Karaoke Kids Part Twelve I suppose you have to be an expert in property law to work this out. And if I don’t understand some of it, Susanna won’t either. So I make a couple of calls, one to my lawyer, one to the firm he recommends. Then I make a third call. The messenger arrives a few minutes later. I hear him in Margaret’s office and she comes in a second later. ‘Leo, did you order a messenger?’ ‘Yeah. Here.’ I hand her the folder in an envelope, the law firm’s address written across it. The messenger knew anyway. The name is just for Margaret’s benefit. She would spend from now until eternity trying to get from me where the messenger was going if I hadn’t. And, right now, I’m not in the mood for Margaret’s inquisitiveness. ***************** I can’t work out who is standing outside the lawyer’s office when I arrive. Not John, that much is certain. ‘Ms Whitaker? Hi, I’m Eric Fenn. Your lawyer asked me to take over your case. I specialise in landlord and tenant disputes.’ I have to ask. ‘And how does he know you?’ ‘Leo McGarry recommended me.’ He opens the door for me and we walk in. I’m fighting conflicting emotions. Part of me is pleased to have someone in an expensive suit who obviously knows what they’re doing. But part of me resents Leo’s, albeit well-intentioned, interference. But there isn’t time for anything more as the lawyer’s secretary shows us into his office. Fifteen minutes later, we emerge. I have no idea how, but we won. Well, I mean…I don’t know what I mean. I didn’t do anything except sign two documents. One which gave me an indefinite lease on the night-club premises and a second acknowledges Leo McGarry as my new landlord. The lawyer did at least explain that Leo’s offer was slightly higher than the developers’, and the landlord decided to take it. Exactly how much higher, he wouldn’t say. Still slightly shell-shocked, I allow Mr Fenn to buy me a coffee. I want a drink, but I settle for a coffee. I can’t stop my hand shaking, and, eventually, after I spill most of it, Eric Fenn says: ‘Just be grateful Mr McGarry’s on your side. I wouldn’t like to make an enemy of that man.’ ‘I suppose I have to go to the White House and thank him.’ ‘Is that a good idea?’ His legal brain is working out the likely reaction if I turn up at the gate and demand to see the White House Chief of Staff. I smile. ‘Probably not.’ ‘Call him.’ 'I’ll do that. When I’m a little calmer.’ ‘Can I drop you somewhere?’ I don’t have to think too hard. ‘Back at the club please.’<br>We finish our coffees, and he walks me back to his car. It’s a slightly older version of Leo’s. I wonder how much he’s being paid to buy me coffee and chauffeur me around. Then I realise - I don’t care. The club is safe. ******************* As I walk through the door, I see Leo sitting in his usual spot at the bar. He’s poured two glasses of the non-alcoholic sparkling stuff I gave him the first time he came. Mickey comes across. ‘Congratulations. I’m off out for a while. I’ll be back for opening, okay?’ I know what he’s doing, and I appreciate it. I smile, close to tears, and I hug him. ‘Thank you.’ ‘You should be nice to your new landlord. Maybe he’ll drop the rent.’ I laugh and Mickey walks out. ‘Thank you.’ Leo hands me one of the glasses and we knock them gently together. ‘I always wanted to own a night-club.’ ‘Would you like a guided tour of your new acquisition?’<br>‘Sure. Later. I have to get back to work.’ ‘Will your boss be angry that you left early?’ Leo laughs. ‘I don’t think he’ll even have noticed I’ve gone.’ Continued In Part Thirteen Home