REVENGE GROWS HARSH

‘Alex, this is Steven Holland, Steven, Alex Harris from Hanson's. We talked about him earlier. Alex is very much the personal injury man at Hanson's.’ ‘Yes, Alex, I've heard a lot about you.’ His voice was somewhere south of baritone with an indistinct southern accent, typical home counties. ‘Nice to meet you Steven, how is business.’ They shook hands, two iron like grips. Holland pressed his thumb down on the back of Alex's hand as they shook. A mason. Alex ignored the gesture. Holland appeared not to notice. ‘Perhaps, before we talk business you could tell me a little about yourself Alex. We are a family business and we like to get to know people before we invite them to become part of the family.’ He gestured to a chair. ‘Have a seat. Coffee?’ He started pouring and Alex considered refusing just to see if he would take the coffee for himself. Before any answer could be given the thimble of coffee was placed before him and another before Holland. Amrit looked around a little uncomfortably and then excused himself claiming to have just seen a possible business opportunity in the bar. Alex was impressed that Holland had the authority to dismiss Amrit so coldly, but, at the same time, took an immediate dislike to him for doing so. ‘To be frank, Mr Holland, if we are to manage claims against your employer then we should never be considered part of the family. We will represent the Claimant and his or her interests and there could be no consideration of the interests of your company. Whilst we would be happy to enter into a referral arrangement I would brook no interference or influence over the way in which we work. No agreements not to litigate, no discounted costs, no influence over medical experts other than what a court would ordinarily allow a Defendant. If that is a deal breaker then it's better to get it out in the open now and you can pour coffee for somebody else.’ Holland laughed. ‘That's not exactly the opening gambit I expected from somebody hopeful of getting a substantial amount of business Alex,’ he made a point of using first names, ‘but I can see immediately that you are looking for exactly the type of relationship we are hoping for.’ He sipped at the steaming black coffee. ‘Frank MaGuire is an old fashioned man. He comes from an underprivileged background. He feels the pain of the working class man and he wants somebody to right any of the wrongs that he may commit, vicariously, in the course of his business. If he wanted a lap dog, there are many of them here today and they all have larger and better equipped organisations than yours.’ A compliment and a put down all in one. Holland was clearly trying to re-establish himself as the senior partner in this discussion after Alex’s opening statement. ‘Thank you for understanding my position.’Alex felt a coldness towards Holland but he knew, within himself, that this was the opportunity he had been waiting for all of his adult life. ‘I think it's important to be able to speak ones mind and be honest with those you intend to do business with.’ Holland smiled. That appeared to be the decision made. Alex picked up the cup and took a swig of the coffee. It was strong and bitter, but better than the wine.