“Bill, there’s no money in this. Even if we managed to get a settlement, it would be limited to Herbie’s medical expenses.”
“But, if you went to trial, you could go for punitive damages.”
“What, a few thousand dollars?”
“Stone, I think the partners would be happy without a large settlement if the case were to generate the kind of positive news stories that we think could be obtained by taking this case. Just think of yourself on the courthouse steps, after a day in court grilling Mr. Dattila. Think of a jury coming in with punitive damages of tens of thousands of dollars. You’d be all over the evening news, and so would Woodman and Weld. In fact, I’d be happy to come down to the courthouse and sit at your table for a few days, then share your moment on the courthouse steps.”
“Bill, what have you guys been smoking over there? Whatever it is, it’s illegal.”
“Stone, let me put it to you bluntly. If you want to go on drawing the handsome monthly sum we pay you, and if you want to continue to have cases referred to you by our firm, then you’re going to have to get on board with this case. The partners expect this of you.”
“Oh, Jesus,” Stone moaned. “Send me the case file, if there is one.”
“I’ll do better than that; I’ll send you your client.”
“You mean Herbie is at your office now?”
“Well, he was, but he’s already on his way to you. He should be in your office shortly.”
Stone glanced down the hallway and saw the front door open. “Oh, shit.”
“I take it Mr. Fisher has arrived,” Eggers said. “Do right by him, Stone. Make Woodman and Weld look good.” He hung up.
Stone put the phone down.
“Stone,” Joan said, “what’s the matter?”
“Eggers has sent us a case.”
“Oh, good.”
“No.” Stone nodded toward the hallway.
Joan followed his gaze. “Herbie Fisher? Yuck!”
“My sentiments exactly.”
“What does he want?”
“He wants us to sue Carmine Dattila.”
“Dattila the Hun?”
“One and the same.”
“That’s the case Eggers sent us?”
“That’s the case.”
“This is a bad joke. Make him go away.”
“It is certainly a bad joke, but if we want to keep me of counsel to Woodman and Weld, I’m going to have to do this. Go and get your pad; I’ll dictate a complaint.”
Joan got up and left, squeezing past Herbie Fisher and managing not to touch him.
“Hey, Joanie,” Herbie said.
“Yuck,” Joan replied.