‘With respect,’ said Anna, ‘it is Ms Miranova’s business how she spends her own money, and in actual fact, that story caused her a considerable amount of distress.’
Helen fixed her with a cool stare, but Anna merely returned the gaze, determined not to be bullied. The spell was broken when the cloakroom attendant brought their coats, but Helen didn’t seem in any hurry to leave.
‘So, how is life at Davidson Owen?’
‘Busy,’ said Anna, glancing at her watch again.
‘I dare say you might make partner, if you can stick it out long enough,’ said Helen.
‘Within the year, hopefully.’
‘Really?’ laughed Helen. ‘We both know Stuart Masters is a misogynist. You’re to be congratulated for your loyalty, but you can’t be under any illusions.’
Anna fought to keep her expression neutral, but her heart was hammering.
‘Illusions?’
‘I suppose you’re aware of how many women partners have been appointed at Davidson’s in the last ten years.’
‘A few.’
‘Two,’ said Helen, fixing her with that gaze again. ‘In their family division. It’s not brilliant, is it: two new female partners compared to eighteen men?’
Where was all this leading? Was Helen just making conversation, or was there a subtext to her enquiries? It was starting to feel like a job interview – and really, wasn’t that why Anna’s heart was hammering?
‘And how are things at DP?’ asked Anna as casually as she could. ‘I read in the Lawyer that Larry is finally retiring.’
Larry Donovan had set the firm up twenty-five years ago. He was loud, flamboyant, one of the few truly colourful characters in the industry. The rumour was that he and Helen maintained a respectful distance from each other, but there was no love lost between them.
‘It’s his leaving party in a couple of weeks,’ said Helen. ‘I thought the only way he’d leave the office would be in a coffin, but his new, much younger wife has apparently put him under considerable pressure to spend the money he’s spent a lifetime acquiring.’
‘So what’s he going to do? A round-the-world cruise?’
Helen ignored the question. ‘I’ll cut to the chase, Anna. With Larry’s retirement, we’ll need to strengthen certain areas of the team.’
‘You’re offering me a job?’
Helen smiled.
‘I’m offering you the chance of a lifetime.’
‘Partner?’
‘Not yet.’
Anna felt her excitement immediately abate, but offers like this were a game.
‘In which case, I’m not sure there’s any point in my leaving Davidson’s,’ she replied defiantly. ‘Despite what you say, I’ve just pulled off a high-profile coup for the firm. You heard Ilina’s endorsement. I think that puts me in a pretty good position for partner.’
Helen smiled. ‘Nick Kimble has been telling anyone who will listen tonight that it’s his high-profile coup.’
The sinking feeling in Anna’s stomach told her it was true. Nick and Stuart Masters were tight; they played golf together, their wives were friends, there was no way Stuart would support her over Nick. But she couldn’t let Helen see that she was right.
Her phone began to buzz angrily again. ‘I really do have to go.’
‘The Friday-night rush.’ Helen nodded. ‘Who’s in trouble this time?’
Anna smiled coyly. There was no way she was giving up details about the case or her client.