Chapter 32
Chapter 32
T he Brooks Law Firm was a family operation that consisted of several members. Vernon Brooks who handled criminal law. James Brooks, who was a silent partner while acting as the chief of staff to the president of the United States, but when in attendance handled corporate law. Nicole Brooks-Davenport, who handled Real Estate Law. Nicholas Brooks who handled Sports Management. Taylor Brooks, who, was currently on tour with her singing career, but when in attendance handled Contractual Law, and now, James Brooks Jr., who was handling Civil Law, under the tutelage of the man whose name was synonymous with the term, his grandfather, Avery Brooks. There was something about his grandfather’s work that encouraged him. His work was never about himself; it was about the people. That was what he and his boys were all about. Making this country live up to its promise of freedom and prosperity for all. As JC would say, people need those with a little power to stand up for them sometimes, even when they don’t know it. There were a number of issues that happened in the country every day that hurt what some would call the ‘little man’. It was incumbent on those who could fight for them to stand up. That was one of the main reasons he decided to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. In the Civil division, which his grandfather headed up, they mostly dealt with litigation. They would argue cases regarding non-criminal issues, such as lawsuits centering around personal injury, family matters, employment issues, real estate, and property disputes. They sought to right a wrong or equality in lieu of compensation. That's what he was looking for in the B-more project. James wanted to fight for the right to keep their property for people like Priscilla and Sean.
After meeting with Nicole, Xavier, Diamond, and Zack, James took the steps to reach out to the city to ensure that they had the right to sell the properties in question. As it turned out they did for the majority of the properties. Only six were still in the hands of the owners. Xavier and Zack met him in Baltimore to take a look at the properties to ensure they could do what they were planning on doing. The great part about Xavier's design was that it not only included the homes, it also had an area for a small recreation center that would house a few retailers in the lower lobby and an office space for a property manager on the top floor. This was to ensure that the property would remain in good condition even after they completed the work.
Using the estimates he received from Davenport Constructions, James and Elliott worked out the terms of the financial agreement. They were each committing two million dollars to the project. Nicole, Taylor, James, Vernon, Nick, and even their new uncle Bobby Singleton decided to invest a million apiece giving them the working capital of ten million dollars. With that substantial amount they did not have to get any financial backing from the banks. It was all privately funded. His next step was to put in the application and the non-refundable fee for each property. Knowing there would be at least one other company looking to secure the properties, he put in a bid over the asking price for each of the homes. Next was the waiting process. The city had to make a public announcement of the pending purchases and allow competing bids. James was certain with the bids that he put in as all cash offers plus the experience and reputation of the Davenport construction they should clear the application process with no problem. As with any city government, the process was now a ‘wait and see’. However, because of the dollar amount involved, James was pretty certain he would hear from them sooner rather than later.
For now, it was late in the evening. Most of the administrative staff for the firm had left for the day. Only, he and a few other attorneys were still in the office working. This was the time when the noise level in the office was down. He could really concentrate on his case files. Tonight, he was working on a case for a young man who had been suspended from school for fighting. The principal had imposed a mandatory ten days of suspension. The young man's grandmother thought that was excessive and discovered that they had not followed the individualized education program, usually referred to as an IEP, that was issued for the child. An IEP was a legal document that allowed a child to receive Special Education services. The school administration was required by law to follow the document. If the school administration did not follow that program, they were considered to be out of compliance and had, therefore, violated the young man’s civil rights when they suspended him. If they did not put the resources in place as listed in the child’s IEP, nine times out of ten the child with special needs would eventually act out. Most parents weren’t even aware of the law regarding IEPs. To James’ way of thinking the principal at the school was setting this child up for failure. Was the kid wrong for fighting? Yes, and he should be held accountable. However, the school administration had not followed the young man’s IEP, therefore they were wrong as well and should also be held accountable.
A knock sounded at his open office door. James looked up to see a tall, slim built, man with dark brown hair, dressed in what could be mistaken for an expensive suit standing in the doorway of his office. The expression on his face was one of distaste as he looked around.
“Nice office,” he said, then met James’ eyes. “The plaque on the door indicates you are James Brooks Jr. Is that correct?”
There seemed to be somewhat of a menacing look in the man’s eyes. His immediate assessment of the man was he was going for intimidating, while trying not to be. James gave a slight nod, “I am. May I help you with something?”
“You’re a pretty boy,” the man smirked as he stepped inside the office.
James raised an eyebrow. “Is that your pickup line?”
The man sneered, “No. Just an observation. What are you, twenty-four, twenty-five, fresh out of college?”
James sat back continuing to assess the man. “You have me at a disadvantage. You are?”
“My name isn’t important. I’m just here to pass on a little advice.”
“I don't take advice from strangers.” James sat back watching the man’s eyes scanning around the office. “Is there something you need from me?”
The man shrugged. “Not really. Just here to gather information and like I said, give a little advice.”
James stood. He noticed the man’s expression changed. He was just as tall as the man, not as heavy, but his size was enough to let the man know, if he brought any bullshit, it wasn’t going to be easy. “It appears to me that you have something to say. Speak, then be on your way.”
