02

TESSA COLE

« Look, Mr. McCarthy, this is an easy out I am giving you. » Tessa said to the old, lean man sitting in front of her.

The look McCarthy had on his face told Tessa that she almost had him

« I don’t think you’ll be able to score more than this. »

Cain McCarthy looked over the file that Tess had slid over. 3 million was less than what her client had asked for but if Cain decided to take this over to the court rather than settle this here, Tess was going to lose.

But she was known to win the unwinnable cases. And this was nothing compared to what she acquired within the last six months. The Anderson case had brought her fame and more clients than she could handle.

Cain’s lawyer didn’t know that Tessa had no evidence of any kind against them. All she knew was her client had been injured by while working and she was supposed to get the compensation when Cain had denied it saying there hadn’t been any proof against any such claim. Lara, the client, was at work when a beam fell on her. She had tried to jump away, but somehow her legs got caught and she lost them.

And truly there was no evidence against such claim.

But Tessa had surveyed the area where her client said the accident had occurred.

She had checked over and over and she had seen that there were changes. As if somebody had cleaned up pretty well after that. The beam was set back. No evidence of any kind of accident.

And why a new beam was set up, wouldn’t be considered as an evidence in court.

Tessa knew a little confidence and a bit of arrogance would have Cain signing the papers.

And now was the time for the final nail. « The amount would triple if you take this to the court and lose. »

Cain’s eyes betrayed what he didn’t express. He was going to sign this. His mind was set.

« Mr. McCarthy. Do not sign it » Cain’s lawyer pleaded as he too noticed the same.

Cain’s features morphed into an angry one. Fingers curled in a tight fist, a frown marring his forehead, lips opened in a snarl, he whirled towards the lawyer, « I am not going to pay almost a hundred million dollars for that stupid girl. I’ll rather sign this. »

And with that, the man signed the papers and stomped out of the conference room. The lawyer sighed, got up and shook hands with Tess.

Once the lawyer left, Tessa turned to Kyle, her client’s brother.

He shook hands with her thanking for all she did for his sister.

Tessa nodded and smiled, « Take care. For now she just needs your support. »

« I wouldn’t have been able to be that support for her if you hadn’t helped us with the monetary one. »

Tessa smiled. « It was less than what I wanted her to get. But if I would’ve pushed for more, then he would’ve taken this to court and we would’ve lost it. »

With a sigh she continued, « Don’t worry. I’ll drop by sometime. »

« Send me the –«

« Oh shut up Ky. Things might have been awkward between us when we broke up but you were there when I needed you. »

She smiled, « Though I would like to be invited to dinner when you cook that apple pie. »

Kyle chuckled, « Thank God mom left me a cookbook with all her recipes. I wouldn’t have been able to go through college on Chinese takeout. »

They both laughed. With a promise to drop by sometime, Tessa and Kyle parted their ways. He left the building while she walked over to her office.

Alexis Beckett, her mentor, her sister and her only family, had bought the whole building. When Tess had argued about paying back, she had replied calmly. « That purchase was like nothing. »

The granddaughter of one of the most richest tycoon sure had no problem. But Tess didn’t like that Lexi had to purchase it for her.

At first all Tess could think was that even Lexi didn’t want her. They had been together for years after Tess’s mother died of overdose.

Tess shook her head to clear her thoughts. No good would come of reminiscing the past. Lexi had her life back on track. She was rich, successful and in love. Unlike Tess.

She’d had enough of the self pity and she had started her own firm. Beckett – Cole law firm.

Tess had opened her law firm on the top floor. She had taken the top four floors of the twenty floored building. The other floors, she had rented it to other people who wanted to start the business.

The ground floor though was strictly for a showroom. Of dresses. Alexis Beckett’s dresses.

Lexi did say no at first but then after the ultimatum of either they both or neither of them, Lexi agreed.

Tess stood right in front of her office and stared at the name in gold on the door. Tessa Cole.

Who knew she’d be good at this ?

And who knew she’d reach where she was ?

Shaking her head, she pushed the glass door and entered her office.

A huge mahogany desk stood in the middle, a chair behind it with the back facing the floor to ceiling glass wall that gave her the view of the city and the hustle bustle on the street.

A shelf to the right stacked with books. A white couch at the far left wall with a table in front of it. She looked at the couch. Tessa hadn’t wanted any of it at first. But Tessa never liked sitting in one place. Even at home, she would either pace or sit on the chair then get up and sit on the bed and eventually ended up sprawled on the floor. That is why she used to run errands for Lexi. She liked it. Taking care of things. Meet deadlines. Get things done on… time. »

Tessa looked at the clock hung up to her left and groaned. 3 already.

She took her briefcase with the papers of her recent case and gathered that day’s signed papers. She walked out and placed them on the desk of her assistant’s desk that was right in front of her office, on the right side of the door.

Calvin, her assistant walked towards his desk, two coffee mugs in his hand,at that very moment.

Calvin was a smart guy. And a bit easy on the eyes too. He had sharp features, chocolate brown eyes and blonde haired. Not like… no she wasn’t going to think about him.

Cal had folded his shirt sleeves up to his elbows. « Here. » He handed her one of the mugs and sat back with his on his chair.

« What is this ? »

« Cain signed the papers. » She replied and took a sip from her mug as she rested her hip against his desk

« That’s good. »

« Hmmm. File it in, will you ? »

« And why should I be the one to do that ? » He frowned

« Because you’re my assistant. »

« Nope. I’m an intern. »

Tessa’s eyes widened in horror.

« Really ? » She asked.

« Nah. Just kidding. » He chuckled.

When she pursed her lips, Calvin gave her a smile. « You need to chill boss. Loosen up a bit. »

« What do you mean ? »

Calvin shook his head. « Nothing. Just that try to have fun. A little fun never hurt someone. »

If only he knew. She had fun at some time last year and look how that turned out.

Shaking her head she placed her mug down when Calvin gave her a look of oh shit.

« What is it ? »

« Miss Summers. » He said and showed the message he had just received then.

Tell me she’s not still working. Tell her to answer my fucking phone.

Tessa’s eyes widened.

« Shit I’m late. »

With a quick bye she hurried out to towards the elevator.

Loosen up Calvin had said.

She couldn’t. She didn’t know why. All she hoped was that it didn’t ruin the night for the girls.