Read Online Three Classic Thrillers by John Grisham - Free Book Online Page A

ancient blue-haired secretary appeared and scowled in his general direction. When it was apparent he was not welcome, he introduced himself and explained he was to meet Mr. McKnight at this appointed hour. She smiled and introduced herself as Louise, Mr. McKnight’s personal secretary, for thirty-one years now. Coffee? Yes, he said, black. She disappeared and returned with a cup and saucer. She notified her boss through the intercom and instructed Mitch to have a seat. She recognized him now. One of the other secretaries had pointed him out during the funerals yesterday.
    She apologized for the somber atmosphere around the place. No one felt like working, she explained, and it would be days before things were normal. They were such nice young men. The phone rang and she explained that Mr. McKnight was in an importantmeeting and could not be disturbed. It rang again, she listened, and escorted him into the managing partner’s office.
    Oliver Lambert and Royce McKnight greeted Mitch and introduced him to two other partners, Victor Milligan and Avery Tolar. They sat around a small conference table. Louise was sent for more coffee. Milligan was head of tax, and Tolar, at forty-one, was one of the younger partners.
    “Mitch, we apologize for such a depressing beginning,” McKnight said. “We appreciate your presence at the funerals yesterday, and we’re sorry your first day as a member of our firm was one of such sadness.”
    “I felt I belonged at the funerals,” Mitch said.
    “We’re very proud of you, and we have great plans for you. We’ve just lost two of our finest lawyers, both of whom did nothing but tax, so we’ll be asking more of you. All of us will have to work a little harder.”
    Louise arrived with a tray of coffee. Silver coffee server, fine china.
    “We are quite saddened,” said Oliver Lambert. “So please bear with us.”
    They all nodded and frowned at the table. Royce McKnight looked at some notes on a legal pad.
    “Mitch, I think we’ve covered this before. At this firm, we assign each associate to a partner, who acts as a supervisor and mentor. These relationships are very important. We try to match you with a partner with whom you will be compatible and able to work closely, and we’re usually right. We have made mistakes. Wrong chemistry, or whatever, but when that happens we simply reassign the associate. Avery Tolar will be your partner.”
    Mitch smiled awkwardly at his new partner.
    “You will be under his direction, and the cases and files you work on will be his. Virtually all of it will be tax work.”
    “That’s fine.”
    “Before I forget it, I’d like to have lunch today,” Tolar said.
    “Certainly,” Mitch said.
    “Take my limo,” Mr. Lambert said.
    “I had planned to,” said Tolar.
    “When do I get a limo?” Mitch asked.
    They smiled, and seemed to appreciate the relief. “In about twenty years,” said Mr. Lambert.
    “I can wait.”
    “How’s the BMW?” asked Victor Milligan.
    “Great. It’s ready for the five-thousand-mile service.”
    “Did you get moved in okay?”
    “Yes, everything’s fine. I appreciate the firm’s assistance in everything. You’ve made us feel very welcome, and Abby and I are extremely grateful.”
    McKnight quit smiling and returned to the legal pad. “As I’ve told you, Mitch, the bar exam has priority. You’ve got six weeks to study for it and we assist in every way possible. We have our own review courses directed by our members. All areas of the exam will be covered and your progress will be closely watched by all of us, especially Avery. At least half of each day will be spent on bar review, and most of your spare time as well. No associate in this firm has ever failed the exam.”
    “I won’t be the first.”
    “If you flunk it, we take away the BMW,” Tolar said with a slight grin.
    “Your secretary will be a lady named Nina Huff. She’s been with the firm more than eight years. Sort oftemperamental, not much to