Flinch Factor, The Read Free Page B

courtroom be opened to all media. Each time—to the exasperation of the presiding judge—the local stations sent over film crews, confident that a Judge Flinch Extravaganza would deliver ratings worth preempting their soaps. Would my Frankenstein case provide Judge Flinch with his next television performance? The thought made me shudder.
    When I stepped off the elevator on the first floor I was surprised to find Rob Crane waiting for me in the lobby. He ended his cell phone call as I approached.
    â€œHere’s your copy of the order,” I said, handing it to him.
    â€œI spoke to my client.”
    â€œGood. Be sure to tell him I want the deposition to start on time. If he tries to pull what O’Brien did, I’ll come back here that day and ask the judge for sanctions.”
    O’Brien was the vice-president of Rubenstein’s company, Ruby Productions. His deposition had been scheduled to start at one p.m. a week ago. He and his attorney (one of Crane’s associates) arrived two hours late.
    â€œCalm down, Rachel. I wasn’t talking to him about the starting time of the deposition. I was discussing a more important issue in this case.”
    â€œYou mean whether to show up in a business suit or bicycle shorts? Since it’s a video deposition, I vote for bicycle shorts.”
    â€œI’m not joking here, Rachel.”
    â€œRob, we’ve spent enough time together for one day. If you have something to say, say it. I need to get going.”
    â€œThe issue I discussed with my client concerned the fate of your lawsuit. Specifically, our prior settlement offer. The deposition is next Friday. If your clients would like to settle this dispute, they have until the close of business next Wednesday. We previously offered to pay each of your clients an amount equal to ten percent above the appraised value of their homes. That is a generous offer by any measure. We are now willing to augment that offer. Until the close of business on Wednesday, my client is willing to pay each of your clients fifteen percent above the appraised value. It has to be unanimous, though. Every one of your clients has to sign on. If your clients reject that offer, my client has instructed me to ramp up this litigation. I currently have one associate and one partner assisting me on this case. If the settlement deadline passes, I will add two more associates.”
    â€œFive to one, eh?”
    He gave me a cold smile. “Correct.”
    â€œMaybe I better start lifting weights.”
    â€œMaybe you better start talking some sense to your clients. This is a good settlement offer. If your clients don’t take it, I can assure you they will get exactly what they deserve. As will you.”
    â€œGive it a rest, Rob. We’re lawyers. Our job is to try to get our clients what they deserve. Maybe we’ll both succeed. Meanwhile, I will pass along your offer—and your threat.”
    I turned and walked away.

Chapter Four
    Benny was seated on a stool at the kitchen island. I was at the sink, a dishtowel in my hand. We’d been discussing my Frankenstein case, including the bizarre hearing before Judge Flinch yesterday afternoon. Benny took another swig of beer and set the bottle down in front of him. I started drying a pot as he studied the bottle.
    â€œWell?” I asked.
    He looked up, the hint of a smile on his lips.“I believe Benjamin Franklin said it first and said it best.”
    â€œIs that so?” I leaned back against the sink. “And what was it that Ben said?”
    â€œFor want of a handjob the case was lost.”
    I started drying the colander. “Benjamin Franklin, eh?”
    His grin broadened. “ Poor Richard’s Almanac , I believe.”
    I set down the colander. “I don’t recall that one.”
    â€œThat is why you are still a working stiff—albeit a gorgeous one with an All-World tush—while I have become a tenured professor of