#bendini lambert and locke

[seasonofthebxtch]

So I really enjoyed this book but I'd have quite liked to have seen all the Mafia guys go down/see how the trials in court would go and what became of the wives like Kay for example. Is it just me?

[mqverick]

come undone || ˚୨୧⋆.

“Chill, is it something real?

Or the magic I’m feeding off your fingers”

──────────────────────

You hated the pretentious celebratory gatherings that Bendini, Lambert and Locke threw every time they enrolled a new lawyer into their tightly controlled firm. The poor new guy? You’d heard from mouth to mouth that his name was Mitch McDeere and Nina felt the urge to let all the girls know that he was some hot piece of ass.

You looked around, fiddling with the glass of wine that you held delicately around your fingers as you cautiously took a sip, noticing that once again, your husband was too busy flirting with the secretary newbies that looked innocently at him through their glasses, twirling strands of hair and giggling every now and then at something that you were certain could never be funny enough to be considered as a joke, because your husband did not have the slightest sense of humor in him.

The ticks of the clock across the wall were echoing in your head, your head dizzy from the chatter and fake laughter of the Firm’s members.

You hated every single one of them.

“Fine, you want to leave then be my fucking guest!” you heard a guy yell, probably from the next room and you silently approached the door, peeking carefully through the hole in the lock. There was a man rubbing the sides of his forehead in exhaustion and another woman — tall with dark ginger hair and brown eyes, which seemed to be equally frustrated.

They were mumbling now, cutting you out of their conversation as you tried to read the man’s lips. They were pretty. Pink and slightly wet, you guessed from the wine, glowing under the dim lighting of the room as he took the bottom one between his teeth and leaned over on the table behind him, dismissing the other woman, who stormed outside swiftly, almost hitting you with the way she so aggressively pushed the door.

You never considered yourself to be the meddling type of person, but the distressed look on the guy’s face had worried you just a tad, plus he looked like he could use some company. With a light grip, you turned the handle and entered the room, closing the door behind you as you looked at him without any emotion. The sound seemed to catch him off guard and he glanced at you as if he’d just opened some sort of mystery portal.

“Hi,” you uttered lowly.

“Hey,” his voice came out more like a hesitant whisper, as if he was scared to talk to you. “Sorry, is there anything I can help you with?”

“Just seemed like you could use someone to talk to after all that yelling,” you replied indifferently, chuckling to yourself when he cursed under his breath at your words.

“Shit — were we being too loud?”

“Not to the others. They’re too busy floating over their own heads to notice. Was that your girlfriend you were arguing with?” you asked curiously.

“Wife. I’m sorry, I don’t really see how that interests you, though.”

“Mm, scared she’s going to come back and see you talking to me, I get it. I’m just here to keep you some company…” you trailed off, waiting for him to reveal his name.

“Mitch. Mitch McDeere.”

Oh, so that was Mitch. He looked precisely how you’d imagined he would; handsome, powerful, a little bit like a polite jerk. His eyes were a truly mesmerizing shade of green that gleamed under the lights, matching the beauty of his lips. His hair was unusually gorgeous as well, falling off on top of his forehead in a non forced way. Suddenly, you realized you couldn’t really blame Nina after all.

“I’ve heard a lot about you. Everyone’s excited that you’re here, says that you’re a groundbreaking deal for the Firm.”

Mitch smirked proudly.

“Yeah? Did you follow me in here?”

You crossed your legs and pretended to think for a second. “Would you like the idea of that?”

“Where’s your husband?”

“Why are you so sure that I have one?”

“For the short period I’ve been in here, I haven’t seen you working anywhere and you’re too pretty to not be taken, so I’m guessing that you’re one of the wives. ‘Cause apparently there’s a no bachelors policy in this firm,” Mitch flirted, taking a few steps closer to you as he fixed a hand through his thick hair, looking deeply in your eyes.

“You’re good at guessing. You should do it for a living.” He snickered at your comment and allowed himself to admire your long, tan legs that were covered by the black stockings you wore.

“You haven’t told me your name yet,” Mitch left the unspoken question hang in the air, looking at you through his long lashes, the smirk still tugging at the corner of his lips.

“I’m sorry, I don’t really see how that interests you,” you mocked him, repeating the same words he did earlier as the heel of your covered foot nudged his ankle playfully. You traced the outline of your lips with the thin glass of wine you were holding, wetting it just enough to see his Adam’s apple bob. You tilted your head flirtatiously and gifted him a small smile, which he mirrored.

“Would you be kind enough to provide me with the information of why you’re not by your husband’s side right now, then?” Mitch tried again, pursing his lips as he tried to contain himself, resisting the urge to screw up everything.

“New chicks. You get bored with the same person everywhere around you, eventually.”

He pretended to be offended and shocked by your statement, placing a hand over his hammering heart as he inaudibly gasped.

“See now, I would never do anything even near that, considering that the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on gave me a chance in the first place. He sounds like a first class idiot.”

You hummed, impressed by how quickly you’d managed to charm him under your spell. His wife was long forgotten — you’d figured — so, probably, it’d be naive to ask him why she’d abandoned him with such anger and rush only a few moments ago. Nevertheless, you opted to do so, genuinely searching for more information about him and the stability of his marriage.

“What about you? Why did your wife leave?”

Mitch huffed, suddenly brought back into reality. The heaviness of his wedding ring on his finger felt unbearable at that point. “She’s, um… she wanted to leave, I wanted to stay. Go figure, I guess. She’s very strong minded about her decisions and that’s honestly one of the things I admire the most about her, but sometimes she drives me over the edge. It’s as if she prays every night for me to not find a stable work.”

“Oh.”

Their marriage didn’t seem to be in the honeymoon phase you’d imagined it would be. Maybe you could give it a try, push it a little further, test how far he’d go just on that one night. The chances of meeting him again were high — you were the wife of one of the lawyers, after all — you could just pretend to pay visits in order to leave him food, but your real intentions would be associated with Mitch.

How had it even gotten like that? You’d known the man for less than twenty-four hours, yet your mind had been consumed with the mesmerising colour of his glowing eyes and pretty pink lips. You wondered how they’d feel against yours, all soft, swollen and wet. Wondered if you would be able to taste the red wine on his tongue, chase the thin saliva string that would form after you’d pull away just to bite on his lip and pull it between your teeth. You weren’t even tipsy, but that seemed to play no groundbreaking role for the pooling heat that formed in between your legs as you squeezed your thighs together, letting your pinky finger graze the side of his knee.

As a lawyer, it was embarrassing for Mitch to admit to himself that he’d never felt so tongue tied before, so unable to use words in the right order. You got him weak just by being around him, your lingering fragrance stroking his nostrils tenderly as it wrapped him in a chokehold. You smelled unbelievably delicious, your dazzling choice of clothes showing off your body — God, what was he even supposed to do, how was he supposed to feel? It hadn’t even been ten minutes since Abby, his wife, had left. He knew he was making a terrible mistake by keep talking to you, but it wasn’t like he was able to do anything else.

Your inviting, big pupils were pulling him in, giving him no other option but to stare deeply at them, try to figure out more about you, get lost in your beauty. Mitch felt paralysed and useless. He’d barely even realised that he’d been leaning in unintentionally, itching achingly towards your lips.

“Abby,” he spoke out loud as a reminder to himself that his wife was still very much relevant.

“Right,” you dismissed disappointedly and got up from your seat on the desk, fixing your ridden up skirt while he stared, dazed by your movements.

“You’re going?”

“Husband might be looking for me and you’ve got Abby. I’ll see you around, pretty boy.” You left the indirect message linger in the atmosphere, along with the smell of your perfume as Mitch collapsed on the floor, mentally cursing himself. Not long after you left him, he abandoned the party that was more of a gathering, unable to take you off his mind as he drove back to the new home that the Firm had gifted him as a welcome abroad present. He noticed that Abby’s car was gone.

Didn’t even question it.

