Real Arrogant Bastard

“I don’t have to promise a damn thing.” A newer organization and rowdy as hell. Micah was acquainted and he recollected representing a few. Charges were dismissed totally. At the worse, fines had been imposed. He maintained little contact which explained his not hearing of Dale Larson. Respect for the man across from Micah grew as he stood his ground. Oddly, anger outpaced it over the fact Chase held concern for someone who had treated him shabbily. Steepled fingers rested under Micah’s chin. “Have a nice day, Mr. Van Zant. Peterson will drive you home. Stay away from phones and Dale.”

“Excuse me?”

“You have thirty additional days to gather your payment. I expect you to come to me. It will be unfortunate if I have to send someone again.”

“What am I going to do?”

“When your ass gets booted out, go stay with Dale.”

“I can’t do that.”

Micah called to Peterson who opened the door. “Take him where ever he’d like to go.” Micah rose and neared his driver. “Have him tailed.” Told himself he protected his money. Not true. Van Zant unearthed a dusty place he thought sealed forever. This much goodness hadn’t touched Micah… Five years. “Twenty-four seven.” Peterson nodded.

“Mr. Reeves!”

Micah exited and strode down the hall. Wasn’t playing games with the jackass. Boyfriend or ex, whatever; Dale had gotten himself embroiled in something that would come back to bite his ass. Roger Hutchins had had a neighbor locked up for allowing his dog to take a shit in the judge’s yard. Story went the man had even cleaned it up but Hutchins nailed him for trespassing. Micah suspected the judicial bastard hid a lot more. Wouldn’t be pretty when he unearthed Jesse preferred the company of men.

Client was old enough to add two and two. Said he wasn’t a kid. Things weren’t going to go well for him living on a government check. Micah was aware of the nice apartment complex Chase lived in and his stipend wouldn’t cover rent. But goddamn if he was setting rules. He’d come around. In either case, he’d be watched for an indeterminate time. Make sure he didn’t attempt to contact Larson. Promises made usually ended shot all to hell when lovers were involved.

Micah wanted that phone.

Having a judge, even one as wily as Hutchins, in his pocket would be an accomplishment. No way he’d risk pictures of his boy in bed with another man.

Two hours later, barely through arraignment on a simple assault case he agreed to tackle for an old friend, his phone buzzed. Wrapping things up quickly, he told the client he’d be in touch. Micah slipped into the hall before mass exodus ensued.

“What’s up Peterson?” Van Zant was going to be his ruination. “A barber or…A stylist. I see. Sit tight and stall. I’m on my way.” Evidently, Chase went to an upscale hair salon and immediately borrowed his stylist’s phone. Before he completed dialing, the man tailing him nabbed it and still had it in his possession. Police had been summoned by the feisty salon owner claiming theft. Peterson was on site now speaking with local law enforcement.

Good thing he was in Van Nuys and it wasn’t rush hour. Took Victory Boulevard to Laurel Canyon Boulevard and headed to Studio City. Micah exited his car more pissed off than he’d been in a long time after a harrowing twenty minutes weaving through traffic. His fault. Should have made the fucker take his offer. He entered the shop and approached Chase who stumbled backward. “What the fuck?”

“I didn’t know I couldn’t make a phone call.”

“Stay away from phones. Was that not clear enough for you?" Jesus! "Go wait in my car. The mahogany Porsche at the curb.”

“I have…”

“If you don’t move your ass, Chase, I’ll have Peterson carry you.” Micah watched as he slunk out the door followed by his head of security who also doubled as chauffeur. He turned to the patrolman who looked anxious as hell. “I’m Micah Reeves and I believe there is a misunderstanding over a phone.”

“Seems the guy in the chair took Truman Daws’ property and refuses to return it.”

“I’m an attorney and Mr. Wagner is an employee.” Twisting, Micah faced Benson. “Did you take his phone?”

“Thought it was mine. Honest mistake and I didn’t give it back because he verbally attacked me, pointed scissors yelling like a lunatic, Christ, I was scared to go near him. Felt it would be safer to wait for the cops.”

“Lunatic? You Neanderthal jackass. I should cut your ass.”

“See what I mean? He’s threatening me with bodily harm. I’m scared and I feel unsafe.”

Micah struggled to keep a smile hidden. Not likely the fem man wielding tiny scissors could do much damage to Benson who was a burly two-twenty and towered an inch over Micah.

The patrolman intervened. “Sir, you can’t threaten people with a weapon.”

“For Heaven’s sake, they’re trimming scissors!”

“Put them down. Please”

“Tell him to give me my phone and he can get the hell out of here.”

Could hear a pin drop when the cop asked, “Mr. Wagner, do you wish to press charges?”

“Umm…”

“You’re kidding, right?” Truman moved to hide behind a chair. “I didn’t do anything. He’s the thief.”

Benson eyed the stylist for a second. “No. I’m happy to have my life intact.”

Feeling for the patrolman, Micah trudged to his guard. “I’ll hand it over for you.”

“Thanks, boss.”

“Are we good, officer?”

“Yes. I, uhh, I’m not going to write this up.” He hurried out scratching his head.

Something to be said for having a newbie turn up to a scene like this. Passing the phone to the man behind the chair. Micah grinned. “You do good work. Maybe I’ll stop in for a cut one day.”

“No, you’re that Reaver person. Don’t come back to Truly Beautiful. Go somewhere else.”

“That’s not nice.”

“Please, get out of my salon.”

“You have a nice day.”

“Out!” He yelled louder. “You better not hurt my friend either, sucker.”

Sucker! Micah reached his car and peered around Peterson to look into the sullen face of Chase. “I got this. Take the rest of the day off. I’ll be at home.”

“Thanks, Reaver.”

Climbing in the car, he stared at Chase. “You’ll be staying at my house from here on out.”

“What if I want to go home?”

“You blasted that choice so far into the atmosphere, NASA won’t find it.”