Author's Note: This is my very first story so I'm a little nervous to post it. I will be doing a lot of research to try and get all of the law stuff right, but please remember that I'm not actually a lawyer and allow yourself to suspend your disbelief when reading because I am bound to get something wrong. Haha.
Disclaimer: I only own Alannah.
As she listened to Daniel Hardman make his argument to the other partners about hiring an associate he had yet to provide a name for as a junior partner, a small part of Jessica Pearson was impressed at his gall to try and bring in a new junior partner only two weeks after officially reclaiming an active role in the firm. However, the larger part of her would be damned if he was going to start recruiting soldiers for their impending war and she interjected, "I firmly believe that if we're going to bring in another junior partner, we should promote one of our own. It should be someone who has put in the time and effort to be a real asset to the company and who understands this firm and how we operate."
"How loyal of you, Jessica. I see you haven't changed at all in that regard." A voice spoke from the doorway of the boardroom. All eyes turned to take in the pristinely dressed African American woman who had managed to open the door without calling attention to herself. She walked towards the empty seat that resided beside Daniel and slid into it with a confidence that Harvey Specter felt that she, of all people, had no right to feel, "Sorry, I'm late, Daniel. New York traffic, you know."
Before Hardman could answer, Jessica interrupted, "What exactly is she doing here?"
Hardman cleared his throat before answering, "I asked her here to plead her case so that everyone here could make an informed decision on whether or not to bring her over from Wellington Lockley. "
Alannah Cavanaugh leaned onto the table that sat in front of them, "And plead my case, I will. Answer me this: Will any of your current associates automatically come with five clients that will exponentially increase your bottom line?" She allowed her eyes to meet the gaze of every single partner for a brief moment before settling on Jessica, "I didn't think so."
At this Harvey spoke up, "Who's to say you will?"
Alannah swung her gaze to meet his before giving a small laugh, "Ah, Harvey, I'd forgotten how much of a doubting Thomas you can be."
"With good reason," he answered, not missing a beat. "I'm sure you haven't forgotten about that."
The tan skinned woman decided not to address his jab at her past with Pearson Hardman. She figured to do so would hurt her chances of being rehired to the firm. Once she had her foot in the door, there would be plenty of time for verbal sparring with him.
"All five of these clients have stipulated in their contracts with Wellington Lockley that I am the only person they want representing them and, on the off chance that I leave, they can break their contracts so that they can be free to follow me." She answered before leaning back in her seat, matching Harvey's posture.
Jessica asked, her voice dripping with suspicion, "Why would your firm ever agree to that stipulation?"
"Because it's the only way the clients would sign the contracts and they felt they had nothing to lose," the woman in question answered confidently, "When I left here, this firm made sure that it was damn near impossible for me to find a job. They were the only firm willing to take me on and as my reputation and worth grew, Wellington Lockley has paid me quite handsomely to make sure I never thought about straying."
"So why leave now?" Jessica inquired.
She ran a hand through her hair, "Because Pearson Hardman gave me my start and, while you may find this hard to believe, that means something to me. This firm put me through law school and I am forever grateful for that." Her plan had been to stay away from mentioning her past with the firm, but she could tell from the mood in the room that every partner was wondering exactly what Jessica was. The older woman, however, was the only one deciding to voice these questions. She took a deep breath, "Everyone here knows I didn't leave on good terms and neither did Daniel. He's come home and is ready to redeem himself. He's convinced me to do the same. It's been a long time, Jessica. If Mrs. Hardman's battle with breast cancer and death taught us anything, it should be that life is too short. It's time for forgiveness and to move forward. I can help make this firm more successful in this difficult economy. Furthermore, I owe it to the firm after you made it possible for me to attend law school. Thus far, Wellington Lockley has reaped all the benefits of your investment. It's time to fix that. To deny my employment here would be foolish and I happen to know that none of you sitting in this room fall under that category. Not even you, Harvey."
The partners sat in silence for a moment, taking in everything she had said before Daniel cleared his throat, "I think Alannah has clearly stated her case and it should be time for us to vote."
Before he could officially call for a vote, Harvey interrupted, "Only senior partners are allowed to be present for votes." He met Alannah's gaze head-on, "I'm sure you understand."
Alannah stood as she said, "Of course, I do." She walked to the door, but stopped when she reached the doorway. She turned and fixed her eyes on Harvey as a small smile found its way to her face, "Besides, it's not like it's the first time you've kicked me out of a room."
With that, she gently closed the door behind her and made her way to the waiting area to await her fate. After what seemed like hours, but was really only a few minutes, Daniel walked around the corner.
She stood and asked, "Well?"
Hardman motioned toward the elevators and waited until it had arrived. Once they stepped on it, he finally answered, "You're in."
"Was there ever any doubt?" Alannah responded before laughing, "How livid were Jessica and Harvey?"
"Interestingly enough, Jessica was the only one who voted against you." Daniel informed her.
The young woman shook her head, "Seriously? Trouble in paradise with the golden couple, Danny?"
"Maybe."
"Good. It's easier to break what's already fractured," she retorted while flipping her hair over her shoulder, "I'll head over to Wellington Lockley and start cleaning out my desk. I'll see you on Monday."
As the doors opened up, the pair walked out and went their separate ways.
"Have you lost your mind?" Jessica seethed as she followed Harvey into his office.
"Relax, Jessica." Harvey replied calmly as he sat down at his chair behind his desk.
"Relax? Relax?" Jessica mimicked as she paced around his office, "Need I remind you, Harvey, that that woman almost derailed our plans to force Daniel out in the first place?"
The lawyer leaned back in his chair, "No, Jessica, you don't. I was there for every single bit of it."
"Then why would you ever vote her into this firm?" she questioned.
"Because, if you wouldn't have let your feelings get the best of you, you would have been able to tell that the rest of the partners were swayed by her oh-so-heartfelt speech that I'm sure she and Hardman manufactured to pull at their heartstrings with reminding them just how much this firm spent to upgrade her from a secretary to a lawyer. Money that this firm never got to recoup because we booted her out before she started earning such huge billables." Harvey got up and rounded his desk. He waited until he was standing in front of her before continuing, "She was getting voted in no matter what we voted. But now they've got to be wondering if you and I are as united as they previously thought."
"And we can work that to our advantage," she concluded while nodding her head, "I knew there was a reason I kept you around."
"And here I thought it was because of my charm and stunning good looks."
Jessica shook her head as she started to exit his office. She stopped short at the door and turned to face Harvey who had sat back down behind his desk. Her expression was somber as she spoke, "Harvey, I'm trusting you to help me keep my firm. You betrayed my trust and let me down by lying about Mike's credentials." Harvey began to speak but she held up her hand and silenced him, "I told you he could stay and I would keep his secret for now and I will, but don't let me down again, Harvey."
Very rarely did Harvey Specter feel the urge to break off eye contact, but a part of him felt slightly guilty at the hurt reflected in her eyes. He tamped down the urge and assured her, "I won't. I promise you that when the dust settles, you'll be the last one standing. We got rid of Hardman once and we'll do it again."
She nodded in acknowledgement and continued her exit from his office.