The living room was dark as he entered, heavy footsteps dragging across the carpet-covered floor. Hearsay, his dog, ran up to him excitedly. Mitch crouched down to pet him, smiling half-heartedly as the dog tickled his earlobe with his tongue. Abby was nowhere to be found.

Great, he thought, just great. She’d probably driven off to her parents as a warning of letting him know that when they fought earlier, she’d been dead serious about her opinion on his newfound job in the Firm. Mitch groaned as he got back up on his feet, throwing his black coat carelessly on the couch and getting out of his asphyxiating shoes. He unfastened the suspenders from the front, letting them fall over his shirt as his trousers now hung loosely around his hips. He also loosened his tie on his way to the bathroom. There was a small mirror over the sink that Mitch was scared to look into. His reflection seemed more like a ghost instead of an actual living person; bloodshot, exhausted eyes with bags under them, hair sticking on his forehead, nose pink from the cold. He looked almost dead.

The blanket weighed more than usual when Mitch got under it, lying alone in the bed, shivering. The worst part was that he didn’t even miss his wife. The only reason why he felt so crushingly lonely was because you couldn’t seem to be anywhere near him and it was killing him. How fucked was he — brain rotted by the short-lived ten minutes you spent with him in his office.

Hearsay jumped on the covers, fluffing the space that Abby usually took on the bed as he let out an exhale, resting his chin on Mitch’s stomach.

“What’s up boy? Feeling alone too?” he asked the dog, without expecting a response. “You know, I met someone unreal tonight. I think my mind’s playing games with me, because there’s just no way someone like her actually exists…” Mitch trailed off, reminiscing about your eyes.

He had a restless night, barely got any sleep at all.

Abby hadn’t contacted him in any way. Avery was driving him insane. And as for you… it’d been the longest eleven hours of his life until he finally caught you strolling down the corridors of the Firm, most likely looking for your husband.

Mitch’s breath was caught in his throat when his eyes locked on you, immediately forgetting all of the work he still had to finish. He hurried to catch you, almost tripping over a plant that stood next to the wall right outside of his office. You were yanked by him in the storage room, almost yelping out loud for help, but he placed his palm over your mouth to prevent you from doing anything stupid that could’ve given him away.

“Fuck’s sake — Mitch?! Is that you?” you whispered-yelled, fixing your hair as you removed his hand from your mouth.

“Hey,” he simply replied, as though he hadn’t just given you the fright of your life. “Thought I’d never see you again or something, I-I had to…”

“Had to what?”

“…Had to talk to you, I guess.”

You tried to hide the satisfied smirk from him, biting down on your bottom lip instead. He looked and sounded absolutely breathless, it was sending you over the edge. Neither of you knew how to continue, what to say next.

“Made up with your wife yet?” you opted for, hoping that no jealousy had surfaced in the question you just so shamelessly dropped.

“No, uh… I think she might want nothing to do with me for a while, I’m sort of used to it, it’s fine honestly. What about you, what brings you here?”

“See, unlike you, I’m an exceptional spouse,” you replied sarcastically, proudly waving a brown paper bag in front of his eyes with a note stuck on it. Mitch grabbed the little yellow piece of paper and read it out loud, all while trying to remain calm around your presence. His eyebrows furrowed at the ‘with love’ note. He balled it and slipped it into his pocket, instantly regretting how he’d just given himself away — easy like that.

“Cooked lunch for the guy who looks at chicks?”

“Hm, fine, I might’ve exaggerated only a little. I actually just brought him a sandwich that expired two days ago. He doesn’t have to know, though, it looks just fine and I doubt that work will allow him the time to check the date.”

Mitch chuckled in amusement, ogling you as the tight space of the room forced the two of you to squeeze closer and closer. He looked like a starving man, it was ridiculous to him how he was brought back into his teenage years, like seeing Abby walking down the halls with her friends for the first time all over again.

“I’ve… I have to finish my papers,” he exclaimed, all flustered and unable to make eye contact with you as he pushed himself through some discarded brooms and walked outside of the closet as if nothing had even happened.

The next time you saw him was shortly afterwards the rushed encounter in the storage room. Two partners from the Firm, Kozinski and Hodge, had died tragically in a car accident, according to Lamar. Your husband had been good friends with them, so you couldn’t miss the funeral, practically being forced to be there.

While the ceremonial speech was going, you searched for Mitch in the crowd, knowing that he’d be there. And you were right; he was standing in the back with who you remembered was the woman that had stormed out the same night you met him — Abby, his wife. She was tightly pressed against his side, one of his arms lazily draped around her waist as she rested her head against his chin. You looked at them zealously, subconsciously leaning more into your husband’s embrace, as if you wanted Mitch to look back at you and endure the same feelings you were going through in that moment.

It didn’t take him long to figure out that you’d been staring holes into his head for at least five minutes. He knew you weren’t fond of the way he held Abby around him, the jealousy in your eyes saying more than words ever could. He brought his lips down on his wife’s bright ginger hair, his eyes fixated upon your own while kissing her.

It turned you on; how much he teased you.

He was fully kissing her square on the mouth though, not anything too deep or hot, just a long-lasting peck, but his gaze was still locked on you. What was he even doing? Wouldn’t Abby notice?

“Babe, I need to go give my condolences to some of the partners, I’ll be right back,” your husband whispered in your ear as he gave you a quick kiss on the forehead, abandoning you once again just to give attention to the crying ladies without a man’s arm to rest against. He really thought you were that stupid, didn’t he. You’d stopped beating up yourself for his naivety a long time ago.

Out of the blue, you felt a hand on your shoulder.

You jerked away from it in overdramatic shock, but relaxed when you realised it was just Mitch. Nevertheless, you felt uneasy by the fact that he was meeting you in the middle of a public place, where everybody could see how pink your cheeks had turned just because of the warmth his hand provided on your arm for the short second he touched you. You were about to speak when he put this index finger over his lips, signalling you to not utter the slightest word. His nose was just as reddish as your cheeks had grown to his presence. His hand wrapped around yours, like a ghost touch as you urgently followed him in a place, hiding behind a melancholic dead tree.

“Wanted to see you,” Mitch breathed lowly as he let a visible puff of air hit your face with warmth through the freezing atmosphere around you.

“That excuse is getting old,” you mumbled back.

“What do you want me to say, then?” You didn’t respond, frankly, because you didn’t know if the question he asked you even had an answer. “You look beautiful. Have I told you that already?”

“You have not.”

“Well, you do. It’s a double fucking funeral and all I can think about is how stunning you look amongst all the other dull people that have attended.”

“Is your wife one of them?”

You knew you were pushing it with the sarcastic remarks, but Mitch never seemed to get any defensive whenever Abby slid into the rude parts of your conversations. That alone should’ve been a massive warning for him to run as fast and far away from you as possible — yet he couldn’t.

“I can’t — fuck. I don’t even know what to say whenever you’re around, you take all my Harvard Law courses’ privileges away from me.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that… I don’t know.”

Mitch felt fragile, vulnerable. He’d never been more breathless around a woman before, or any person, for that matter. He moved closer, hands shoved into his coat’s large pockets, leaning in. He pulled away before his breath could even hit your face, instantly regretting his actions.

“What are you—” Mitch shut you up, burying his head into your thick hair as he closed his eyes, letting himself breathe into your perfume. His freezing cheek rubbed against yours, eyes fluttering shut as his body pressed flushed over yours, covered by at least three layers of clothes.

“Who the fuck are you, huh?” he murmured against your hair, his hands shyly shaking as he placed them on your hips. You hummed and tugged at his wrists, unsure whether you wanted to remove them from touching you, or press them firmer into your coat, even under it, until you could finally get to feel how his fingertips would be like while grazing the goosebumps he gave you every time he had that look. It wasn’t even like you’d met him for more than two times. You didn’t know anything about him, not even the basics and the same could be said about him.

