"That won't be possible."
The middle-aged FBI agent faked surprise. "You mean, your clients won't come in to talk about this? You implied you had their full cooperation — oh… I know what the problem is. They're illegal. You're representing some Commie wetbacks, aren't you? What do you intend to do, sell your crazy story to the networks?"
"My clients are in fear for their lives..."
"You better be in fear for your freedom, Mr. Pro Bono. And your practice. Aiding and abetting illegal entry into this country is a crime. You want to go to prison?"
Holt returned the documents and photos to his briefcase. He glanced at his watch. "Do you watch the news programs in the evenings, Agent Gallucci?"
"Sure. Got to know what's happening in the world."
"Watch tonight."
The attorney left the federal office without another word.
4
Technicians held spotlights. Sound men crowded around David Holt with microphones as other technicians readied TV cameras. On the steps of the Wilshire Boulevard Federal Building in the Los Angeles suburb of Westwood, Holt waited as the network crews readied their equipment. Federal employees returning from their lunch hour glanced at the impromptu news conference. But they passed without commenting or questioning; they saw the media and demonstrations every day.
A camerawoman signaled the attorney. "Ready here, Mr. Holt."
"Anytime," another technician called out.
"Sir. Please give us a voice level before you begin your statement."
"Certainly. Thank you all for coming at such short notice. For those of you who may not know me, I am David Holt, of the law firm Holt, Lindsey and Stein. Usually our firm handles corporate law. However, we often take cases on a pro bono basis if we feel they represent a worthy public issue. Last week, a dear friend died in El Salvador. Do you have your levels now?"