Risk Assessment by Parker St John

Author:Parker St John [John, Parker St]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-09T16:00:00+00:00

13

Elliot

Mr. Suvari was jubilant. His weathered face was contorted into a wide smile. He grabbed both Maksim and Elliot by the heads to kiss them on both cheeks.

“Thank you!” he cried. “You have saved my livelihood!”

“It was an honor,” Maksim said solemnly.

They were standing on the front steps while Elliot punched in the alarm code and locked the doors. The temperature had dropped significantly with the sinking sun, enough for him to see his breath in the gloom. He had just finished his turn shaking their client’s hand when a BMW double-parked in front of them. Out stepped Greg with his hands tucked into the pockets of his designer suit.

“You’re both real shits,” he announced jovially as he strolled up to them. “Couldn’t even give me enough to make this whole thing worth my time?”

“Pick better clients next time, Vernon,” Maksim replied, his former ire hidden once more behind a mask of acerbic charm. Elliot was beginning to think that was a permanent state for him.

Mr. Suvari looked at Greg like he was dog shit, and no wonder, since the man had almost aided and abetted the destruction of his only means of income. He muttered something in Turkish, then patted Maksim on the arm once more and departed down the sidewalk.

Greg shrugged ruefully. “Madeleine is a family friend. I really had no choice.”

Maksim was uncompromising. “Then pick better friends.”

Greg ignored him and turned his attention to Elliot. He stepped close, smile warming in a manner that had Elliot shifting uncomfortably. “How have you been, El?”

“Just fine,” he said evenly. He was tempted to leave it there, but four decades of social conditioning had him asking, “You?”

“Great. Did you hear I took second place in the club tennis championship?”

“I didn’t. Congratulations.”

“Do you play anymore?” Greg frowned. “The club courts are the best. I don’t know how a guy as good as you could stand playing on a city court.”

Elliot shook his head. “I play racquetball these days.”

“Oh.” Greg took a step back, looking as revolted as if Elliot had just announced he slept under the bridge to save money. He recovered quickly and shook his head. “Damn, that’s a shame. I’ll pay your dues if that’s the issue. Talent like yours shouldn’t be wasted, no matter what happened between us.”

Maksim had turned such an incredulous look on Elliot that he felt himself flush with embarrassment.

“Jesus, Smith.” Maksim whistled. “You’re the one who need to pick better friends.”

“You’re a such charmer, Kovalenko,” Greg sneered.

“I reserve my charm for those who have yet to entirely sell their souls.”

Elliot’s eyebrows shot up and Greg burst out laughing. “This coming from the most bloodthirsty attorney in Lockheed & Poole’s stable? Is there a case you won’t take or an opponent you won’t step on? What do you see when you look in the mirror, Kovalenko?”

“I see one handsome bastard,” he replied smoothly. Ignoring Greg, who was choking on his incredulity, Maksim turned and shook Elliot’s hand. “Smith, thanks for your help today.”

“Not that it was needed.

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