“Oh, Mitch, come on. Really? At a funeral? You want to fuck me in a fucking funeral, which may I remind you, your wife is also attending?” you teased, not allowing yourself to give away how weak he had you feeling under the slightest touch of his hands on your clothed body.

“You don’t get to do this to me.”

“But you do? You get to bend me over against this very tree at the risk of some old shit from the Firm catching you — or worse, Abby catching you? You have some sort of dirty fantasy, Mitch?”

“Don’t say my name,” he ordered with a hoarse voice, pulling away from you as if you were made out of acid, as if he’d only just realized how much damage you were doing to him. “Who are you?”

“Who am I?” you repeated the question and he nodded, shoving his hands back into his pockets. You scoffed with a suggestive chuckle. “You want to know what exactly? My name, how old I am? Because I don’t think that excites you, Mitch. I think you like that you know so little of me, it turns you on, because it’s something you haven’t grown accustomed to. No, Abby… she’s quite predictable, isn’t she? High school sweethearts, I assume. Stole your heart and then a few years later you realize how much of a big mistake you made by marrying her at such an immature age.”

“You don’t know anything about me and my life.”

“But I do. See, I’ve got you figured out already. What, are you going to say to me that I’m wrong? Well, go on, be my guest. You know that I’m right. She doesn’t really let you fuck her at home, does she? Look at you, so young, constantly turned on…” you slowly took a few steps forward, coming dangerously close to his lips as the hot puffs of air both of you breathed under the worsening weather, “…she’s playing no attention to you.”

Mitch didn’t know what was happening, his brain preoccupied with too many things all at once. Before he could say anything to you — deny every accusation about his failing marriage — you were gone with the wind and he was standing there like a complete idiot, until he noticed Abby coming back to look for him with the corner of his eye.

Later that night, she finally felt like doing something spontaneous in bed besides reading her book, but Mitch didn’t even consider participating. Instead, he rolled off to his side, pretending to be asleep as he thought of the way you’d touched and confronted him earlier.

───

He admitted to himself that he was a lost cause only a couple of weeks later. You kept passing by or outside of his office, mostly as an excuse to tease and mess with his head, and he wasn’t having any of it. You’d been on his mind every second of the day, even while studying for the bar exams that were critical for his career. Fail and you can kiss goodbye the BMW, they’d said.

But how could he possibly concentrate every time he caught side of your long legs, delicately dressed in black opaque stockings, your thighs squeezed into short pencil shirts that had his hand itching not to move from his desk. Mitch was a dead man. He was also only twenty-five with a very unsatisfied high sex drive that Abby couldn’t fulfill to take advantage of late at night.

No, instead, he had to live with his sad fantasies.

Fantasies about what he wanted to do to you, how he’d kiss you for the first time, tangle his fingers into your hair, help your hands down his pants, feel your sexy legs that drove him crazy.

He’d found out your name, eventually, but only because he asked poor, unsuspecting Avery about it during lunch one day, in complete secrecy and confidentiality during their trip.

Nevertheless, he’d found out stuff about the Firm on that very vacation, which caused him to spend more nights at his office until late, investigating. Abby was not thrilled, but he couldn’t care less.

Neither did you care at all about your husband, who was seated right in front of you in his office, checking some papers. You’d come again just to play with Mitch’s remaining patience, thinking that you had it in yourself to bare another boring, one-sided conversation with your husband, but you were proven otherwise, seeing as he barely even acknowledged your presence.

“You know this new guy, McDeere?” the question was dropped out of the blue, having you pretending to be indifferent. Your palm was supporting your cheek as you looked around the room, knowing that your husband didn’t even turn to look at you when you asked about another man — especially Mitch. He simply nodded, not caring enough to respond. “What do you think of him? Avery and Lamar seem to be impressed.”

“Don’t know, seems like a tough worker, has got potential to go places, I guess. Haven’t had an opportunity to talk to him, but everyone admires how seriously he’s taken his job. Oh speaking of, Locke wanted me to pass him some papers. Think you can be a dear and stroll by his office?”

So eager to get you out of his face, he wasn’t even hiding it. You snatched the papers out of his hand and left without a world, tugging the black skirt you wore upper around your waist, just so you could see the satisfying panic in Mitch’s face.

“Nina, is Mr. McDeere in his office? I’d like to—”

The words got caught in your throat as you saw Abby walking out, this time calmly and with no sight of anger on her face. You didn’t know what specifically made your stomach turn upside down at the realization that she might’ve come there just to see her working husband, whom see so little got the chance to have at home. That was what married couples did, anyway. You cleared your throat and hesitantly knocked on his door.

“Come in.”

There he was, face buried into paperwork, his coat taken off. He was just in a white shirt and maroon suspenders, that in your opinion, made him look gorgeous, besides them mostly being a clothing item option for much older gentleman. The clicks from your high heels hitting against the marble floor echoed in the small of his office as you closed the door and tried to swallow the fact that it hadn’t even been a minute since you saw Abby leaving. Your eyes unintentionally scanned him from head to toe; was his hair messy, did he breathe normally, face flushed and sweaty?

None of the above. Nevertheless, your lips betrayed your mind as they spoke the question that your logic didn’t dare to even let you think.

“Finally fucked your wife, Mitch?”

He looked up from the rather large binder he had in his hands, eyes fixed on you as if you’d just offended him. “How’s that any of your business?”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly know. Perhaps you told her about the way you approached me at the funeral less than a week ago — or am I mistaken and you’re back in love with her?”

You didn’t know where all the spite and bitterness in your voice were coming from. You wandered back and forth in the room for a second, opting to ignore how intently he was staring at you, only because you knew that it needed just one glance from him to have you weak in the knees. Exactly like the way he looked at you back at the funeral.

“Well, again, not that it’s any of your concern, but she just came by to say to me that she needs to go to her parents, run some tests for her mother. You seem to be awfully upset, though.” Mitch’s tone was cool and sharp, he was annoyed.

“Mm, so you didn’t fuck her then.” The last bit of his observation was spiraling into your brain, yet you decided not to give out any rights and just chose to saw ignorance. The saliva in your mouth was almost dry, making it harder and harder for you to swallow, throat clenching tightly as you gently rubbed it with your index fingers.

“I don’t think I’m in a place to get criticism by someone who hasn’t been fucked either in a long period of time. ‘Cause, I mean, come on, who do you think you’re fooling?”

You felt sweat form in the back of your head, why had it gotten so hot all of sudden? “Locke wants you to have these papers,” you changed the subject, avoiding to talk about your marriage. You handed him the folder and stood in front of him with crossed arms, as if you expected something.

“You can go, now, I’m very busy,” he dismissed.

“Busy fisting yourself under the desk while everyone else thinks you’re so fucking hardworking?” you pushed, voice firm.

“I think your husband needs you.”

“And I think that your wife needs you.”

Mitch closed the binder rather abruptly and loud as he glared right into your soul. “Go back home.”

“To do what? Cook him some nice, warm dinner? Clean the house? Run him a hot bath? Is that what Abby does for you when you return home?”

“Do whatever the fuck you want, just get out of here!” he yelled, instantly regretting it, because of Nina outside. He hoped she wouldn’t ask any questions. Then, he turned back to look at you, his bottom lip trembling slightly from the anger as you looked at him with matching frustration, eyes burning. His hands had formed into fists and he slammed them on his desk as you stormed out of his office. You made him lose control over everything, as it seemed. He wasn’t used to being around such a strong and dominant personality, secretly adored the way you always had a comeback for everything, insulting him, making him feel worthless and unimportant, whereas everyone else kept praising him for all the little things he did. He liked being challenged.

But, as expected, he’d screwed up again.

───

You were in the car with your husband, ready to finally go back home. It’d gotten just ten minutes before midnight and the only three people remaining in the Firm were you, him and Mitch. He’d given Mitch the keys, entrusted him to lock after he was done with work, as all sorts of variations about what Mitch would do alone in such a huge building crossed your mind. The poor man was just working his ass off, yet your twisted brain pictured him jerking off under his desk, just like you’d accused him for only a few moments earlier. Just the thought was enough to get you going, all warm and wet as you eventually managed to get your husband to make out with you for less than five minutes in his office, right after you left Mitch’s office from the fight.

