The Lawyer's Lawyer

CHAPTER Twenty-Two



The following Monday at 9 a.m. sharp, Jack and Julian were at the state attorney’s office waiting to be ushered into a meeting that had been set up late Friday.

“Mr. Tobin and Mr. Reardon,” the receptionist said, “would you please follow me?”

Jack and Julian, who was dressed in a blue suit just like his attorney, followed the woman to a large conference room. She opened the door for them and ushered them inside. Danni was there along with a tall woman and a husky man. Danni came around the table and shook hands with Jack and Julian. She was all smiles as she introduced the other two people.

“Jack and Julian, this is Apache County State Attorney Jane Pelicano and Oakville Chief of Police Sam Jeffries.” Everybody shook hands and Jane Pelicano motioned them to be seated. She was now in charge of the proceedings.

After the arrest and subsequent conviction of the serial killer, Thomas Felton, Jane Pelicano, the prosecuting attorney, and Sam Jeffries, the head of the task force formed to apprehend the killer, were the two most popular people in the county. Jane used that newfound fame to successfully run for the position of Apache County state attorney. Sam became a double-dipper. He retired from the Sheriff’s Department and took the position as chief of police in Oakville. He was now Danni’s boss.

Jane opened the meeting.

“We have asked you both here today because we have made some decisions regarding your case, Julian, and we wanted to talk about those decisions before we made a public announcement. Since this case involves the university’s sports program as well as yourself, Julian, it has gotten a great deal of publicity. We want to make sure we tie up all the loose ends appropriately so that we are all on the same page, so to speak.”

Jack was not sure where this was going. If they were just going to drop the charges, what was the need for a meeting? He decided to start asking questions.

“Are you going to drop the charges?”

“Yes,” Jane Pelicano answered.

“What else is there to talk about?”

“We’d like your client to sign a release, releasing the police department, the City of Oakville, and the State of Florida from any and all claims arising out of this investigation. This is not normal procedure, but since there has been so much publicity already, some of it not favorable to your client, we thought it would be best.”

Ah, Jack thought. There’s the rub. They’re thinking about their own necks. Now that he knew the game, he decided to work for some concessions.

“That’s not a problem. However, we would like your announcement to say that you have completed your investigation and Julian Reardon has been completely exonerated. He is totally innocent.”

“I’m not sure we can go that far, Mr. Tobin,” Chief Jeffries said. “But we can work on some language with you.”

“I’m sure you can but I like my language ‘completely exonerated’ and ‘totally innocent.’ It kind of goes along with releasing the police department, the City of Oakville, and the State of Florida from ‘any and all claims arising out of the investigation,’ doesn’t it?”

“We’re not charging your client. Isn’t that enough, Mr. Tobin?” Chief Jeffries persisted.

“Let’s put it this way. You want a release since you think you may have some exposure because of the adverse publicity my client has endured. We are willing to give that to you, but we want a statement that removes the stigma caused by that adverse publicity. That’s only fair.”

Jeffries looked at Jane Pelicano and shrugged. Jack could tell they wanted to get this over with. Danni just sat there and looked pretty. This was a political decision and she was not a part of it.

“Okay,” Jane said. “We will agree with your language in exchange for the release if we can get it all done today. Time is important to all of us. We’d like to put this to bed.”

Jack chuckled to himself. He’d gotten everything he wanted, but the state needed to feel that they had the final concession.

“Done. I’ll draft the statement and you draft the release, and I’ll review it. I only need an hour or so.”

Pelicano stood up. “Fine. Detective Jansen will get in touch with you when the release is ready.”

The meeting was over. Everybody shook hands and went their separate ways.

Julian had a few questions when they were standing outside the state attorney’s office.

“I’m not sure exactly what happened in there, but I do know that you were just a little quicker than they were and they had a plan going in. How did you do that?”

“Well, Julian, when somebody wants to make a deal, you’ve got to make sure you seize the opportunity and squeeze everything you can out of it because it won’t come again. It’s just something that comes with experience. Now, they are going to make a wonderful statement clearing your name. I know because I’m going to write it. You will be reinstated on the football team and you can put this episode behind you.

“I hope that you learned something from this. As an athlete you are in a fishbowl. You can be innocent but still be perceived as guilty if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. In your world, my friend, perception is oftentimes reality. Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t, Mr. Tobin. My mother was right about you. You are the best. You know I almost went with that guy from Miami, but my mother wouldn’t let me.”

“It was the universe speaking to all of us, Julian.”

Julian just nodded as he shook Jack’s hand. He had no idea what that last statement meant.



Danni called two hours later.

“I’ve got the release.”

“I’ve got the statement. Want to meet for lunch?”

“Where?” Danni asked.

“Where else?”

“I’ll see you at The Swamp in fifteen minutes.”

Jack was already at a back table talking to Ron when Danni arrived. She sat down and handed Jack the release. “I think it’s pretty standard language.”

“I guess I’ll leave since I’m invisible anyway,” Ron said.

“Don’t go on my account,” Danni said without much conviction.

“I know it will be hard for you two without me around, but I must go. You know, I’ve got to pay for the lights and all that. Lunch is on me, by the way. And, Danni, don’t give me that city business crap.”

It was Jack who protested. “Ronnie, I haven’t paid for a meal since I’ve been here.”

“And you won’t, brother. Besides, I’m just softening you up for my big pitch down the road when I’m gonna need some real money.” Ronnie walked away toward the front door to greet customers.

“He’s something else,” Jack said to Danni as he finally took a moment to look at the release she had handed him. “It looks fine.” He pulled a piece of paper from his jacket pocket and gave it to her.

“Here’s the statement.”

Danni took a moment to read it. “It looks good to me, but as you know, I won’t be making that decision.”

“I understand. Tell the powers that be that the release seems okay with me, but I am withholding any final decision as to whether to have my client sign it until I hear back from them in writing about the statement.”

Danni smiled. “You are a hardball player.”

“Maybe so. I just know how the game is played and how people go back on their word.”

“Unfortunately, I know about that myself.”

Their meals arrived and as they ate, they watched the noontime crowd arrive. Ron was suddenly everywhere chatting with people.

“So Henry tells me you and he had an exciting time in Miami.”

Danni almost choked on her veggie wrap. “You can say that again. And I’m with you about Henry, Jack. He’s now one of my closest friends. He saved my life.”

“Welcome to the club. So let’s be optimistic and assume everything wraps up today. You and I will no longer be on opposite sides of a criminal investigation.”

“That’s true.”

“So I think we should have dinner to celebrate.”

Danni looked at him and smiled but didn’t answer right away. For a moment Jack thought she was going to turn him down.

“I think so, too, and I’ve got the perfect place in mind.”

“You’re talking about here, right? Because I get my meals free at this establishment.”

“No, Jack Tobin. Tonight you’re going to pay. Assuming everything goes according to plan, you can pick me up at seven.”

“I don’t even know where you live.”

“You’ll find out. You’re a resourceful man. I’ve got to go. I have an important deal to close.”

Jack’s eyes followed her to the door.