“Come in, Joe,” J. B. Reed said as his secretary showed Joe Molinari into his corner office. Reed was puzzled by Molinari’s visit since he was not working on any of Reed’s cases. To be honest, he only remembered Molinari’s name because his secretary had told it to him when she buzzed him to say that one of the associates wanted to talk to him. “What can I do for you?” Reed asked as Molinari sat down. He noticed that Molinari did not seem nervous or deferential the way most of the new associates were in his presence. “Something is going on that you need to know about.” “Oh?” “Just before he died, Mr. Briggs fired Daniel Ames.” Reed’s features clouded when Molinari mentioned his friend’s murder and accused murderer. “That was wrong.” “I don’t see how any of this is your business, Mr. Molinari,” Reed snapped.
Molinari met Reed’s fierce gaze and returned one of his own. “It’s my business,” Joe said forcefully, “because Dan is a friend of mine and someone has to tell you what he’s done for this firm and Geller Pharmaceuticals.” • • • Daniel was engrossed in a thriller when J. B. Reed and Isaac Geller walked into his hospital room. Daniel paused in mid-sentence and stared, as surprised by their appearance as he would have been if Mark McGwire and President Bush had strolled into his room. “How are you feeling?” J. B. Reed asked. “Okay,” Daniel answered tersely. “I’ve come to apologize for agreeing to have you fired,” Reed said. Daniel waited for Reed to go on. The senior partner saw how tense Daniel looked and he smiled. “I don’t blame you for being very angry with our firm, but we didn’t have the whole picture until Joe Molinari explained everything to me.” “Joe?” Reed nodded. “You have some very loyal friends at Reed, Briggs. I’ve also spoken to Kate Ross. Molinari came to my office two days ago and read me the riot act. Said the firm owed you an apology. When he finished explaining what you’d risked for our client, I called Isaac immediately.” “I don’t believe I’m exaggerating when I say that your actions may have saved my company, Mr. Ames,” Geller told him. “If Flynn’s scheme had worked we would have had to take Insufort off the market and I can’t begin to imagine how much the company would have lost paying off legal judgments.” “I know there is no way to repay you for what you’ve gone through,” Reed said. “The disgrace of being fired, the time you spent in jail, not to mention being shot… It’s terrible, and I sincerely regret any part Reed, Briggs had in your ordeal, but Mr. Geller and I want to try to make it up to you. I want you back at the firm and we’re prepared to give you a hefty raise.” “And Geller Pharmaceuticals wants to reward you with a substantial bonus,” Isaac Geller added. Daniel was stunned and did not answer right away. Reed smiled broadly, fully expecting Daniel to leap at his peace offering. After all, what young lawyer in his right mind would reject a chance to work at Reed, Briggs? “I know this must come as a shock, so there’s no reason to rush your decision,” Reed said. “Concentrate on getting well and call me at your convenience.” “I am overwhelmed by your generosity,” Daniel said, thanking both men, “but I don’t need any time to think.
Actually, I’ve had plenty of time to think while I was in jail and while I’ve been recuperating. I appreciate the offer to come back to Reed, Briggs, but I don’t really fit in at the firm. I respect the work you do, but I would be more comfortable working at a smaller firm, one that represents the type of person I grew up with, people who don’t have anyone else to look out for them.” “Surely you must see how much good a company like Geller can do,” Reed said, amazed at Daniel’s rejection of his generous offer. “I do, and I know how sleazy and dishonest a lawyer like Flynn can be, but you’ll always be able to find top-notch lawyers to represent your clients, Mr. Reed. You pay for the best and you get the best.” Daniel smiled. “I don’t know where I fit in, but I’d like to try and level the playing field a little.”
“Well, if that’s what you want, you must do what you think is best.
But the offer is open if you change your mind.” “Thank you. I appreciate that.” Reed started to leave. “You know, there is one thing you two can do for me, if you’re still feeling generous.” “What’s that?” Isaac Geller asked.