Uncovering the Truth

  Barry Cartwright sat at his desk, staring at the collection of business records spread out before him. He and Daphne Langley had spent the last two days combing through every available document related to Gideon Graves’ enterprises.

  The results were… unexpected.

  Every business, every contract, every transaction—all clean. No hidden shell companies, no laundering, no ties to organized crime.

  Daphne sat across from him, arms crossed, tapping her fingers against the desk. “I hate to say it, but Graves looks legit.”

  Barry exhaled slowly, running a hand down his metal-plated face. “Yeah. And that bothers me.”

  Tyler Bishop zipped into the room, a blur of motion before coming to a stop with a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. “I ran background checks on his employees, too. No red flags. No connections to criminal activity.”

  Barry drummed his fingers against the desk. “He came to me because he wanted me specifically. But why?”

  Daphne shrugged. “Maybe he wants to show he’s pro-super. You’ve made a name for yourself in that space.”

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Barry leaned back in his chair. “Maybe. But I’m not naive enough to think a guy like Gideon Graves just happens to need a lawyer and picks me out of the blue.”

  Daphne smirked. “So what are you gonna do? Turn him down?”

  Barry sighed. “No. I’m gonna call him.”

  The Offer

  The phone rang twice before Graves answered.

  “Mr. Cartwright,” his voice was smooth, controlled. “I take it you’ve reviewed my files?”

  Barry nodded, even though Graves couldn’t see him. “I have. Everything checks out. Your businesses are legitimate.”

  There was a pause before Graves responded. “I detect a hint of surprise in your tone.”

  Barry chuckled. “Can’t blame me. Most people who seek me out have… messier records.”

  Graves laughed. “Understandable. So, does that mean you’ll take me on as a client?”

  Barry leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “I would be happy to represent you, Mr. Graves. But you should know—my firm is focused on representing supers.”

  There was a moment of silence. Then Graves spoke, his tone amused.

  “Are you assuming I’m not one?”

  Barry hesitated. “I’m assuming nothing. But if you were, you’d probably have disclosed it by now.”

  Graves chuckled. “Fair point.”

  Barry continued. “If that’s not an issue, then we can discuss the terms of my representation.”

  Graves hummed thoughtfully. “I appreciate your honesty, Mr. Cartwright. Let’s arrange a time to meet in person to finalize the paperwork.”

  Barry glanced at his calendar. “Tomorrow. Noon. My office.”

  “Perfect,” Graves said. “I’ll see you then.”

  The call ended, and Barry set his phone down.

  Daphne raised an eyebrow. “So? How’d it go?”

  Barry exhaled. “I just agreed to represent one of the most powerful men in the city.”

  Tyler whistled. “Hope you don’t regret it.”

  Barry glanced out the window, watching the city skyline.

  “Yeah,” he muttered. “Me too.”