A/N: Hi there! Thank you Mphs95 for reviewing the previous chapter. As promised: Project Disappear 2, a short and easy one.
WARNING: mild swearing
"Julian! Wait up!" Stein yelled, trying to be louder than the wind as he ran down the court steps, quickly making his way down and stopping in front of Caroline.
Caroline stopped walking, letting out a sigh. She had seen the press release of Stein's firm were the announcement was made that Stein was transferring to Tulsa. Leave it to a group of high ranked and respected lawyers to see a transfer as the best solution instead of a trial for wrongful termination. The transfer could be seen as a stab in the heart of Steve Stein's career, but still, it was only bittersweet at best. Bitter because she really had hoped to see Stein getting fired and go through the humiliation of a public lawsuit.
"You're really so pissed off at me you decided to ruin my career at my firm?"
"What do you mean, cher?" Caroline asked, managing to work some fake concern into her voice.
"Don't! Don't play stupid, Caroline." He spat out. "You know exactly what I am talking about. What did you think? That I am too stupid to notice your M.O. all over that malice filled letter. As soon as I got called in by Jo and Peter and they showed me the letter I knew it was your handy work."
Not at all impressed by his rant, Caroline's feigned concern quickly changed into annoyance. "This really is your signature isn't it?" Caroline commented. "Cornering women who don't really desire your company or talking to you."
He huffed. "Why, are you afraid I am going to - allegedly - feel you up?" Adding a contemptuous grimace.
Caroline let out a long-exaggerated laugh. "Not in the slightest Steve. I am all aware of what you were - allegedly - looking for from miss Johnson. I am feeling quite assured I am safe in those regards. Caroline looked at him, giving him the disapproving up and down.
An annoyed laugh left the attorney's throat. "So, you're really just going to stand here and deny sabotaging my career, huh?"
This conversation is wearing on my patience. "Steve, I can't deny that I am not your biggest fan, but if I was the person to actively, purposely, pursuit this, I would not have sent the letter to your boss to set back your career. I would have sent it to the press and to the D.C. bar association to kill your career and personal reputation on every. possible. front. Mistakes are made, I spoke to the person responsible and they promised me to check all outgoing letters from now on. That is really all that I can do. Just like you, I cannot undo what has been done"
Unconvinced he let out a displeased sound. "Uhu, yeah sure. Well, I'll be leaving at the end of the month so your precious intern will be safe, but I guess you already knew that."
"Ah yes, I have heard something about that. You're transferring to Tulsa, aren't you? I read the press release. Why Tulsa? I didn't know that there is a large federal law practice."
Looking her dead in the eye, he replied dryly. "No there isn't. I am going to be tutoring the new law school graduates that come work for our firm, so when they have enough experience, they can head over to the D.C. division. You turned my successful career as a practicing lawyer into shit, turned me into a babysitter for newbies."
"Hmm. And just as I had planned on sending you a gift basket as a congratulations for your career move, but I take it you aren't feeling celebratory enough to appreciate it. Let's set the record straight: it isn't me who made your career take a freefall, that is all your own doing. I just hope for your sake there aren't any pretty faced new lady lawyers in Tulsa. As for worrying about miss Johnson: I am not worried about her safety, as a matter of fact, I am much more worried about yours. Because when you cornered her, pretty much like that you've stopped me right here, you also managed to piss off special agent Booth. Did I mention that man is a national hero? He was a highly decorated army ranger. So, pissing him off was a big mistake on your part. I'd say this paper mess up is the perfect way out for you without him shooting you up in pieces."
Caroline saw how Stein's eyes got bigger. "Yeah, not every agent is just a handyman with a gun. Some are experts with that gun and in hand in hand combat." Caroline threw his own words back at him. "I expected you would have been happy that we closed the case. I mean, I would be happy having the certainty that I wouldn't have to spend another minute in jail. Being a pretty boy like you in jail can't be easy, right?"
Stein looked at her like she was crazy.
"I am sorry but I have to go," Caroline said. "Oh, and don't forget. Firstly, the end of the month hasn't passed by and let me tell you that the agent Booth will be watching your every move, so better not anger him any further. Secondly, you might be moving to Tulsa but special agent Booth and I have jurisdiction all over the States and if it is ever necessary, we'll come over and serve justice right there in Oklahoma." Caroline walked away with a smile. Having that schmuck almost shit his pants was already the highlight of her day and probably week.
A/N: I picked Tulsa, because of Friends XD. I probably won't be posting for a while, because things got and will stay a little busy with all the deadlines around here. I'd love to know what you think of this chapter and until next time :).