SO MUCH FOR GENEROSITY. I had no desire to linger, so I glanced at Brian who, with instinctive timing, had already gathered his papers. I thanked Stanford for the meeting, nodded politely at the others, and we were soon out the door. Stanford hadn’t engaged in any trash talk or bragging. He had portrayed confidence and professionalism while emphasizing the gravity of David’s situation. He appeared to be a reasonable man, but neither his words nor his manner had lessened my concern for David’s future.
Big Mike joined us as we walked back to the office. He confirmed that we had been followed again. “It’s strange—They haven’t tried to hide or avoid detection. And Maggie asked me to let you know that Duke Madigan’s been calling the office. He’s still asking about the transition of the files.”
I sighed: One more thing to deal with—the checklist was growing. I wanted to consult with a patent and trademark expert about how to protect intellectual property such as software. I needed to meet with his girlfriend before I saw David again. And I had neglected my regular clients for far too long, especially Red. My next few days were going to be packed.
I turned to Mike. “Call Maggie and ask her to get us a table in the back room at Tony Sharp’s. We need to get organized and might as well enjoy a good meal while we’re at it.”
Tony Sharp’s had become one of my favorite watering holes in DC. Tony had converted the first floor of an older office building into a barbeque restaurant with tables both inside and out on a shady patio. I’m of the opinion that no one in DC produces real barbecue, the kind that’s tended for hours in big wood-smokers, but Tony comes damn close. The aroma from his smokers drives people crazy, and his sides are just what you’d expect at a southern barbecue joint—cole slaw, onion rings, grilled corn on the cob, fresh butter beans, okra, and first-rate hush puppies—crispy on the outside and light as a feather inside. He serves only two desserts: banana pudding and soft serve vanilla ice cream. Either is the perfect ending to a meal of chopped brisket, pulled pork, or dry rubbed ribs. I’d known Tony for years and never had any trouble getting a table.
Mike looked worried. “Do you think that’s a good idea? All of us in one location?”
“Mike, if we aren’t safe with you, Lisa, Brian, and Clovis at our table, then we aren’t safe anywhere. Tell Maggie to make sure Lisa joins us. We won’t get anything done if we’re looking over our shoulder all the time.”
Clovis and Stella were the first to join us. I’d introduced them to Tony’s long ago, and they’d quickly become regulars. We used to kid Tony about his rules for finding good barbeque. “Never eat barbeque at a place that serves asparagus. Never eat barbeque at a restaurant that gives you little white napkins,” and my personal favorite, “never eat barbeque at a place that doesn’t have at least five pick-up trucks in the parking lot.” Tony never served asparagus and made sure there was a large roll of paper towels on every table. As for the pick-ups, Tony said parking in DC was scarce and too expensive for most folks. Tony’s clientele came via the Metro, cab, bus or even limousine.
Maggie and Lisa soon joined us, and we ordered a rack of dryrub ribs, fried okra, and hush puppies for starters. It had taken Maggie a good while to get used to the idea of eating ribs. She still ate them with a knife and a fork, ignoring the stares of less dainty diners. But she’d taken to the idea of fried okra almost immediately, declaring that anything so strange must be healthy. We all have our little rationalizations. Without them, how could we eat anything in good conscience?
The corner of my eye caught a sudden movement just outside the front door. A child could have recognized the two men as security guards.
“Lisa, let’s ask your guys to join us. They’re bound to be hungry,” I suggested. “It’s early, and we can pull up some more chairs.”
“Not a chance, Jack,” she snapped. “They’re on duty. And by the way, one of their duties is to be obvious. Maggie told me you’d insist on meeting in public—though why on earth is beyond me! Mike did tell you, didn’t he, that you’ve been followed all day?”
“He did,” I replied, trying without success to keep a neutral tone. “That’s exactly why I decided we should meet out in the open air. This gathering is meant to signal that we will not be intimidated, that we will conduct our business as usual. Besides, I’m hungry for barbecue, Tony’s barbecue. Any questions?” I waited, but she had no response. “Now can you please give me an overview of what you and Clovis have worked out regarding security. Not the details, just an overview.”
Clovis cleared his throat and responded. “Well, we decided your request for better looking guards would be tough to fulfill, so Stella and I will move into your guest bedroom this evening. At least one of us is better looking. Lisa has also arranged for a detail to watch your building twenty-four seven.”
“I’m sure my neighbors will be grateful,” I commented with a frown.
He chose to ignore my sarcasm and continued.
“Big Mike will oversee your security and transportation during the day. He’ll decide how much back-up he needs depending on the circumstances. Maggie and Walter already have their own detail, and Lisa has told them of the increased danger. Stella, why don’t you tell Jack what you’ve discovered so far.”
Stella spoke up before I could complain. “All of our phones and computers are being monitored by as complex and sophisticated a technology as I’ve ever come across. First, I’m going to create a cone of silence in your office so you can talk without being overheard. Next, I’ll see what I can do to protect your computers—all our computers, for that matter. That could take a while, hopefully not more than a day or so. I’ve ordered some burn phones so we can communicate without worrying about eavesdroppers.”
Lisa interrupted, “Do you think my phone has been compromised?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised. I need to check all our phones, as well as those of anyone else who is guarding Jack or Maggie. And Brian, of course—he’s both a guard and a colleague. Jack, I doubt you talk business with Beth, but I can check her phone remotely if you like.”
I told her that wouldn’t be necessary. I didn’t want a public discussion about my daughter’s security. I would pull Clovis aside later.
I waited while our server delivered our chopped pork sandwiches and sides. “Okay, Stella. Sounds like you’re doing all you can. For now, we must assume everything we say and do is being monitored. It’s damned irritating, but we can work around it. Let’s focus on the job at hand. Brian, get in touch with David’s girlfriend, Rita Gonzalez. Ask her to meet us at the office tomorrow, preferably tomorrow morning, and arrange for us to meet with David again. We need to prepare him for the arraignment, discuss the terms of his release, and get some inkling about what his software does.
“Maggie, email the engagement letter to both Jordyn and the U.S. Attorney’s office. And follow up with hard copy, please. Work with Brian on the revised confidentiality agreement to make sure we can live with its terms as we try to deal with civil litigation and a criminal indictment at the same time. I don’t mind being gagged, but I won’t be handcuffed.
“Clovis, please call Royce to give him an update. Stella, once you’ve made us as safe as you can, I need you to turn your attention to the software. What exactly does it do, and how can David make it less offensive to the feds. Despite what Jordyn said, if we can get the indictment dropped, I feel sure we can come to some compromise with the tech companies. Now, let’s enjoy this feast. Lisa, please pass the ribs.”
Maggie asked, “Haven’t you left someone out? What will you be doing while we work our fingers to the bone?”
I smiled, “I’m going to meet with Duke and Gloria. Anyone want to trade places?”
There were no takers.