The Washington Lawyer by Allan Topol Read Free Book Online Page A

considerate of Paul’s time and feelings, Jenson could care less. Paul thought Jenson went out of his way to be rude. Other associates told Paul he was the same with them and they all dreaded working for him. Jim, in the office next to Paul’s, admitted he got so tense working for Jenson that he couldn’t get it up with his wife.
    Paul noticed the light go off on Jenson’s line. Sullen Grace said, “He’s ready for you now.” As Paul walked in, Jenson curtly said “Hold on a minute while I make some notes on the last call.”
    Paul looked across at Jenson standing at the specially designed wooden lectern he used as a desk, with papers on the sloping front part and a computer on the flat rear shelf—something to do with his bad back.
    Waiting, Paul glanced around at the football memorabilia from Green Bay Packers victories, including helmets and jerseys. Vince Lombardi, pointing his finger, targeted Paul from a picture on the wall.
    Jenson was chomping on an unlit cigar while he made notes.
    He put his pen down and took out the cigar. “The firm has a good opportunity. We’ve never worked for the State of California, but I cultivated their new attorney general at a conference last month. Today, he called me about a dispute they have with Nevada over Colorado River water. Nevada is planning to divert more than its allotted share before it gets to California to support growth in Las Vegas. He asked me to think about their legal options and to call him next week. If they like what we show them, he’s promised a lot more work.”
    â€œShouldn’t they file in the US Supreme Court?” Paul said right back. “The Court has original jurisdiction of disputes between states.”
    Jenson nodded. “Precisely what I was thinking.”
    Now he’s going to draft me to work on it. Damn it.
    â€œListen, our little star,” Jenson said. “I want you to join on this, and prepare by early next week a first draft of California’s brief as if they were filing in the Supreme Court. That’ll impress this California AG. He’s already sent me all the key documents. I can e-mail them to you.”
    Damn! Damn! Damn! “Mr. Jenson,” Paul took a deep breath. “I’m willing to take this on, but I can’t promise you a brief by early next week. By the week after next I can, for sure. Unfortunately, I’m already committed to other work for this week.”
    â€œFor Martin,” he added. He was frowning. “A big new matter for Global Media.”
    Jenson pursed his lips. “Fine, Maltoni,” he said, piqued. “I’ll get somebody else.” He pointed the cigar at Paul for emphasis. The chewed down end was wet and falling apart. It smelled disgusting. Jenson flung it toward a wastebasket. He missed. He left it on the floor, and went over to the credenza where he opened a wooden humidor, extracted a fresh cigar, peeled off the wrapper, and shoved it into his mouth.
    Paul felt like saying, “Look asshole, one week can’t possibly matter since the case hasn’t even been filed; regardless, you take your brief and shove it.” But hell, wait a minute, if Jenson were to become chairman … Paul needed to work this out.
    â€œI have an idea,” he said. “I’ll get Diane. She’s a second-year, very smart and fast, to work with me. I’ll do my best to make it next week, but to be safe, let’s figure early the following week.” Paul paused, then added, “I’d like to work on this case. And you know I can give you as good a brief as anyone.”
    Jenson didn’t respond. Then he snarled. “Humph.”
    Paul sensed that meant he’d agreed.
    â€œOkay,” Jenson finally said, “But it better be a good brief.”
    â€œHave I ever given you one that wasn’t? Those summary judgment papers I just did got us a great settlement.”
    â€œAlright.