Booking Glory-Chapter 28: Lawyer Walker

Lawyer Anthony Walker was a heavyset, black man with a big mustache. Standing over 6 feet tall, he was an intimidating man for any person to converse with. He also gave off this vibe that he could destroy you any moment, so it was unsettling for someone to lie to him.

This worked well for him as he worked as a lawyer.

If one were to look at Lawyer Walker at the grocery store or in a park, they would identify him as a jock type, an alpha male working in the construction business, or running a mafia gang depending on the dress he wore.

Being a down-to-earth man, Lawyer Walker could be seen mingling with people frequently and often wore what he felt comfortable in mostly. This gave off a wrong impression about him to strangers.

But, in the neighborhood where Rob grew up, Lawyer Walker was one of the men who was highly respected and loved in the city. When he graduated law school, Lawyer Walker didn’t immediately rush to join a firm and get rich.

Rather, he returned to the area he grew up in and began helping out the people present there with legal issues. There were even rumors running around that Lawyer Walker sometimes takes cases for free if the individual is really poor.

Having such a stellar reputation, it was no wonder that Lawyer Walker was both respected and loved by the entire community. He was the kind of man you admired from afar but never wanted to be one. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Rob would gladly admit that while he respected what Lawyer Walker did, he would never try to emulate him. Rob preferred earning money more than he liked doing social service. So, he knew he would never be someone like Lawyer Walker.

But, both the current him and the previous body respected the man.

Being such a gigantic man, Lawyer Walker always gave off an impression of a brute with no brains. But, the reality couldn’t be far, Lawyer Walker was a shrewd man who battled for the welfare of people on several occasions.

His bulk actually helped him in weeding out lies, as most people are just scared of the man that they inevitably revealed the truth when he pressed. This was an immense advantage to him in his profession.

Sitting in front of Lawyer Walker, Robb idly wondered if this man could have made a very great criminal lawyer. He sure did know that Lawyer Walker had the brains for it. He could solve complicated legal issues with simple tricks that left people astounded.

When Rob had run into difficulty when renting his apartment, one of the people in charge of the orphanage had referred Lawyer Walker to him. When he approached Lawyer Walker, the problem magically solved itself with Lawyer Walker making some calls and meeting with the land owner for ten minutes.

The other Rob had been immensely grateful for it.

And the amount Lawyer Walker charged the other Rob was also a pittance in Rob’s opinion. So, he too had a good impression of the lawyer who was currently pursuing his contract seriously.

"Hmmm," Lawyer Walker hummed looking up from the contract. "You sure have changed since the last time you step foot in here."

Lawyer Walker’s comment made Rob twitch a little.

"I vividly remember you being too shy to look me in the eyes last time. Now though, you can make eye contact with me easily. And there is that maturity and patience that is coming out of you," Lawyer Walker commented sizing up Rob. "You almost look like a man in his thirties."

"Ha ha ha, I just got used to being near big dudes after joining LWC," Rob said sheepishly trying to downplay the subject.

Lawyer Walker watched Rob shrewdly for a few seconds before saying, "That may be so. Anyway, let’s get to this contract. On the surface, it looks good, but they don’t have any clause for them firing you."

"While this may seem inconsequential, what this contact means is that they could fire you anytime without any consequences. So, if you sign this contract, then you will have no job guarantee whatsoever. If they feel like it, they can throw your ass out anytime they want," Lawyer Walker said tapping the table.

"You say they were paying you $1000 per week right? In that case, this is a huge increase in pay. Generous... unbelievably generous for a guy who has been working for only six to seven months," Lawyer Walker paused and looked at Rob in a scrutinizing manner.

"I don’t care much about it, to be honest. I am sure that they are not going to fire me anytime soon. I just wanted to know if there is anything else that might bite me in the ass later if I sign it," Rob said leaning forward.

"As I said, they can throw your ass out anytime they want. Apart from it, it looks good. I would say it looks better even. I haven’t seen any 18-year-old getting paid this much," Lawyer Walker said nodding along.

"Then, I don’t think we have any problem," Rob said with a huge sigh.

"Kid, you need to work on your negotiation skills. And you better learn to understand what is said between lines," Lawyer Walker grunted. "As I said, this is a better contract than what many young men get out there. So, you can definitely sign it with no issues. However, I think you have even better value."

Lawyer Walker said looking Rob in the eye.

"I don’t know why it is and I not taking guesses either. However, the way this contract is written is too enticing. It is almost as if they don’t want to lose you. But, at the same time, they don’t have any clause regarding termination," Lawyer Walker said to Rob.

"That means, they are of two minds about you. I think they think you have great potential. But, they don’t want to be tied down if they wanted to get rid of you. So, this contract was made to look as enticing as possible hoping that you would ignore that aspect," Lawyer Walker said standing up.

"Usually, I would suggest that you re-negotiate and try to give up a few benefits so that you can add a clause about termination. That way you would have a job guarantee," Lawyer Walker said walking to and fro behind his desk.

"But, in this case, I suggest you sign this. What they don’t seem to understand is that this contract was worded in a way that it also relieves you of the responsibility of being beholden to them," Lawyer Walker said looking Rob in the eyes.

"You mean, I can walk away whenever I want?" Rob asked incredulously.

"Yes, isn’t that interesting. Such a clause will cause serious issues down the road. But, somehow this particular contract was put in that way. Unless you are a lawyer, it would be hard for anyone else to notice this. I think either they did it unintentionally, or they made it very deliberately," Lawyer Walker said looking at Rob.

"That’s strange," Rob said with a frown plastered across his face.

"It is indeed so," Lawyer Walker said leaning on the table. "So, I suggest you don’t make much fuss. Just sign it and be done with it. That way, you have an out if things turn sour."

