Negotiations

Boston, Massachussetts

​Dennis Mendocino chose a Boston law firm that specialized in Intellectual Property. 

The firm then poached a well-known criminal attorney from a practice in the same building.  They would make money enforcing Mendocino's request to be called "The Love Machine," and now the criminal aspect of the client will be addressed.

Attorney Roscoe Enos had two paralegals move his four "copy paper boxes" of "Office Crap" and his favorite chair into the elevator. Two flights down was a short move. 

In addition to an extra $300,000.00 a year on top of his current salary, Roscoe insisted on an office with a west-side view, a 75" or larger TV, and a budget for clothing and personal appearance services. The new firm and Roscoe also agreed on a fully stocked bar in his office and an annual limit of food and drink at The Union Oyster House not to exceed $80,000.00.

When it was time for him to make the trip, Roscoe stepped into an empty elevator. When the door closed, Roscoe started doing a jig and giving his old firm both middle finger barrels as the elevator went down.

The new firm kicked a twenty-year-man who was still not a partner out of his office and moved him into something suitable for a junior associate.

Enos was about to be a big fish in a pond of gentle nine to five dweebs that pored over microfiche for a living.

Patent law was fucking dull, Roscoe thought.

Serial killers who did kitchen cha-chas with their dead victims were more fun.

Going all the way to Ayer, where Fort Devens is, was going to suck.

The new firm declined his proposal for a helicopter but allowed him to use a car service.

Roscoe laughed and thought about how he would abuse the F out of that perk.

He sat in his new office, which had the same view as his old one, and started thinking about Dennis Mendocino.

He ripped off a Slack Message to his new paralegal. "Please contact the information liaison at the FBI field office in New York and have them send me EVERYTHING regarding our client Dennis Mendocino."

The billable hours have begun.

Rye, New Hampshire

Eve was not sure she could get through a morning with Dilly Dillon. They had just viewed the third house when Dilly suggested they stop for coffee somewhere. Eve said, "Great Idea."  Eve had learned the area well during the past year and knew of a good place, but she would let Dilly stay in her comfort zone. They stopped at a breakfast place that Eve and Allston had visited a couple of times.

Dilly was in good spirits. She talked budget with Eve and tried hard not to calculate commissions in her head.  Eve's needs or must-haves are out there, but at a costly rate if the Allstons insist they stay in this beautiful area.

Dilly reached across the table and touched Eve's hand.

​"Do you work, girlie, or are you lucky enough to stay home?"

"Oh, I work. We both do. I own a bakery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Allston is a contractor for corporations."

"Oh, you own a bakery in Cambridge. Are you near Harvard Square or Central Square?"

"It's between Kendall Square and Central Square, so near M.I.T." "It's called The Cardinal And The Jack."

Dilly pulled back and said, "You own The Cardinal And The Jack Bakery and Coffee House?"

"That's the one"

They used that place in that Christmas movie. OMG."

"That's the one," Eve said again.

Suddenly, Dilly thought of a property she initially thought would be out of the Allston's price range.

Eve asked, "So, Dilly, got any marriage tips for a newbie?

"I'm not sure I'm the right person for happy marriage advice." "The only way I have gotten through the ages is that I met someone after three years, and we carried on now and then."

"You mean an affair?" Eve asked.

"It was nice, and it worked." "He was married, I was married, so we each understood." 

"I hope your marriage is better than mine. I do."

"Let's move on. The next house is a doozy, and I know you'll love the kitchen."

On the ride to the next house, Eve slightly softened her opinion about Dilly. She was what she was, but nothing evil yet.

Taormina, Sicily

Lisa and Ben landed yesterday and immediately felt the heat you would expect from the Sicilian region. The smell of the bright blue Ionian Sea was terrific. They chose the area for their honeymoon because of the rumors of great food and privacy. Ben would love to get through the trip without being recognized, and Lisa just wanted to basque herself in the sun and relive her wedding reception.

Dancing with her father was a beautiful moment.

Thomas Allston made everyone laugh during his toast to the new couple.

Everything went smoothly, and Lisa ensured all the guests had a great time.

There is nothing like a good open bar.

The newlyweds agreed to "catch you later" sex because all they wanted to do right now was sleep off all the stress of the last two days.

Ben looked at Lisa, who was beautiful but already sleeping with her head on an enormous pillow.