Nine-Cup Brew
Dad's foreman is withholding his wages, leaving him no choice but to travel into the city to find a lawyer and file a lawsuit.
Unfamiliar with how elevators work, he stubbornly climbs 20 flights of stairs before walking into the law firm, clutching a crumpled contract. "Clem, can you take a look at this? My boss owes us 120 grand. What should I do?"
As the founder of Hawthorne Law Partners, Clement Hawthorne has fought cases for countless stray cats and dogs.
Yet, right now, all he cares about is helping his law firm's newest intern, Reina Ellington, revise her graduation thesis. "120 grand isn't even enough to cover my retainer fee. I'm sorry, but I can't take this case."
His cold, dismissive words cause Dad's back, which is already bent under the weight of steel and concrete, to slump even further. "I-In that case, I'll get out of your hair…"
He slowly gathers his documents and stuffs them back into his canvas bag. When he turns to leave, even his footsteps carry a cautious, apologetic air.
My nose stings, and tears well up in my eyes. I rise from my seat, ready to storm over and demand an explanation from Clement.
However, Dad grasps my hand. "I'm fine, Cece. Clem has his principles. Don't hold it against him."
The tears I've been keeping at bay finally spill over. I stand rooted to the spot, watching Dad's hunched figure shuffle toward the door, one agonizing step at a time. The moment the door closes behind him, I suddenly realize I no longer want to be part of Clement's family.