“No, I didn’t,” said Fletcher, “but that was only because I was in a hurry, and didn’t have time.”
“So you would have spoken to him?”
“Yes, I would.”
“Even if you’d known that Logan was a homosexual?”
“I neither knew nor cared.”
“You didn’t care?”
“No, I did not consider Logan’s private life was any of my business.”
“But it might have been the firm’s business, which brings me to more important matters. Are you aware that Logan Fitzgerald has since joined the firm that employs your brother-in-law?”
“Yes, I am,” said Fletcher, “I told Mr. Gates that Logan would be looking for a job and they’d be lucky to get a man of his caliber.”
“I wonder if that was wise,” said Bill Alexander.
“When it comes to dealing with a friend, I have a tendency to put decency and fairness ahead of my own self-interest.”
“And ahead of the firm’s?”
“Yes, if it’s morally right. That’s what Professor Abrahams taught me.”
“Don’t bandy words with me, Mr. Davenport.”
“Why not? You’ve been bandying them with me, Mr. Alexander.”
The senior partner turned sca
rlet. “You must realize that I could have you thrown out of this firm.”
“Two of us leaving in the same week may take some explaining, Mr. Alexander.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“No, I think it’s you who is threatening me.”
“It may not be that easy to get rid of you, Mr. Davenport, but I can make damn sure you never become a partner while I’m a member of this firm. Now get out.”
As he rose to leave, Fletcher recalled Annie’s words. Then it’s not the firm you should have joined in the first place.
He returned to his office to find the phone ringing. Was Alexander calling him back? He picked it up ready to offer his resignation. It was Jimmy.
“Sorry to bother you at work, Fletcher, but Dad’s had a heart attack. He’s been taken to St. Patrick’s. Can you and Annie get over to Hartford as quickly as possible?”
27
“I’ve got myself a proper job,” said Nat as Su Ling walked through the door.
“You’re going to be a New York cab driver?”
“No,” replied Nat. “I don’t have the qualifications for that job.”
“That’s never seemed to hinder anyone in the past.”
“But not living in New York might.”