We deal with people. Every single day, we manage the feelings of people, many of whom never thought they’d be here, talking to us, or battling against a member of their family. We are the call they probably never planned to make. There are fathers who perhaps didn’t expect to lose access to their children, families who never expected to be severed by a will dispute, and even children who didn’t expect to find themselves needing to be legally allowed to live independently of their parents.” He scratched the side of this jaw, the rasp of his skin unexpectedly sexy in the quiet of the room. “That’s just off the top of my head. There are other things we handle, of course, but that gives you a flavor.”
Something nudged at my brain about Nico’s own childhood. I was pretty sure he’d been raised by just his mother. Perhaps that had influenced his decision about the branch of law where he’d found his specialty.
“Also, I want you to remember that your behavior reflects on our reputation. You might only be an intern, but our clients often won’t distinguish between the people in suits who are listening to the details of their lives. They will trust you as they trust me, and I want you to understand how important that is. Obviously, most importantly, everything they say is confidential. If any safeguarding issues are raised at all, I will take the lead on how we proceed.” He stopped again, a wry smile claiming his mouth. “Actually, maybe the first thing I should have said is that you won’t like all of our clients. Some of them will annoy you, others will anger you. Still others will just be dicks in general. Just remember to remain professional.”
I tilted my head, both eager and apprehensive to meet some of his clients. “Of course. And I would never do anything without your approval,” I assured him, although maybe I would still start with making Nico his coffee rather than anything with responsibility right away.
“Okay. Great. I didn’t think you would, but my next client—the one you’re going to meet beside me—can be a little…difficult.” He pressed a button on his phone. “Ella, can I get Arturo West’s file? He’s due in shortly.”
I nodded. But adrenaline flared through me, leaving anticipation humming in its wake. Nico wasn’t going to send me to make coffee. I was going to watch him in action. I clasped my hands tightly together to hide my excitement, and my knuckles whitened with barely contained nerves.
“Come in, Mr. West. Take a seat.” Nico slid back behind his desk, and I observed from a corner of the room.
“Who’s this?” Arturo West eyed me with suspicion.
“Jamie Caldwell. He works with me.” Nico’s confidence put even me at ease.
“I’ll say.” West snorted. “Both your names are on that sign out there.”
I opened my mouth to explain, but Nico glanced at me and gave his head a slight shake.
“So, you finally decided my case warranted special attention? I knew you weren’t handling it right on your own.” If anything, sitting in the chair across from Nico made West bigger, bulkier, and more threatening, but Nico gave him a pleasant, professional smile.
“I’ve explained before, these things take time.”
“Yeah? Yeah?” West half stood, his face contorted in anger. “Tell me about things taking time again while my kids get older and you haven’t even gotten my visitation sorted out.”
“I sent another email to Mrs. West’s attorney yesterday. They are aware—”
West slammed his fist down on Nico’s desk, but Nico didn’t even flinch. “Enough of these fucking emails. She’s had her chances. You tell her I’ll see her in court.”
Nico stood and moved to the coffee maker, the only truly luxury item on display in his office. “Court is a very real possibility, but unless we…” He paused, seeming to think. “Bait the trap, if you like, and send out all the notifications and letters the judge likes to see, it will be a waste of your money and time, Mr. West. When we go to court—if we get to that stage—we will have done everything correctly and your case will be as strong as it can be. Barring something unforeseen, such as a judge with a personal cause they’re putting front and center, you won’t be able to lose.” He finished preparing an espresso and handed it to West.
The man’s face smoothed out a little, his eyebrows returning to their usual position rather than the bunch of an