William Bernhardt - Capitol Murder

“I appreciate you being in the courtroom today. As I told you, it’s very important that you be present, sitting in the gallery right behind your husband anytime the jury is around.”

“On the theory that, if I’ve forgiven him, then they should, too?”

Ben craned his neck awkwardly. This was not an easy subject to discuss, especially with the betrayed wife. “More along the lines of, what he did was a private matter, to be dealt with by family. Not by the press. Not by the public.”

“Ah. The Hillary defense.”

“Well…”

“Don’t worry, Ben. I understand. Totally. I won’t do anything to jeopardize Todd’s political ambitions.”

Or yours? Ben had heard whispers at the Senate that Marie-a Georgetown political science grad, top of her class-had aspirations that went beyond being a senator’s wife. Or even a first lady. She was not a naturally attractive woman, but she did the most she could with what she had, and Ben wondered if the ultimate result wasn’t the best, politically speaking. She seemed sturdy and competent, not flighty or self-obsessed. She was from a good, well-to-do, old-money, blueblood East Coast family, the sort of whom Ben’s mother would approve. Reportedly her family’s fortune, combined with the considerable riches of Todd’s own parents, gave Todd the stake he needed to build his career. Her reserved, cool demeanor was also a useful contrast to Todd’s more earthy Oklahoma personality. What was it Christina had said? Partners complete each other.

“How do you think he’s holding up?” Christina asked.

“I think he’s doing admirably, all things considered,” Marie replied. “I saw him before I came here, back in the slammer. I think he has been surprised by the harshness of the personal attacks on his character. He knows this is going to be a blow to his future plans. But he’s dealing.”

Ben nodded politely, but inside he was reeling. Since he’d come to DC, these people had never ceased to amaze him. The man was on trial for capital murder! But they rarely talked about the crime, much less the possible penalty. All they talked about were the political ramifications, as if this was just another scandal-the sort of thing every politician had to deal with at one time or another. Most of Ben’s clients were terrified about the potential effect of the trial on their personal freedom. The Glancys seemed principally concerned with the effect of the trial on their approval ratings.

“And how about you?” Ben rejoined. “How are you doing?”

“I’m dealing, too. This isn’t the first difficulty we’ve had. Probably won’t be the last. You learn to roll with the punches. And come up slugging.”

“I suppose you have to.”

“That’s exactly right. So why complain about it?”

“Still, I know these past few months have been… taxing. I’ve often thought criminal trials are harder on the accused’s families than on the accused.” Just as he had for the previous five months, Ben tried to warm up to the woman, but he found himself unequal to the task. Some things just couldn’t be forced, he supposed. He should admire her resolve, her resilience, her legerity and wit. Many a time he had wished the spouses of his clients had more of those qualities. But he never sensed that Marie was masterfully containing the emotions seething inside her. More like she was… strategizing.

“You’re doing a fine job taking care of Todd,” she continued, gracefully filling the gap when no one else had spoken. “He really admires you, you know.”

Ben did a double take. “Todd admires me?”

“Oh my, yes. Even before you came to represent him. He’d read about your cases or see you on television and he was so jealous. He’s often said he’d be happier if he’d remained at the DA’s office and stayed out of politics.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Well, frankly, so do I.” She winked. “Todd’s a political animal. Even if he doesn’t want to admit it. But you’re not, Ben. Anyone can see that at a glance. I think that’s what he admires most about you. I think that’s why he insisted that you be lead trial counsel. I’m sure you realize some of his advisers wanted him to go with high-dollar locals. ‘Money talks,’ that’s the shibboleth this town lives by. Everyone wanted him to hire better-known DC big-firm big shots.”

“I gathered as much.”

“But he didn’t. He has faith in you. As do I.” The food arrived. She shook Ben’s hand again, nodded at Christina, then left the room.

“Mind if I ask what you think of her?” Ben asked. Maybe Christina could assuage the uneasy feelings he had by offering a second opinion.

“I think she’s biding her time,” Christina said succinctly.

“Until this trial is over?”

“Until her husband’s political career is over. So she can begin hers.”

“So you believe the rumors.”

“It’s more than rumors, Ben. My sources tell me she’s already bought her comfortable but affordable town house in New York. She’s standing by her man now, because it’s the savvy thing to do. But as soon as he’s done playing politics, she’ll start.”

“Well, I suppose it’s none of our business. I should focus on the task at hand.”

“The opening statement dilemma?”

“Yes. I think I’ve figured out a solution to the problem.”

“Which is?”

“You do it.”

“Ben!”

“Don’t fret, Chris. You’ll be great.”

“Ben, you can’t just-”

“You’ll be great. I know you will. And that will give me more time to review the witness outlines. Let’s finish up here and get back to the hotel so you can start thinking it out. Though God knows, for what that hotel charges, they should write it for you.”

“You know, Ben,” Christina said, twirling a bite of salmon on her fork, “it is expensive, keeping two rooms at the Watergate. If you wanted, we could-”

“Move to that Motel 6 across the street? Maybe this weekend. We have too much to do tonight.”

“Ri-i-ight.”

Christina seemed faintly annoyed. Maybe he shouldn’t have dropped the opening on her at the last minute? Well, he couldn’t waste time worrying about it now. He’d been doing his best not to turn into a Valium case, but the immensity of this trial was overwhelming, and as always his insecurities were running high. Had he bitten off more than he could chew? He’d been flattered when Todd asked him to take the lead, but maybe it would’ve been better if he’d declined.

Ben had to put all that out of his mind. His client wasn’t the U.S. government; it was Todd Glancy. And despite everything he had learned these past months, he did not believe Todd was guilty of the crime. He was convinced of that.

Now all he had to do was convince twelve other people.

Loving stepped into the alleyway, hitching and adjusting his pants, a euphoric expression on his face. Well now, he thought, that was a surprising turn of events. Might’ve been the most pleasant surprise in the history of his employment with Kincaid & McCall. Who said a private investigator didn’t get any perks?

Should he go back through Martin’s Tavern, or try to find a street outlet? He had a hunch this alley eventually emptied onto Wisconsin and might well put him closer to his rental car. From there, he could make a few phone calls, then start looking for this Stigmata joint.

He wasn’t sure how much he’d accomplished, but at least he had some fresh information about Amber and one possible lead. He thought he was finally on the right track. And he’d made a new friend. It was always good to have friends.

Loving stopped. Had he heard something in the alley behind him? He turned and carefully scrutinized the darkness. It was hard to say with certainty, as pitch-black as it was here, but he didn’t see anything. Probably his imagination. No one could possibly know where he was-no one but his mysterious informant, Deep Throat. Could they?