by Lee Miller
“Mr. Connelly,
Your presence is requested on June 11th at 3:00PM at the disclosed address to help Mr. Diego celebrate the birthday of his niece, Jane. Enclosed you will find a voucher for a free suit, custom fitted, from Mr. Diego’s personal tailor. Also enclosed is a phone, which you can use to contact Mr. Diego at any time between the hours of 8:00AM and 5:00PM. Mr. Diego doesn’t receive calls after 5:00PM for that is family time. Please respect this. Also respect the fact you have been invited to a private family function and act accordingly. If you are to bring your spouse, please indicate when you RSVP so that we may arrange for an appropriate dress for her. RSVP is required and expected by the end of the day today.
Sincerely,
Thomas Gorge Sinclair Donnellson III
Head of Household Staff for Mr. Tony Diego”
“Impressive” Chris thought. “This yahoo thinks my personal taste in suits isn’t classy enough for his little party. What an ass.” He reached down and dialed Debbie’s extension. She picked up in two rings. “Yes Chris?” her voice came over the headset. “Hi Debbie, would you please call Mr. Diego’s assistant and RSVP for the birthday party on the 11th of June? RSVP for one.” Chris knew Debbie was probably going to balk at his request. “Uh, Chris, that’s in two weeks. Not taking Sara to this party?” her tone had a hint of surprise to it. “Yes, I’m aware and no, my gut tells me this is not a man I want knowing my family” Chris had known immediately he wouldn’t subject Sara to this meeting. “Are you aware you are scheduled to be at a conference in Phoenix, Arizona then?” She inquired. “Crap, I forgot that. I’ll have to cancel the conference. This meeting is important to the case and can’t wait. Seems Mr. Diego needs to feel he is in charge.” Chris waited for Debbie’s reply and caught himself chewing on his lower lip as she spoke. “Chris, stop chewing on your lip, that’s a bad habit. I’ll make the RSVP and cancel the conference. Just so I know; how long is this macho dick measuring contest going to continue between you and our client?” Chris chuckled. You can count on Debbie to see through the BS and get right to the point. “Until he understands that I am the only one that can keep him out of prison. Let me know if there is anything else Debbie. Thanks for all you do.” Chris didn’t wait for a reply and placed the receiver back in its cradle.
Chris was finishing tying up some loose ends in his office and getting ready to head out. It was 5:30 and he had a dinner date with his wife at 7:00 he refused to miss. All through school and even now into his career, Sara has been and will always be the most important person in his life. The courts, clients and bosses can wait till 6AM tomorrow morning. His relationship with her couldn’t. On his way out, Jill, his secretary stopped him. She too was winding things down for the day. “Hot date with the misses Chris?” she inquired. Jill was a pretty lady who practiced yoga more than what should be legally allowed. She was a strict vegan and very enamored with her own appearance, but she was a hell of a good secretary and was diligent about her job. Chris couldn’t ask for anyone better. “You know it Jill. No point in working so hard if I’m never home to reap the rewards. What about you, hot date tonight?” Chris didn’t really care about her social life, but felt it only right to treat everyone as fair as he could. “Yep, me and my girlfriend are going to the park and back to my place for movies and Chinese.” She beamed. Chris was surprised by the proclamation and quickly scanned Jill’s desk for a picture. There was one, a picture of her and a stunning redhead. They were both cheesing it up for the camera at what appeared to be a sushi bar. Both were showing too much cleavage in his opinion. “Nice! Is that her in the photo?” Chris asked politely. “Yes sir! That’s my Jan! We’ve been together five months tomorrow.” How could Chris miss this vitally important aspect of Jill’s life? They have work side by side for three years now and he realized he knew very little about her. “Anyway Boss, Debbie called down. You’re all set for that secret thing you got going on and your appointment is for next Tuesday to get fitted. You can pick up the completed item by Friday.” Jill announced with a slight frown to her face. Chris realized his assistant probably didn’t like someone else taking care of things for him on her behalf. He inadvertently had slighted her. “Thanks Jill. Debbie is taking care of things for me on a fairly high profiled case. Not one that I can go much into plus the client is a raging asshole that I would never subject you to having to deal with. Enjoy your time with Jan tonight.” He went to walk away then stopped and turned around. “In truth Jill, I really have no idea what I would do without you. You have been absolutely amazing and I appreciate everything you do for me. Never doubt that.” Chris said emotion loading every word. He wanted Jill to know that she mattered. She beamed back at him. “You know, as far as bosses go, you’re the best I’ve ever had Chris.” With that, Chris took his leave and let Jill get on with her night. Standing outside on the sidewalk, waiting for a cab, Chris realized his life was pretty great. He would continue to work to make sure he never took any of it for granted. Tomorrow he would treat Jill to lunch as a thank you for all she did for him.
