell she raised a hand to mark her departure.
Goddard whispered to Ed as he stared at the disappearing figure, "What's wrong with her? I've been trying to figure it out for days now but she's been...hard to reach lately."
"Personal issues probably." Ed replied hurriedly, "And she's got a lot on her mind, more than her usual which says a lot. Don't worry she'll be fine. Night always lands on her feet."
The news which rocked Highbury Street was tremendous. Maria Weston suddenly passed away in her sleep. The matriarch was no more and both Francina and Isabelle with her husband flew down to attend the funeral. Though the woman was a tyrant in her family life she was much loved in Savannah and the city grieved in genuine pain. When the surviving members of the family returned to Chestnut Hill their neighbors gathered around them and helped them make sense of the mess late Mrs. Weston left behind in her will and testimony.
To everyone's relief majority of the estate was left to her favorite granddaughter while her daughter received what she thought to be adequate show of respect. So within days everything was settled properly and life was beginning to return to normal for them. The same can't be said for the Bates as Joseph Fairfax had yet again caught another severe flu. Ed tried his best to recommend the most qualified physicians and pharmacists he knew to the sick man but Joseph Fairfax coolly rejected any help from the Woodhouses. Ed knew exactly why all his efforts were returned unused and unappreciated. His uncle might have forgiven Ed for his comment but Joseph has not. And Ed could hardly blame the man for holding a grudge.
Ed and his mother were still talking about the funeral when Night made her usual entrance through the study's French doors. Ed bounced out of her chair and sat in his own, his face brimming with happiness. Now things were really returning to normal he shouted to himself. Oh thank G-d Night is back! Unfortunately her announcement shattered that hope.
"I'm taking some vacation time to visit Day and Ian. I want to see my nieces and nephews and spoil them rotten. So if there's anything you want me to deliver to them like a straight-jacket I'll be more than happy to take it now." Mrs. Woodhouse broke into uncontrolled laughter and stood up.
"Yes actually I have some pictures. It might take me a while to find them. I've completely forgotten where I put them. Can you wait?" Night nodded and sat in her usual place. Ed didn't want to catch her eyes, he had no desire to see what was in them. Mrs. Woodhouse left the tense room oblivious to the emotions generated by the other occupants.
"When will you be back?" Ed asked quietly.
"Don't know. I've got some planning to do." She replied then added after taking a deep breath. "I'm considering taking the Hawkins' Project." Ed's head snapped up in shock.
"The one in London?"
"Yes, I figure it might do me some good to take a break and see the world as it should be seen. It shouldn't take longer than six months, probably even less." Something in Ed's mind tickled his memory.
"The firm is Lawson and Newbury right?" He asked his voice growing cold. He remembered the rumor that floated over five years ago about a suspected affair Night had with one of the solicitors in the well-established London office. It was a faint rumor, one which died within days after its birth but Ed always wondered.
"The very one. They're working with a biotech company over there and if everything goes as planned Geneson should have at least three labs established here before the year 2005. But then of course anything could happen between now and then so we'll see."
"Stay here. We'll flounder around with you besides you're going to be made partner in couple of weeks. That will lighten up your workload by a ton and you'll finally get to choose which cases you want. The good times are just beginning Night, why would you want to give all that up and work like a slave with a bunch of people who drink tea at 4 in the afternoon?" His statement did make her grin.
"I want to see England. I want to see France and Germany and Belgium ...I want to see the world Ed and I feel like this is my last chance so I'm going to go for the brass ring."
"I thought being made partner in our firm was the brass ring." Ed argued bleakly. "When did it change Night?" She didn't answer for the longest time but when she did Ed could hear the pain in her reply.
"You grew older, I grew old and we've grown apart Ed. Things change but you know that and that's what happened to me. My priorities are all different now and I've got to follow what's in my heart. I've sacrificed my life once Ed and I swore I'd never do it again. The London assignment will do me a world of good. Get me out of here, expose me to new ways of thinking and I'll get to see Old Bailey. Can't beat that no matter which stick you take to it."
"We're going to miss you. What about your garden? It's going to die without you." The argument sounded feeble even to him but he was grasping at straws.
"My garden can weather through anything and I'll have somebody look after the more delicate plants. I really do need to take a vacation Ed and this is the perfect time for it."
