PRECARIOUS by Robert F. Clifton (knowledgeable books to read txt) 📕

“Yes, sir. I want to have the ability to practice in the courtroom.”

“I see. For your information, our attorney’s in court perform handsomely.”

“So I’ve heard. As a lawyer, I hope to learn from them.”

Oliver Pratt smiled. “I would say, sir, that you have either entered this room well prepared for the interview or you are very, very intelligent.”

“Thank you.”

“Very well. I see no reason to prevent you from joining us.

Go to the Personnel Office do the paperwork and report here tomorrow morning by nine AM. When you do you’ll be assigned to one or more of our attorney’s. Good luck.”

“Once again, thank you, Mr. Pratt.’

“You’re welcome.”

“One other thing.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I notice on your application that you mention the fact that you’re single. Why?”

“ Just a guy who is unlucky in love,” Robert answered.

“We like our lawyers to be married, settled down and with families. With that, we present a sign of strength and unity to our clients. Who you marry is up to you. How you manage your marriage is something that we will be keeping an eye on.”

“If and when I marry I’ll certainly keep that in mind, sir.”

“Good and let me add that any discretion must be done discreetly. Do I make myself clear?

“Yes sir, but since matrimony is the last thing on my mind at the moment I think we’re both safe.”

“By the way, do you know what eventually happens to law school graduates?’, asked Oliver Pratt.

“No sir.”

“A students become law professors. B students become judges. Do you know what C students become?”

“No, I’m afraid that I don’t.”

“C students become rich.

Chapter Four

Barbara

By the end of 1959, Robert Sayer had appeared in court, at the beginning as the assistant attorney then alone, by himself. Often he had the ability to see either discrepancies in the charges brought against his client or loopholes that allowed for cases to be dismissed or settled out of court. As his reputation in the law firm grew so did his salary.

When he first went to work at Pratt, Pratt, and Parlin he commuted by train each morning from Atlantic City to Philadelphia. However, he began finding himself working late in his office or subjected to juries rendering decisions late in the day, making it necessary for him to relocate in the “City Of Brotherly Love.”He found a small, neat, affordable, furnished, apartment a few blocks from Spruce Street where the law firm was located and moved in. For some reason, he found that work was like medicine and being immersed researching case law and filing briefs took his mind off of bad memories and the recurring dreams he had of Janet subsided.

Robert spent that Christmas at home with his parents.

He opened several Christmas cards and found one from Chief Dunn who had retired in San Diego. Another card was from Marie. There was no written message, no note, but he held it reverently in his hand then put the card back in its envelope and placed it with the others. After Christmas, he went back to work.

On a Wednesday, late, afternoon Robert Sayer was sitting at his desk looking over a file. He looked up at the sound of someone knocking on his office door. When he did he saw Tom

Jeffery standing there. “Hey Tom, do you need something?”, asked Sayer.

“As a matter of fact I do,” answered Jeffery.

“Well, speak up. What’s on your mind?”

“I’ve got a problem, Bob.”

“What kind of problem, legal, or personal?”

“Personal,”

“Well, let’s have it.”

“Very well. You see, my wife purchased four tickets for the show, “Camelot ”. Then she arranged a blind date for a friend of hers.”

“And, let me guess, the guy that was to be the blind date backed out at the last moment and you want me to take his place,” said Robert.

“How did you know?”

“Let’s say I’ve been in this position before. Now, tell me. What do you know about the woman I’m supposed to rescue the night of the show. I hope that she’s not a dog.”

“She’s not, believe me. Her name is Barbara Wilson. Her father is in real estate and investments.”

“How old is she?”

“I’d say mid twenties.”

“If she’s not that old why isn’t she married?”

“I don’t know. Maybe she’s particular.”

“Alright, do I have to pick her up or meet her at the theater?”

“You can meet her at the theater. She’ll be with us. It’s the Susan Roberts theater. Do you know where that is?”

“Yes. What else do I have to know?”

“Dress is suit and tie. Dinner after the show is at Bookbinders. Naturally the tickets and dinner is on me.”

“It should be. What time?”

“Can you be there at seven thirty? The curtain goes up at eight.”

“I’ll be there. No problem.”

Instead of driving his own automobile and having to park it in a garage, then walk to the theater, Robert took a taxi.

When the Yellow Cab pulled up in front of the theater

Robert looked quickly though the rear door window and saw Tom standing with two women. Both of the women were attractive. The problem was he didn’t know which woman was his date. He got out of the cab and paid the driver, reaching through the passenger side window when he did. Then, he turned and waved back at Tom who had his hand up in the air.

When he got to where the three people were standing Tom said,

“Hey right on time. Allow me to introduce you first to my wife, Sandy, Sandy this is Robert Sayer the man I was telling you about.”

“It’s a pleasure meeting you”, Robert replied.

Sandra Jeffery smiled.

“And this lovely lady is Barbara Wilson,” Tom continued.