“I need to go back to the building, I think that I left my coat at my office,” your husband spoke, snapping you out of your thoughts as you stopped mid-chewing on your fingernail.

“No need to get up, I’ll go fetch it real quick.”

Real quick was just a saying, you laughed a little in your head, knowing exactly why you’d offered to go back inside. You were sure that Mitch was still there, beating himself up over the bar exam. Your suspicions were right, your eyes caught him biting on the cap of his yellow Bic pen, fingers toying with the thin skeleton of his brown glasses.

Those were a new accessory, you noticed, thighs subconsciously squeezing between your asphyxiating skirt at the sight of him. You thought he looked gorgeous; with or without them. But you’d be lying if you didn’t admit to yourself that you wanted to walk into his office and fuck the anxiety out of his system — glasses stay on.

For a brief moment, you contemplated whether speaking to him was a good idea, but your cold stance prevented you from doing so, heart squeezing uncomfortably in your chest as you walked hurriedly into your husband’s office to get his coat, so many words bubbling up in your throat and dying there the very same moment as your stilettos hit the floor with anger. The image of Mitch was still getting you high as you took a deep inhale, entering the car and hoping you didn’t look as shaken as you felt. Your husband’s ignorance was on your side that night, for once.

At home, he didn’t even care to talk you to. He plopped into your shared bed, sinking under the covers and announcing aloof (and half asleep) that the following day he had to leave early for a business trip that Lambert had planned for him. You sighed, turning the page of your book as the sound echoed into the room — as if it was empty. You couldn’t even say much, didn’t feel curious. You knew that whenever he had to go on one of those so called businesses trips, his only concern was how to enchant the tropical women under his charm, cheat on you repeatedly and then return just to crash in bed all night long, forcing you to a restless slumber because of his inconvenient snoring. You could seize the opportunity to approach Mitch, you thought during reading the seventh chapter. He’d told you that Abby was gone, so that meant no obstacles in the way.

But he was pissed at you.

Except…

Except he really wasn’t. The following day came and since you had no husband to pay a visit to in the Firm, you’d chosen to stay at the comfort of your house, getting warm under the covers while reading your book, watching TV and… thinking about Mitch in the most inappropriate ways.

He’d been worried, disappointed too, but mostly worried, because he’d grown accustomed to you passing by his office every day. You weren’t there that day, though, no sight of you. No sight of your husband either — but he couldn’t really see himself concerned about the last bit. He’d asked both Avery and Nina about your disappearance, hoping that he didn’t come off as too urgent, that they were moronic enough to wave off the way his voice was a tad squeakier than usual. Mitch felt like he’d fucked up big time. Mostly because he blamed his own self for your lack of presence in the Firm; thought that he’d been to direct with you the other night, too strong-worded.

“Fuck,” he cursed breathlessly, shoving the stack of binders off his desk as he fell back into the chair. He should’ve been missing Abby for being away again, he should’ve felt guilty that she had gone to her parents for once more as a warning that his own disinterest in her had caused, but no, instead he was restlessly crashing his soul about a woman that he barely knew, that had such a strong chokehold around him. Mitch felt unsure.

He was also very oblivious, even though that was a rare occurrence. He’d missed the way Nina, his assistant, had a knowing smirk growing in her face as he stupidly asked her for the third time that day if she knew your whereabouts. Of course, you and Nina had a history. She’d been your husband’s secretary for ages before Mitch came, was very fond of the way you treated her and considered you like one of her closest friends.

The house felt just as empty as it felt whenever your husband existed in it. The corridors were cold against your feet as you walked into the bedroom, having just taken a steaming shower. You sat by the end of the bed as you spread a coconut body lotion on your legs, mind preoccupied with a certain lawyer that had recently become the bane of your thoughts. You hummed as the chilly cream made contact with your legs, wondering how Mitch would be looking at you if he was in the room. It was no secret that he appreciated long, tan legs, after all.

The telephone unexpectedly rang in the living room, interrupting your train of dirty scenarios, causing you to jump a little, startled by the sound. You sighed in annoyance and dragged your feet lazily across the room, yawning as you picked up the call. “Hello?”

“Good afternoon, Miss. It’s Nina Huff, from Mr. McDeere’s office. I hope I did the right thing and call you,” the older woman spoke from the other line. Nina? Why was Nina calling you in the first place, you wondered, brain not functioning fully.

“Anything happened, Nina?”

“Mr. McDeere has been asking about you. I mean, where you are, of course. I thought that it might tickle your interest to know.”

You took a moment, taken aback by her statement. It wasn’t as though you didn’t know that Mitch would question your sudden absence, but you certainly did not expect him to go around asking others in the Firm about you. The information made your heart melt just a little, eyes softening for a second as you pictured the worry in his eyes; not the one from you not having visited, but the one from being paralysingly terrified of anyone figuring out his feelings.

“Thanks for letting me know, Nina,” you replied kindly to the woman as you removed the phone from your ear with a smile on your face that was wide enough to have your stretched lips hurting.

───

The rain was pouring outside, windows foggy as Mitch found himself buried in paperwork once again. He was determined to become the youngest partner; he’d convinced himself, yet his body stood obstacle to achieving the goal, seeing as every inch and cell of him was covered in anticipation; where were you? Had he hurt you?

Voices from the fight still played non stop inside his head, overanalyzing his tone and choice of words. You were pissed at him, he’d concluded. He was livid at you as well, his mind wanted to believe. No — he didn’t care. He needed a glass of the old, cheap cognac that the Firm offered. He poured the drink into an expensive, patterned glass and brought it to his lips, inhaling the scent of the alcohol before slithering it down his throat. It burnt; matched perfectly with the confusion of his feelings, the incapability of handling such a simple situation by just clearing things out. He thought he was hallucinating when he suddenly noticed you leaning against the doorframe, dressed in all black with your usual signature pencil skirt showing off your legs just the way he’d been thinking about only a few minutes ago.

“I’ve heard that you missed me,” you mumbled seductively, tilting your head with a playful grin spreading against your lips as you scanned his every move and reaction. He seemed intact.

“From who, shall I ask?” he asked, fingers wrapping securely around the glass of cognac he was holding, looking at you with no emotion. He needed to conceal exactly how desperate he’d been to see you all day, hide back the leaps of his beating heart as your appearance started to feel more and more real to him — maybe not a hallucination after all.

“None of your concern.”

“Hm. Either way, your resources have been mistaken. I’ve been particularly busy all day.”

You didn’t believe a thing of the bullshit he gave you, but decided to play along to his game regardless. He wanted a tough time? That was what he’d get, then, you decided. You brought yourself dangerously closer to him, head leaning down as you pretended to smell the alcoholic beverage he was holding, hand wrapping around his own as you wrapped your lips around the base of the glass and took a sip, eyes fixated on his dilated, bright green ones.

“Busy turning your knuckles white by jerking off again? My god, this Abby woman needs to return home and give you some attention already,” you teased, taking notes of how his breath instantly hitched at the mention of his wife’s name. It went beyond you how she had a husband like Mitch at home and didn’t fuck his brains out every passing second of the day. You were even jealous that she got to call him her own, that the stupid ring decorating her finger was a symbol of his love for her and how he’d promised to be with her in sickness and health. You hated promises, always thought they were the most pretentious thing in the world. Out of seven billion people in the planet, you reckoned that maybe a humble 5% could keep a promise. “And how disappointing… Drinking at work, McDeere? It hasn’t even been a month since you got a job here.”

Mitch slammed the glass on his desk, grasping your wrist and firmly squeezing the pads of his fingers around it as he dragged you out of his office without warning and in swift movements.