"Not for the firm it isn't." Ed interrupted his voice sounding harsh even to his years. She didn't bother to dignify his ridiculous comment with an answer and instead waited for Mrs. Woodhouse to return.
"When are you leaving?" He asked, "Maybe I can drive you to Logan."
"Harry's going to drive me to Logan. We're going to review his cases tomorrow then he'll drop me off at the airport. But thank you for the offer anyway Ed."
Before Ed could insist Mrs. Woodhouse returned with a stack of photos in her hand. Night quickly took them and hastily said her good-bye. Mrs. Woodhouse didn't say anything until their guest was gone from the study. "She does look stressed doesn't she?"
"Heavy workload." Ed lied and stood up. "Good night mother."
"Sweet dreams my dear." She replied and kissed him on his cheek. Ed climbed up the stairs with a heart heavier than even before. Night wasn't just leaving Highbury, she was also leaving the firm. He heard the unspoken implications as she told him about her desire to go to London. People like Night were always in great demand everywhere and anywhere. Should see try to seek a new position in England Lawson and Newbury would snap her up in a second and support her until she was qualified to practice English law.
Ed didn't go to his room but climbed onto the perch again. He stared at the lights emanating from her house until it became dark. Her bedroom was the last place to grow black and Ed stared at it for hours even after its occupant had fallen asleep. We haven't grown apart Night but you're still leaving me. Don't go, stay here. I swear things will be just like the way it was before. I'll keep my mouth shut and you'll never know but stay Night. Please.
Chapter
Night left in spite of Ed's best efforts to keep her in Boston. He didn't know when she was coming back and he didn't want to stoop to ask Harry for the answer. Asking his friend about Night's schedule grated on Ed's nerves and pride. Meanwhile Harry was busy doing whatever Night left for him to work on and Ed barely saw him for the rest of the week. Ed kept hoping he would receive e-mail or a phone call from Night but during the week following her departure he heard nothing from the runaway.
Monday was particularly dreary day and everyone in the office was suffering from tension and general Monday chaos. Ed was getting his fifth cup of coffee in the lounge when a conversation he overheard stopped him cold.
"Yeah well we can scratch Wonder Woman off the partner list." The person who made the statement was Cleary, a man noted for his ferocity on and off his job and one who had particular grudge against Lee.
"What are you talking about?" Jason asked puzzled.
"Didn't you hear? Night's applying for the project in London and dumping the chance of becoming partner this year."
"Please." Jason replied incredulous. "She might take the work but that doesn't mean she's going to reject the partnership. Trust me the firm's going to offer it sooner or later and if they've got any common sense it will be sooner than later."
"Do you know why she's applying?" Cleary asked smugly.
"No..."
"The English counterpart is going to be Newbury and Lawson. Their wonderboy Thomas Henman was her lover few years' back and from what I hear he's hot and heavy to get her across the waters so she would stay with him and his firm."
"That was just a rumor and I don't believe..."
"Come off it Jason. Think about it - she is a woman after all and her biological clock must be screaming by now. She's going to hit 40 pretty soon and time's running out for her. Besides her kind always chooses family before work anyway."
"And what kind would that be?" Ed's deadly voice came from nowhere as he decided to take a pound of flesh off of Cleary. The two men startled to hear the question nearly popped to their feet like guilty boys caught looking at their dad's Penthouse Magazine.
"It's nothing Woodhouse." Jason began lamely. He didn't like the conversation to begin with and Ed's face told him he was going to like what was going to follow even less.
"We're all talking about it." Cleary replied fearlessly. "Everyone knows there's only one reason Night's going to England and it isn't for the food." Ed's face registered the answer and a curious look bloomed.
"So let me see, Mark who just got engaged is fine because he's a man and when a man wants to find someone and settle down that means he's...a stable, hard-working guy with good goals. But when a woman decides to commit herself into a serious relationship which might end in marriage, well she can't be trusted with her job anymore because of the same damn reason. Have I got that right?"
Cleary paled. Edward Woodhouse was known to be slightly unpredictable but brilliant attorney for the firm and who was carrying on his father's incredible legacy like the heir born. Confronting him was the last thing he wanted to do but from the cold look on Woodhouse's face he knew he wasn't going to get off easy.
