Chapter 34 (1/1)

TWO YEARS LATER: Raymond stepped out of the studio and was immediately swarmed by overly eager reporters.  Jazz quickly stepped in front of him and using his hands he blocked them off the best he could.  However that didn't stop the reporters from shoving their microphones towards them and throwing questions after questions at Raymond."Do you have a defense against Fala Chen's accusations that you raped her?"  "Sources claim that you didn't pay her enough?"  "What is your real relationship with her?"  "Have you taken legal action against her for slander?"  "Is there any truth to it?"  "Why would she accuse you of all people?"These questions all thrown out at Raymond simultaneously made him falter a step.  But being the professional that he is, he quickly recovered his composure and smiled calmly at the reporters.  "I don't know what you're talking about," his voice matched the serene look on his face.One pesky reporter asked loudly, "Did you or did you not rape Fala Chen?"Raymond snapped his attention to her and in a low cool tone replied, "No."Unsatisfied with his simple response, the pesky reporter remarked, "You're up for nomination in the category of Best Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards, do you feel that Fala Chen's accusations will affect your votes?"Jazz saw the rapidly growing agitation on Raymond's face and quickly intervened before things got out of hand.  "I'm sorry everyone but Raymond is in a rush here.  He has an appointment.  Would everyone please let us through?"The pesky reporter took a small step back and it seemed she was about to end it at that but that was only wishful thinking on Raymond's part.  Oblivious to Raymond's growing fury, she asked snidely, "Where are you in a rush to Mr. Lam?  Going to see a lawyer?"Raymond gave her a cold look then without a word brushed past her to the waiting car.  Once inside the car, he shot a heated look at Jazz and grinded out, "Find out which newspaper that reporter is with and file a complaint against her."Jazz nodded and tapping the driver softly on the shoulder, he said, "Drive us to KC Law Office."Once the car was in motion, Raymond's entire being seemed to relax.  The questions from the reporters and how fast they learned of what happened gnawed at Raymond.  It only goes to prove what they say is true: celebrities don't and cannot have private lives.  Everything they do, whether it’s the truth or not, will always be splashed across the front page of a newspaper or magazine.  At times, Raymond wished he had chosen another line of work.  Being constantly exploited was getting tiresome and although he should be used to it by now, he wasn't.  He didn't mind the occasional rumors with actresses but this one was carrying it too far.  Turning to Jazz, he asked, "Are you sure this lawyer is reliable?"Jazz smiled reassuringly, "He's the best.  If he wasn't then TTT Network wouldn't use him right?""I'm more worried about getting this settled quietly and confidentially."Jazz patted Raymond on the knee, "They've already been ordered to keep their mouths shut and since TTT Network is their largest client, they wouldn't dare do anything to lose this major client.  Besides, TTT told us specifically to use this firm and Mr. Chan is going up with you.  You'll be fine."Raymond eased back against the plush seats.  His thoughts returned to last night and Fala Chen.  He can't believe she would really accuse him of rape.  He only hopes this matter will be over and done with quick.  The Hong Kong Film Awards will be held in two months time and his chances of taking home the Best Actor award is high.  He can't let this incident jeopardize his chances.  "What's the name of the lawyer we're meeting?"Jazz took out a small business card from his pocket and read off from it, "Wayne Lai.  Top solicitor of KC Law Firm."Raymond took the card from Jazz and studied the name.  After a moment, he mumbled, "He better be.  Otherwise I can kiss my career goodbye."--------------------------------------------Charmaine was in the middle of reading a document when the phone on her desk rang.  Snatching up the receiver she greeted, "Charmaine Sheh speaking.  How can I help you?""You can help by having dinner with me tonight," Kevin said over the phone.Charmaine smiled automatically hearing his voice.  In a teasing tone she asked, "Two dinners in one week.  Won't your girlfriend get jealous?"Chuckling softly, Kevin said, "Of course not.  My girlfriend has extraordinary confidence in me.""She's coming with us right?" Charmaine asked smugly already knowing the answer."Nothing gets past you does it?" Kevin joked.  Charmaine heard shuffling on Kevin's end and then Myolie spoke, "Have you forgotten that today is Kevin's birthday?"Charmaine slapped her hand against her forehead and exclaimed, "I did!  