Donovan pushed away from the conference table. “And remember, everyone, the clock’s still ticking. We need to find help fast.”
* * *
Donovan winced after his first sip of coffee Friday morning. He turned to Tyler, seated beside him in front of Xavier’s desk. “You call this coffee? Why bother?”
Tyler cradled his twenty-ounce, silver-and-black coffee mug between his palms like a day-old baby. “This is actually the way most humans drink coffee. We don’t usually use it to peel off the soles of our shoes.”
Donovan scowled into his coffee mug. He really could have used something stronger this morning. Worry about the shelter had kept him from sleeping, but unfortunately, he hadn’t gotten to the office early enough to make the first pot of java.
Xavier gave him a considering look. “How was your conversation with Whitley last night?”
Donovan drank more of the warm water masquerading as coffee. What were the chances it would taste better if he just added more grounds? “She’s not interested in the project.”
Although she had made it quite clear that she was interested in a physical relationship with him. If he’d been eighteen, he might have accepted her offer. Whitley Maxwell was a beautiful woman. At one point, he’d considered spending the rest of his life with her. But at thirty-six, Donovan was done playing games. He was looking for something more serious.
Tyler set his right ankle on his left knee. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out.”
“So am I.” Today was June 26. They had two weeks left to file a statement with the city council. Donovan could almost hear the clock ticking. It had kept him up late last night and driven him out of his house early this morning.
“This confirms you were right to break off with Whitley in the first place.” Xavier sat back on his executive chair.
“She broke off with me, remember?” Donovan rubbed his forehead. “But now I’m officially out of options for legal representation. None of the other board members have found someone willing to represent us for free, either.”
Tyler cocked his head. “You’re not completely out of options.”
“You’re talking about Rose.”
“You haven’t even asked her if she’d be interested in your case.” Tyler gestured toward Donovan with his mug. “You’re basing your decision on your first impression, which I admit was not great.”
“Did she come across as that bad?” Xavier looked from Tyler to Donovan.
“Yes, she did.” Donovan sighed. “But I was thinking of calling her later today. As Ty said, there’s no harm in asking.” He didn’t feel any more optimistic about asking Rose than he’d felt asking Whitley.
“Good luck.” Xavier saluted him with his coffee mug.
“I’ll need it.” Donovan looked to Tyler. “Do you have any suggestions on how to approach Rose?”
“Let her know how important this filing is to you and how many lives would be impacted.”
Xavier inclined his head. “That’s good advice. You may also want to let her know what’s in it for her.”
Donovan gave his friend a puzzled look. “Which would be what?”
Xavier grinned. “Having you in her debt.”
“Very funny.” Donovan stood to leave. But Xavier’s comment raised an interesting question. If Rose did this favor for him, what would she want in return? And would he be willing to cut a deal?
* * *
Later Friday morning, Donovan’s phone rang. Apple & Spencer LLC appeared in his caller identification display. Donovan stared at his phone in disbelief. How could one of the most prestigious law firms in the city have his direct phone number, and why were they calling him? Had someone on the board’s legal subcommittee reached out to Apple & Spencer about their situation?
He tamped down his excitement and grabbed the receiver by the third ring. “Donovan Carroll.” Silence met his greeting. “Hello?”
“Van, this is Rose Beharie. I know this is short notice but I wondered if you were free this evening? I’d like to discuss a, um, business proposal with you.” Her voice poured over the phone like warm Scotch. It took him a moment to focus on her words.
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“I wasn’t expecting to hear from you.” Was he hallucinating?