"She's going across the Atlantic Ed. Do you really think she'll come back?"
"I don't know but from what I've heard Night has no plans to stay in London at all. So why don't you shut your jaw and do your job instead of spreading rumors? And you still haven't answered my question Cleary. What do you mean when you said 'her kind'?"
"She's Chinese and they are traditional people but you know that! Christ, you've been hanging around..."
"She's not Chinese Cleary. She's Chinese-American to begin with so get that through your skull if it's at all possible. And for your information she came from Hong Kong which was a British Colony so in a way she's got one over you in that score."
"Yeah a banana. Yellow on the outside, white on the inside. Well hey if this firm needs a token to look good I guess Night could..."
"You're fired." Ed replied his voice dying to a strangled whisper. "G-d help me you have four weeks because if I see you in this office after that I will crush your head against the wall you hear me?"
Cleary walked up to Ed. "It isn't easy as that Edward Woodhouse. This firm needs to go through certain processes before dismissing its employees and you alone can't do it. What's wrong Eddy boy? Can't take the truth? Everyone knows the only reason Night was hired was because your daddy felt sorry for her dying father. I don't care what credentials she has. She isn't much when you measure it out. Intellectual property, what the hell kind of law is that?"
"The kind that pulled in excess of 23 million dollars for the firm. And for your information her record is so far 43 for 0. She never lost a case Cleary while yours is 17 for 9. Tell me are you this bitter and vindictive because we didn't offer you partnership this year? It must really get that ego of yours to know a woman younger than you will be offered a partnership while you've been looked over. Maybe you're right Cleary I can't get you fired but I sure the hell can guarantee you'll never get a partnership here. You need 80% vote to be offered one and we all know I can influence that many voters without a problem.
The sad thing is I coupled you with her two years ago in the MIT case. How the hell she worked with you knowing you're like this I have no idea but when she comes back from vacation I'm going to crawl on my hands and knees and beg for her forgiveness. Short of being tied to the same chair with a rabid dog I can't think of anything less pleasant than being stuck working with you."
By this time there was a large gathering outside the room as everyone heard this war down the hall and in their private offices. Harry was pale and enraged but refrained himself from entering and pitching Cleary out the window. It looked like Ed was handling the situation quite well on his own.
"You know until now I could never figure out why Night was so upset the day Tara Lipinski won the Nagano Gold. She read the news from a web site that announced something like 'American Tara Lipinski beats Michelle Kwan to win the Gold' for their headline banner. Night was furious. She said the whole thing made it look like Michelle Kwan was some foreigner. I personally thought it was bad grammatical mistake and didn't make much of it. But she made it a point to write a huge three-page e-mail to the editor of the site. Less than four hours later they yanked it off and personally e-mailed an apology to everyone who complained about the announcement. I also think they made a public retraction and left it on their front page for days because of what the banner suggested. Night did admit it was an honest mistake but a costly one not only for that news service but also for Michelle Kwan not to mention every Asian-American athlete.
And that was an innocent misstep while you...you're a different breed altogether. I still can't believe Night didn't ask to be reassigned. You must have made her life hell Cleary. Damn we should have offered her the partnership then just because she had to work with your kind. And she still managed to win the case, in the lower court and in the Appeals. That says a lot about her and nothing about you. Get out. I never want to see you again and I mean what I said about the partnership. You're dead here."
"Why? Because I say what I believe in I'm a bigot? Because I'm not PC?"
"No." Mr. Goddard interrupted smoothly entering the room. "No you're something worse Cleary. You're a liability. You see this world's shrinking and we can't afford to make the same mistake like that website did. It will cost us our reputation and maybe even our survival in this day and age. In the final calculation of everything Night whether she's a token minority or not has far exceeded everyone's expectations here and maybe that has something to do with her background. Who knows? Who gives a damn anyway? I personally want to hire the best for Woodhouse, Jefferson and Franklin because if we want to make it that's what we need. We're competing with the big boys in NYC and in Seattle not to mention Atlanta now. We can't afford screw-ups and well I can't imagine a bigger mess than you. Ed caught you talking about someone in our own damn firm that way and you're stupid enough to try to defend an indefensible position. I can't think how a client would react if they heard you. If she heard you." Goddard sighed and gave a tired smile.
