Chapter 2: Barnaby
508 Words
The man who strode into Barnaby Street’s office looked every bit as dapper as his website had promised. The suit on his six-foot frame fit perfectly and the smile revealed teeth so white they almost sparkled.
“Mr. Hunt,” Barnaby said as he stood up and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Stephen Hunt said.
Barnaby motioned him to sit in one of the leather chairs facing his desk. They both sat down and Barnaby smiled.
“I need a lawyer.”
Stephen smiled back.
“I figured as much when my secretary said you wanted to meet. Are you being sued?”
“Oh, no. I only need someone to navigate through all the legal paperwork associated with the start of a new project and I’ve been told you’re the one to cut through the red tape.”
Stephen sat up straight.
“You’re planning something inside the borough?”
“I know, my projects usually take place out of town and all around the world, but this time I’m launching something in my own backyard.”
“What is it?” Stephen asked and leaned forward.
“I’m going to build a rest area by Interstate 80.”
“That’s outside the borough. You could get anyone to take care of that paperwork for you.”
“I want to extend the borders of the borough to include my rest area.”
Stephen leaned back in his chair.
“Ambitious. I like that. I’ll need a retainer, of course.”
“Send me a bill. We’re having a kickoff party tomorrow night at seven at the Factory. I’d like to see you and your wife there.”
Barnaby watched Stephen fidget in the leather chair.
“I’ll be there, but I’m not sure my wife will want to attend. We have a three-year-old girl and she’s everything to my wife.”
Barnaby narrowed his eyes.
“Surely you can convince your wife to leave your little girl with a babysitter for one evening? You don’t have to come right at seven. You can wait until your daughter has fallen asleep for the night.”
Stephen squirmed for a moment before he replied.
“Uhh…yeah, I’ll see what we can do.”
“Excellent.” Barnaby stood up and extended his right hand again. “I’m looking forward to seeing you both.”
“I will see you tomorrow night,” Stephen said carefully, rose to shake Barnaby’s hand, and turned to leave.
“One more thing,” Barnaby said and Stephen turned back to face him. “The party is a black tie event.”
“I understand.”
Barnaby sat back down. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” he thought as he watched Stephen’s retreating back.
- Writer
