Deviant Agendas: Book 1 of the V-Files

“The firm wanted me to sign a release agreeing not to sue them. In return, they would have paid me six months’ severance and agreed not to sully my good name.”

“What did you do?”

“I told them to go fuck themselves.”

Kat started laughing so hard she almost fell off her chair. “Oh My God. Good girl. I would have paid good money to see that. What did they say?”

“Jack didn’t take that too well. I’m quite sure no one has ever spoken to him like that. He’s used to everyone hanging on his every word and accepting his ultimatums. He didn’t like it. I’m sure I’m in his crosshairs now.”

“Listen, Victoria, I want to help. What can I do?”

“You can send me business. I’m opening my own practice. I’m heading over now to look at office space, and I’ve hired a lawyer to look into suing the firm. Sonia’s with him now, discussing what we can do about an article that appeared in the paper this morning about my firing. I’m incredibly embarrassed, Kat. I thought I was a star and on track to be the youngest-ever partner at the firm. Now look at me. I’m embarrassed, without a job and totally disgraced,” Victoria finished, feeling the heaviness of dejection settle into her chest.

“Victoria, stop that. Don’t let those assholes define you. You’re one of the most brilliant people I know. To be honest, I always thought that firm was stuffy and parochial and full of partners who clearly don’t value women as their equals. I know this is trite, but in this case, I think this will turn out to be one of those times where something horrible turns into one of the best turning points of your life.”