I WANTED HANS TO HEAR THE CALL TO RED. It was important for his clients to think that David’s case would be my last. I chose the Mayflower restaurant for several reasons. It would be difficult to plant a listening device there on short notice. I seldom ate there, and it was usually crowded with diplomats, lobbyists, and governmental officials. And Hans would understand my need to explain more than I already had to Maggie. It was worth the risk: both Maggie and Walter were important to my budding plan.
Maggie didn’t say a single word to me as we walked from the office to the Mayflower, her anger almost palpable. The restaurant was full of diners and busy waiters. I crossed my fingers that Hans hadn’t found a way to listen to our conversation. Walter and I exchanged pleasantries until the waiter had taken our orders. Maggie still hadn’t said a word except to the waiter.
I gave her a stern look and said, “What I have to say can’t leave your ears. It really is a matter of life and death.” I had their attention.
“This morning I was instructed to throw David’s case. If I refuse, none of us, not Maggie, not me, not Beth, ‘will ever see another birthday.’ The threat was real. Those were his exact words.” Maggie turned pale but remained silent.
I went on to explain about my encounter with Hans at Lafayette Park. I didn’t leave out any details. Our waiter brought our salads just as I finished, which gave us all a few moments to think.
“Have you called the police?” Walter asked.
“No, I haven’t told a soul. I’m pretty sure no one would believe me. Besides, I think the enemy has just about everyone in their back pocket. Hans and his gang walked away from the FBI after my kidnapping. Why would I think a police inquiry would scare them?”
“The main bad guy finally has a name, Hans? Wasn’t there a movie—”
Maggie interrupted with a “Walter!” and a scolding glare.
Walter’s grin quickly disappeared. “Sorry, Jack. I see your point. I’ll ask Martin to raise everyone’s security.”
“I’m meeting with Martin this afternoon. I’ll ask him to step down my protection, except for Maggie. My adversaries must believe they’ve gotten to me, that I’m totally spooked. If I were to ramp up my protection, they might think I plan to cross them. By losing my protection I hope to get them to lower their guard—at least a little.
“Walter, you and I have had some candid conversations about how some of my cases have put Maggie in danger. This case turns out to be the one we both feared. I want you to increase her protection. Send her out of the country to visit relatives—whatever. But she can’t be part of this case.”
“Don’t I have a say?” Her tone was frosty.
“Of course you do, but think for a minute. Hans and his clients know you’d never let me do anything unethical. When they see you aren’t involved, they’ll think I’ve caved. Maggie, you and I have been the perfect team for a long time. I can’t imagine trying a case without you, but your life and reputation mean far too much to risk. Sadly, the possibility of winning David’s case is minimal anyway. I’m going to try this case on my own.”
Walter asked, “I appreciate your concern for Maggie, but from what you’ve said, Hans’ threats are designed to get you to throw the case. He didn’t say anything about Maggie’s appearance at trial. Maggie is at risk whether she helps you or not.”
“That’s correct,” I agreed. “And if it were up to me, she’d already be on her way to London for an extended family visit. These guys mean business. And I’m not just worried about Hans and his clients. I’m afraid this case could be the tip of the iceberg. Whatever David’s software does, if it’s enough of a threat to bring this level of scrutiny from the Feds, imagine who else would stop at nothing to make sure it’s destroyed.”
We all took a minute to let that prospect sink in.
“I do have a couple of favors to ask.”
“Name them,” Walter replied quietly.
“Use of your jet would be the first one. I need to be in New Orleans tomorrow and return to DC as soon as possible. Next, after Stella and Clovis return to Little Rock, can you come up with a reason for them to return to DC? I know they’ve done consulting work for you in the past. I need their help, but it must look as if they’re here strictly on your business.”
“Done. The plane is at your disposal. I’ll call the pilots and tell them to be on standby for your call. And I’ll make the appropriate arrangements for Stella and Clovis as soon as I get back to the office. Not a soul will suspect anything; it’s the perfect cover.”
“You’re not going to lose the case after all, are you?” Maggie broke in. “Why am I not surprised.”
“I didn’t say that. The odds of winning are slim to none, but you know me better than to think I could ever throw a case. My goal is for everyone to think I’m the most incompetent lawyer on the planet, while giving my client his best opportunity to win.”
“And just how do intend to do that?”
“Honestly, Maggie? I don’t know, haven’t gotten that far. I only know that I need to do everything I can to convince Hans and anyone else who’s interested that I’m going to lose the case. I’ll have to figure out how to win later.”
Walter chuckled, and Maggie asked, “How can I help when I can’t work on the case?”
“Well, here’s a way which should be easy for you. I know you won’t go to London, so when you return to the office write a letter to me on the office computer giving me two weeks’ notice. Include something about how if you didn’t know me better, you’d think I was trying to throw David’s case. Say something to the effect that you’ll use the next two weeks to help Brian close the office, but my behavior has created a real obstacle for any continuing friendship.”
She looked doubtful, and more than a little obstinate.
“Maggie, listen to me—please,” I begged. “The more Hans thinks we are estranged, the safer you’ll be. It’s a simple as that. I can’t focus my attention on David’s case until I’m comfortable that you and Beth are safe.”
“What about your own safety? Why are you dismissing your own protection?” she asked, her voice trembling. I felt like a real jerk.
“I’m trying to create an illusion for Hans and his clients. Yes, I’m taking a risk, but what better way to convince them that I’m cooperating than to act as if I have nothing to fear.”
Walter handed her a tissue, commenting, “That’s one hell of a risk, my friend.”
“Well, maybe, but Clovis will be back in a matter of days, and I’m not really terminating Lisa or Mike, despite what I said earlier. I’m meeting with Lisa and Martin this afternoon to work out the details.”
“Are you telling me that everything you said this morning was meant to create a false impression? That none of it was true?” Maggie’s stiff tone radiated disapproval.
“Sorry, Maggie, but yeah, pretty much. It was a performance for Hans and his clients.”
Walter frowned and said, “Let me get this straight. You want to look like you’re trying to lose David’s case on purpose. But your real intent is to win, hoping no one notices your ploy until it’s a fait accompli?”
“In a nutshell, yes.” I smiled.
“Why not do as they ask? Why go to all this effort to win a case you say is already lost? I gather that Hans and his cohorts already have the judge, the federal government, and the facts on their side. Why not throw in the towel?” Walter was perplexed.
“Walter, I can’t. I can’t throw David to the wolves. And I just can’t throw a case. That’s not who I am.”