“I want to show you something,” was the only explanation he gave. You reached the library, one of your personally favourite rooms of the Firm. It was always so dark, even with the lights on, no windows in it as thousands of books that were stacked in the shelves garnished the walls. There was also a huge, long table with small antique lamps right in the middle, the table that Mitch had sat on during his first day at work, feeling like he owned the place. It was his favourite part of the Firm, as well, loved how silent it was. How he could get lost in his thoughts in there.

He gave you a look that you couldn’t really read, something between ‘I regret where this is going already’ and ‘it’s now or never’. Your mind was buzzing, heart clenching into your rib cage as Mitch rushed to the door, twisting the key and locking it. The sound echoed in the entire room, covering the sharp inhale that he took, right before approaching you again, hands unable to find a place to stay steady in.

“What are you doing?” you asked, even though you’d already gotten a blurry idea. Mitch was dragging you by the hand again, and before you knew it, you were pressed against the table, until he quickly let go of you to sit on the chair. You glanced at him without speaking, admiring how he managed to pull off the dark circles under his eyes like some sort of expensive accessory.

“Where were you all day?”

“Missed me?”

“No,” his reply was quick and certain. Almost as though he hadn’t been picturing himself bending you over in every corner of the Firm, placing his hands on your outer thighs and caressing the curves, before gently stripping that fucking skirt that you wore and knew drove him mad. You innocently walked up to him, sitting on top of the table and crossing your legs as you reached for his arm, running your fingers up and down the length of it. Mitch was looking at you like he would burst if you kept touching him, explode into a million pieces, completely disappear.

His eyes fluttered shut when you uncrossed your legs, the skirt riding up on your thighs as you gave him a revealing view of your black lace underwear that he’d been dying to take off since the day he met you. He shook his head and sank it into his hands, not knowing whether he wanted to go on with this. That was mostly why he’d locked the door; because he didn’t trust himself enough to not run out and never deal with the consequences of his actions. But he wanted you, wanted you more than he’d ever wanted any other woman before, and he needed to know if you felt the same way about him as well. It drove him out of control, made the logic in his system vanish into thin air — and Mitch loved every second.

“They don’t have to find out, you know,” you suggested softly, moving just an inch closer. The distance was seemingly still there, torturing the two of you the more you invaded each other’s personal space. Distance that made him afraid of what would happen in case the adrenaline in his veins challenged him just the right amount. They don’t have to find out. A nervous feeling wrecked his stomach, feeling weak the more he looked at you. Mitch wanted you, he wanted every inch of you, every curve, every patch of skin under his fingertips. His heart felt as though it would flip, hammer out of his chest and kill him — and he honestly wished that something similar could happen and get him out of whatever situation he had gotten himself into.

“I can’t do this,” he muttered under his breath.

“Oh, come on, Mitch,” you watched the way his Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat, feeling a familiar warmth pool between your legs. Everything about your movements, the place you’d chosen to sit and even your unsteady breath was giving him a hard, really hard, time to focus, to remember his own name. Fuck it.

There was silence for a moment, allowing the rain from outside to be heard as both of you stood in the middle of an empty, dark room, contemplating. You recrossed your legs and began toying with the end of his maroon, striped tie, not caring how sweaty it made him; the way your thin, long fingers made small circles on top of it suggestively, rubbing the material softly.

Run for your life, Mitch thought, but his mouth spoke before his logic could. “You’ve never left my mind once ever since you talked to me.”

His words had you melting. “Then do something about it.” Run, run, run, run. It’s not too late. His chin started to tilt towards yours, lips parted.

“I want to know what it feels like,” he whispered. Mitch was going to kiss you, and it was so wrong, and so was how badly your wanted him to… But he pulled away abruptly, before you could even realise what was happening. You sighed in frustration, missing the way he stood, paralysed.

“You’re so fucking scared.”

Excuse me? Mitch cocked his head to the side, still dizzy from your magnifying perfume.

“Scared of what?”

“Scared of doing what your heart tells you to do. What your dick tells you to do. You want to kiss me so bad, but you can’t, because you’re scared that miss goody-two-shoes will find out and do what exactly? Divorce you? You’re better off without her, in any case.” Before you could finish every other thing that you wanted to say, you were suddenly thrown back into the table, wrists trapped and pinned over your head as his shaky hands held them down forcefully. There he was.

“I can kiss you any time and any way I want,” he ordered with a hoarse voice, his breath hitting against your plumped mouth as his eyes stared into your glowing ones. You wanted to smile; you’d officially pushed all of his buttons down, you’d made him weak to the core. Mitch was at your complete mercy, had you wanted him.

“Then do it.”

And without a second thought, he did. His stomach pressed against your as he heaved over you, kissing you feverishly. Your hands escaped from his grasp and you locked them around his neck, kissing him back, showing him how it was meant to be. You could feel his thumping heart against your own hammering one, knowing that he enjoyed this just as much as you did, that he’d been thinking about it for as long as you did.

His tongue slid over your teeth, teasing the roof of your mouth as his shaky body mercilessly enhanced the friction between your burning desires. Neither you nor Mitch had ever experienced such a kiss, such an agony and carnal need for each other. So many unspoken feelings and confessions hung in the air as you tried to express them through a simple kiss.

No one will ever know.

FIN.

for my favourite person @honeymvnt 𝜗𝜚

[pagebypagereviews]

In the high-stakes world of legal thrillers, few authors have captured the relentless ambition and moral complexities of the legal profession as vividly as John Grisham. His latest offering, *The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series Book 2)*, thrusts readers back into the cutthroat environment of corporate law, reviving the thrilling narrative of Mitch McDeere's tumultuous career. This sequel takes us beyond the gripping events of *The Firm*, exploring the aftermath of McDeere's perilous stand against corruption and how it reshapes his life and legal trajectory, keeping readers on the edge with each turn of the page. More than just a continuation, *The Exchange* delves deeply into the personal and professional dilemmas that McDeere faces, providing a nuanced examination of the sacrifices made in pursuit of justice and success. This book emerges not only as a compelling legal drama but also as a profound commentary on the ethical quandaries inherent in high-powered legal practice. By addressing the challenges of staying ethically grounded in a world rife with temptation and deceit, Grisham offers readers a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining, reaffirming his status as a master storyteller in the legal thriller genre. ## Plot The plot of "The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series Book 2)" is an intricately woven narrative that builds on the high-paced legal drama established in its predecessor, "The Firm." The story picks up years after Mitch McDeere’s explosive escape from the Morolto crime family and the corrupt law firm Bendini, Lambert & Locke. Now a prominent player in the world of global law, Mitch finds himself embroiled in a new set of challenges that test his moral and ethical boundaries. The narrative expertly oscillates between courtroom drama and tense action sequences, ensuring that readers are consistently engaged. A notable aspect of the plot is its unexpected twists and turns, often revealing hidden alliances and deep-seated corruption that complicate Mitch's quest for justice. ## Characters John Grisham excels in creating multi-dimensional characters who evoke empathy, suspicion, and admiration in equal measures. Mitch McDeere remains the central figure, his character arc reflecting significant growth since the events of "The Firm." His new role as a senior partner at a prestigious law firm showcases his development from a fledgling attorney to a seasoned lawyer aware of the intricacies of the legal world. Abby McDeere, Mitch's wife, also takes on a more prominent role, emphasizing the stability she provides amid the chaos of their lives. Not to be overlooked are the antagonists, who Grisham adeptly crafts as both menacing and complex. Their motivations and backstories add layers to the conflict, making the battle between Mitch and his adversaries more than a simple good versus evil dichotomy. ## Writing Style Grisham’s writing style remains as captivating as ever, characterized by brisk pacing, sharp dialogues, and meticulous attention to detail. The descriptive language used to outline courtroom environments and legal proceedings immerses readers fully into the world of high-stakes law. Grisham’s ability to manage multiple plot threads without overwhelming the reader demonstrates his masterful control over narrative structure. The chapters are often short and punchy, a trademark of Grisham’s, ensuring that the story maintains momentum and urgency. His clear, concise prose makes complex legal terminology accessible, highlighting his skill in marrying technical accuracy with readability. ## Setting The setting of "The Exchange: After The Firm" is both varied and vividly described, enhancing the reader’s immersion in the story. While much of the action unfolds in major cities like New York and Washington D.C., the narrative also ventures into international territories, reflecting Mitch’s expanded professional landscape. Courtrooms, corporate offices, high-end restaurants, and clandestine meeting spots are depicted with a realist’s eye for detail.

