Hampton Manor

“Mister Jennings, you were recommended to me by Taylor Carson. He says that you’re the best in the business when it comes to estate claims.”

“That was kind of him. I’ve known Taylor for over twenty years. We started our careers at the same law firm. What do you need help with?”

Over the next five minutes, Evelyn explained the situation and made an appointment to visit the offices of Lawton, Jennings & Barth. She intended to put all the pieces of her plan together before mentioning anything to Kane. She was risking their relationship, but in the end he would understand why she did what she did.

Chapter 38

Lauren McKnight thought long and hard before she signed the papers. Years earlier she made an verbal agreement with Adam that helped her secure a divorce and generous settlement. The agreement implied, but did not specify that she was to “look the other way” regarding Adam’s theft and sale of her Antique Jewelry collection It was claimed at the time that the jewelry was beyond retrieval. Lauren’s lawyer wanted the loss of the collection to be listed as one of the causes in the divorce decree, but Adam’s lawyer refused to include it because doing so would be tantamount to Adam admitting to the larceny. That left it open to be litigated at a later time.

The “later time” had finally arrived. Together with everything else, Lauren was confident that Adam Hampton III would finally get his comeuppance. It was only a matter of time, now. And it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

Since Adam was playing dirty, she decided it was time to fight back with all the guns in her arsenal She authorized her lawyer to file a complaint for the recovery of the jewelry and to make sure the information was leaked to the media.

Adam may view this as just a shot across the bow, but it will be unpleasant enough to teach him a lesson. Maybe nothing will come of it, but it should act as a warning to him to stop messing with her and Daniel. Why does it always have to end up in a confrontation with him. It makes me furious every time I think about the way he treated me. Whoever said “revenge is sweet” was absolutely right. I feel so elated.

Chapter 39

Daniel smiled as he read the report from Palentine Investigations. He asked Walter Madding to investigate a possible link between Adam Hampton, Gil Parsons at Local 33 and SEWU.

Walter left a message on his phone. He had traced several large payments from Adam’s personal accounts to Local 33. That was just the thing Daniel had hoped for. He dialed Walt. “Good morning Walt. Good job on that investigation. That was the link I was looking for. It explains why Gil Parsons went south on me.”

“Thanks, Daniel. We’re talking about some serious charges here.”

“I know. Adam won’t be able to worm his way out of this. We nailed him. How should I proceed with this information?”

“Look Daniel, I’m not an attorney, but there appears to be a clear violation of the National Labor Relations Act. The feds shouldn’t have any problem charging him with bribery and an attempt to use a union as an enterprise. Best case, if he’s convicted he’ll serve some time at a Federal facility and pay some pretty stiff fines. The current administration in Washington takes a dim view of tampering in union affairs.”

“Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Would I have to stick around to testify? I’m trying to close up shop in Old Brooking and move up to Westfield.”

“I really can’t say. Your dealings with Local 33 are a matter of record. The violation comes from Adams trying to influence the union. Talk to an attorney. They can advise you on what to do. They will contact the proper federal authorities to get things moving. You can remain anonymous if you want to. Whatever you decide, good luck. If you need me to check out anything else, give me a call.”

“Thanks, Walt. Give my best to Shirley.”

“You do the same with Lauren.”

Daniel thought about his next step, I guess it’s “shit or get off the pot” time. I hate doing this. It goes against the grain. But I don’t really have much choice if I want to live with myself. 

He got out his phone directory and dialed the law offices of Terwilliger & Benson.

Chapter 40

“Adam, I’m glad I caught up with you.” The caller was Matthew Scheiber, senior partner at Scheiber, Scheiber and Cox, the law firm Adam retained for his personal affairs.“I’m sorry to bother you, Adam, but this is important They told me you were here in New Haven visiting one of your plants and I wanted to catch in case you might want to stop by here on your way home to discuss something that happened earlier today

“What on earth are you talking about?

“I accepted a subpoena on your behalf. Apparently process servers have been trying to serve you for a week or more. Did you ever have a Marcia Bloom working for you?”

“Why? Is she the litigant?”

“Yes, She is. She claims that you owe her back pay and access to her retirement fund. Her subpoena is for Hampton Industries corporate records. I sent that on over to your legal department. In a separate motion, she accuses you of harassment and seeks punitive damages of five million dollars. You have been ordered to appear three weeks from today at 9 a.m. here in New Haven. I can’t be there on your behalf. You have to appear in person.”

“That’s preposterous! Sure, I held up her money, but that was just to teach her a lesson. She left me high and dry by suddenly resigning right after the merger.”

“That was several months ago Did she perform her duties properly?”

“Yes, but she only gave me two weeks’ notice. I was so pissed I sent her packing. She’s got a hell of a nerve suing me.”

“How long ago was that?”

“About three weeks ago.”

“Adam, you can’t hold her money like that. Were there any questionable business practices that would justify holding her money?”

There was a noticeable delay in Adam’s reply, “Not really, although that bitch was having an affair with someone she was supposed to be riding herd over. I suspect she that she held back important information from me.”

“Suspecting her of wrongdoing and having concrete evidence are two different things. Are you withholding monies due her strictly on your suspicions?

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“You can’t do stuff like that Adam, you must know that. Look, I advise you to contact your accounting department and release those funds immediately. The longer you delay, the worse this situation is going to get. Call me when it’s done and I’ll do what I can to squash this subpoena.”

“What about the punitive damages? Can she still go after that after we’ve squared things with her funds?”

“She can. It’s a separate issue entirely, but this is just an initial hearing for fact-finding. The courts usually don’t like delays at that level. I don’t think you should try to mess around with that hearing.

Matt could hear the frustration in Adam’s voice.

“Look, Adam, why not let me talk to her attorney. Once she has her money, she may not feel it’s necessary to push the envelope any further. Or maybe she’ll settle for a token amount so she feels you’ve been taught a