The taxicab screeched to a halt, throwing Robert Haskins forward. The driver looked over his shoulder and shrugged an apology. Haskins waved it off, silently regretting his decision to forego the firm’s limousine and regretting, too, the annual pro bono requirement set by the state bar. He viewed his destination through the cab’s window. A small dwelling with asbestos siding, cracked in places and stained by a greenish mold. Yellowed cellophane tape covered corner cracks on the house’s two front windows. Jimmy Davis, his new client, a fifteen-year old high school student, stood on a sagging porch waiting for him. Sighing, Haskins opened the cab’s door.
The youth descended the steps as Haskins exited the cab. His glance took in a boy, not yet tall, coming up to Haskin’s shoulder, putting the youth at about five foot six inches. His hair was a …show more content…
“Why would Mr. Smithson want to punish the one person who improved the wall’s appearance?”
“Because it was me they caught. Mr. Smithson said by making an example of me the others will stop defacing the property.” The boy’s situation reminded Haskins of a popular axiom he learned in law school: No good deed goes unpunished. He reflected on the litigious nature of many of his clients and his role as the chief strategist for people who should do something more useful with their time and money, maybe even replace sordidness with a rose.
Haskins voice softened. “You know, Jimmy, your principal is missing a point. We can straighten this out. He─” Just then his cell phone signaled another call.
Bruce Tolliver’s voice blared. “Robert, listen, the clock’s running on this deal. Rabbit’s on the ropes. They’re folding their tent. The bean counters are okay with the deal but want your John Hancock on the language before we cross the goal line. We have until five o’clock.”
“Bruce, just email it to me and I’ll get right back to