That night, after dinner and walking home, he and Sara lay in bed after making love and told each other about their day. Chris explained to her what he could of this new case he was assigned and that he had to cancel the conference in Arizona so he could attend a birthday party just so he could speak with the client. “Who is it” Sara asked. “Well, not really supposed to say. Of course Mrs. Connelly this is strictly off the record.” He said, teasing her a little. Sara laughed and pretended to pull a tape record from under the blankets and tuning it off. “You know us reporters, we’ll do anything for a story. You ass.” She kissed him. “So, who is it, spill the beans.” She demanded. “Tony Diego.” He looked at her to judge her reaction. “No nose Tony?” he could hear the surprise in her voice. “Well sweetie, I don’t think people call him that to his face, but yes, him.” “I love you Chris, and if you think this is what is wise, I support you. Just promise you’ll be careful. He has a way of making those who do him wrong disappear.” “I know, and I promise.” They talked for a bit more and before he knew it, the sun was slowly on the rise and his alarm clock was going off. “Yay, another day.” He groused as he got out of bed. He looked back at the most perfect woman in the world who lay sleeping in his bed. He loved her. He would protect her. He would live and die for her.
The weeks flew by and this case consumed all of his time. The party was tomorrow and he was as ready as he could be. As the day drew closer his trepidation rose. The address was in The Hamptons. This fella had a lot of cash and was heavily connected. If Tony was guilty of even half of what he had been accused of over the years, he was probably one of the most dangerous men alive. Chris had to play this smart.
Deep in reflection he barely noticed his “black phone”, a nickname Sara gave the phone that could only call one number, ringing. He answered it. “Tomorrow at noon a limo will arrive at your residence and will take you to a private plane waiting. Bring no weapons, cameras or wire taps. Bring only what you need to conduct the business you need to conduct. Remember, this is a party, enjoy yourself.” Came the gruff voice over the line. Then the line went dead. “Cheerful fellow. Very trusting. Nothing here to hide at all.” Chris thought to himself.
He knew, somehow, that exactly at noon the car would be pulling up to the curb. He kissed Sara goodbye and went to the elevator. A cold chill ran down his spine, like this would be the last time he saw her. He brushed it off and went out into the misting rain to see a black limo sitting there. He checked his watch. 12:00PM exactly. “Punctual.” He thought. Chris nodded at Charles and entered the vehicle. He noticed the look of concern on the elderly doorman’s face, but dismissed it. Chris watched as the cityscape passed him by and barley noticed as they pulled up at the private airport. A helicopter was waiting to take him on the next leg of his journey. “I hate flying.” Chris muttered. “Suck it up and get moving.” The driver replied without looking at him. The helicopter ride was uneventful. In truth, it wasn’t a ba
d day for flying. The bird came in on a smooth landing on the roof of one of the biggest houses Chris had ever seen. He was spirited into the house and searched before allowing to continue. Large goons seemed to come out of every corner like cockroaches. Chris was then shown a room with a large desk. This office rivaled even Mr. Scott’s. Everything in it was big and sturdy. After a few minutes, the door opened again and a very well dressed gentleman walked in. One he could only assume was the client, Mr. Diego. “I do apologize for the treatment Counselor. But a man in my position can never be too careful.” He wore a grin on his face but the vague warning was still there. “Understood, Mr. Diego, lovely place you have here, very modern-contemporary.” Chris said eyeing the appointments of the lavish room. “Ah, a man who knows his décor, so much is lost these days in regards to style and presentation. Don’t you think so Mr. Connelly?” replied Tony, his eyebrows the only thing showing a hint of surprise at meeting someone who also had a love for proper home décor. “Yes. I do believe you are right sir. A room can convey so much about the person who occupies it. You can learn a lot about someone by the way they design and decorate a room.” Chris waved his arm widely to indicate the splendor of the current room they were in. “Careful you don’t learn something you aren’t supposed to Mr. Connelly. Some things are not meant to be figured out or noticed.” His tone still light, but the unmistakable hint that Chris was on dangerous ground definitely there. “Ah. Yes sir. I only meant that if one pays attention, they could see all matter of beauty that surrounds them. I meant no slight to you sir. Only that you have exquisite taste.” Chris replied with a calm demeanor. The two men eyed each other for what seemed like a long time.
