“I’m saying it’s a fair offer to a man who is guilty as sin. More than fair. Go talk to him and work your magic, Mick. Convince him. We both know you’re not long for the Public Defenders Office. You might need a favor from me someday when you’re out there in the big bad world with no steady paycheck coming in.”
I just stared back at him, registering the quid pro quo of the offer. I help him and somewhere down the line he helps me, and Barnett Woodson does an extra couple of years in stir.
“He’ll be lucky to last five years in there, let alone twenty,” Vincent said. “What’s the difference to him? But you and I? We’re going places, Mickey. We can help each other here.”
I nodded slowly. Vincent was only a few years older than me but was trying to act like some kind of wise old sage.
“The thing is, Jerry, if I did what you suggest, then I’d never be able to look another client in the eye again. I think I’d end up being the dope that got roped.”
I stood up and gathered my files. My plan was to go back and tell Barnett Woodson to roll the dice and let me see what I could do.
“I’ll see you after the break,” I said.
And then I walked away.
PART TWO. Suitcase City
Four
It was a little early in the week for Lorna Taylor to be calling and checking on me. Usually she waited until at least Thursday. Never Tuesday. I picked up the phone, thinking it was more than a check-in call.
“Lorna?”
“Mickey, where’ve you been? I’ve been calling all morning.”
“I went for my run. I just got out of the shower. You okay?”
“I’m fine. Are you?”
“Sure. What is-?”
“You got a forthwith from Judge Holder. She wants to see you – like an hour ago.”