11013/Lawyering it up

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Lawyering it up
Date of Scene: 07 February 2020
Location: Jennifer Walters's offices
Synopsis: Oliver and one of his lawyers, Horton, met with Jennifer about representing Vanessa Carlysle. They found an understanding in more ways than one.
Cast of Characters: Green Arrow, She-Hulk




Green Arrow has posed:
The request to meet was as formal as ever.

From Queen's Justice Fund, a legal fund that focuses on cases of those unable to pay for a proper defender, normally offering their services to such. They act mainly on Starling so it wasn't perhaps the most usual of requests but they mentioned a case of just a few days ago, an attack on a penthouse. It even came out on the news, and there may be some kind of superhero, or vigilante involved.

For the meet, besides Nick Horton who is the lawyer handling the case, it was also requested that Mr. Oliver Queen was allowed to attend. Seems like he is in town afterall!

Close to the attended hours the two suits are making their way over to the offices, dressed to the occasion in their dark suits. Oliver is talking to Horton. "It is important that we know the details on the case, as we spoke about before."

"Yes, don't worry Sir. I am the best at what I do." That young bravado on Horton's face and tone that shows a confidence, or perhaps overconfidence on his abilities. Never the best of signs. It makes Oliver smile just faintly.

She-Hulk has posed:
Jennifer was used to doing pro bono work. She'd picked up more than a few such jobs in her time, so it was nice that there was someone out there with deep pockets and willing to pay the (generous and fair) rate she was asking. Her operation was streamlined, just her and her personal assistant cum paralegal, and they'd made the arrangements to meet at her office.

As might be expected, Jennifer is well over six feet tall, green, and with a physique that would put many bodybuilders to shame. It's rare that anyone sees her outside of the more confident, bombastic 'She-Hulk' form, and even then, it's never at work. When the two men arrive, she steps out of the office to shake hands. First Mr. Queen, then Mr. Horton.

"Come on in," she says with a half-smile, holding her office door open for the pair and gesturing to two comfortable chairs of modern design in front of a glass-topped desk with several piles of paper atop it, "How can I help?"

Green Arrow has posed:
That wasn't exactly ..., according to plan. The bravado on Horton's face visibly deflates when they are received not by the 'normal' Jennifer but instead by the jade green bombshell. The man lets out a brief cough into his hand while he finds his posture again and then offers a dazzling smile.

Oliver is quite more civil, perhaps expecting it already, the half-smile returned with a polite one of his own. His posture is professional but not overly so, more at ease. But then again, he is just here to observe right?

After a firm handshake he says, "Thank you for receiving us, and for allowing me to be present. I have always been curious about this whole process." which in a way, it is true. But maybe not exactly the whole truth.

Horton then speaks once they have entered the office. "Yes, good morning. This is Mr. Queen, I am Nick Horton. I was hoping you could help us with a process that has recently come to our attention, related to the apprehension of narcotics on a penthouse a few days ago. It is of our belief that a certain young lady was caught in the crossfire and since it seems it may involve a superhero we decided to contact you. You are the best, correct?"

She-Hulk has posed:
"That's not a problem," Jennifer tells Ollie as she shakes his hand, "It's only right to see where your money is going, after all. Call it being an informed investor?" She flashes straight, white teeth in a knockout smile and makes her way into the room.

As Nick speaks his hurried business, Jennifer moves over to the bookcase fitted into the wall and taps one of the wooden panels. It swings away, revealing a bar fridge full of all manner of drinks from water to soda to craft beer. Even as he lays out the request, Jennifer looks at the contents of the refrigerator and then back to the pair of men.

"Drink?"

Is she even listening?!

Green Arrow has posed:
Oliver can't help but smile at the green one, dipping his head. "Indeed. I find that's the only way to do business these days. And I have heard much about you, Ms. Walters." he takes a step to the side of the room, he is just the observer remember?! An attempt perhaps to let Horton take hold of the conversation. But that first attempt was mostly a botch. The young man is clearly a bit too 'green' still. And not the superpowered green.