The man put his hands in his pocket. That was when James saw the outline of a weapon beneath his suit jacket. Not a problem, James thought. He had weapons as well. Ones that could take him out before the man had a chance to pull his gun. The stars sat right on the top of his desk, ready to disperse if needed.
“You are a man who gets straight to the point.” He chuckled bitterly. “I like that.”
“Do you?” James braced his legs. “Why don’t you get to the point of your visit.”
“Very well. You put in a bid for a block of homes in the Baltimore City limits. I’m representing a group that would like to know what it would take for you to withdraw that bid?”
“I have no reason to withdraw the bid.”
A smirk appeared on the man's face. “You are young and evidently new to the game of real estate in the city. You may not be aware that the area is currently being looked at for renovation.”
“And?” James shrugged.
The man stared at him for a long moment. James was under the impression he was assessing him too.
“We would take it as a courtesy, if you would withdraw your bid. As I stated, there are plans in the works for that entire area. You would not want to interfere with progress, now, would you?”
“The group you represent can place a bid just as I have done. The city administrators will make the decision on who will be granted the property.”
“That isn’t exactly how the game is played. The normal procedure is to concede to the team who is already in motion.”
“I do not concede to anyone, and I am not one to quit before the game starts. If that is all you have to say, you can leave. I’m a little busy here.”
“Our conversation is not over,” the man hissed.
“It is for me,” James re-took his seat, picked up his pen dismissing the man. “You found your way in, I’m certain you can find your way out.”
James did not bother to look back up. He sensed the man standing there for a moment.
“It would behoove you not to dismiss me so casually,” the man warned. “We shall meet again, junior.”
“My answer will be the same,” James glared up up at him. “Just so you know my position. And the next time we meet, come a little stronger. Your intimidation tactic was a little weak.”
The man glared at him then turned and walked out of the door.
Curious James stood to look out the window as the man walked to the vehicle waiting for him. It appeared someone else was driving.
“I know a messenger when I see one. I can only wonder what message is being delivered to you and does it involve one of our cases? What’s going on?”
James turned to see his uncle Vernon standing in the doorway. He looked back out the window at the vehicle pulling off. “No, not one of our cases.”
“Then what is his message concerning?” Vernon asked.
“The properties I put a bid on.” James replied as he continued to watch the man.
“Messages are about timing. What’s happening with the bid?”
“I’m not sure.” he spoke cautiously. “However, since he indicated we will meet again, I will be prepared. The next time he delivers his message, I’m sure he will be a little more direct.”
“What was the message?” Vernon asked.
“To withdraw my bid for the properties I’m planning to renovate in the city.”
“The B-more project?” Vernon raised an eyebrow.
“Yes,” James confirmed as he continued to watch the vehicle leave the parking lot.
“Someone else is interested in the property?” Vernon inquired.
“There appears to be. However, that is a problem for him to figure out,” James shrugged his shoulders as he sat back at his desk.
“Do you need me to intercede with the city? I know a few of the council members, not to mention the mayor.”
“No,” James shook his head. “I’m good.”
Vernon chuckled. “You are too cool for your own good. Let me know if you need backup.”
“I got my boys and the cousins. We have it covered.” James smiled. “Uncle Vernon, do me a favor. Don’t mention this to Dad. I want to handle this on my own.”
Vernon stared at him for a long moment. “We are Brooks. You come at one, you better be ready to take on all of us.”
“I know. When I need to, the call will be made. For now, let me try to handle this on my own.”
Vernon nodded. “All right.” He turned then walked away.
James turned his attention back to the case he was working on, knowing two things. His bid to purchase the homes was a good one or the group the man represented would have had no reason to send a message. He also knew his Uncle Vernon went to his office to check the cameras and capture the license plate of the man who just left his office. Which he had no problem with, however, he preferred to have his team on alert. He tapped the black band on his arm. The golden eye lit up. He tapped it three times to alert the team a message was coming. Using Morse code, he sent a quick message to Leopard, Jaguar, and Lion. The message was simple, Prowler Alert . A minute later, the message board Calvin had created for them years ago, appeared on his computer screen.
Calvin, Elliott, and JC appeared on the screen. “What’s up?” JC asked.
“I had an interesting visitor a moment ago.” James informed them.
“The guy from the situation with ZsaZsa?” Calvin asked.
“No, the B-more project,” James advised. “The message was to pull out of the B-more project.”
“Your response?” Elliott asked.
“I don’t concede.”
JC chuckled. “Was he carrying?”
“Definitely,” James replied.
“Who made contact?” Calvin asked.
“No name given,” James answered, “But I am certain we will see him again.”
“Has the county approved the sale of those properties yet?” Calvin asked.
“I haven’t received any notifications. However, my guess is that the offer was good enough to open some eyes. I suggest we identify the messenger and send a few messages of our own.”
“I’m on it,” Calvin stated, and they all disconnected the communication.
James sat back, exhaled, then pulled up to his desk to continue working. He was in a good place with the project. His team was now in the mix. No matter what they threw his way, they would be ready. Life was good, James thought as he closed his mind to the visitor.