Cordero and Alexandra met 39 days ago.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

When Alexandra returned, she watched Cordero for a few moments. "You fixed it that fast?"

"I've had lots of practice. It does it often." He pointed to the vacuum. "If you turn this button, it sucks up water. We should've warned you. After I dump the water, if you want, we can go to the barn."

"I forgot to ask, how's the new mom?"

"She's fine now, but I need to keep an eye on her. An infection may be brewing. How about the barn?"

"Yes. I visited Bendecido and Jewel before lunch. I'd like to say goodnight to them."

He leaned over and his kiss lingered. "Let's go." He took her hand and led her outside.

TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 22A

Tuesday morning around ten-fifteen Alexandra came into the living room. "Rosa, do I look all right? I want to give off a 'don't mess with me look'."

She turned a circle as Rosa studied her. "I'd say you've nailed it. The navy-blue dress is stylish, and the jacket is professional. Perfect choice."

"Thank you." Alexandra sat in a chair and tapped the arm.

Rosa tilted her head. "You seem nervous. Need to talk?"

"I've tried to anticipate everything Pat's lawyer might throw at us. I'm afraid I've missed something."

Taking her hand, Rosa said, "Even if you did, you're smart enough to think on your feet."

"I hope so. I don't want that man to get away with anything. I want him held accountable for every life he's ruined."

Both ladies glanced up when they heard the front door open.

Jorge grinned. "Hi. As soon as we clean up, we'll be ready."

Cordero winked at Alexandra. "You look nice. I'll be out in a few minutes."

*****
At the courthouse, Alexandra waited in the lobby for the ladies to arrive. When all four had, she greeted them and then led them into a vacant room. "Nervous?" After they'd indicated they were, she continued, "That's normal. I'm nervous too. I have a few suggestions that'll help win your case. It's important you don't show any emotion. I want to keep Mr. Rogers and his attorney, Mr. Brown guessing. I want them off guard. Also, I've tried to anticipate what they're thinking, but I may have missed something. If they bring something up, I hadn't considered I'll have to improvise."

She took a drink of water. "Your reaction will tell them I don't have proof or the information. I'm positive they aren't willing to pay $100,000 to each of you, so if I say we're leaving just get up and silently walk out. We need to let them know we mean business." She glanced at the wall clock and smiled. "Ladies, let's show Mr. Rogers we're holding him accountable." She held the door for them.

They walked into a spacious room with a large rectangular table in the center and ten chairs around it. Alexandra motioned them to sit along the long side closest to the door. She whispered, "I want it to be easy to walk out if we need too." She sat on the short side closest to the door. Opening her briefcase, she laid out papers in the order she anticipated needing them. After exhaling she said, "Now we wait."

A few minutes after eleven o'clock, Lester Brown and Pat Rogers entered the room.

Alexandra stood and shook Lester's hand. She sat and ignored when Pat glared at her. She glanced at the ladies and noticed they remained stoic and nodded at them. Great job, ladies.

After both men sat, Alexandra introduced each lady and then said, "Mr. Brown, you called this meeting. I'm guessing it's an attempt to settle out of court. In the papers I filed I included a sum we're willing to work with. I understand how embarrassing a trial would be for Mr. Rogers. Are you ready to accept our deal?"

"My client's willing to accept a deal but feels $100,000 per lady is an inflated amount. It'll be over eight years before it's paid off."

"What do you feel is a fair amount per victim?"

Pat stood. "$5,000 per lady is as high as I'll go. They enjoyed themselves. I did them a favor."

Alexandra studied him and then addressed Lester, "When you called, I was under the impression we were going to have a serious discussion. I, nor do these ladies, have time for this nonsense. We'll see you in court."

She stood and held the door for the ladies, who filed out.

Lester Brown stood. "Wait! What do you feel is a fair amount?"

"Ladies, maybe he's ready to be reasonable." Alexandra waited for the ladies to be seated before she began, "I've already told you what we feel is a fair amount." She paused. "To be honest for what Mr. Rogers put these ladies through $5,000 is an insult to women everywhere."

"I didn't put them through anything. You're acting like I raped them."

Walking along the table so she stood across from Pat, she glared into his eyes. "Evidently your lawyer hasn't explained the charges against you. I'll educate you on the definition of rape. According to the United States Department of Justice, rape refers to sexual penetration one didn't consent to. It follows, that coerced sex, when it involves penetration, would count as rape, even if the other person didn't use physical force or violence."

Alexandra paused, hoping it would sink in. "Because you refused these ladies' loans until they had sex with you, its coerced sex and since you penetrated each of them, yes, you raped them. Now, are you ready to discuss a reasonable amount or are we going to trial?"

Rogers yelled, "The only lady you have proof I had sex with is Lisa Johnson and you can't prove penetration."

Tilting and shaking her head, Alexandra smiled. "Mr. Rogers, you underestimate me. Do you really think I'd give these ladies hope with this lawsuit if I didn't know I'd win?" When he set his jaw, she continued, "You need to sit silently and allow your attorney to handle your case. You're just digging yourself deeper."

"You're all talk. You don't have anything. I never touched those three ladies."

"Let me make sure I understand. You're claiming you in no way ever laid a hand on these other ladies. Even though earlier you stated, and I quote, 'They enjoyed themselves. I did them a favor.'"

"I misspoke."

"What would you say if I told you each of these ladies held onto a piece of clothing, underwear, for example, that contained semen, DNA, even after all this time? Your behavior degraded them. When women feel degraded, they hold onto items just in case there's a time they might be able to get even. I'm giving them that time."

She faced Mr. Brown. "I feel it's time you talk with your client and see if he's ready to come up with a more appropriate settlement." She stood. "Ladies, let's give them privacy. Mr. Brown, let me know when you're ready to talk."


~~~~~
I intentionally left off the accents on fiance and fiancee because Evil Eddie would put all sorts of strange characters in my post. Thank you for understanding.
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Hola is Spanish for hello

Mi hijo & Mijo are Spanish for son. Jorge uses them often.

Bendecido is Spanish for blessed.
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CHARACTER LIST:

Cordero Ortiz: 'Cord' runs his parents' Texas ranch

Alexandra Black: 'Ali' is a New York City corporate lawyer, is a junior partner in huge family law firm

Jorge and Rosa Ortiz: Cordero's parents who own a large West Texas Ranch

Jim: One of the ranch foremen and best friend of Cordero. He takes care of the main house and surrounding ranch area.

Bob: One of the ranch foremen and good friend of Cordero. He works the entire ranch.

Pat Rogers: Bank owner, not a good person

Lester Brown: Pat Rogers lawyer

Sam Bailey: Lobo's Sheriff.

Dr. Bart Barnes: Town doctor

Judge Sean Pickett: County Judge

Tonia and Brent Black: Alexandra's parents

George Black Alexandra's grandpa

Gary Hart: A young ranch hand

Luke: All around bad guy

Amy Harding: A lady who Pat Rogers raped during High School Prom, her son, Matthew

Alan Griffin Alexandra's ex-fiance

Joseph and Ruth Aaronson One of the first clients, family friends, owner of a prestige jewelry shop