Oliver then speaks gently. "I will have a water. Have one as well, Horton." before you choke. But he doesn't say that last part. Horton stops on his speech, looks at Oliver, then back to Jennifer. A bit more subdued he smiles, takes a breath and says. "Yes, a water will do. Thank you."

She-Hulk has posed:
"Well, at least you're not getting plastered at the meeting," Jennifer says with a grin, fetching out two cylindrical, glass bottles of water and placing them on coasters before each of the men, "That's always a good sign."

Now satisfied that everyone has been catered to, Jennifer steps around and takes a seat behind the desk. The chair she sits in his different to the other two, obviously reinforced to withstand the incredible density of her muscle and bone. She picks up a sheaf of paper from the top of the desk, scanning the contents for a moment and then turning her gaze to Horton.

It's the look of a professional. Someone who has been doing this for years, and long ago mastered the art of appraising people with a single look.

"I'll say I'm very good, Mr. Horton," she says, though her qualifications speak for themselves, "But let's hear more about your young lady and this crossfire."

Green Arrow has posed:
Now that there has been a pause, and that Horton got to take in a good breath he finally seems a bit more composed. Both he and Oliver take a seat once Jennifer does so, Horton opening his bottle to take a brief drink. He runs one hand through his slick hair.

"Yes, well. Apparently the young lady was working as an escort, a resident here in New York.." He opens his case to bring out a folder which he places atop the table, then slides it for Jennifer to look over whenever she wishes to. ".. and it is mine .., our belief that she is being framed for the drugs that were found on a penthouse a few days ago. The man that had rented the floor, one Mr. Yu Phun, mentioned that he was allegedly attacked by a masked man, with a bow, and that he had no knowledge of the drugs found. And they found Ms. Carlysle's fingerprints over them."

Oliver simply listens in silence now, but there is an assessing look to his expression, it mostly resting on Jennifer but also on Horton from time to time. But no need for him to intervene just yet.

She-Hulk has posed:
"Well, nothing illegal about working as an escort," Jennifer says, hand busily taking notes in the margin of the document she's reading, "Though the drugs are a problem, but one step at a time. Has Ms. Carlysle said anything to the police? If she hasn't got any knowledge of the drugs, it's important she be cooperative, but we don't want her to give them too much circumstantial ammunition to tie her to this."

She's plain about her thinking, laying it out flat for her fellow lawyer to pick up. She glances occasionally to Oliver as she speaks, making sure to include the pair of them in the discussion at every opportunity.

"A masked man with a bow? Well, we're not strangers to masked individuals in New York, which I'm sure you both know. The Avengers live a few blocks form here. The Masks Act will probably help prove that this is just the wrong place at the wrong time for our girl," she glances to Oliver, explaining in layman's terms, "The Masks Act is a law they passed that tries to untangle civilian bystanders from 'superhero' business. It's getting ... mixed results, but I think it'll work for us in this case."

Green Arrow has posed:
"I concur, nothing illegal in that." Horton has regained that little uppity to his tone, young and sure of himself. Surely that introduction was just an hiccup on his career to come! The man smiles, showing his pearly-white teeth. "But the problem is we aren't exactly aware of what she has told the police or not. Apparently she has been given a public defender and to be honest she may not even have had contact to what should be her representing lawyer."

Then Oliver speaks up, not interrupting but just seeming to continue in the natural flow of the talk. Tone is firm now. "And that is where we come in. Initially we were going to have Mr. Horton to represent her but .., these developments that there may be some masked hero involved made the Fund decide to contact an expert with dealing with such things." he says 'things' as if he wasn't that involved with such in a day to day basis. Liar!

But when Jennifer explains about the Masks Act he seems quite aware of it. Horton then picks up on the conversation. "And that is where we were hoping you could help us in. The circumstances may aid in having Ms. Carylsle acquitted."

