The phone on the receptionist’s desk rang. She replaced the receiver and said “Please go through Miss Porter it’s the second door on the left”. Bette rose to her feet “Ha, hasn’t even got the balls to come out and meet me, this may be easier than I thought” she muttered to herself.

Bette strode into Tina’s office without knocking. Tina did not even look up from the papers she was reading and just said “Sit down Miss Porter I’ll be with you in a moment”. Bette hesitated momentarily then sat down heavily, her grand intimidating alpha entry had been completely spoilt!

Just wait a few more minutes, thought Tina, still making a good show of reading the documents, a few more minutes to calm yourself and take control, you can do it. A couple of minutes later Tina snapped shut the document case before her, the noise it made was like a gun being fired and Bette almost jumped out of her chair with shock.

“OK Miss Porter where do I begin here? Walter has given me a considerable amount of background information on you that does go some way to explaining your outburst and I have read and inwardly digested the notes and statements from both sides. Essentially the statements are in agreement with both parties admitting to saying what they said therefore this is a clear case of damage limitation. Let me double check a few facts here – is it true that you are a lesbian?”

Bette was amazed, the control she thought she could impose on the meeting was nowhere to be seen Kennard was leading her round like a dog on a lead. She had to rescue this quickly – “You are asking me some very personal questions here Kennard” she purred “and I feel we should get to know each other a little better before I answer, so my question to you is what is your first name? I can’t keep calling you Kennard it is far too formal”

Tina’s gaze was steely as she looked Bette directly in the eye “Miss” she said.

“I’m sorry what did you say?” asked Bette.

“I said ‘Miss’ making my full name Miss Kennard. First name terms are not necessary, I am your attorney, you are a paying client and there is absolutely no reason why you need to get to know me better”