Chapter 1
Tossing Up a Jump Ball
Carlos Lopez arrived at the offices of Johnson, Talon, and
Sorrento (JTS) every day by 7:30
A.M. but never before Jim
Talon, the only remaining named partner, who seemed to
live at the office. Thirty years old, Carlos stood six feet
two, had jet black hair, a smooth olive complexion, and a
soft demeanor that made women swoon when he was
around, and men a bit jealous, though he was far too like-
able to infuse any sense of lasting ill will.
When Carlos walked by Jim’s office, he poked his
head in the doorway and said, “Hi, Jim.” Looking up over
his bifocals, Jim held up his hand to say hello and satisfy
the social greeting. The physical opposite of Carlos, Jim
was sixty, bald, white, stout, and crusty, ...