She-Hulk has posed:
"Okay," Jennifer says with a curt nod, turning to the laptop open on her desk and tapping the keys rapidly as she speaks, "I'll just draw up the agreement here. Standard boilerplate stuff. You're retaining my services on behalf of Ms. Carlysle but my instructions come from her. She can ask that I cease to act at any time - not that she would, I'd hope! Let's go with an hourly rate rather than a flat fee, since we might wrap this up quicker or it could draw out and you'll appreciate if a girl's got to cover all her bases."

Satisfied, she turns back from the computer towards the two men, "Thea will get that drafted up and printed out for you, and you can sign at your leisure. For now, let's go with a verbal agreement now. Do you agree to the terms I've set forth, Mr. Queen?"

She glances towards Horton, giving him the opportunity to hear what she's said and advise the other man as necessary.

Green Arrow has posed:
"That should not be a problem, of course." Horton continues speaking, nodding while he listens to Jennifer's proposal of the contract, and how it should go. That he knows well enough. The mention about an hourly rate or flat fee gets a nod from Oliver, money doesn't seem to be the problem! And then it seems as if Horton will be reaching to accept the contract, but Oliver looks at him, smiles faintly. The man catches himself.

"One last thing." Horton says. He draws out another paper from within his case. A contract it seems. "We'd also require that Ms. Carlysle signed this. An agreement in which Queen's Justice Fund may review all the details pertaining to the case. We are not only interested that Ms. Carlysle is acquitted but also that the true culprits are brought to justice."

Yes, he most likely trained this last line in the mirror before coming here.

She-Hulk has posed:
"Well, let's hope that we can talk the DA out of pressing charges," Jennifer offers, taking the paper offered to her and looking it over critically before setting it aside, "Acquittal is the last line of defence here. We don't want it to get that far."

There's a flash of a smile at Horton - maybe admiration of his moxie, if not his experience, "Well, you're well aware that my other job involves doing just that. Bringing the bad guys to justice. Though I try not to involve myself in 'both sides' like that. That said, I prefer the costume over the business suit."

She nods towards a framed cover of 'TIME' magazine on the wall, depicting She-Hulk in her legless white and purple unitard lifting a car over her head with one arm.

"I can't agree on Ms. Carlysle's behalf," she assures, patting the contract that had been handed to her by Horton, "But I'll certainly run it by her as a proviso for retaining my services."

Green Arrow has posed:
"Of course. The DA not pressing charges would be the ideal." Horton says with another of his smiles, though as they seem to be all moving in the same direction he seems to be a tad more at ease now. It will certainly help in getting the man a bit more mettle after this. Specially as the woman seems to carry herself with such a confidence that he can't help but envy. "Erm, yes. I am quite aware of course." and then he glances over to the TIME magazine. He gulps. Quite aware indeed!

But after a moment he says to Oliver, "I believe the terms are agreeable, sir."

Oliver was watching with perhaps just an hint of amusement the interaction between the two, then nods in acceptance to Horton's advice. His eyes rest on Jennifer's and he says, "Very well. I accept these terms. And please, any difficulties you can always reach either me or the fund. I should still be in town for the next few days."

But then there is a considering look on Oliver, perhaps pondering on a decision and then he finally seems to choose, "Will you give us the room now, Horton? I'd like to have a word with Ms. Walters in private."

Horton nods, getting up to his feet, "Of course, if you will excuse me. It was a pleasure." he begins walking to the door to step out.

She-Hulk has posed:
"I'm sure," Jennifer tells Horton with a broad grin, giving him a vaguely flirtatious kind of look - whenever she's in this shape, it's always difficult to rein oneself in entirely. She watches the young lawyer go, sorting some things out on her desk and shuffling the papers into their proper spots to avoid any sort of awkward staring.

When he's out of the room and the door is closed behind him, Jennifer folds her hands before her and tilts her head in Oliver's direction.

