Marie was passing by his study when Peter motioned for her to come in. He hit the speakerphone button so she could hear everything. “We will, of course, handle each of the cases separately,” the attorney said. “I’ll settle with Mrs. Cadant. As a hospital administrator, I’m sure you’ll understand part of the settlement is that you will not reveal to her any offer I place on the table.” Marie’s jaw dropped. Peter pressed a finger to his lips and motioned for her to sit down. He asked, “Why don’t we all meet together and discuss this?” “We’d rather not.” “I’ll have to get counsel on this.” The man on the other end of the line cleared his throat, “Do you have representation?” “Marie and I plan to share the same attorney.” A sigh slithered across the phone line. “I see.” He paused, then said, “In that case, I need to deal with him. Could you give me his name, please?” The next week, their attorney called. Marie invited him over that evening.
