and asked if I wanted to come into his office, or if I'd be more comfortable if he came to me. I said that either was fine with me, but that it would be easier if he came to my office. He agreed, and we set up a time for the next day.
When he arrived for our appointment, I was stuck on the phone with one of my clients, discussing a project that he wanted me to work on. I asked him if he would mind waiting, and he easily agreed. Nearly fifteen minutes later, I was finally able to go out and meet him.
Introducing myself, I said 'I'm Dan Marshall, Mr…'
'Moore. Steve Moore. It's a pleasure to finally meet you.'
'And for me, as well. If you'll come into my office?'
Once seated, he asked me 'I found your secretary most interesting to talk to – though I have to admit that her accent baffles me.'
'Hardly surprising; she's originally from Nigeria.'
'Interesting. How did a white middle-aged engineer wind up with a black, middle-aged Nigerian secretary?'
'Pretty simple, actually. She left Nigeria after one of those tribal spats that are all too common over there, and came to this country.
Being a teacher there, she was a prime target for some of the less sociable elements, and barely made it out alive. When she got here, her Nigerian teaching credentials didn't count for much, and she was ridiculously overqualified for almost anything related – secretarial, and so on. She answered an ad I had for a part-time secretary; after talking to her a bit, I realized that she was perfectly qualified for the job, except for the technical jargon involved. When I asked her if she could stop being a teacher for a while, and be a student again while she learned the business I was in, she answered that a good teacher never stopped learning. I liked the motivation and enthusiasm she showed, so I gave her a chance. Luckily, it worked out, and she's shown her gratitude for the chance by staying with me.'
'She seems to be quite loyal to you; she even thanked me for offering to help with the Phil situation; I'm surprised she remembered it.'
'I'm not. Remember, she was a teacher, once; she still reads the newspaper, front to back, every day. As for the loyalty, I expect that it's just because I've tried to take as good of care of her as she has of me; whenever I've been able to afford it, I've given her raises and so on. I even 'gave her away' at her wedding, when she married a local electrical supplier. We've been to each other's homes many times, and I'm even godparent to their two children.'
'Interesting concept, that: taking care of your people gets you loyalty beyond what a simple paycheck buys.' he smiled.
'Yeah, well, it seems to work for me. Some of my clients and competitors have tried to hire her away from me, but she's turned them all down.'
'Before we begin, there is something that I would like to ask you about, if I may.'
'Certainly', I replied.
'Since that – event – Susan has been a little nervous about going out by herself. It's not that she's worried about young Phil, but more that she's worried about something else happening. She speaks very highly of how effective you were in dealing with that bunch, and has expressed an interest in taking some kind of martial arts training.'
'What is it that you want to know?'
'Actually, I want to know a couple of things. First, what was it that you used on them?'
'The first thing was Aikido; when things got rushed, it was karate and judo. And the second thing?'
'Would you be able to recommend something that I could have her take?'
'I'm afraid that on that one, I can't help you – as far as suggesting anything you should have her take. My suggestion would be for her to visit several of the different martial arts facilities, and find one that appeals to her. If she's interested in it, she'll do better at it, and learn more.'
'Is there anything you would recommend? As far as a particular one of them? She's not really a physical person, and doesn't even like to hurt bugs that she's afraid of.'
'That considered, I'd say that she might find Aikido to be worth a look.
It's primarily a defensive art, and requires less strength and force than anything else I'm aware of. Also, the way it works, she would be able to apply even the beginning lessons easily, and regain any confidence she may have lost after Phil.'
'What is Aikido, exactly? I know about karate and judo, but don't know what it is well enough to visualize it.'
'If you've ever seen a Steven Segal movie, what he uses is Aikido. The parts where he simply redirects people – that is, isn't there when they try to hurt him – is basic Aikido; the parts where he actually hits back are from the higher training.'
'I see. And what else would you suggest?'
'The other non-violent alternative is Judo, but it's a bit more physical and painful to the assailant than Aikido.'
'I understand. Thank you.'
'If you would like, I'd be happy to suggest a couple of places here in town that I'm aware of, and fairly impressed with. When I returned from overseas, I studied at them for some time before my schooling and business took up too much of my time.'
'That would be most helpful, thank you. And brings us to the subject of what it was that you wanted to talk to me about.'
'Mr. Moore' – 'Steve, please – after the way you helped Susan, I think first names are appropriate!' – 'Steve, I'm looking for some legal advice that I hope will stay civil, but may become something more.'
'I understand. First, I'm not a civil lawyer; my field is criminal law.
For civil advice, I'd suggest that you visit a friend of mine. I'll be happy to set you up with him. Second, if whatever you have in mind*does* turn criminal, I would probably not be your best choice as a representative, for the simple reason that you've already helped me in a more personal way by protecting my daughter from that young thug. I would be happy to assist or guide another attorney, but would not be comfortable as your sole, or primary, attorney. With that said, let me say that I will be more than happy to hear what you have to say, and make suggestions based on what you tell me, as one friend – and I think of you as one – to another.'
'I think I understand; I've heard that bit about a lawyer representing himself, and suspect that the idea applies to friends, as well. Very well then, let me start by asking you if you know a young friend of Susan's, by the name of Kelly.'
'Yes, I've met her, she seems quite nice and intelligent. Susan has also told me a bit about Kelly's home life; something of a shame.'
'Well, it is about her home life that I am seeking advice and suggestions. Kelly and I have become better acquainted since the Phil incident. Acquainted enough that we've found that we share a number of interests, and have a certain affection for each other.'
'Indeed? How affectionate?'
'Affectionate enough that we've agreed that it would be worthwhile for her to move into my home on a full- time basis.'
'I see. If I may ask, what would the living arrangements be?'
'I have a three bedroom home. One is my bedroom, one is set up as a home office and lab; the last is currently unused.'
'That was not an answer to my question, but I'll accept it, for now.
What about the situation is it that you are seeking legal guidance on?'
'Being a minor, it is possible that Kelly would be subjected to some 'unpleasantness' from her parents. Unpleasantness to the degree that they might ultimately seek civil, or even criminal, redress against me.
I hope it does not come to that, but want to be prepared for it, if it does.'
'Laudable. You have no idea of the number of people that I see that only seek counsel after the fact, when it is too late. As I said, my field is criminal law, and I can offer you some thoughts on what you might reasonably expect to face, if you like.'