“Right, Mr. Connelly. Well, the packet on the desk is all the info you need. And I would be a poor host if I didn’t request your attendance as my guest of honor at my niece’s birthday. If you are to be the one to represent me in court, I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to learn more about you” Tony’s civility returning along with the smile on his face. However, Chris wanted nothing more than to get out of there, but before he could politely refuse, Tony spoke again. “Please, I insist…and I don’t take rejection well.” He finished with a chuckle. He looked to the man standing right behind him, “Thomas, get our guest a glass of bubbly. Oh, and Mr. Connelly I hope you don’t mind, I had Thomas pick up something for you to give the birthday girl. Rather faux pas to attend a birthday party without baring gifts, don’t you think?” Tony’s look indicated he cared what Chris had to say to the question while ignoring the insult insinuated but Chris knew better. He simply smiled and nodded his acquiescence, “You’re too kind Mr. Diego”.
The party was in full swing as Chris and his host descended the broad oak staircase to the bottom floor. To the left, Chris could see the expansive kitchen that looked like it could serve up a meal for a lot more than just a family. Beyond it and to the left was a door that leads to an overly large, and probably just as finely appointed, dining room. Chris wondered how many people could be seated at the extremely large table that must reside in that room. From what he had seen, Chris knew his host did nothing small. To the right was a very large sun room that served as sitting room. All the furniture in it seemed to be from the early Victorian times, yet another extravagance that showcased Mr. Diego’s wealth and power. Straight ahead were double French doors that lead to a large patio where breakfast could be served on mornings with nice weather. Beyond it, yet attached by the same sea of concrete, was an Olympic size in ground pool and Jacuzzi. A beautifully manicured lawn stretched from there to almost as far as the eye could see. The property was bordered by lush trees and evergreens. Creating a very private atmosphere for his host to conduct whatever business he wished. The birthday girl, Jane, was the center of attention. Chris judged she must be about 13 or 14, yet she had the air of someone more mature. In contradiction to her uncle, the host, Jane seemed as awed by it all as Chris was. She either didn’t come from her Uncle’s level of money or she simply never let it go to her head, Chris wasn’t sure which. “My brother’s only child, I have spoiled that kid ever since she was first born; yet she still keeps a sense of humility about her. Impressive, no?” his host said. Chris agreed, for her to keep her humility in check at that age was impressive. “Agreed Sir, the kid seems most humble and innocent. She’s been raised properly, kudos to your brother and his wife.” “Yes, just as innocent as you’re going to paint me in court Chris. This is the side the jury needs to see of me. This is what you’re going to sell them. It would be tragic for my niece if she never got to have another birthday party like this, don’t you think?” Chris looked his host square in the eye “Yes Sir, tragic.” “Chris, if Jane is unhappy. I’m unhappy. You want a happy client don’t you? Because, as you know, unhappy people can do stupid things due to their unhappiness that they, or others, later regret” Tony’s smile never left his face as the veiled threat slipped through his lying lips. “What exactly are you trying to tell me Tony?” any notion of kindness gone from Chris. He wanted the man to spit out what he was trying to say without the vagueness. His host chuckled. “I see you are a man of action with considerable intellect Chris. I think you know what I mean even if I don’t myself. Come, let us enjoy Jane’s special day. Tomorrow’s problems will resolve themselves, one way or another.” Tony clapped Chis on the back and descended the last few steps to embrace his niece and began a loud chorus of “Happy Birthday”.
