Gary Alexander - The Best American Mystery Stories 2010

“Good Lord,” Lehman murmured, massaging his eyes with his fingertips.

“I’m not asking you to violate privilege, but I do need a heads-up about any problem cases or clients that could have triggered this thing.”

“That’s not so easy. Jared specialized in difficult cases.”

“Define difficult.”

“Property cases where the parties are in conflict, foreclosures, or the disposal of assets during a divorce. Jared loved confrontations. He’d needle the opposition until they blew, then he’d file a restraining order or sue for damages, generally make their lives miserable until they settled.”

“So he was what? Your hatchet man?”

“The best I ever saw,” Lehman admitted. “The slogan on his office wall says Refuse to Lose. He rarely did.”

“That kind of attitude might make him a lot of enemies.”

“It also made a lot of money. Real-estate law is a tough game, and Jared’s a guy you’d want on your team. Even if down deep, he scared you a little.”

“Were you afraid of him?”

“I had no reason to be, we were colleagues. But in court or in negotiations, he was a ferocious opponent. No quarter asked or given.”

“I get the picture.” Doyle nodded. “Can you give me a quick rundown of any seriously unhappy customers?”

“Butch Lockhart would top the list,” Lehman said, bridging his fingertips.

“The Cadillac dealer? Used to play linebacker for the Lions?”

“That’s Butch. Jared represented Butch’s ex-wife, Sunny, in a suit over their divorce settlement. He got their prenuptial agreement voided on a technicality and Sunny wound up with half of everything. Fourteen million for a six-year marriage.”

“Wow. I’m guessing Butch is unhappy?”

“He threatened, and I quote, to ‘tear Jared’s head off and cram it up his ass’ during a deposition. Looked angry enough to do it, too. Naturally, Jared got the blowup on video. Butch’s lawyers settled the same day. But there’s more. Jared and Sunny Lockhart...”

“Have been celebrating?”

“Banging his clients was almost a ritual with Jared,” Lehman sighed. “And Sunny lives in Brookside. Jared may have been coming from her place last night.”

“Is Butch Lockhart aware of their relationship?”

“I would assume so. Jared and Sunny haven’t been subtle about it.”

“Noted. Who else?”

“He recently brokered a deal for the Ferguson family. The three sons wanted to sell the family farm, the father didn’t. Jared managed to get the old man declared incompetent. Mr. Ferguson threatened to kill him in open court, which clinched the case. Personally, I think the old man was dead serious.”

“We’ll look into it. Any others?”

Lehman hesitated, thinking. “Jared had a divorce case slated for final hearings next week. Emil and Rosie Reiser. They own the Lone Pine Boat Works on Point Lucien.”

“What’s the problem?”

“There’s some... friction over the timing of the closing. Emil Reiser bought the boatyard ten years ago, built it up, married a local girl. They’re splitting up and cashing out, but their daughter is very ill. Emil wanted to put everything on hold, but Jared has a buyer lined up who won’t wait. The wife wants out immediately. Jared promised to make it happen.”

“How?”

“I’m sorry, but that definitely falls under attorney/client privilege.”

“Are you trying to tell me something, Counselor?”

“We both know the rules, Sergeant. I’ve already said more than I should.”

“Fair enough. Lockhart, Ferguson, and Reiser are on the list. Who else?”

“Those are the top three. I’ll scan through Jared’s files, and flag any others that seem problematic.”

“What about Bannan’s wife? She said they’re divorcing. Amicably?”

“No divorce is amicable, but they’re both professional people. The discussions were very chilly, but civil. I’m handling — was handling — the paperwork for them.”

“For both parties?” Doyle asked, surprised. “Isn’t that unusual?”

“The only dispute was the terms of the settlement, and they hammered those out in meetings that I refereed. We wrapped it up last week.”

“To everyone’s satisfaction?”

“Jared was certainly satisfied. Lauren’s harder to read. Jared and I have been friends since college. I could tell you the juicy details on every girlfriend he ever had, up to and including Sunny Lockhart. But I can’t tell you a thing about his wife. He never talked about her. I do know that a few years ago, they had... a serious problem.”

“What kind of problem?”

“That I truly don’t know. But Jared had a very successful practice downstate, and we didn’t recruit him, he called me up out of the blue. Said he wanted to make a fresh start.”

“Trying to save his marriage?”

“Jared never took marriage all that seriously.”

“How seriously did his wife take it? Should we be looking at her? Or a boyfriend?”

“Can’t help you there, Sergeant. As I said, I simply don’t know the lady well. I was surprised when I met her. She’s a handsome woman, but not Jared’s type at all. He liked them hot, blond, and bubbly and Lauren’s the opposite. Cool, intelligent, and very private. I’ve seen more of her during the settlement conferences than I did the whole time they... sweet Jesus.”

“What?”

“Their settlement isn’t finalized.” Lehman frowned. “We ironed out the details but nothing’s been signed or witnessed.”

“So? What’s the problem?”

“It’s void. All of it, even Jared’s new will. As things stand, Lauren’s still his wife and sole heir. She gets everything.”

“How much are we talking about?”

“I really shouldn’t—”

“Just a ballpark figure. Please.”

“Very well. Property and investments would be... roughly two and a half mil. And Jared had a substantial life-insurance policy. I’d put the total estate in the neighborhood of five million.”

“Nice neighborhood,” Doyle whistled.

“I’m afraid that’s really all I can tell you for the moment,” Lehman said, rising. “I’ll fax you the information on any problem clients by the end of business today.”

“I’d appreciate it, Counselor. About Bannan’s death being a possible homicide? That stays between us.”

“God. I don’t even like to think about it, let alone tell anyone else.”

“Thanks for your time, Mr. Lehman. I’m sorry about your partner.”

“So am I, Sergeant,” Lehman said, shaking his head glumly. “So am I.”

Zina was waiting for Doyle on the sidewalk. “What’d you get?” she asked, falling into step as they headed for the SUV.

“A lot. Bannan was having an affair with Sunny Lockhart and half of his other clients, his life’s been threatened at least twice, recently, and his widow stands to inherit five million. How’d you make out with the receptionist?”

“Same basic story. Bannan wasn’t doing her, but he certainly could have. He was a killer negotiator who loved ticking off the opposition. He also got into a major shouting match with his partner last week.”

“With Lehman? About what?”

“The receptionist wasn’t sure; those flashy glass offices may look wide open but they’re soundproof. A couple called Reiser had just left, and Dr. Bannan was waiting in reception. The argument could have been about either of them.”

“Or something else altogether.”

“Whatever it was, she said Bannan and Lehman were shouting loud enough to rattle the glass.”

“Not loud enough, apparently. What else?”

“Bannan’s clients loved him, in every sense of the word, especially the ladies. I’m feeling a little wistful that he never gave me a call.”