Page 57 of Fifty-Fifty

What do you think this is? A rodeo?’

‘I quit,’ said Kate, and handed Levy a photostat copy of the form of authority signed by Alexandra Avellino.

‘What the hell is this?’ said Levy.

‘It’s payback. You can keep these motions, I just want the indictment, prosecution disclosure and then I’m on my way.’

Scott took the paper from Levy and his face turned pale as he read it. Which was a nice contrast to Levy, whose head looked like it was about to explode.

‘You can’t do this! Your contract forbids soliciting clients from this firm. I’ll sue you for every cent you’ve got. I’ll report you to the Bar Association too.

You’ve just signed your death warrant,’ said Levy.

‘That was a threat,’ said Bloch, stepping forward.

Two secretaries, both in their late twenties wearing the firm’s standard grey and blue staff uniform, came into the conference room, folded their arms and listened.

‘Who are you?’ said Levy, then he noticed the secretaries and waved a hand at them to get out. They didn’t move.

‘I’m with Kate Brooks. Get the documents and we’ll be out of your hair.’

‘You’re not taking a single page from this office. Scott, call security.’

Scott leaned over, grabbed the phone on the conference room desk and pressed an intercom button.

‘If you fail to honor that form of authority then I can report you to the Bar Association. The documents, now,’ said Kate.

Levy blew out his cheeks, huffed and puffed. He clenched and unclenched his fists, then came around the table with his finger raised. He started pointing it in Kate’s face, spittle flew from his lips as he shouted and screamed at her.

‘You’re finished! I will RUIN you …’ His finger poked Kate in the chest.

Block stepped in, took hold of Levy’s finger in her fist and bent it, just a little.

There was a tiny crack, but the finger didn’t break. It was enough to shut Levy up, but not enough to cause serious damage.

Kate heard one of the secretaries behind her let out a whoop.

Scott talked frantically to security on the phone, told them to get here right away.

‘Are you going to give us these documents so we can leave you alone?’ said Bloch.

Levy’s eyes were wide with embarrassment and fear.

‘Let go of me, this is assault.’

She bent the finger a little more.

‘Get them the documents,’ said Levy.

The secretaries covered their mouths to hide their laughter, but between them they took two sets of papers from the other end of the conference room and handed them to Kate.

‘You ever need a secretary, you call me,’ whispered one of them, careful to make sure Levy didn’t hear her. Her name was Jane, and Kate made a mental note. Kate couldn’t afford an office, never mind a secretary, but some day she might.

Kate heard hurried footfalls in the corridor outside the office. Five security men ran in, almost knocking over Jane.

One of the security guards, a broad, tall man north of fifty-five with a buzz cut said, ‘Bloch? Is that you?’

Bloch turned around, saw who it was and said, ‘Hey Reggie.’ She still had hold of Levy’s finger, and when he tried to pull it away, Bloch added more pressure, buckling Levy’s knees.