‘Like what?’
‘The most important being the confidentiality understanding. This clause means that you will never be able to write a book, sell your story, or reveal any personal details about Mr. Barrington or his family. There is no information, even outside of sexual activities, that may be revealed to anyone. Not even friends or family. You can never bring a guest to the apartment you will share with Mr. Barrington. This clause applies to family, friends and acquaintances. In the event that they reveal anything, you will be held liable.
‘Please pay particular attention to this section.’ He stabs a stubby finger on the paper. ‘It expressly prohibits any form of recording device while in the company of Mr.
Barrington.’
She nods.
He clears his throat. ‘And you must practice some form of birth control. In the event that you get pregnant you must terminate the pregnancy immediately.’
Lana stares at him. What kind of people are these?
Undaunted by her astonished face the lawyer carries on talking, ‘You must understand that this contract is binding. At the dissolution of your relationship you will not receive anything more than is already stipulated in this contract. Other than the agreed sum you will not seek further financial gain, notoriety or advancement in any form as the result of this relationship. Breach of contract or failure by yourself will result in immediate termination of the agreement, and in the case of breach, the offended party may seek all remedies available at law or in equity.
This section shall survive termination of this agreement and remain in effect for the rest of your life.’
‘Fine.’
‘One more thing. Mr. Barrington wanted me to emphasize that the contract will be for three months.’
‘I thought it was going to be for one month?’
The lawyer’s face does not change. ‘Your services will be required for the period of three months.’
Lana presses her lips together. She was very drunk last night, but she is sure he said one month. ‘Can I speak to him?’
‘Of course.’ He picks up the phone and speed dials his client’s number. ‘Mr. Barrington, Miss Bloom would like to have a word about the length of the contract.’ He pauses to listen to something Blake says. ‘Yes, she has.’#p#分页标题#e#
Then he passes the phone to Lana and quietly leaves the room. Lana waits until he closes the door before she speaks. She is dismayed to hear her voice sound uncertain and timid.
‘Hello, Blake.’
‘Hello, Lana.’ His voice is different than she remembered. Colder; he seems a total stranger.
She swallows. ‘About the duration of the contract. The lawyer says…’ she begins.
‘Sorry, Lana, but that is not negotiable,’ he says, not sounding sorry at all.
‘Oh.’
‘Was there anything else you wanted?’
‘Er… No.’
‘Well, have a good day then, and I will see you tonight.’
There is a click and the line goes dead. Lana replaces the phone slowly. It dawns on her then that Scott Fitzgerald was right—the rich are different. They are unashamed by their ruthlessness. The lawyer, who must have been watching an extension light, walks into the room.
‘All sorted out?’
‘Yes. Where do I sign?’
‘You do realize that you will have to read it at some point as there are other clauses than the ones we have discussed in there that you must adhere to.’
‘Yes.’
‘Do you acknowledge that you have received, read and understood the terms and conditions outlined, and agree to abide by the said terms.’
‘Yes.’
‘All right,’ he drawls and looks at her expectantly. She realizes he has opened the contract up at the last page.
‘Sign here.’ She signs. Her hands are dead steady. ‘And date it here.’ She dates it. He opens another contract.
‘Sign and date again please.’ When she raises her head he is watching her steadily. He smiles coldly. It occurs to her that he believes his dealings with her to be beneath him.
She is expensive trash. He has thoughts about her that are unflattering.
‘Well, that’s that, then. Here is your copy.’ He presses a buzzer that brings his secretary.
‘Helen here will take your bank details and tell you everything else you need to know.’ He half stands and holds his hand out. ‘Thank you, Miss Bloom. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any further queries.’
In the back seat of the Bentley, Lana finds a Boots bag and inside it her prescription.
She asks Peter to stop at a cash machine. She pops her debit card into the hole in the wall and can hardly believe it. One hundred thousand and thirty-two pounds, seventy pence. By heaven!