These locales aren’t just backdrops but integral elements that shape the narrative and influence character behavior. The juxtaposition of opulent law firms against run-down urban areas underscores the socio-economic disparities at play, further enriching the story’s thematic depth. ## Unique Aspects Several unique aspects set "The Exchange: After The Firm" apart from typical legal thrillers. One notable innovation is the deep dive into global legal practices, providing a fresh perspective on the legal thriller genre. Mitch’s interactions with international clients and legal systems underscore the intricacies of cross-jurisdictional law, adding a novel dimension to the narrative. Furthermore, the book subtly addresses contemporary issues such as corporate espionage, systemic corruption, and the ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers in their pursuit of justice. These themes resonate with modern readers, offering more than just a thrilling ride but also a probing look at the moral quandaries intrinsic to the legal profession. Similar to The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series Book 2) Book Review Section Content Pros Engaging Plot: Grabs the reader’s attention with suspenseful situations and well-executed story arcs. Character Development: Characters are fleshed out, making them relatable and complex, enhancing reader engagement. Fast-paced Narrative: Keeps the reader hooked with swift yet coherent transitions between scenes. Legal Intrigue: Deep insight into the legal world, which appeals to fans of legal thrillers. Strong Sequel: Builds effectively on the foundation established in the first book, providing continuity and depth to returning readers. Cons Pacing Issues: Some sections may feel rushed, potentially leaving the reader wanting more detail. Complex Legal Terminology: Heavy use of legal jargon might be confusing to readers who are unfamiliar with legal terms. Predictable Elements: Certain plot developments could be foreseen early by avid readers of the genre, reducing suspense. Character Continuity: May require reading the previous book to fully understand some character backstories and motives. Limited Appeal: The heavy focus on legal aspects might not attract readers who prefer different genres or themes. Book Synopsis "The Exchange: After The Firm" is the highly anticipated sequel to the bestseller "The Firm" by John Grisham. The book continues the saga of Mitch McDeere, who is now a successful lawyer navigating new challenges. With thrilling legal drama, intense action, and compelling character development, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Critical Reviews and Ratings When considering "The Exchange: After The Firm," examine both professional and customer reviews. Professional reviews provide expert insight, while customer reviews offer firsthand accounts of reading experiences. Pay attention to common themes, such as plot coherence, character depth, and engagement levels. Look for consistent high ratings as an indicator of overall quality. Author's Background John Grisham is a renowned author known for his legal thrillers. Understanding his background helps assess the book's potential. Grisham's extensive experience as a lawyer imbues his narratives with authenticity and realism. His established reputation adds credibility, making his books a trustworthy choice for fans of the genre. Genre and Themes Identify if the genre aligns with your interests. "The Exchange: After The Firm" is categorized as a legal thriller, filled with courtroom drama, ethical dilemmas, and suspense. Evaluate if these themes captivate you, as enjoyment often correlates with personal preferences for certain genres or plot elements. Series Continuity Consider if you have read the first book, "The Firm." This series follows a continuous narrative, so having context from the first book can enhance understanding and appreciation of the sequel. If you haven't read "The Firm," it might be beneficial to start with it before diving into "The Exchange: After The Firm."

Book Edition and Formats "The Exchange: After The Firm" is available in various formats including hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook. Decide on the format that suits your reading habits. Hardcover editions are durable, paperbacks are portable, eBooks are convenient for digital devices, and audiobooks are perfect for multitasking or travel. Price Comparison Price is a significant factor in the buying decision. Compare prices across different platforms such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores. Additionally, look for discounts or bundle deals, especially if you plan to purchase both books in the series. This ensures you get the best value for your money. Publication Date Take into account the publication date. Newer releases might come with pre-order benefits or limited edition offers. On the other hand, waiting for some time post-release can sometimes lead to price drops or availability of used copies at a discounted rate. Availability Check the book’s availability in your preferred format and store. Sometimes popular books can be out of stock, and knowing the restock dates or alternate buying options is helpful. Libraries also offer borrowing options if purchasing is not a priority. Additional Resources Utilize preview features available on platforms like Amazon’s "Look Inside" or Google Books to read a sample before purchasing. This sneak peek helps gauge your interest in the writing style and story. Online forums, book clubs, and literary groups can also provide additional opinions and discussions that might influence your decision. ```html FAQ What is "The Exchange: After The Firm" about? "The Exchange: After The Firm" is the second book in The Firm Series by the author John Grisham. It continues the story of Mitch McDeere, who brought down the corrupt law firm Bendini, Lambert, & Locke in the first book. In this sequel, Mitch and his wife Abby are navigating their new lives while contending with fresh challenges and dangers. Do I need to read "The Firm" before reading "The Exchange: After The Firm"? While "The Exchange: After The Firm" can be read as a standalone novel, it would be beneficial to read "The Firm" first to fully understand the background and development of the characters and plotline, especially since the sequel builds on events from the first book. Who are the main characters in "The Exchange: After The Firm"? The main characters in "The Exchange: After The Firm" include Mitch McDeere, the protagonist lawyer who dismantled a corrupt law firm in the first book, and his wife Abby McDeere. New characters and antagonists are also introduced as the plot unfolds. What genre does "The Exchange: After The Firm" fall under? "The Exchange: After The Firm" is a legal thriller, combining elements of suspense, drama, and legal intrigue. It offers a deep dive into the complexities of law and justice, reflective of John Grisham's signature style. How does the sequel compare to the first book in terms of pacing and suspense? Many readers find that "The Exchange: After The Firm" maintains a similar level of pacing and suspense as "The Firm." The sequel continues to offer gripping scenes and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged till the end. Are there any major themes explored in "The Exchange: After The Firm"? The major themes in "The Exchange: After The Firm" include justice, corruption, personal integrity, and the impact of past actions on the present. The story also delves into the challenges of starting over and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. Is "The Exchange: After The Firm" suitable for all age groups? Like many of John Grisham's novels, "The Exchange: After The Firm" is best suited for adults and mature teens due to its complex themes, legal jargon, and occasionally intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised for younger readers. ``` In conclusion, **The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series Book 2)** is a must-read for those who crave an exhilarating blend of legal drama and high-stakes intrigue.

John Grisham masterfully crafts a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, seamlessly blending tension with well-timed plot twists. The book doesn’t just continue the legacy of its predecessor, The Firm, but magnifies the stakes, introducing deeper character developments and richer subplots. Ideal for fans of legal thrillers, this sequel provides immersive storytelling and valuable insights into the complexities of the legal world. Its fast-paced, intelligent prose ensures that readers will find it hard to put down, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf. If you're seeking a gripping, thought-provoking read, **The Exchange: After The Firm** is an exceptional choice, elevating the standard for sequels in any genre. Other The Exchange: After The Firm (The Firm Series Book 2) Book Review buying options

[monriatitans]

The Neverending Reading List: Book XXXII

The Firm by John Grisham

“L.A. Law” meets The Godfather in the most gripping legal thriller of the year

Mitchell Y. McDeere has worked hard to get where he is: third in his class at Harvard Law. Aggressively recruited by all the top firms, and initially headed for Wall Street, Mitch surprises everyone by joining Bendini, Lambert & Locke, a very private, very rich tax firm in Memphis. Mitch and his wife Abby move to Tennessee and quickly settle into their new life: they’re young, happy, and on the fast track. Or so they think.   Soon, though, Mitch senses trouble: two of the partners die in a suspicious diving accident off Grand Canyon; the firm’s management is overly proud of the fact no one has ever resigned; and security measures at the firm are—even for a company with billionaire clients—more than a little stringent. Then, suddenly, Mitch’s vague suspicions come to life. While eating alone at a nearby diner, he is approached by a man named Tarrance who claims to be with the FBI. Tarrance tells Mitch that the firm’s “security” people have bugged his phone, his house, and probably his car; that he is in great danger and should be extremely careful; that he cannot tell a soul of their meeting; and that the FBI will contact him again soon. Then he is gone.   In subsequent meetings with Tarrance, Mitch is told that the FBI has been studying Bendini, Lambert & Locke for years, and that while they have a few legitimate clients, they are most assuredly not a law firm. When Mitch learns what they really are, he is at first shocked, then frightened; when he learns what they really do, and how they do it, he is terrified. And when Tarrance tells him the FBI needs an informant inside the firm, he realizes he’s trapped: the FBI will bust him if he doesn’t cooperate, and the firm will kill him if he does. There’s no way out.   Or is there?   Blending the suspense of Ken Follett with the legal intrigue of Scott Turow, this is one of those rare novels that grab you on page one and simply cannot be put down.

