Nic Tatano - The Empire State Cat’s Christmas Gift

“I’ll give him a call right now. Maybe I can get my friend in the DA’s office to help him recover the embezzled funds. Not sure what I can do about the company shutting down.”

“Damn, this has been the week from hell. First your house and now this.”

“Yeah, and with this new development my house is now on the back burner. I gotta make some rain, Shelley. He was responsible for more than fifty percent of our revenue. We’re gonna need some new clients.”

“Speaking of new clients, you’ve got one coming in shortly.”

“I know, but that’s a contingency. We have to win to get paid.”

“You usually win, Tish. Hell, you’re way over ninety percent.”

“Yeah, but right now we need some definite income. And that case is going to take a ton of time. Plus, it’s a David and Goliath case and I’m going to need a big friggin’ slingshot to win or even get a settlement. Damn, now I almost wish I hadn’t taken it.”

“You took it because you’ve got a good heart. You could always refer her—”

“I said almost. The poor woman was turned down by lawyers all over town and she’s really in a bind. I can’t do that to her. But if the case doesn’t pan out, well…”

“Don’t worry, we’ll be fine. You have too good of a reputation. Meanwhile, there’s something on your desk that demands your immediate attention.”

“What, we heard back from the judge on the Carson case?”

“No. Your cat is waiting for you.”

Tish headed into her office, finding Socks sitting on the corner of her desk. “I see you have permanently claimed that spot.” She reached out to pet the cat and was rewarded with a lick on her hand. Then she sat behind the desk and Socks immediately climbed in her lap. She picked up the phone as the cat looked up at her. “Okay, kitty, gotta find some clients to keep you in that high end cat food.”

*

“Do you think we have a chance? I mean, really? No one else wanted this case.” Tish noted the woman’s eyes were sad and desperate.

She had almost considered Shelley’s suggestion to refer the client to another law firm with which she had a great relationship, one that could handle a loss of both considerable time and money. But the moment the woman entered her office, shook hands and locked eyes, she knew she couldn’t abandon her.

Especially when the new client told her why time was of the essence.

She was dying.

A big settlement would get her the medical care to save her life.

If Tish lost the case, well…

Her friend Madison hadn’t abandoned helpless orphaned kittens, and that was how she’d ended up with a wonderful cat like Socks.

In much the same way, she couldn’t in good conscience abandon this client who was basically an orphan seeking a lawyer. Who would die without her help.

And right now, Tish needed to give the woman an injection of confidence because she couldn’t possibly look this defeated in a courtroom. The woman was forty but the stress she’d gone through made her look ten years older. Face drawn, eyes drooping, dark brown hair a ragged mess. Tish knew she’d be very attractive with a little attention and a smile. She leaned forward and nodded. “Cynthia, I think we have an excellent chance. And I want you to focus on that when we come face to face with the defendant. If you look defeated, you give them an advantage. Hold your head up high and always look like you’ve got the upper hand. Confidence is key.”

“I’ll do my best, Miss McKenna.”

“Tish, please.”

“Okay. Tish. I can’t thank you enough for taking me on a contingency. I’d been through six law firms and everyone wanted a huge retainer. I’m broke or I’d give you something. Maybe later this year—”

Tish smiled and waved it away. “Don’t worry about it. I didn’t become a lawyer just to make money. Sometimes you have to do the right thing, and in this case that means representing you. What was done to you was unconscionable.”

“You’re a good person, Miss McKenna. I could tell the minute I met you. And people say you’re an incredible lawyer. When I heard your nickname I was expecting…well…”

Tish laughed. “Well, that’s my name in the courtroom. I’m pretty much a softie when I’m off the clock. Anyway, I want you to stop worrying. You’re in good hands. And I have an excellent assistant to work on this case. Even my law intern is helping out.”

The woman finally smiled a bit. “Thank you. I can tell you really care. How long do you think this will take?”

“Well, that depends on the other side and who they hire. If they get the right attorney who doesn’t play games, we could be done by the holidays. And hopefully have something in your Christmas stocking.”

“That sounds good. I don’t want one of those cases that lingers on for years and years.”

“Don’t worry, this one’s pretty cut and dried. We might not even have to go to court if I can get a decent settlement offer. Would that interest you?”

“Depends on the offer, but I’ll listen to anything. And of course, defer to your advice.”

“Well, remember, I work for you. I can offer advice but any final decision will be yours. If something doesn’t feel right, tell me. Anyway, I’ll get things filed shortly and then we’ll see who we’re up against.”

“I know who we’re up against, and he has deep pockets.”

“I meant the lawyer. But I’m gonna pick the defendant’s pockets.”

*

Spencer’s eyes narrowed as tossed his pen on the stack of papers. “I can’t wait to get this guy on the stand and rip his throat out.”

Ariel reached across the desk and patted his hand. “Someone’s inner shark gets cranky when he doesn’t eat.”

“Sorry, I will not lose this case. But you’re right, I’m starving. You wanna go get some dinner or order in?”

Ariel pulled out her cell phone. “I’ll order some Chinese. If we go out to a restaurant we’ll get too relaxed and then we won’t get home till midnight. It’ll set us back two hours.”

“Then again if you get Chinese I’ll want a nap. Get something from the Italian place.” He reached under his desk, grabbed a bag, got up and moved to the bookcase, then pulled a bag of cat treats from the bag and shook it.

“What have you got there, cat food? What are you doing?”

“Playing Pavlov and the cat. Seeing if our furry friend wants to come visit.”

Ariel laughed. “You are too funny. Six hundred dollar an hour attorney trying to lure someone else’s cat through an air vent. I should take a picture of this and write it up for the law review.”

“The cat’s owner might sue us if you make it public.”

“For?”

“As you said, catnapping.” He shook the bag again, then stopped to listen. “I think I hear something.”

“Yeah, but it might be a rat.”

“If it is a rat, the cat will get it.”