Chapter 12

Frances Noonan studied Julia Blackwell. She wanted Frances to meet with the skilled but unprincipled lawyer. A mother, hoping, praying for a miracle.

“Of course I’ll come,” she said.

The man was actually available the next day. His office was in Embarcadero Center, a group of towering dark buildings in the Financial District with offices, restaurants and shops. The office itself was light and airy, with an oriental rug, several deep leather chairs and an enormous glass-topped desk, completely bare save for one thin file.

They were ushered into the office by a tall blonde woman with stylish glasses. Spencer Tremaine stood from the desk and came around to greet them. He was shorter than he appeared on television, but his voice was full and confident. He launched into his spiel as soon as they sat, murmuring about what a difficult time it was, but how they needed to act quickly to control the information getting to the media to stem the tide of public opinion. He had a large team at the ready if Mrs. Blackwell and her son, whom he would visit at the jail later that day, agreed to let him take their case. A situation like this was delicate, and finding just the right approach was of utmost importance in allowing the matter to conclude in a satisfactory way for all concerned. He had experience and a reputation as someone who could not be dealt with lightly. He had connections and endless resources all prepared to begin work today to facilitate a speedy resolution.

And then there was the matter of the fee. Such talent did not come cheap, but you get what you pay for, and after all, you will soon have insurance money to soften any financial hardship.

“If you decide on another lawyer, another firm, and then the case is lost,” he said in his smooth voice, “will you wonder what might have been if you’d only gone with the best?”

Mrs. Noonan thought this was going a little far. His presentation was impressive, but now he was preying on their vulnerabilities.

Spencer Tremaine wasn’t finished yet. He came right over to Julia Blackwell and took her hand in his. Mrs. Noonan saw her soften.

“What’s important here is to get your son out of jail and back on his feet so he can make a life for himself and his son. So they can be a family again.”