Chapter 11
Cash Infusion
After I had visited Snake I knew cash would be a key factor in convincing Stan to bring me in as a partner. I didn't have a lot of cash to buy into a partnership, but my father had offered to lend me some money if I ever decided to go out on my own. I decided it was time to visit dear old dad.
"You met Stan at graduation," I said when my father didn't seem to recognize the name.
"Oh, the guy who sent you off to Mexico on that ridiculous rescue attempt. I can't believe he risked your life like that."
"Well, Harry and I agreed to the plan. He didn't have to twist our arms."
"Well, that was far too risky for any law student and I was so pissed at Stan and your professor for risking your life."
I sighed. "I know. In retrospect it was probably a stupid thing to do, but we did have the FBI supporting us."
"A lot of good that did," Dad replied bitterly.
"Well, I like Stan. He's a good attorney, a good man, and he seems to attract the kind of clients I want to represent."
"How much do you need?"
"Well, I think $50,000 would probably do it. I've got to buy into the firm and if I get in for that price I'll very lucky."
"Well, I put away about that much for your wedding. If you want to spend it on a partnership, that's fine with me."
I cringed at the thought of spending the money set aside for my wedding, but in reality it was unlikely I'd ever get married. Stan was the only man I'd jump at the opportunity to marry, but that wasn't likely to happen, so why not.
"Yes. I'll take it. Thank you, father. This is going to make me very happy and, I hope, make you proud."
"I'm already proud of you, Paula. You're a fine attorney and a good person. My only complaint is you haven't given me any grandchildren."
"I know," I said apologetically. "Maybe some day I'll surprise you, get married, and get pregnant. You never know."
"Hmm. I'm not holding my breath," he said as we embraced.
With the money lined up I went back to the office and thought about how to deal with Rebekah. If Stan and I were going to be partners, I'd have to become friends with Rebekah. In order for that to happen she'd have to be convinced I wasn't a threat to her, but the moment she saw me she'd know I was a big threat. I wondered how I could make her feel at ease with me around, or at least give her a good reason to tolerate me.
The answer, of course, was financial security. I'd have to assure her that once I was on board she wouldn't have to worry about money any longer. I'd make sure clients paid and that Stan and I never missed a pay check. Also, with me handling the administrative aspects of the practice, Stan would have more time to spend at home with the family. She'd have to give me points for that.
Feeling I was on the right tract, I decided to discuss the possibility that I might leave the DA's office with someone. Preferably someone who I could trust, in case things didn't pan out. I knew I had to give proper notice, but I wasn't sure how long it should be. It was important that I leave on good terms so there wouldn't be any hard feelings that would jeopardize my future relationship with the other ADAs. I decided Bart Williams was my best bet.
Bart had been with the Dallas DA's office, left for awhile, and then returned. He and I had been lovers on occasion, so I knew he would keep whatever I told him confidential. When I ran into him the next day, I suggested we go out and get some dinner. He agreed that would be a good idea, so we met the following night at Carelli's, one of my favorite Italian Restaurants.
While we were drinking wine and enjoying an appetizer, I told him I was thinking about approaching Stan Turner about a partnership. He didn't seem surprised by the news."
"I didn't think you'd last long. You've got way too much ambition and you're not a patient woman."
I smiled. "Well, that's probably true. I get bored easy too. I'm tired of prosecuting drunks and dope addicts--what can I say."
"You've always had a thing for Stan Turner anyway. You might as well get it out of your system."
I was taken aback by Bart's observation. "Is it that obvious?"
He nodded. "Yes, you talk way too much about that man. It's actually rather annoying."
I laughed. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize it."
"It's okay. It's a free country. You can love whoever you want, but if you're going into a partnership with Stan hoping to take him away from his wife, I think you're making a big mistake."
I winced at his observation. Bart knew me better than I had realized. But I had already dealt with this issue. My number one reason for the partnership was to advance my career as a lawyer. Whether or not I had a chance with Stan romantically, wasn't an issue. I'd be happy either way. At least I hoped that would be the case.
"The more notice you give them," Bart continued, "the better-sixty days at least, ninety days if possible. It's a real pain in the ass to have to reassign an ADA's caseload, but if they have enough notice they will simply quit assigning you cases and just let you finish up what you're already working on."
"That's a lot of notice. Once Stan agrees to the partnership, I'm going to want move in quickly before he changes his mind."
"I wouldn't worry about that. As long as you put in eight hours with the DA's office, you can spend the rest of your time with Stan. It will be a little rough at first, but you'll survive. The first time I left I was working thirteen hours a day for awhile."
"Hmm. That doesn't sound like much fun, but I guess it will be worth it in the long run."
"So, you really want to defend the bad guys?" Bart asked.
I smiled. "Well, somebody has to do it. Hopefully, I'll get a few innocent clients from time to time. That will make it all worthwhile."
"The money will definitely be better," Bart admitted. "I've thought about switching a time or two, but I'm a prosecutor at heart. I wouldn't be happy defending drug dealers and rapists."
"What do you think about Stan Turner as an attorney?"
"I don't know him other than by reputation. He claims that he only defends client's he honestly believes are innocent. I frankly find that hard to believe."
"No. That's probably true. He's an idealist and a bit naive, but that will have to change when I come aboard. We have to treat the practice as a business, no more picking and choosing our clients. If they can pay, then we'll take them on."
Bart shuttered. "That's what I'm saying. I couldn't defend some asshole just for the money. It would make me sick."
Paula shook her head. "Didn't your law professors tell you everyone is entitled to the best defense possible. It's our duty to defend everyone--just not for free."
Bart laughed. "We'll I have no doubt your new firm will be a financial success, but you two have two completely opposite philosophies about life. I just don't know how that's going to work out."
"Opposites attract. It's a law of nature. We'll be fine. Don't worry."
After dinner Bart took me back to his place and we enjoyed each other's company in bed. That was one of the nice things about being single. I wasn't under anyone's thumb. I could do what I wanted and didn't have to answer to anyone. I wondered if that would change once Stan and I were partners. Would he expect me to alter my life style? I didn't think so. He'd never tried to influence my behavior in the past, but we weren't partners then. People had told me taking on a partner was like getting married, but in this case that thought actually excited me.