soft tones that were probably supposed to be soothing. “So I
reviewed the file again. I have to say, we worked on this with
Mr. Smyth before he passed away, but I had completely
forgotten about the clause he inserted into his will. I apologize
for missing it when I called you the first time. Mr. Smyth
stated that before I can release the money to you, that Quinn
Smyth has to be present to sign the forms with you.”
“What?” Dallas choked. “That’s the most ridiculous thing
that I’ve ever heard!”
“It’s unconventional, I’ll give it that, but unfortunately I
can’t release the money to you or proceed with the paperwork
without Miss Smyth here.”
Dallas’ mouth worked uselessly for a few seconds before
she was able to choke something out. “Well- can you- call her
then? Explain it to her?” She picked up steam, getting more
flustered, confused, and annoyed. “What if she refuses to
come and sign? Did I basically just fly all this way for nothing
then? I bought a plane ticket! Rented a car! That wasn’t free!
You should have called me!”
“I apologize,” Jim said, and squirmed under the desk. “I
didn’t see it until this morning when I looked in depth at the
file.”
“Well, if I flew all this way for nothing, then your firm
should at least reimburse me for the cost of your mistake!”
Dallas snapped. She wasn’t usually snappy or impolite, even
when the situation called for it, but the exhaustion of the past
week, the sleepless nights, her flight- it all hit at once. She felt
tired. Just so freaking tired. “And weren’t you the one who
made the will?’”
“Actually, that was my partner. He’s on holidays this entire