wrongful death suits in South Florida.”
Bronner’s smile broadened.
“What’s going on?” Nita wanted to know.
Kagan motioned Bronner over to him. “You must work very fast on this. I mean stay up nights and get the complaint ready to file. Explain to the judge the defendant is to be charged with felony murder and the state attorney’s case is rock solid. Tell him you’re ready to file but as soon as she’s served, she’ll start hiding assets and selling that condominium. That’d be grossly unjust if permitted, and circumvents the intent of the law. He must issue an immediate injunction against her disposing of any assets in anticipation of an adverse judgment. Have your precedents and arguments down perfectly.”
“What’s going on?” Nita asked again.
Sandy stepped over to her. “I’ll explain. First, you’re going to have to trust Martin Bronner. I’ll be working with him. He’s really going to work hard to get you lots of money.”
“Like hitting the lottery.”
“Nothing like the lottery. Your chances of hitting the lottery are impossible. Your suit is a slam dunk. You’re going to sue this Abby Olin for say...one million dollars. But she doesn’t owe you any money until the judge says she owes you money. The judge, or the jury, will no doubt rule in your favor. Putting the screws to her will be irresistible to them. At that point, Abby legally owes you the one million. Most people don’t have assets worth that much. Folks win judgments every day and never collect a dime from the people who wronged them. Many judgments are worthless. Abby obviously doesn’t have that much money, but we get to seize whatever assets of hers we can find. That’s why we’re excited to learn she owns a fancy Florida condo. If she sells it before we get to it, then we’ll go after the money she got in the sale. And so forth. It looks good for you, however the problem is the payoff isn’t guaranteed.”
Nita stepped closer to Sandy and surprised her by taking her hands. “Thanks, Sandy. I understand there may be nothing. Just do the best you can.”
Sandy wished her well and said goodbye. Martin Bronner told her if she could wait a minute, he’d drive her back to her motel.
She said, “My family’s not going to believe I was in Florida and stayed at a big Howard Johnson with a swimming pool. I’ll wait outside for you, Mr. Bronner. I saw a bench, I want to sit with the Florida sun on my face.”
Martin Bronner walked Sandy to the door. “I apologize for being an idiot. I know that’s inadequate and now that I’ve seen you in action....”
“You mean now that you smell a huge fee. You dress like money, how come you’re so needy?”
“Your frankness has a refreshing appeal to it, Sandy. My intention is to always dress as though successful. I see I failed, at least with you. It’s after five. I’d be very pleased if you’d join me for cocktails.”
“No thanks, you’ve a lot of work to do. You’d better get an early start on that case.”
“Correct. But I need to talk with you about our arrangement.”
“Okay, let’s go back and sit down and start talking. Let me see your card.” He passed one over to her. “Nice address, near the courthouse. Do you work alone?”
“Yes, a beautiful office. It was my father’s, mine now.” He smiled. “Too bad I can’t afford it.”
“He’s retired?”
“Alzheimer’s. I look after him.”
“Sorry to hear that. You’ve taken over his practice...his clients. You must have a good income. You look older and experienced yet behave as if you’re straight out of law school. Offense intended. What gives?”
“I got into the law late. I’ve been out—pardon the expression—screwing around in Italy, HK, and the UK. Before you ask, I was spending my own money, not my father’s. He was in estate law and the clients have been dying off. I’ve no client base to speak of. I’ve been taking some public defender work. I’m your basic starving lawyer.”
“Okay, sorry I had you wrong. Let’s start over. We’re essentially in the same place. I’m just a few hours away from my law degree. Maybe I’m not the one to help you with the Nita Banks suit. What do your friends call you?”
“Martin, of course. I know your reputation. I followed your work on the Towson murder. We’re not starting even. You’re far ahead of me. I’d like you to join me on this. There’s always Kagan for backup, isn’t there?”
“Before we discuss this further, you need to know my source believes that condo in West Palm might go for over four million. We’ll sue for eight. It’s on the water and the area has been rejuvenated upscale. You could pocket a million.”
“I like that part. But you told Mrs. Banks one million.”
“I can’t get my head around one million let alone four and I’m sure she can’t either. Anyway, I don’t want her dreaming of two million and not getting a dime. Now you may not want me after I explain to you how it has to be. You see, my goal is my own law practice here in Park Beach after I pass the bar. I need a big score to set it up and get started. If I join you on the Juanita Bank’s suit, I’m willing to accept contingency, however I need an agreement with you for one-half of the net proceeds paid to you. Now, regarding Jerry, you’ll pay him up front—standard rates. He gets paid with no waiting. I’ve no idea where that money will come from because I don’t have zilch.”
“One-half! You’re crazy. No way. You said I have a slam dunk case already in my pocket. I must say, I’m very impressed with you and it’d be nice to work with you. Still, as you say, I can hire all the assistance I need. I’m willing to go as high as ten percent of the net. I think that’s more than generous.”
“Martin, you make a great appearance. You’ll look lovely in front of a jury. You’ll be dynamite with opening statements and closing arguments. You’ll make a great front man, but down in the trenches they’re going to eat you alive. So for plea bargaining and negotiations you better let me handle it. For example, right now I’m going to say to you that I insist on receiving the full fifty-percent and you can take it or leave it. And Martin, you’re going to hesitate, hem, haw, and then say that you’ll take it.” She stared at him.
Martin Bronner turned away. He stood and buttoned his suit jacket all in the same automatic motion. He walked around the conference room table rubbing the back of his neck. He sat back down frowning. He then spoke the beautiful words Sandy needed to hear, “Okay, I’ll take it.”
Sandy wanted to dance around the room, but contained herself. If successful, and it looked good to her, her share of the sizable fee would set her up in her new law career. Maybe not a total pot of gold but certainly a rainbow.
Martin also was smiling. “Sandy, a minute ago you joked that I’d look lovely in front of jury. Forgive my boldness, but I think you’re lovely and I’m not joking. I’d like to know you better if you’ll permit me that honor. Excuse me, I’m not normally so forward.”
“Thank you, Martin, that sounded very nice. One other little thing. You mentioned you traveled to UK and HK. Is HK Hong Kong?”
He nodded. “Interesting place. The Promenade, the Cultural Centre, the Liu Man Shek Tong, and other famous landmarks. After we win the suit I’d like to escort you there.”
Bronner made a slight bow and said goodbye. Kagan came out of his office when he heard him leave. “You don’t take any prisoners, do you?”
She said, “I would’ve settled for much less. He has a Harvard look and a Vassar personality—not that there’s anything wrong with that. I find it rather pleasing.”
“I know his father, as you might expect. We both have been in the local bar association for years. He’s inactive now, of course.”
“Would you recommend Martin for my co-counsel in this Banks suit?”
“I don’t know where he’s been hiding, but I’ve no objection. His father was out of my league. He had national connections and was part of the Country Club set. That never was my crowd. I was just a small-town attorney and the town outgrew me.”
“Any regrets? You’ve a spotless reputation in Park Beach. I consider myself fortunate that we connected.”
“All eighty-year-olds have regrets. But I’ve had a pleasant life. When I retire, you’re welcome to take over this office and all that’s in it.”
“Thanks, Jerry. That’s very generous of you and it’s comforting to have such a nice offer in my back pocket. However, my thinking changed abruptly today. The Banks suit is going to make me a famous lawyer. And worldly