"The good old days weren't good for the majority of humanity but somehow we managed to forget that little salient fact. During those 'Golden Years' your family was probably starving in the Great Irish Famine but hey if that's what you want take it and I wish you all the best. I would like to reiterate what Ed said; you're finished here and you've got four weeks which in my opinion is very generous. If I had to choose between Lee or you I'd feed you to the wolves in a second. But that's pure business decision so don't take it personally." Goddard then walked towards Cleary until he was face to face with the man.
"If you don't take our generous severance offer know that your record will reflect every single word spoken in this room today and let's see if you ever get a job here in the East Coast or anywhere else. Have I made myself clear boy?" Cleary didn't say anything and turned to exit the room. However before he left he whispered to Ed.
"Chink lover."
Ed gave a small tight smile. "I wish Cleary. Oh how I wish."
Ed returned to his office exhausted. He was not pleased to learn the whole firm overheard the confrontation but at least the issue of race and racial discrimination was settled once and for all. As for Night being the token minority he hoped she had enough self-respect to realize if she began as one she was no longer. He also made plans to meet with the senior partners to discuss what had transpired with Cleary and to protect the firm's interests should Cleary decide on legal redress. Then tackle the issue of hiring 'non-traditional' employees.
"Thanks man." Harry stated in awe as he followed his friend.
"Thanks for what?" Ed asked confused.
"For protecting Night's back. I should've done it but you did one hell of a job in there."
Ed was still lost but decided to accept the show of gratitude. "Not a problem Harry. I still can't believe what I heard not to mention what I said."
Harry smiled beautifully. "Hey at least you refrained from knocking his teeth out. I was tempted and still am actually. I can't believe what he said about Night. G-d, what a jacka**."
"Well at least that one's out of our stables. Besides she's been my friend for over two decades I could do no less."
"Yeah I know but after everything she's done for me. Well...I owe her you know?"
Ed's confusion began to throb inside his head like a migraine. Something in Harry's tone suggested a level of intimacy more than he suspected. "How do you owe her Harry? You've known her only for few months." Harry smile grew wider and he sat across from his friend.
"Can you keep a secret?"
"Yes I can. Harry you're acting very strange."
"I'm going to London with Night." Ed blinked twice as the news blew away what little common sense he had left. "I've been talking to her about it. In fact I was the one who suggested she take the Hawkins' Project. I thought it was about time I get to know her better."
"Know her better how?" Ed asked his voice becoming strangled once again.
"Don't play stupid with me Ed. You must have seen how many hours we've been spending together lately. We've become pretty close and if everything works out maybe something good will come out of it. I don't know but Night's not the teasing kind and I've been getting good vibes from her. Don't you remember how she charged in and rescued my behind couple of weeks ago? I think maybe...she had more than just business reasons for doing so. Anyway I'm guessing here. What do you think? Like you said you're her best friend so did she tell you anything about me?"
"No."
"Well I'm not surprised. She keeps everything close to her heart doesn't she? Man, after Elton I was ready to give it all up but you said I could one better so I did. Aren't you proud of me?" Somehow the dead silence from Woodhouse's person passed over Harry's head and he continued to shatter Ed's world. "She's a wonderful woman Ed. We've been having meals together lately because of our workload and let me tell you it's been something else. My instincts tell me London's my chance and I'm not going to blow it. Anyway you've got work to do and I should get going. Thanks again Ed for everything. You're good man."
Ed stared at the chair Harry occupied only a minute before. He was going home. He couldn't stay in this building one second longer. A knock on the door attracted his attention. It was Jamey, the resident techmeister. "What?" He asked in a defeated voice.
"Marsha's e-mail regarding the pay-grade for the upcoming year? It's got a virus so don't open it. Just delete it and she'll send a new one this afternoon." Ed nodded absently and began packing. Suddenly a thought entered his head and he called Harry.
"I forgot to tell you Marsha finally sent out the pay-grades. You should take a look at it and see if you're satisfied with the numbers."
"Done." Before his now-no-longer friend hung up Ed heard the fatal clicking of Harry's mouse. And as he walked towards the elevator he could hear Smith's cry of shock as the virus bloomed on his computer screen.