Hanging by the window – the afternoon breeze had picked up, whipping down Sutler, pulling the smoke out – Hardy leaned against the sill. 'As soon as enough of this clears to be able to taste it. Meanwhile, I've got a great idea for a good time.'

'What's that?'

'We can fire Phyllis right now. It'll be fun. You realize that anybody wants to see you, they've got to mount a campaign.'

'That's what I pay her for.' He was pouring another glass for himself. 'You got around her, I notice. Keeps you sharp.' A slurping sip, another sigh of appreciation. 'So? What else? You didn't come to talk about Phyllis.'

'No. I came to talk about Dash Logan.'

Freeman frowned deeply. 'What about him?'

'Using the normal channels – say, the telephone -I can't reach him. I thought you might have an idea.'

'Why do you want to?'

'One of my clients is getting sued by one of his clients. There are also some criminal charges. I thought I'd feel him out, see where he's coming from.'

Freeman leaned back in his chair, drew in a breath. 'You want my advice, forgo the conversation. He'll just lie to you. I'd file the response and prepare to fight dirty.'

Still at the window, Hardy crossed his arms. 'Not exactly a ringing character endorsement.'

'Read between the lines and it gets worse.' Freeman shook his head in disgust. 'The man's a disgrace, Diz. Personally and professionally. If the bar had any teeth, they'd have yanked his card years ago.'

'For what?'

'You name it. Malpractice, bribery, theft of client funds, extortion, perjury, drug and alcohol abuse. I can't believe you don't know him.'

Hardy shrugged. 'I've heard stories, sure. But people tell stories about you, too.'

'Those are legends,' Freeman corrected him. 'Logan. Well, you know all the lawyer jokes?'

'Most of 'em.'

'Well, they made them up about Dash Logan, especially the one about the difference between a catfish and a lawyer. One's a bottom-dwelling scum sucker and the other one's a fish. Here's a hint – Logan's not the fish.'