Of all the things Viki could have suggested, I never imagined she'd propose such an unlikely collaboration. I'm not averse to working with her, but the implications of a "partnership" could be damaging to my career. Yet, my interest is peeked; I want to hear more about her vision. "How would this work, Viki? You're all the way in Llanview."
"Ah, that's a very good question my dear. It hasn't been announced publicly, but I'm in the process of starting a newspaper in New York."
"Really?" I honestly had no idea she was even looking to expand the Lord Empire. She always struck me as the kind of woman content with stability, more productive when her focus is limited. Todd is the ambitious one; he bears the dreams of taking over the world.
"The Banner always has been and will always be my first love, but I've been thinking it's time to diversify."
"I think Todd's rubbing off on you," I joke.
"Perhaps he has, though not too much I hope."
"So, what is the focus of this newspaper? Tell me more about it."
"Well, it's a weekly publication, giving voice to the voiceless. I probably shouldn't confess this, but we definitely have an agenda, using our power to help the downtrodden with definite biasness."
I don't think I've ever seen Viki so passionate about anything. When I first met her, the first acronym that came to mind was "WASP," but she is disproving my first impression. "That's very admirable."
"Tea, this is something I've dreamed of doing, but time has not allowed for it. I think this could be an incredible opportunity for both of us."
She is absolutely right. The media is, in many ways, my best ally in this case. So many great attorneys have learned to lie in bed, so to speak, with the media; I have yet to master this aspect of my career. This could be the reason I have yet to hit that plateau that I know I'm capable of reaching. My problem is I've never wanted to leave myself exposed and open to judgment. That's exactly what would happen if I put myself out there in the name of bettering my court record. If someone probed into my past, no doubt the first thing they would uncover is my marriage to Todd, then it would be all over for my client.
"When you think about it, this young man has little or no chance against the word of his attackers in blue."
"You have a point. Listen, as tempting as it is to accept, right here, I have to think about it and run it past my client."
Viki easily understands my need to think about this. In fact, she said, given my propensity of winning cases, she expected it. The rest of the evening is spent engaging in friendly conversation and an easiness I didn't think either of us expected. Surprisingly, Todd's name never came up. Viki, I think, is too classy of a lady to bring up a still painful topic.
By the end of the night, I am completely exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. It might sound a little strange, but I had I feel like someone has given me a shot full of adrenalin and it's coursing through my bloodstream. It was almost like a small victory, knowing I could spend time with someone so close to Todd and not speak of him; he barely crossed my mind.
I leave Viki in her hotel room, promising to call her in the next few days. I walk home on an emotional high, daydreaming of the endless possibilities. One of the things which won the OJ Simpson case for Johnnie Cochran was his constant presence in the media; the man is a brilliant strategist. Sam, though not nearly as brilliant as Johnnie, used the media to help his cause as well. Why shouldn't I do the same things?
My fear is that a partnership like this will make it almost impossible for me to keep my life away from Todd. I can practically see him butting into my business, jealous because I chose Viki instead of him. That would kick off a new round of battles with him and that's the last thing I, or my body needs.
*****
"Hey, girl." Rachel is sitting on the couch, her feet folded beneath her.
"Hey. You did get my message, didn't you?"
"Yup. Dinner with Viki. How'd that go?"
I join her on the couch, taking notice of the decorative hickey on her neck. I pull at her turtleneck, getting a closer look. "Obviously my evening didn't go as well as yours, or did you have a nasty run in with a vacuum."
"Oh, that? I thought it was covered," she says, lifting her collar up high again, as if she is embarrassed.
"Just be careful."
"I really wish you would just tell me the deal between the two of you."
I change the subject, really not wanting to go there with her. "Dinner with Viki was great. Actually, I think interesting is a better word."
"Ah, now I'm really intrigued."
Sometimes, I think Rachel should pursue a career in journalism, she certainly is curious enough. "It seems she's starting another paper and wants exclusive access to my latest client."
"Wow! Does her brother know?"
"I don't think he does; he would try to beat her to the punch if he did." Suddenly, I am very tired, which is a great sign for me. "And on that note, I'm going to bed."
"You had a call from someone named Miraim; she's a character."
That is the understatement of the century. "Shit, I forgot to call her back."
"So she said."
"You'd love her, Rach; I've got to introduce you." I yawn, ready to fall asleep on my feet. "I'm going to have to call her in the morning; she doesn't know when to shut up."
*****
I leave earlier than usual today to get a little work done before my doctor's appointment. My test results are in and of course, we can't discuss it over the phone. I never understood why they want to discuss things in person; it would be much easier on both of us if we did over the phone. Some people may not be this way, but I'd prefer to burst into tears in private.
By the time Jazz walks in with her headphones, I am on my way to see Dr. Morgan. She doesn't ask questions when I tell her to hold down the fort, she is probably used to my erratic behavior. I sometimes think the world could fall apart around her and she would keep on working until she completed her tasks.
It feels strange walking into the doctor's office, not knowing why I am there. I'm an admitted control freak, so whenever I walk into a situation, blindly, such as this, I am extremely uncomfortable. That's too mild of a word, but it's the only one my barely functioning mind can come up with right now.
Like a surreal being, Dr. Morgan suddenly appears in the doorway, wearing a smile. It could be either relief or sympathy; I'm not quite sure which. She is holding my file, which is thicker than I remember, but again, I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.
"Hey, Tea. Come on back."
"Hi." I follow her down the hallway of death, sure that my affliction is fatal.
She stops in front of her office, stepping aside to let me in first. The chairs are arranged differently than I remember. They're face to face, the way I arrange my chairs when I have bad news for a client.
"Please, have a seat and make yourself comfortable."
I know there's no use in prolonging the inevitable, but I still take my time sitting down. It's not like what's in that file is going to change, but a little bought time might make it easier. Who am I kidding? Nothing is going to make this any easier.
"Let's see what we have here," she said, opening up her file and quite possibly, preparing to give me my death sentence.