"Talking to strange lawyers without your own present is bad practice, Mr. Queen," she tells him with a broad grin.

Green Arrow has posed:
Ooo, Horton even straightens his back up some at the broad grin from Jennifer. Yes, he is pleased with his work here today. Is it too soon to ask Mr. Queen for a raise? He busies himself with these thoughts while closing the door, leaving Ollie alone with Jennifer.

Oliver lets another faint smile come to his expression, but this time the smile is more genuine. "I am known about taking unwise decisions from time to time. But I do not think this is one of them."

A moment of pause and then he continues. "It is my belief that this Mr. Yu Phun has been in Starling recently, and engaged in the same kind of activity that he was found doing here in New York. Obviously I am not wanting him to be released to return to my city." for some reason he seems rather protective of Starling. Well, he was born and bred there afterall. If we don't count the island experience.

She-Hulk has posed:
Jennifer nods her head, resting her elbow on the table and cradling her chin in the palm of her hand. She listens to Oliver's explanation, pursing her lips thoughtfully as she digests it for a moment and then speaks.

"Do you have evidence beyond a belief?" she asks, sounding neither harsh nor disbelieving, "I don't doubt you. It seems unlikely that an escort would be running drugs on this scale - if she were, I imagine she'd probably have less need of the cash being an escort brings in. Even if it is a passion."

"But hunches are for the masked vigilantes among us, Mr. Queen. They're good for a quick revenge fix, but unless there's a way to make them stick they're generally useless."

Green Arrow has posed:
"Not enough to have him arrested back in Starling, but this may be an opportunity to begin dismantling the operation this man may be a part of." Oliver explains, gesturing with one hand while he does so. Those hands don't exactly look the type of someone that spends his time behind a desk. Calloused. "And I agree with you, of course. Ms. Carlysle would not be running this. That much I believe. But because of all this it's why I hope you are able to share with me what you discover on this case. I have a personal interest in it." perhaps in more ways than one!

The mention on vigilantes makes him smile again, "What was it you said at the start of our conversation? Always make sure to be an informed investor. Hunches do not cut it in this day and age anymore."

She-Hulk has posed:
"Ah-hah," Jennifer says quietly, glancing down at Oliver's hand and then back up to meet his eyes. Whatever conclusion she has drawn, she plays it close to the vest. But still, it's obvious that something has fallen into place somewhere. She's one of the most well-educated and experienced lawyers in the country, after all - drawing lines between the dots is what she does.

"I can only share what I'm able to share," she tells him, plainly, "I'm sure the police will play their hand early on, but they can say whatever they want in an interview - it mightn't necessarily be true. That said, I have my ways. I'll pass on whatever I find and you can do with it whatever you wish. I'm sure I have no idea ... "

Green Arrow has posed:
"I trust in your discretion. You are one of the best afterall." Oliver's gaze remains fully on Jennifer's while he speaks, seeming to follow her expression and motions, a study as well even if he certainly doesn't have the same kind of experience as the woman. But she seems genuine enough. He smiles faintly again, "And I ask you nothing more than what you are able to share. I believe we both have the same interests in mind. And who knows, maybe we will be able to work again in the future."

He starts getting up to his feet, adjusting his tie, then a pause, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Walters." he extends one hand to the woman for a shake.

She-Hulk has posed:
Jennifer takes the offered hand, shaking it firmly before letting go and remaining standing behind her desk. She's got a lot to think about, and the notes and paperwork before her represent only the metaphorical tip of the iceberg.

"It was nice to meet you, too, Mr. Queen. I'll be sure to keep your posted on our progress."

That said, she steps around from behind the desk to open the door for him. In regard to her discretion, she keeps it by not even mentioning the subject again. She has known more than a few masked hero types and has gotten a lot of practice keeping their secrets. Once Oliver is gone, she turns back to the desk and picks up the phone.

"Thea? I'm heading out. Hold all my calls."

That said, she gathers the paperwork up into her briefcase. She's got a client to see.