—

John Grisham is a criminal defense attorney in Mississippi. A graduate of Mississippi State University and Ole Miss Law School, he has also served two terms in the Mississippi House of Representatives. An avid college baseball fan, he lives with his wife and two children on a farm near Oxford, where he is at work on a new novel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Interested? Snag the book real quick here! For the curious, the purpose of The Neverending Reading List series can be found here! This was, initially, posted on Instagram; check it out here! Like what you see? Click here and/or the Follow button to subscribe for updates! For more about MonriaTitans, click here! Watch MonriaTitans on Twitch and YouTube! Please consider supporting through Support/Tip page!

[ahmedmahfuz870-blog]

1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER John Grisham delivers high-flying international suspense in a stunning new legal thriller that marks the return of Mitch McDeere, the brilliant hero of The Firm.

What became of Mitch and Abby McDeere after they exposed the crimes of Memphis law firm Bendini, Lambert & Locke and fled the country? The answer is in The Exchange, the riveting sequel to The Firm, the blockbuster thriller that launched the career of America’s favorite storyteller. It is now fifteen years later, and Mitch and Abby are living in Manhattan, where Mitch is a partner at the largest law firm in the world. When a mentor in Rome asks him for a favor that will take him far from home, Mitch finds himself at the center of a sinister plot that has worldwide implications—and once again endangers his colleagues, friends, and family. Mitch has become a master at staying one step ahead of his adversaries, but this time there’s nowhere to hide.

[noisynutcrusade]

The Exchange: After The Firm

Price: (as of – Details) #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • John Grisham delivers high-flying international suspense in a stunning new legal thriller that marks the return of Mitch McDeere, the brilliant hero of The Firm. What became of Mitch and Abby McDeere after they exposed the crimes of Memphis law firm Bendini, Lambert & Locke and fled the country? The answer is in The Exchange, the riveting…

[dsharma-world]

The Firm

The Firm by John Grisham

The novel titled The Firm by a popular author John Grisham is a legal thriller portraying the characters Mitch McDecree and Abby McDecree. Mitch, a third-year Harvard Law student is trapped with his beautiful wife Abby Mc Decree after accepting the most prestigious and lucrative offer by the Memphis tax firm of Bendini, Lambert and Locke. The story of the book outlines the inner workings of the…

[adgridley]

🎥🍣Movie Sushi - The Firm

Mitch McDeere starts work for small, Memphis law firm: Bendini, Lambert and Locke. When he discovers wrongdoing, Mitch must juggle the firm, the Mafia, and the feds, as well as releasing his brother from prison. It'll take bravery, ingenuity and restraint

Starring Tom Cruise. Jeanne Tripplehorn. Gene Hackman. Rated 15. Dir Sydney Pollack. Released in the UK 1993. Runtime 2hrs 34mins

Listen to your favourite films on your preferred podcast platform.

Search "Ad Gridley’s Movie Sushi" & subscribe

#Movies #Movienight #Moviescenes #Movie #Moviereview #Movietime #Moviepodcast #Cine #Cinema #Cinephile #Cinematic #Film #Filmisnotdead #Filmcommunity #Filmblogger #Filmlife #Filmisalive #Films #hollywood #hollywoodstudios #podcast #podcasts #podcaster #podcasting

[corpatrem]

PRESS RELEASE The law firm of  Callahan & Durkin adds two new associates.

Mr. Rudy Baylor (L) and Mr. Mitchell Y McDeere (R).

In expanding his staff in the Chicago and New York branch, Mr. Callahan has hired two new faces that are rather quite known around town. 

MR. Rudy Baylor joins us from Tennessee, where he was lead attorney for the prosecution in the Black v. Great Benefit case which came to conclusion with  $200,000 in damages, and $50.2 million in punitive damages. As the spiral unfolded among Great Benefit, it became quite clear that the decrepit insurance company was bankrupt and could not pay its legal dues. Mr. Baylor is thrilled to be a part of Callahan & Durkin. He specializes in corporate and employment law.

“It’s really exciting. You know, Ben Callahan is sort of a myth and legend in legal circles. Every young legal eagle wants an in. After the war with Great Benefit, it really jaded me -- I mean that was the first case I landed right after law school! Took a bit of a break, but Mr. Callahan and his partner, Mr. Durkin really compelled to join them. Excited to see what this future holds.

JOINING the New York office is Mr. Mitchell McDeere. A Harvard educated man who graduated third in his class. He had a short stint with Bendini, Lambert, and Locke, a Memphis firm which turned out to have strong ties to the mob. The FBI wanted in, and Mr. McDeere was a key part in making that happen. Married to his high school sweetheart Abby, Mr. McDeere, who specializes in tax, is ready to finally settle and start a family.

“The first half of my legal life was a nightmare, and not so much legal. Well, what I was doing was, but the higher you ascended, the more you knew. I was a poor, hungry, ambitious kid -- the benefits at the firm were unbelievable -- it came with a price that I found out too late. At the end of the day, my priority was to keep my family safe. Neither the Firm nor the FBI could aid me in this. A fresh start with Callahan & Durkin is the road I need to be on.

[muatyland]

Recensione "Il socio" di John Grisham

Recensione "Il socio" di #JohnGrisham #Mondadori Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3H6D0YK

Una laurea ad Harvard e un contratto da favola con un prestigioso studio legale di Memphis. Per Mitchell McDeere e sua moglie Abby il futuro non potrebbe essere più roseo. Tutto perfetto, insomma. All’apparenza. Peccato che l’Fbi pretenda proprio da lui le prove dei loschi affari che lo studio Bendini, Lambert & Locke gestisce per conto della mafia. E peccato anche che i soci anziani del suddetto…

[crazygirlsworldofbooks]

Review: The Firm

“Our clients are our only assets, so we kill ourselves for them.” 

Book: The Firm

Author: John Grisham

My Rating: ✯✯✯ (3 Stars)

Read: August 22, 2021

Synopsis: 

Mitchell Y. McDeere has worked hard to get where he is: third in his class at Harvard Law. Aggressively recruited by all the top firms, and initially headed for Wall Street, Mitch surprises everyone by joining Bendini, Lambert £r Locke, a very private, very rich tax firm in Memphis. Mitch and his wife Abby move to Tennessee and quickly settle into their new life: they're young, happy, and on the fast track. Or so they think. Soon, though, Mitch senses trouble: two of the partners die in a suspicious diving accident off Grand Cayman; the firm's management is overly proud of the fact that no one has ever resigned, and security measures at the firm are-even for a company with billionaire clients—more than a little stringent. Then, suddenly, Mitch's vague suspicions come to life. While eating alone at a nearby diner, he is approached by a man named Tarrance who claims to be with the FBI. Tarrance tells Mitch that the firm's "security" people have bugged his phone, his house, and probably his can that he is in great danger and should......

