The Undefeated Lawyer: Vince

Chapter Five: The Undervalued Reputation

The hard book cover made a slamming sound as it landed on the big Mahogany table. Vince raised his head sharply and his eye glasses almost fell off his pointed nose. Amber had a smug look on her face as she stood there looking at him.

“Complete the paperwork on this case, the court hearing is scheduled for next week Tuesday.”

“You could have at least dropped it politely.”

Vince said calmly and drew the book towards himself. He opened the hard cover to check out the case, he locked eyes with Amber who wore a slightly offended expression on her face. Her brow was furrowed despite trying to act unaffected by his words.

“A rape case?” Vince said with a shocked expression on his face.

“So?” Amber was starting to get annoyed.

“And Peak law firm is representing the plaintiff?”

“And? Do you have a problem with that, Vince?”

“You are representing a…..perpetual rapist, his criminal history is right here!” Vince said painstakingly.

“I guess being away for quite a long while had dulled your ability as a person with a law degree. Everyone deserves a fair hearing, even the worst of all. Isn’t it?”

“Aren’t we supposed to be….I mean more focused on helping the powerless?”

“That is not for you to decide Vince Finn, just do your damn desk job. Your glory days are over, keep your sentiments to yourself! Peak Law Firm isn’t meant for charity.”

Amber walked out on him. She bit her lower lip as she felt a sense of irritation just by being around him.

She had continuously questioned Bernard’s savage plan to bring him back to the firm and found it crazy. But he kept acting like he needed someone lowly to bully so much.

It wasn’t supposed to matter, Amber thought, but why did the consistent gossip around them start to pierce her armored heart?

She made for her office. A spacious room with tinted windows, she remembered how she used to peep through the blinds two years ago just to catch glimpses of Bernard Harris who once owned that office. Today, it was hers and she planned to own up to it.

She opened the door to walk in when someone rushed up to stop her. He was panting hard as he stopped in front of her. He held his breathing steady while Amber’s eyes ravaged through his body. Asides from Vince’s good looks and sexy body, his overall appearance and demeanor was out of place.

His oversized suit had few visible holes in it and his shoes, they were the cheapest outdated ones in the store she used to frequent with him in the past. His wristwatch strangely looked new and expensive but Amber knew it was all a facade, he could have gotten that in a black market.

“Miss Reed, please… you need to sign the acceptance record, I forgot to give it to you earlier.”

Amber snatched the paper out of his grasp and appended her signature on it. She took another look at Vince and wondered how she had unfairly fallen for a lowlife like him in the past.

“Anything else Mr Finn? you can leave if there is none.” She said with a dismissive wave.

“May I request that I leave work a little early today?”

Amber laughed hysterically, Vince was totally unbelievable. He had barely spent a week at the law firm since his return and he was already seeking favors from her. She knew he worked directly beneath her but somehow managing him was still difficult for her.

“What is the problem? Family emergency?” She said sarcastically.

“I need…to see my doctor.”

“Oh! You definitely need an MRI done on you. You can go ahead.” She said, looking at him from head to toe in utter disgust.

“Thank you Miss Reed.” He said enthusiastically and rushed out.

A dozen eyes followed his stride, most of his former colleagues who were now attorneys kept gazing at him, the memory of his past sharp wits haunted them. Discussing his life in private had become a new norm and now seeing him acting all cool while Amber bossed him around, infuriated them.

Vince returned to his seat and brought out his phone, thankfully, he was assigned to a small private space close to the storage room so he had no issue with having his privacy protected.

“I will be out in thirty minutes.” He typed, sent the message and dropped his phone. He had his face glued to his computer screen while he concluded the paperwork he was assigned the previous day. He hastened up and after he was done, he picked up his outdated suitcase and made it out of the office.

His eyes scanned his surroundings as he noticed a tension rise in the air around him but he didn’t stop. He took the last step towards the door when a cold menacing masculine voice called out to him.

“And where do you think you are going?”

He turned around to face Bernard whose expression was terrifying. He balled his fist as if he was going to punch Vince who tried to maintain his humility.

“I requested permission to leave early for an appointment with my doctor and Miss Reed granted it.”

“And where is the document to back up that claim?”

“I…I didn’t….”

“None right!” Bernard said, raising his voice, he knew the rest of the staff in the office were eavesdropping so to exercise his profound authority, he kept on his charade “You were once a lawyer, weren’t you? Aren’t you aware of the importance of documenting your requests?”

“I am sorry Mr Harris.” Vince said calmly, his head was downcast.

Bernard scoffed loudly “I don’t think you will be able to survive the reformation once the new CEO shows up.”

Vince stood there stiffly taking the rest of his scoldings before he finally let him go. He walked out of the office with a huge grin on his face. He walked down a few blocks away from the company building and once he was beyond eyesight, he turned to another corner where there was no CCTV camera.

A black Rolls Royce was packed there. Immediately he showed up, the man sitting at the front seat alighted and rushed over to open the backseat door for Vince. He bowed low when he saw him approach.

Vince acknowledged him and patted him on the shoulder before getting into the car. The man shut the door and returned to the front seat beside the driver.

“Are we headed to the interview now, Mr Finn?”

“No, take me to the clothing store close by, I can’t afford to meet Vince Finn of Peak Law Firm in rags!” He said enthusiastically, scanning through the list of the suggested imposters.