“Jeez, Mom, how do you get this information so quickly?”
“It’s a strategic process, darling, honed over time and not easily or readily explained. But very handy when one has six rambunctious sons.”
“Don’t leave the rambunctious sister out.”
“Unlike Teresa, the sensible sister, I admit London can sometimes be a bit unruly. But that comes from an inner excitement and zest for life.”
“No, it comes from being Daddy’s baby girl, led to believe that the sun revolves around her.”
“We may have been too lenient in those early years, that’s true. But your little sister has grown into an amazing woman. You know, the young lady in the accident, Quinn Taylor, reminds me somewhat of her.”
“Now that’s a connection easily recognized. Quinn’s a spoiled brat, too.”
“She’s also very beautiful and full of life. At the ball, I found her delightful.”
“I found her irritating, and my opinion of her has only plummeted from there.”
“Hmm, interesting.” She paused. “Well, dear, do see a doctor. Your father was in an accident once and refused medical treatment because he thought he was fine. It took five years for what was then a slight sprain to show up as pain in his lower back. Minor surgery was required to fix what could have been handled through a chiropractor if caught in time.”
“Definitely wouldn’t want that to happen. I’ll call him now. Bye, Mom.”
Ike left a message with his physician’s assistant and then called Niko. When he wasn’t in the mayor’s office, Ike tried his cell.
“What’s up, Ike?”
“A little situation I want to run past you. Tried your office phone. Where are you?”
“Temecula.”
“That’s right. I’d forgotten all about your getaway with Monique. I’m sorry to bother you.”
“No bother at all. In fact, your timing is perfect. Monique is at the spa, bonding with her cousin-in-law and sister-in-law.”
“Diamond and who else, Faye or Marissa?”
“Marissa.”
“Where’s Faye?”
“Working too hard, like most doctors.”
“It’s nice that your wife is spending quality time with that side of the family. How’s everybody else doing?”
Niko filled Ike in on the latest happenings with their Southern California cousins who owned and operated Drake Wines & Resort, an award-winning five-star resort in Southern California’s wine country.
“So we’re happy to let them have their pamper day,” Niko finished. “Because come tomorrow night it’s the husbands’ turn—me, Jackson, Donovan and floor seats at Staples.”
“Floor seats? Must have cost you a fortune.”
“Jackson has connections with a big-time sports agent, Michael Morgan. The tickets came from him.”
“Now that’s what I call a connection. Does he have an extra?”
“Afraid not.”
“Then thanks for letting me know about floor seats at a game I can’t attend.”
“You’re welcome.” The brothers laughed. “So why’d you call?”
“I was in an accident today and need some legal advice.”
“Are you okay?”
“Banged up, but I’ll live. The other driver was taken to the hospital for observation, but from the looks of everything she’ll be fine.”
“She?”
“Yes.”
“Who?”
“Quinn Taylor.”
“Damn. Lucky you.”
“Right. Lucky me.”
“I didn’t mean that sarcastically. That is one gorgeous lady. Running into her might turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you.”
“I highly doubt that. And she ran into me.”
“What happened?” Ike told him. “If it’s a situation that’s clearly her fault, more than likely her insurance will cover the damages. So why do you need a lawyer?”
“One, because no matter how good her insurance, it will likely not cover the costs of replacing the parts that will have to be fixed. They are rare and expensive.”
“Aw, man! She wrecked the Ferrari.”
“Now you’re getting there, brother. Feel my pain.”
“I feel it. You just got that baby in mint condition.” Niko whistled. “You’re right. That bill is likely to run over and above what her policy covers.”
“Exactly. Which brings me to the second reason I need legal advice—to prosecute her for reckless endangerment.”
“I thought you said this was an accident.”
“One caused by her using our streets as a racetrack.”
“Yes, Ike, but accidents happen. Give it twenty-four to forty-eight hours before setting anything in motion. The situation is likely to look quite different once you stop aching and cool down.”
“I’m angry, Niko, not irrational, and will not change my mind. This accident was a direct result of her foolishness. Her beauty isn’t going to sway me from making her face the consequences. It’s time she learned a lesson on cause and effect.”
“I’d think you’d want to school her in some...less combative areas.”
“Not you, too. First it was the police wanting to go easy, then Mom wanting me to send flowers and now you’re suggesting I make a date with that daredevil? That would hardly be practical. She’s much too wild.”
“Which would make taming her all the more satisfying.”
“You’re suggesting that I court her when why I called you is to take her to court. So your unrequested yet respected personal opinion aside, legally, how do I proceed?”
Niko laughed. “All right, man. I hear you. But I can’t help you, not directly. My expertise is corporate law. You need an accident and personal injury attorney.”
“Do you know any?”
“Not offhand, but let me make a couple calls and get back with you. Meanwhile, follow Mom’s advice and send those flowers. It’s the right thing to do.”
Later, Niko referred Ike to an attorney who was not only well versed in the field but quick to act. Two days after the accident, attorney Lance Holden demanded the police report be completed and filed. The day after that, Quinn was charged with reckless driving. A week later, Lance represented Ike at an arraignment at which Quinn pled not guilty. Lance then suggested they avoid a trial by requesting a pretrial conference in the judge’s chambers. That was fine with Ike. His demand for repayment and appropriate punishment would be met. Victory was all but assured. According to Lance, the matter would be resolved shortly. The defense attorney had left court, heading to his office and a meeting with Quinn.
Quinn sat and seethed. Was she