The weeks rushed by in a blur as Chris prepared for his first day in court on the Diego case. Mountains of paperwork were generated and hours of phone calls placed to make sure everything was ready. He didn’t like Diego, but then again, he didn’t have to. He simply had to go and convince a jury that the man was innocent of the charges brought against him. Chris decided to go in a bit early to the office, for last minute preparations for the start of the hearing. He arrived well before anyone else would be there, again, for the second time in 2 months, there was a package leaning against the door to his office. “I’ve really got to have a word with the mailroom about this crap.” He grumbled as he retrieved the package. He walked into the office and tossed the parcel on the desk as he started the coffee pot and cracked open the blinds. Looking at the package laying on his desk, he thought it odd the way it was addressed and wondered how exactly it found his way to his door. On the package was written only his name, no address or even return of address. Below his name, written in neat penmanship was the words “Open before the first day of the hearing”.
Chris was puzzled. Obviously whatever is in the package pertains to his current case. He stared at the padded, manila envelope on his desk, somehow sensing it to be a harbinger of doom. He couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever it contained was going to change things a great deal and make his life harder than it was. “What in the hell is going on here?” he wondered out loud. Feeling he had no other recourse but to open the strange package, he took his envelope opener to it. A single CD case fell out. On its translucent cover was a single yellow sticky note that simply read “watch in privacy” on it. Chris looked around. Nobody else had yet entered the office. He was alone. He slipped the DVD into his computers CD/DVD reader. A blue screen popped up with text on it that read “Think twice before you defend your client Chris.” The blue screen faded to show a CCTV from a convenience store. The camera was pointed at the counter and it showed a single, elderly person standing at the cash register. Chris’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t need a close up to know who the fuzzy face man was. It was his Grandfather. He watched as two figures walked up to the counter. Chris could tell they were finely dressed. One was shorter than the other and more round than the other. There was no sound so Chris could only guess what they were talking about. Whatever it was had the man behind the counter looking and acting a bit nervous.
The shorter, pudgier man turned and inadvertently faced the camera. Chris knew him to. It was his client, Tony Diego. Without warning, Tony tapped the bigger fellow on the shoulder as he turned
and walked out of the camera’s view. The bigger of the two men pulled something out of his jacket and pointed it at the old man behind the counter. Though he could hear no noise, Chris jumped a little when he saw the arm jerk, a small plume of smoke go up and watched the old man crumple to the ground. The big guy fired his gun 4 more times into the still figure on the floor then turned and walked away. The camera faded out. Chris knew what the results of the exchange were. His grandfather died on the floor with 4 of 5 gunshot wounds to the chest. The fifth hitting the floor next to him. His grandfather’s murder was ruled a burglary homicide even though nothing was taken. No suspects ever caught and no trial ever held. This was 5 years ago. Chris was shaking. A cold sweat pouring down his face. His client murdered his grandfather. There was no other way to see this. No other way to pin it. Now he was expected to go into court and set this lunatic murderer free back on the streets. He couldn’t do it. He wouldn’t do it. He would in fact seek justice for his grandfather.
Chris waited for Mr. Scott to come in to the office. Until then he kept himself in his office, unsure whether he could put on a show as if nothing was wrong. Mr. Scott would know how to handle this. He notified Debbie to call him as soon as the boss was there, she sensed something was very wrong with him but before she could inquire, Chris excused himself and hung up the phone. At a half past 8AM Debbie called him to inform him that Mr. Scott was on his way down to see him. This was very unusual. Mr. Scott never came to the lower floors for any reason. Debbie must have expressed concern over the last interaction she had with Chris. 10 minutes later his boss quietly walked through his office door, shut it and locked it. Turning around, Chris could see concern written on his face for his junior attorney. “Everything alright Chris?” Mr. Scott asked, trepidation filling his voice.