Tweed’s expression turned curious. “So you just came by to say hi or…”
“Malik Montgomery’s lawyer came to see me today,” Sean said.
“Blake Hellstrom? What did he want? He didn’t have the balls to ask you to go to the prosecutors for leniency, did he?”
“It was a weird meeting.” Sean told Tweed about Hellstrom’s proclamation of his client’s innocence.
“Did he ask you for anything? I heard he lost a child himself. Tell me he didn’t try to use that to—”
“He didn’t mention losing a child, and he didn’t ask for anything. He just wanted to talk. A private talk.”
Tweed turned and erased the white board. “He’s a brilliant defense lawyer, Sean, don’t trust him.”
“I didn’t feel like he was playing me. He seemed—” Sean thought about it “—distraught.”
Tweed made no reply as he snapped on the caps to the white board markers, but his expression was skeptical.
“You know Malik Montgomery pretty well, right?” Sean asked.
“Yeah, I mean, he was one of my students.”
“But he was your research assistant, and you helped him get his clerkship?”
Tweed nodded.
“Do you have any doubts that he did this?”
Tweed looked conflicted. “I don’t know the facts, so I can’t—”
“But you know this kid, Jon. Is it something he’s capable of? Murder?”
Tweed fussed with the straps on his satchel. He started to speak, but hesitated.
“What is it?”
“I understand that there was an incident when he was in college.”
“An incident? What kind of incident?”
“I’m not sure. Something popped up in his background check for his clerkship with Justice Sheldon. She called me to ask about him. She didn’t give me any details, but said there’d been an altercation with a girlfriend and the police were called. There was no arrest and Sheldon said it seemed harmless, but she wanted to know what he was like.” Tweed looked down at the floor. “I keep thinking about that because I told her he was a model student and got along with everyone and that I thought he’d make a great clerk. If I would have known…”
Sean considered relieving Tweed of any guilt. After all, how much could he possibly know about his hundreds of students? But he couldn’t bring himself to say the words. “Was Abby working on some special project for you? Something confidential?” He’d been thinking about this since the meeting with Hellstrom. Abby loved to talk with Sean about the law: about her law school papers, her law review note, her work for Jon. He couldn’t believe she’d have kept something from him, but your children will do nothing if not have their secrets.
Tweed’s forehead wrinkled. “I’m not supposed to—”
“Jon, come on.”
His friend’s shoulders drooped. “I’m helping the administration vet potential candidates for Chief Justice Malburg’s seat. I’ve got students helping me. It’s obviously sensitive. We made the students sign confidentiality agreements. Violation is grounds for expulsion.”
“Abby was one of them?”
Tweed nodded.
“Did you tell the FBI? I mean, in case it’s relevant to the investigation?”
“They never asked. They actually haven’t interviewed me yet. I think they believe they’ve got their man.”
“Am I on your list?” Sean asked. “Your students are digging into my background?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I wouldn’t have students look into your past.” Tweed waited a beat. “I personally handled your vetting. You’re pretty boring, by the way.”
Sean shook his head. “Can I see Abby’s research files?”
“I don’t think…” Tweed trailed off again. “Come to my office and I’ll give you the file.”
CHAPTER 18
“You ready to go?” Sean said. Emily stood in the entryway of their home. She wore a black dress with a single strand of pearls around her neck. She had on more makeup than usual, but it didn’t completely camouflage the dark circles under her eyes, and she looked too thin. Sean couldn’t recall the last time he saw her eat.
“I’m not sure I’m up for this.” Emily bent over and strapped one of her shoes.
“People need to say their good-byes to Abby,” Sean said. “They already delayed the vigil by a week for us, and Jonathan said we don’t have to stay for the whole thing.”