Beyond Malice by Rebecca Forster

Author:Rebecca Forster [Forster, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rebecca Forster

“The reception began at exactly six that evening. Black tie had been suggested. We didn’t expect the associates to be in dinner dress, but a surprising number were. I must say, this year it was wonderful to see such a solid group of young people in our firm. We have a fine balance of partners and associates, our clients are quite content. All this makes me feel as if I have steered this ship properly, as if the Dimsdale, Morris and Mott of today is living up to the charter of yesteryear, so to speak.”

Oliver Hedding rasped a satisfied chuckle, tapping his small, narrow lips with tented fingers. The office seemed overly bright, considering the grim force of his personality.

“You know, when this firm was founded one hundred years ago, there was a specific dictate to conduct its affairs with decorum and discretion, to choose those who represent this firm wisely, so all actions were calculated, the outcomes predictable. We have done that, year in and year out. We have nurtured those we’ve taken into the fold and created a rare atmosphere, where restrained creativity is encouraged.”

The hands lowered. He seemed to remember Amanda was there, listening.

“You realize there is a delicate balance between those two adjectives. Flamboyance was never tolerated here—until Ms. Royce. Such a pity, for everyone concerned, that we were blinded by our appreciation of her—shall we say—style?”

The question was rhetorical. Oliver Hedding didn’t care what anyone had to say, really, so he went right on talking.

“It is, more than likely, the first personnel problem we’ve had.” A thoughtful swivel in the chair. A dry sigh filtered through his teeth. “Other than that unfortunate young man who had difficulties with alcohol five years ago, of course. Nora, though, was a sad case. She needed so much. Constant input. Unending admiration. Contemplation and research never brought her the same degree of satisfaction as arguing her case in the partners’ meeting or the courtroom. That alone should have been enough to warn us off her. Yet, I admit to the same fascination that afflicted everyone in this firm. Nora is so lovely. So unusual. A sharp legal mind encased in such a woman. I’m afraid she was just a bit too thrilling even for us level headed old lawyers to pass up.”

Another sigh. Oliver Hedding was making an important transition.

“But she brought discontent, because we were not what she wanted us to be. She pushed us, she pushed Lucas, to become”—a skeletal hand waved in small circles before picking the word out of the air—“more. A sad situation. Young lawyers these days—Nintendo attorneys. They want action, upward movement. They covet what we, who have worked so hard, have—our cases, our homes, our bank accounts, and, in a rare instance, they want us. That is what happened to Nora.

“She wanted everything, including Lucas Mallory, and, when she couldn’t have him, she demanded him. Following him. Insisting he pay attention to her. A most embarrassing situation for the firm and a tragic situation for your—do I refer to her as your sister or your client, Ms.

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