Chapter 10

Lawrence had visited Pacey everyday without fail. Their friendship was growing and Pacey began to see the lighter side of Lawrence. He was the father he couldn't remember. Pacey had healed well and was ready for discharge, "OK young man the car is waiting," said Lawrence.

Pacey looked at him quizzically, "Why?"

"You need a lift home and I've taken the liberty of hiring a nurse as well," exclaimed Lawrence.

"Thanks Mr Edwards, I'll accept the car ride but the nurse...I'm ok and I don't need one. I've got roommates just in the likelihood that I may need help..." said Pacey when Lawrence interjected.

"Speaking of...why don't you stay at my place for a while," suggested Lawrence.

"No thanks...I need to find my own way," said Pacey reeling with guilt as he refused an opportunity anyone would have taken.

"Oh I understand...I'm sorry if I've been too overbearing and controlling. You take the car, go home and maybe we'll catch a game next week," said Lawrence heartbroken, "see ya kid!"

Lawrence left and Pacey felt awful but he needed time to think and regroup.

A couple of weeks later

"So the board meeting went well?" asked Peter organising the appointment sheet for the day.

"Things are fine...usual grumble about this and that, but fine. Busy day?" asked Lawrence eying the long appointment list.

"I'm afraid so Lawrence. Have you spoken to Tom lately?" asked Peter trying to avert Lawrence's gaze.

"No...I don't know what to do Peter. I need to say thank you for saving my life but he doesn't want anything!" said Lawrence frustrated.

"You know I was thinking. You're offering things and money, the kids got pride, Lawrence. Why not make it seem like he's doing you a favour? Offer him a job here and make it see, like it's a employment drive...you know seeking new recruits," Peter said smiling at Lawrence.

"Why didn't I think of that? You're brilliant. Get a hold of him, get him to come down, cancel my early morning appointments and get me the Dean of Columbia...oh and did I say you're brilliant," he said excitedly.

The phone rang and rang. Everyone was out and Pacey was in the shower. He turned the water off and heard his phone. He grabbed a towel, wrapping it around himself he slowly trudged to his room, the stab wound still tingling and answered it, "Hello?"

"Tom, it's Peter. How are you kid?" said Peter

Peter's voice made Pacey smile, "Hey, what are you doing up so early? The man's got you working hard. I'm good, what's up?" asked Pacey genuinely pleased.

"He needs to see you this morning. He has a really tight schedule. Can you come down?" asked Peter in his business voice.

"OK...I'm on the afternoon shift. I'll be there in 15 mins. Peter, is he alright?" asked Pacey worried that the old man was sick.

"He's fine Tom. See you soon."

Pacey knew the way all too well. He rode his bike to the building. He stood outside for a moment. His eyes glanced at the place he was injured, at the place he saved Lawrence's life. It still chilled him and his wound tingled more than before. But he shook it out of his mind and walked it in. There was that security guard that fobbed him off on that tragic day.

"Well, hello security guard. Good to see you still have your job. I'm here to see Mr Edwards," said Pacey goading him.

The security guard recognised him and gave him a 'don't mess with me look', "Have you got an appointment?"

Here it was and Pacey was going to enjoy the look on his face, "Yes kind sir, I do. Name is Tom Roberts."

To the security guard's utter dismay, he offered Tom a security pass, "Level 32."

Relishing in his petty victory, "Thank you kind sir!" Pacey took the pass and smiling went to the lifts. He was still running through reasons why Lawrence wanted to see him. It had him puzzled. He arrived at the floor and was greeted by Peter who was waiting for him.

"Well Tom, welcome. Lawrence is waiting. This way," Peter said and led the way. They walked down a wide and long corridor until they came to two huge doors. Peter swung them open and he saw Lawrence on the phone with the whole of Central Park behind him. Lawrence motioned him to come in. Pacey found a chair and sat down as Peter sat in a chair adjacent to his. They waited as Lawrence menacingly spoke into the phone. Pacey raised his eyebrows at Peter who sat nonchalantly. Finally Lawrence put the phone down and addressed Pacey, "Hello kid, how are you?"

"I'm well Sir," said Pacey rather floored by the whole experience.

"Overwhelmed? This is the first time you've been here. Amazing isn't it?" said Lawrence rather please with himself. "I asked you here for a reason. A position has come up as a junior in the firm. The job prerequisites is that the applicant attends college. I thought that I'd offer it to you first before we begin the onerous task of interviewing, something Peter and I dread."

"Don't you have people that do that?" asked Pacey.

"No Peter and I do all the hiring and firing...so what do you think Tom?" asked Lawrence.

"I don't know..I never thought of law as a career, haven't really thought of anything as a career and college WOW!" exclaimed Pacey bamboozled.

"The reason you came to mind Tom is that you're bright, affable and courageous. People like you, and you have the gift of the gab, you will win trials just based on those two qualities. Not to mention you're intelligent and you have integrity. You are my first choice Tom. No need to make a decision now. Think about it and give me a call no later than tomorrow afternoon," said Lawrence not trying to seem too forceful. This had to be his decision. He needed to downplay it.

"With the college part of the deal..." asked Pacey sullenly, worried about the cost and the lack of any schooling documentation.

"All expenses and tuition paid by the company. You'll be attending Columbia of course so you'll be close to work. I'm close friends with the Dean," explained Lawrence.

Pacey was floored and in total shock. It was a great opportunity but he needed time to think, "I'm going to go now and I'll ring you." Without saying goodbye or thank you, he left. The doors closed behind him and Lawrence and Peter burst out laughing.

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