The following morning at ten, the team gathered at Bay Books and enjoyed doughnuts and coffee in Bruce’s office. Lovely was adorned in her usual African splendor — an orange robe, matching turban, with an assortment of bangles and baubles rattling whenever she took a sip of coffee. As always, Miss Naomi was by her side. Steven Mahon flipped through paperwork as they listened to Bruce talk about an upcoming autograph party for a hot new mystery writer. After a few minutes of greetings and chitchat, Bruce left his office and closed the door.
Steven held a document and said, “This is fairly straightforward.” He looked at Lovely. “It’s called a ‘collaboration agreement’ between you and Mercer that gives her and her publisher the exclusive right to your story. For your cooperation you are to receive twenty-five percent of the total advance, minus the agent’s commission.”
Lovely smiled and said, “I’ve read it. Looks good to me. When do I get a check?”
Mercer smiled and slid another document across the table to Steven, who examined it and removed a check. “Right now. The contract with Viking provides one hundred thousand dollars upon signing, which Mercer has already done, and one hundred thousand upon delivery of the manuscript, which I understand has not been done.”
Mercer laughed and said, “I haven’t finished the first chapter.” Everyone enjoyed the moment.
Steven continued, “And a final payment of fifty thousand upon hardback publication, whenever that might be. So, here’s a check for twenty-one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars.”
He handed it to Lovely who took it gently and smiled. After a thorough examination, she held it so Miss Naomi could have a look. She approved too.
Miss Lovely said, “I’m going to use this to fix up the island, you know. I think I’ll start with the cemetery where my people are buried. What do you think about that, Steven?”
“I think you should wait until this lawsuit is over. As I have explained, there is always the chance that we might lose, and if so the entire island will be changed completely.”
She was shaking her head. “That’s not going to happen.”
“No, I don’t think so either, but let’s go slow.”
“All right, all right. Do you want some more money?”
Steven chuckled at this and shook his head. “No, Lovely, you’ve paid me a five-dollar retainer and that’s what we agreed on. I’m paid through my nonprofit.”
Mercer said, “I’m making a donation to your foundation, Steven.”
“Well, thanks.”
“I’ll make one too then,” Lovely said. “How much do I give?”
Steven held up his hands and said, “Let’s postpone that too. We can talk about it later. There is another money matter we need to discuss. Mercer, this is confidential, for now anyway, and I’m not sure I want it written about.”
“Shall I leave the room?”
“No, just keep it confidential. Miss Lovely, Tidal Breeze is offering you more money to dismiss your lawsuit and give up all claims of title in the island.”
She absorbed it slowly. “I don’t care how much they offer. It’s my island, belongs to me and my people.”
“Do you want to know how much?”
“Don’t matter. I ain’t giving up.”
“Okay. As your lawyer, I have to tell you that Tidal Breeze will pay you half a million dollars to walk away.”
It could have been five or five million, it didn’t matter. The only reaction was a slight nodding of the head to acknowledge the amount and let it pass. Steven was delighted with the non-response.
“I take it your answer is no.”
“Already said no.”
“Good. As I understand things, now that the contract is signed and all, you and Mercer will want to spend a couple of hours going through the past. If you don’t mind, I’d like to sit in on the session and take some notes myself. I need to know as much as possible. Discovery will start soon.”
“Fine with me,” Mercer said.
Lovely shrugged and said, “You’re my lawyer. Got you for five dollars.”
The Barrier Island Legal Defense Fund’s budget was so thin that Steven Mahon preferred to avoid interns. Fortunately, there was never a shortage of young, bright, idealistic college grads planning to go to law school, to be followed by a career in the trenches saving the environment. He received letters and résumés every week, and dutifully answered all of them, but rarely took the next step. The office “suite” he and his secretary occupied was barely large enough for the two of them. He had tried interns over the years but they were usually more trouble than they were worth.