Rob nodded accepting the wisdom of that particular suggestion.

"In that case, let’s table it aside. You still have fifteen minutes of your time left. Since you are a kid from my neighborhood, I have a few pieces of advice for you," Lawyer Walker said retaking a seat.

"First, do not start spending lavishly. What I want you to do is to start saving this money. You know what, the best thing is to invest this money and try to live the same lifestyle you live in for the next six months," Lawyer Walker said looking at Rob. "Do you think it is possible?"

"Yes, absolutely. My responsibilities have grown a bit and I will most probably spend my time in the company. So, I don’t think it would be a problem," Rob said in reply.

"Good, I have seen guys like you who end up in the sports industry. They start blowing up their money and start living lavishly before thinking about saving for the rainy day. Don’t be like them," Lawyer Walker warned sincerely.

"This is exactly not a sports business. You can call it show business," Rob said scratching his head.

"Sports business, show business, it doesn’t matter which is it, kid," Lawyer Walker grunted. "Both of them involve a lot of money. And it leads young people like you astray soon. So, be careful about it."

"I will," Rob said dutifully.

"Good, this also ties into my next point. You don’t have a job guarantee. So, you don’t know when they will throw your ass out. To be on the safe side, have some money saved in your account so that you don’t end up on the streets once more," Lawyer Walker extorted causing Rob to nod.

"Now, the best way is not to save your money. You need to be smart about it. Try to grow your money while also saving it. If you have any idea about investing, go try it out. But, don’t put all your money in it," Lawyer Walker listed off.

"They say this computer shit beginning to look good. It is good for young ones like you to invest. Or be on the safer side and invest in real estate. That is an evergreen business, people always need a place to stay, you see. You can also invest in traditional industries, but you will need a lot more money than this for that though," Lawyer Walker said looking thoughtful.

"I have a good feeling about computers," Rob expressed.

"You think there is a future in that shit?" Lawyer Walker asked doubtfully.

"I think so. Just imagine, if you could discuss any topic you want with someone on the other side of the country or even the world, wouldn’t you like it? I am sure computers can bring us that someday. So, I really have high hopes for it," Rob said earnestly.

"Bah, we have phones for that boy. Why would we need a computer for that? Anyway, I don’t understand this new stuff. I am more of a traditional guy. I prefer manufacturing industries and real estate," Lawyer Walker waved off. "But, your idea is a bit similar to something my nephew said. Young people these days," Lawyer Walker shook his head.

"Oh, is that so?"

Rob was now intrigued. What he said was something that he had seen in his original world. To have someone else have the same vision, it was too good to be true.

"Can I meet this nephew of yours?" Rob asked.

"Of course, you can, it is not like he is doing anything useful these days. He is just hanging around with these other kids like him and spending too much time indoors. He needs to get out there and get a job," Lawyer Walker said in irritation causing Rob to be a little embarrassed.

"Still, I would like to discuss this with him. I haven’t come across many people who have the same thoughts as me. As you can see, most prefer traditional industries like you do. It would be good to talk with someone else," Rob said trying to ease Lawyer Walker into it.

Lawyer Walker looked thoughtful for a few minutes before grunting.

"Whatever, just don’t give your money to him. I don’t want you to be ripped off by joining him in some of his harebrained schemes. You are a good kid. Not many people have the chance to walk out of this neighborhood. Especially, as an orphan with no support. So, don’t ruin your future," Lawyer Walker warned in a serious tone.

"Don’t worry about it, Mr. Walker. I will be careful," Rob assured him.

"Good, in that case," Lawyer Walker began scribbling in a piece of paper beside him and handed it over to Rob, "this is that layabout’s number. Try to get him to straighten out. A man who doesn’t work is not much of a man."

"I will try Mr. Walker," Rob replied with a smile pocketing the piece of paper.

"Anyway, be careful in your job. Don’t give them reasons to fire you. And be sure to save money so that you don’t end up on the streets again. Now, off you go, young man. I have other cases to deal with here," Lawyer Walker sent him off with a smile.

Rob stepped out of the lawyer’s office and retrieved the number Lawyer Walker had given to him. He was really curious about Mr. Walker’s nephew. He wanted to see if he really thought the same about the future of computers.

Rob took his phone out and dialed the number Mr. Walker gave to him. Looking at the phone in his hand, Rob was once more finding it weird. It was a flip phone with QR code processing capabilities.

From what little he understood of technology, Rob knew that there needed to be a network and a good resolution camera in the phone for the QR thing to work. So, if the network was developed, what’s stopping the computer from truly becoming big?

As for the camera, that is another thing that stumped him. So, Rob was left scratching his head in regard to the technological level of this world he was in. He had been here for seven months or so and he still didn’t understand it completely.

Maybe talking to this nephew of Mr. Walker would give him a clear idea of the state of computers and other technology in this world. Who knows, what other surprises were waiting for him out there?

Being a wrestling company, the employees of LWC rarely talked much about technology. Even when he was working backstage, assisting in setting up the equipment, no one really talked about the technology behind it or the process behind it.

It was just a thing to do. There was a supervisor who would give the command and they need to set it up as he told them to. So, no one ever really bothered to talk about such stuff.

The call connected and a hoarse voice answered the phone.

"Hello, who is this?"

From the sound, Rob could identify that the voice was tired. So, Rob didn’t drag it out and informed the voice of his desire to meet him. Initially, the person on the other end was skeptical considering that he was being introduced by his uncle.

But, when Rob told him his age, the person mellowed out a bit and agreed to meet him tomorrow. Rob hung up the phone with a small smile and wondered what tomorrow’s meeting would give him.

Maybe, this meeting would give him some pleasant surprises.

*****

A/N: Hey folks!

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You can also check out my other book [Demon Immortal] and see if it is to your liking.

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