My Review: 

I have been meaning to read this book for quite some time and I’m really glad I finally got to it! It’s not a short book and even though it wasn’t particularly my cup of tea, I still enjoyed my time reading it. It’s my first Grisham novel and even though this one wasn’t my favorite I am still excited to check out some of his other, more popular works in hope that I’ll like those more. This book made me realize that maybe legal thrillers aren’t my thing but the majority of this book didn’t even feel like a thriller to be honest. It was just too action packed for my liking, even though it was done masterfully and the story is definitely unique and draws you in from the first page.

To begin with, The Firm is about a lawyer, fresh out of law school, Mitchell McDeere, who accepts a job with an exclusive little law firm that promises to pay him handsomely and comes with a lot of other perks. However, soon after he settles into his new and improved life, he realizes that the firm isn’t what it looks like on the surface and there are a lot of secrets lurking beneath. I think that this premise was outstanding and I've never read any story even remotely resembling this one. For me though, there was just too much law jargon that completely went over my head and it got pretty difficult to keep all the characters straight after about the halfway mark. I think that the story was too drawn out and it was just a lot of things happening and I felt lost more than once. At times the pacing felt on point and seemed to move the story along at a great pace and then there were times when nothing seemed to be progressing and it felt like the story was dragging completely. The whole plot just felt too all over the place for me and even though the first half read and felt kind of like a thriller, albeit a little slow, the second half took a very unexpected turn and turned into something akin to an action movie. 

Secondly, the characterization was my favorite part of this book. I liked that the characters felt somewhat real and we got a good sense of what they were like and their inner personalities. I also enjoyed watching the relationships between the characters grow and change and the dialogue oftentimes made me laugh because it felt so heartfelt and genuine. I do wish we got a little bit more though and really got to see who the characters are on the inside. In general though, it was not bad.

Finally, the writing style was one I can get behind, even if it’s not my favorite of all time. It was able to paint a clear picture as to what was happening in the story and I had a pretty easy time following along, I think just the novel not being my cup of tea is what took away from the writing style for me and me not quite enjoying the plot to its full extent. 

In conclusion, even though I am glad I gave this book a shot, it was not for me. I like domestic thrillers more and ones that focus a little more on character development and don’t have as many action packed scenes. I enjoy the occasional one but in this novel, after the halfway mark, it was one after another after another without any breaks whatsoever. If you enjoy action movies or stories that completely change genres halfway through this might be for you though. I am willing to give Grisham’s novels another chance though, so here’s hoping I like another one of his works more than I enjoyed this one.

[bearrepublicnetwork]

This “judge,” Preska, is the one who should be locked up. These are bad people presiding against good people on behalf of worse people. It’s no surprise that Sullivan and Cromwell hobnobs with these dirty people. They’re like the law firm in that Al Pacino movie, The Devil’s Advocate, or like Bendini, Lambert, and Locke in John Grisham’s, The Firm. Repost from @stevendonziger • Judge Preska still refuses to free me after 702 days on the pretense I am a "flight risk" when longest sentence ever for this charge is 90 days. Why would I abandon my family to live my entire life as an international fugitive on a misdemeanor? I call BS. End the charade. (at 滋賀県 琵琶湖) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRHlsOlpYnu/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thereadingsisterhood]

The Firm Section One

Hello all!

So here we are with my pick for a book that was published the year I was born (1991). There honestly weren’t that many choices for this category? And everything I would’ve picked, we’ve already read. (Except for a Stephen King book but it was the third book in the Dark Tower series so that would’ve been a problem, haha. But that book would’ve been my first choice.)

I don’t know if ya’ll have read anything by John Grisham before but, if you haven’t, here’s a nice little intro to him. This is definitely a thriller but it has a lot of legal legwork thrown in so those chapters might either be really boring or you might just fly through them. Hopefully this goes well for everyone?

And sorry this is a little late. I was sick on the 1st and then had a crazy work schedule the last two days and couldn’t get on to post this. But here it is now!

For gifs, there don’t seem to be any for either the movie or the tv mini series. So I just went with Suits gifs. (Or really any legal show you can think of? I would’ve gone with the Good Wife but it’s hard to find things from that that aren’t entirely ship based. Suits seems to have some more ~generic gifs but feel free to go with whatever you want!)

Anyway, so far I’m really loving this book. It’s shaping up to be an intriguing thriller! I hope ya’ll enjoy this section!

<33 Tina Rae

Current Reading Assignment: Read Chapters 1-7 by Sunday, July 8th.

The Firm || Chapters 1-7 1. How is Bendini, Lambert & Locke different from other firms? What is their turnover rate? 2. Why, as Kay explains, does the firm wish all the associates to be homeowners? 3. All of the firm's employees have moved from different places. While eating lunch with the partners, Mitch is asked if he's accustomed to eating grease and many mention that they're not used to the greasy southern cooking. Is grease a regular part of your diet? Would you be able to handle a completely southern dining palette if you were in Mitch's position? 4. At the end of the second chapter, what are your feelings about the firm? Do you think Mitch should accept their offer? 5. What occupies the half of the 5th floor that's not the partner's cafe? What goes on there and what do we learn about McDeeres' visit? 6. On Mitch and Abby's first day in Memphis, what do they learn has happened? How does Mitch spend his first day at the firm? 7. What is Mitch's first impression of Nathan Locke? What had he heard from Lamar about Locke? 8. Why does Oliver Lambert ask to see Mitch?

[leonardogomesdeaquino]

🧿 Clássicos do Direito: “A Firma”⁣ ⁣🧿 Mitchell McDeere, um jovem e ambicioso recém-formado em Direito na prestigiada Universidade de Harvard, acaba de ser contratado pela Bendini, Lambert & Locke, uma firma exclusiva de Memphis.

[emunenen]

Makao Bora

New Post has been published on http://www.makaobora.co.ke/product/the-firm-book-by-john-grisham-pdf/

The Firm Book by John Grisham [pdf]

When Mitch McDeere signed on with Bendini, Lambert and Locke of Memphis, he thought he and his beautiful wife, Abby, were on their way. The firm leased him a BMW, paid off his school loans, arranged a mortgage, and hired him a decorator. Mitch McDeere should have remembered what his brother Ray-doing fifteen years in a Tennessee jail- already knew. You never get nothing for nothing. Now the FBI has the lowdown on Mitch’s firm and needs his help. Mitch is caught between a rock and a hard place, with no choice– if he wants to live.

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[juudgeblog]

Who You Gonna Call? — See Also

WE’VE MADE A HELPFUL CHART TO HELP IN-HOUSE COUNSEL KNOW WHEN THEY SHOULD CALL IN THE BIG GUNS: Well, “helpful” might be an exaggeration.

REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU STAND ON #METOO, THIS “PUNISHMENT” HELPS NOBODY: A bunch of women accuse a guy of sexual harassment. Option A: You believe the claims to be truthful, and you fire the guy. Option B: You don’t believe the claims, and you leave the guy alone. The Option where you let the guy resign as Dean but keep him on as your highest paid professor is not a “option” so much as a move of pure idiocy that SOLVES NOTHING.

PRESIDENT BANKRUPTCY MAY CLARIFY STUDENT LOAN BANKRUPTCY: Trump, the King of moral and financial bankruptcy, might actually know how to reform rules here in a way that makes sense.

LAW FIRMS SHOULD PROVIDE STUDENT LOAN ASSISTANCE TO THEIR LAWYERS: ATL-Columnist Jordan Rothman is significantly younger than me and thus might not have learned all of the lessons from Bendini Lambert and Locke. But, trust me, if a Firm offers to pay your debts and buy you a house in Memphis… rest assured that there’s an Albino monitoring your every move.

SCHOOL IS SUED OVER ITS ANTI-MUSLIM BULLYING CAMPAIGN: In our latest evidence for why we can’t have nice things. Who You Gonna Call? — See Also syndicated from https://namechangersmumbai.wordpress.com/