Hagen collected Montana on Saturday morning in a red pickup that he called a Holden Ute (short for utility vehicle).
"It's a six-cylinder six-speed manual," he said and added it had been upgraded.
"I bought it four years ago when I gained a big salary hike moving to new employment. What's your car that we are going all the way to Melbourne fetch?"
"It's a 1959 Corvette that mom had rebuilt and modernized and gave it to me for my 21st birthday. Restored originals sell these days from US$60,000 or under and up to $110,000 as they are highly regarded classics that fit the so-called American Dream. Being substantially modified no one really knows the value of my vehicle but it's insured for US$85,000."
"I know the model, a really cool looking sports car and you driving it with the hood retracted with you hair flowing in the wind and you wearing large-lens sunglasses would look really cool."
"Yeah well that's also the image my mother had of me whereas me I like to meld into the crowd although I soon came to realize you don't pass unnoticed driving a car like my baby."
"My baby eh, you love your car?"
"Yes because it feels just made for me."
In Melbourne while documentation was being finalized Hagen inspected the vehicle and said to Montana when she came over, "This certainly isn't a factory colour."
"No and I wasn't surprised because there's nothing much about my mother is standard. By having my own unique colour for a Corvette which is Electric Indigo Blue, this car has become very special to me."
They left the yard with employees coming out to watch Montana drive off and eyeing the audience Hagen said, "This makes me feel like royalty."
"Yeah but you ignored it after a while because it's rather meaningless but is part of that dream notion I had mentioned to you."
They'd left later than expected and decided to take the more direct route, taking turns to drive the 880 miles. Montana led the discussion on that option because of her reignited desire to avoid any awkwardness in deciding about overnight accommodation arrangements.
"Nice car to drive," Hagen said, shortly after taking his first stint at the wheel.
"Yes I have the modernisation work to thank for that. The engine swap meant a lighter and more flexible V8 with 6-speed manual transmission which is more than enough power for me as I cruise and don't care to burn rubber."
"I spoke to Dana about your employment termination issue and she looked cross that I had mentioned it but stopped short of telling me to butt out."
"Did she explain what the delay is in getting things moving?"
"Yes and I can tell you in confidence as she told me not to tell you because it would only anger you."
Gritting his teeth Hagen said, "Gone on?"
"Do you agree not to reveal I passed on her comments?"
"Yes."
"Because it is a family matter she had to advise the senior partner responsible for her division about acting for you in a dispute that could go to Court. The firm prefers to have possible controversial legal matters affecting its employees not handled by lawyers under its roof."
"What's controversial about an open and shut case over wrongful dismissal?"
"Rarely is anything open and shut in law. If an action proceeds, the employer's counsel will be briefed to show what a total misfit you turned out to be."
"That's bullshit."
"And that's for the judge to decide."
"Christ I can't believe this but what is Dana is doing about it?"
"She was waiting for her application to act for you to go to a partner's subcommittee meeting for approval or rejection. I engaged with her and we had a bit of a ding-dong."
"Oh Montana I've sorry."
"No it's okay. We emerged smoothing each other's feathers and she agreed to modify her application to a request for permission for me to act for you in this matter on the understanding we'd not take this matter through the court system."
"Oh Christ and that would make my claim ineffective without the inclusion of learned legal minded independent decision-making."
Montana said he could say that and Hagen scowled and said he just did.
She laughed and he joined in half-heartedly.
"Trust me Hagen; I have no intention of coming away from negotiations empty-handed."
"Get real Montana."
"Fuck you Hagen."
He looked alarmed and said, "I-I apologize but you had no right to speak to a client like that."
"So I'm your client now; since when?"
"That profanity tumbled me into reality."
"Hmmm. Then here's the deal Hagen. Providing I win internal approval to represent you, if I lose I'll pay your legal fees but if we win I want 40% as the company's take after deduction of our expenses."
"That's a bit rich isn't it?"
"Yes my dear client, it's at the top end of the scale. But I wish to chalk a scalp for good financial return to be placed against my name in our office."
"And I'll be left with 60% of practically nothing."
"Oh man of little faith, please share my optimism and confidence in my ability. And now as you drive attentively, tell me everything from the time you applied for that position with your heartless employer."
"Okay and I've kept a diary of notable things and I have a copy of the email from their IT manager who invited me to apply for the position and a copy of that advertisement."
"He invited you, practically head-hunted you?"
"Yes."
"Oh hallelujah."
"Are you indicating that's good?"
"Oh its way beyond being good my dear client. You could say if you don't mind my language, we have that company by the balls."
"That doesn't sound like a typical American female speaking."
"Perhaps not and I do appear to have picked up some bad habits since arriving in Australia."
The travellers arrived back in Sydney late and Montana looked at Hagen asleep buckled into his seat and her heart soften - either that or her mind told her to quit being so equivocal with her hesitant acceptance of him.
She shook him awake.
He eyed her.
"We're at the airport for you to pick up your pickup and it's almost midnight. Would like to come to my place for more food and um stay the night?"