Tell Kevin I'm sorry."Giggling like a school girl, Myolie said, "He'd rather we forget.  He doesn't like to be reminded that he's getting old.  Although I tell him he doesn't look a day over twenty-five."Charmaine could hear Kevin murmuring something to Myolie right before she squealed with delight.  Smiling into the phone, she said, "Listen, I don't have time to listen to you guys playing love sick fools.  Tell me where and what time and I'll be there."Kevin has returned to the phone.  "We'll meet you at our usual restaurant at a quarter to seven.""Sounds good.  See you then."  Charmaine hung up and stared at the phone.  Kevin and Myolie have been dating for over a year now.  It was actually Charmaine who got them together.  She had sensed that they had feelings for each other early on but both were afraid of expressing themselves and the rejection that may follow.  Charmaine took matters into her own hands and with a little maneuvering on her part got them together.  Since then, Kevin and Myolie lived each day happily and Charmaine never got tired of seeing them so happy together.  It made her look forward to love again and the prospect of finding someone who can love her the same way Kevin loves Myolie.  It was this hope that slowly eased Raymond out of her memories.  A knock on her door interrupted her thoughts.  Looking up at it, she called out, "Come in.""Have a second to speak about a new case?" Wayne asked.Charmaine folded her arms across the table and smiled warmly at Wayne, "For you, anything.  Come in and have a seat."Wayne walked in and took a seat.  He scanned the stack of files on her desk and commented, "You work too hard."Shrugging her shoulders delicately, Charmaine said with humor, "I love what I do, what can I say.  Getting back to business, you need help on a new case?""A celebrity has been accused of rape.  He wants to settle this matter as soon as possible and out of Court."Puzzled by why he needed her help since she lacked experience in criminal cases, Charmaine asked, "Why me?  I rarely do those cases and Sunny and Gordon have years of experience in criminal defense cases."Wayne leaned forward in his chair and said seriously, "I want you because you can keep secrets.  Sunny and Gordon are good and well experienced to handle these types of cases but unfortunately, they're also loud mouths who like to brag.  Our client wants anonymity.""Even if I agree to help you I wouldn't even know how," Charmaine stressed.  "I'm still considered a new lawyer and I'm afraid I might mess things up for you."Wayne smiled gently and said, "I'll be doing majority of the work.  I just need an assistant.  You won't mess up.  Trust me.""I…," Charmaine stammered, uncertain of her own ability to handle such a case.  Since becoming a lawyer she mainly worked on small matters such as divorces, property purchases and wills.  Rape was a serious crime and she doubts her ability to be able to give their client the best defense they can.  "I really don't know.  I…"Wayne grinned at her.  "You'll do just fine Charmaine.  I know you will.  Didn't you say you wanted more experience in other areas?  Well now's your chance."Wayne was right.  She did want to further her knowledge in other areas of law.  Beside, it was useless to argue with a top notch lawyer like Wayne.  "Alright, when do you want me to start?"Wayne glanced at his watch and stood up.  "The client is due here any second.  Let's talk in the conference room while we wait for him to arrive."Charmaine stood up and grabbed her suit jacket.  Picking up a notepad from her desk she followed Wayne out of her office and towards the reception area.The receptionist saw them and quickly motioned for Wayne to come over.  Leaning slightly towards him she whispered with excitement, "Your client is here.  Although he covered himself up so not to be recognized but I immediately knew who he was!"Wayne gave her a reproachful look which immediately made her lower her head in embarrassment.  Looking over his shoulder at Charmaine he gestured for her to follow.  Once out of the receptionist's earshot, he remarked dryly, "Young girls today get so overwhelmed when seeing a celebrity."Charmaine giggled and retorted, "What makes you think I won't get overwhelmed when I see our celebrity client?"Wayne stopped in his track to look at her.  He suddenly saw the humor on her face and laughed.  At the door of the conference room, he gave it a knock before swinging it open.  He quickly walked towards the two men seated at the far end of the long table.  "Mr. Chan, Mr. Lam, how are you?"Raymond stood up to shake hands with Wayne and that was when his eyes saw Charmaine walking slightly behind Wayne.