Thread: Overneath the Path of Misinterpretation (Alvis Alendran&Malicious Lullaby)

Harrison had a few files out in his offices, looking over them. Barring an exceptional lawyer, this was not going to be a troublesome case. He sighed, and closed thigns up. it was nearly time for the meeting, adn arriving late was one of the things he felt he could not afford to do. He liked his entracnes, adn they did make an impression, but he could make an equally good one just byu being there ahead of the group. He made his way forward, noting that Mallory had gotten Esther in there ahead of time. That was good! He valued prompt responses, and keeping Esther in a good state of mind was important. The worst thing she could do was give up. The best lawyer in the world couldn't save a person who gave up on their own case. He walked calmly towards the board room. Most of the people who worked here had gone home, onyl the lawyers preparing for their upcoming cases remained, along with a few interns to run files and the like. It wasn't as good as having the dedicated runners do the work, but they worked a steady hourly week, adn weren't available at this time. Besides, interns were free, adn they needed to get some practice doing things sooner or later. Harrison opened the door calmly, and nodded to teh two women within. Miss Martin. Miss Joyner. I appreciate you being here a bit early. He walked past them, adn sat at the head of the table. It was his chair after all. He sank into it comfortably, and smiled. There were certainly some upsides to the home field advantage. This meeting shouldn't take long. Once everyone is here, the allegations will be fomrally logged, and refuted, the student will likely have a few things to say, but I ask that you not actually speak to him Miss Martin. Anything you do say can be used against us. While anything he says can be used against him. What we're looking for is for her to dig himself into a hole until he realizes he's doomed. From there, we can get this resolved. He explained. He hoped she'd remain calm in the meeting. He'd had a fwe clients fly off the handle, but it seemed as though this one wasn't prone to such. The next person in the room was the Vice Principal of the school in question. A Mr. Browning, he was a tall, stocky man who wore years of easy living around his middle. He'd not been to a gym in some time, adn Harrison repressed his distaste. To let oneself go that far... He sat without a word, looking fairly angry to be here. Harrison made a note. It was possible to get some of the accusations lessened in the face of an obviously hostile representative. The next was a group. Harrison had a hunch who they were. First was the student in question. Donnie looked like a punk, but one who had been forcibly groomed for this meeting. But he still looked like he was feeling on top of the world. This was a boy too stupid to know he was in over his head now. After him was a woman in her mid thirties, likely Donnies mother. She looked tired, worn down, adn a little frightened at being here. Harrison actuall felt a little sorry for her. It looked like she tried to keep her son under control, and he just refused to listen. Last was a man Harrison knew well. He stood, and nodded to him. Sleeman. I didn't know you were on this case. He said amiably. The other man froze at the sound, and looked at Harrison. Damn it, didn't know you'd be slumming this case Trenton. What's wrong, the IRS looking at that mountain of gold you built your house on? The other lawyer snarled. Harriosn kept his face neutral, despite the fact he wanted nothing mroe but to laugh. Sleeman, come now! This is a business meeting. Leave your personal issues with me at the door, adn do try to maintain a degree of professionalism for your clients! Think of the impression you just made! Sleeman looked at the shocked face of Donnie's mother, and the amused, and impressed look from Donnie. Harrison might have guessed that Donnie would enjoy a lawyer prone to such an outburst. Sleeman sat down. He was a shorter an, lanky of build, and he wore a suit that looked half a size too big for him. His hair was slicked back, but everything about him seemed to point to the fact he was not regarded as the best at what he did. He scraped things by. Harrison resumed his seat. Now, what are teh formal charges? Harrison asked. The VP handed Sleeman a document. Sleeman read it quickly. My client accuses your of inappropriate conduct. Sexual advances. It's grounds for an immediate dismissal. I dont see the need for a trial for this, if your client will simply admit- Sleeman started, but Harrison cut him off. Mr. Sleeman, you can stop talking now. This doesn't need to go to trial, I agree, but the case is far more open and shut in favour of my client, not yours. Given his previous record, and history of similar incidents, this case would damn him fully in the eyes of the law and public. That incident is in a sealed record! It's inadmissible in court! For the moment. But you know very well, anything sealed can be unsealed. And I've already started the paperwork. The mayor was very helpful in expediting the process. So keep in mind Sleeman, if you push this forward, know that the record will be opened. You will be accusing a teacher, probationary period or no, with a spotless record, and on behalf of a boy with a history of a similar incident, and a dropped sexual assault charge, and believe that I'll be interviewing the other party of that for confirmation on what went on. Think very carefully. And you Miss Reeves, do know that this case can have very far reaching consequences for your son. Harrison had basically announced his plan of attack. it was bold, adn effective, and predictably, Donnie jumped up. Hey, you know what? Fuck you! And fuck you too! He pointed to Esther. You think you can just- He started to spout, before his mother grabbed him, and pulled hiim back into his chair. Donald Reeves you will shut your mouth or so help me God! She half shouted at him. Donnie seethed, but complied. Harrison only smiled at Sleeman. Will you drop the charge? Harrison asked. Sleeman looked at Mrs. Reeves, who shook her head sadly. No. Harrison sighed.