Robert looked at the young woman, seeing an attractive well groomed, expensively attired female, who wore a silver fox jacket which covered an expensive, black velvet dress trimmed with gold florets. She was petite and when he took her hand she looked into his eyes sending a message. He took the message to mean that she approved of him. Her hair was light brown, shoulder length and noticeably in fashion and kept that way by her hair dresser and beautician. When she spoke, saying, “It’s nice to meet you Mr. Sayer,,” her voice was soft, and gentle.

“The pleasure is all mine I assure you, And, please call me Robert.”

“What if I prefer,”Bob”.

“Then Bob it shall be. I might even come running to, “Hey You!”

Barbara began to laugh at his statement.

“Shall we go in?” asked Tom Jeffery.

“After you.” said Robert to Barbara.

Tom Jeffery and his wife had purchased orchestra seats for the show and after being shown to their seats by an usher

Barbara decided to take off the fox jacket. When she stood to do so, Robert stood to take it from her. When he did his heart skipped a beat. Four rows in front of him sat Janet. His Janet.

She, like him was with friends and he watched her smile and occasionally laugh at whatever conversation she was having. He wanted to go to her, climb over the rows of seats in front of him. He wanted to take her in his arms and say, “ Can’t you see the mistakes we both made? Can’t you see that we belong together?

You know I love you. Come with me now. Let’s start all over. Come to me. I love you so.”

Instead he took the silver fox jacket, gently removing it from Barbara Wilson’s shoulders and after she sat down he did the same, placing the fur on his lap.

Even though the show and the music was excellent Robert sat through most of it looking at the back of Janet’s head. The only time he took his eyes off of her was when he applauded with the rest of the audience. One song affected him deeply, “If Ever I Would Leave You”. During the rendition he felt Barbara’s head turn as she looked at him. He turned, his head, looked at her, smiled and whispered, “That was beautiful”, pretending that he was alright.

At intermission, the house lights came on and both Sandy and Barbara headed for the ladies room along with most of the women in the audience. Robert remained seated and watched Janet get up out of her seat and move slowly in the row and then on to the carpet covered, walkway. He quickly got to his feet. This made her turn her head and look at him. As she did she turned her head and moved quickly towards the lobby where refreshments were being served. Robert sat down again. She had seen him. He knew that she did. She had seen him and ignored him and it was like someone had stabbed him in the gut. He fought the disappointment along with the sadness and offered a false smile when Barbara and Sandy returned.

After the show and a late dinner at Bookbinders in order to get Janet out of his mind he gave his full attention to Barbara. “So, lovely lady, tell me all about yourself,” he said to her.

She smiled and said, “What would you like to know?”

“Everything but your deepest secrets. I’ll find them out later.”

“Is that right? You’re mighty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

“From what I’ve been able to detect in our short time together you like assurance. Particularly in men.”

“Let’s use the word man. The word men could indicate that

I’m a party girl. I’m not.”

“I knew that the moment we met.”

“Good, then we won’t have any unpleasant situations will we?”

“Not with me. However, I do anticipate some disagreements.”

“How so?”

“Oh, let’s see. Whether or not you would like to sit in the cold in Shribe Park watching the Eagles or in the heat watching the Phiillies. Drive down to Atlantic City swim in the ocean, lay on a blanket on the sand. Dance in the ballroom of the Steel Pier. Sit in my living room and listen to my record collection.”

“Where is your living room?

“Right now it’s just off of Spruce Street. However, I’m thinking about moving out of my apartment and into a condo.”

“Have you selected a condo yet?”

“No, I’m just in the planning stage.”

“Let me know when you are ready. My father owns several buildings. I’d be glad to show those that are available to you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Now you haven’t answered my questions.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. Let’s see Shribe Park in the winter. I’ll have to think about that. I’m not a big fan of baseball. Trips to the beach in Atlantic City. Where do I change? I have no intention of using a bath house.”

Robert laughed. “Of course not. You’d stay and change at my parents home. Believe me, you’d be well chaperoned.”

“Oh. Then the trip to the beach is OK.. Will we dance on the same weekend?”

“We can dance anytime you want.”

“I will say you think fast on your feet. You must be a wiz in the courtroom.”

“The secret is to think like the jury, but don’t tell anyone.”

“The is one stipulation,” she said.

“And what would that be?”

“Before I jump in a car and ride to the seashore with you I want you to meet my father and mother. If they approve of you then we proceed. If not, what is the saying? All bets are off?”

“That’s the saying.”

“Good, then that’s established. What’s next?,” she asked.

“Getting you home. Getting your telephone number and hopefully getting a kiss good night.”

“Well the first two are possible. I’ll have to think about the last one.”

“Take your time. I’m in no hurry.”

“Once again, quick thinking. Thank you very much for a wonderful evening Bob.”

“It was wonderful, wasn’t it?”

Two weeks later, Robert drove his Mercedes to Chestnut Hill. He rode slowly on St. Andrews Avenue looking for the house number Barbara had given him. When he found it he pulled his car into the circular driveway, shut off the engine and got out. When he did he gazed upon a gray stone, Tudor home. Looking at the slate tiled roof and then the chimney, guessed that the home contained one or more fireplaces. He walked slowly to the front door, rang the doorbell