Page 86 of Third Time’s a Charm

I brush my palms down the slim-cut trousers of my suit as we arrive at the wine bar where we’ve arranged to meet Will half an hour before the ambush Colin set up.

Jasper shoots me a reassuring smile. “You look formidable. And the shoes are fabulous.” The shoes were the biggest challenge, given my inability to walk in spike heels. But my favourite red wedges shout bold, while allowing me to walk without looking like a newborn giraffe.

I don’t know what I would have done without Jasper distracting me this morning. I nearly folded when Will sent over the letter and contract he’s going to present this afternoon.

“Does it sound a bit threatening to you?” I toyed on the edge of hyperventilating. “What if it makes them mad?”

Jasper laughed.

“Oh, it’ll make them mad alright. I just wish I could be there to see their faces when you deliver it.”

I’m too nervous for coffee, so Jasper orders me a peppermint tea while we wait for Will, who saunters in looking relaxed, in control and more than a little intimidating. His suit is just as sharp as the suits Jasper typically wears; a chunky, expensive watch shows under the cuff of his shirt. You can smell the cost of his leather briefcase from twenty paces.

“You ready, champ?” Will drops into the seat opposite me and signals the server for a coffee.

“I … I guess so.” I look over at Jasper, who gives me a confident nod. “Yes. I’m ready,” I add with more certainty.

I’m glad I’m not on the other side of the table in this meeting because the warm, funny, quirky guy from last night has disappeared. There’s no way to describe Will other than determined. And utterly intimidating. Jasper, who is in jeans and a linen shirt grins and winks at me.

“You’re in good hands. He’s got this. And I’ll be here with a big glass of wine when you’re done.”

Will knocks back his short black and checks his watch. “Excellent. We’ll be right on time. Let’s go.”

I stumble as I stand, but Jasper catches me, and with a steadying hand on each elbow, looks into my eyes.

“Deep breaths. Think of it like the dentist. It’ll be painful, but over in no time, and worth it in the end.”

“I hate the dentist,” I mutter.

With a calming hand on my back, Will leads me across the road. It doesn’t feel like the dentist. More like the gallows. But Will and Jasper have faith. And I trust them.

Colin meets us on the ground floor and sneaks us up in the service elevator so we don’t need to go past reception.

As we emerge from the lift, we get a glimpse of Tate and John disappearing into the conference room.

“Good,” whispers Will. “They won’t have time to get settled.”

Colin gives me a thumbs-up as we stride off down the short corridor. Well, Will strides. I stumble.

“Who the fuck are you?” Tate asks as Will walks into the meeting room, blocking me from line of sight for the moment.

“William Carter. Carter Pierce and Millwood.” As Will thrusts out his hand, Tate catches sight of me. “This is my client, Louise Baker. I believe you’re acquainted?”

Will sits, without being invited, at the head of the table, indicating I should sit to his right. I clasp my hands tightly in my lap, ignore the sweat running down my back, and force my gaze up to Tate Brown’s face. I’m terrified, but he’s not going to leave this room thinking I’m anything but powerful.

“What the hell is going on?” Tate continues to stand, hands on hips, chest puffed out. “Have you lawyered up to claim unfair dismissal?”

“As I recall, you resigned, sweetheart.” John Mackelden sneers. “Quite rudely, if memory serves.”

“No. Ms Baker isn’t looking to file an unfair dismissal claim. She fully acknowledges it was her decision to resign.”

“Then I fail to see what you’re doing here,” Tate starts. “A very generous severance package has already been delivered. There’s nothing more to say.” Tate heads for the door. “I don’t have time for any more emotional outbursts. I have a meeting.” He’s not sharp enough to have realised his meeting is with us.

“You might like to have a seat, Brown. This could take a while. I don’t suppose you have a lawyer handy? You’re going to need one.”

No sooner have the words left his mouth than there’s a knock at the door.

“I understand from Colin you might need me?” The company HR lawyer comes in and takes a seat on the other side of Will. “What is this about?”