The Last Chance Lawyer

by William Bernhardt

  “I am familiar with the law, counsel. What’s your argument?”

  “Esperanza Coto is an extraordinary young woman. Strong, intelligent. Despite serious economic handicaps, she has excelled at school. She’s generous, kind, hard-working. She is exactly the kind of citizen we want in the United States.”

  The judge looked at him sternly. “And none of that has anything to do with political asylum. You need to show a present threat. You need to show me that she is in danger in her home country.”

  “And she is,” he insisted. “If you’ve read my brief, you know what awaits this young girl in El Salvador. Our customs authorities will deliver her to their Salvadoran equivalent, which will almost certainly deliver her to her nearest living relative, which in this case is Diego Sanchez, who runs a sex-trafficking cartel.” He pushed forward the box Jazlyn brought him. “I have numerous documents here detailing Sanchez’ connections to the largest sex cartel in that country. He also has connections here in the United States. If we deliver this young girl to him...there’s little doubt about what will happen to her.”

  “You can’t prove that. You’re speculating.”

  “I’m using common sense,” he said quietly.

  “You can’t say there’s persecution against her in El Salvador. She’s been in the United States for most of her life.”

  “She’s a member of a protected social group that faces persecution.”

  “And that would be...?”

  “Young women. Who are habitually treated like chattel in many corners of the world.”

  “That’s not a protected class.”

  “Then it should be. When will we start protecting women from these predators? When will we stand up and say, hey—time’s up. We’re not going to allow this anymore.”

  “I believe you’re showing your cultural bias. We can’t force our values on other nations.”

  “This isn’t Western cultural bias. Sex trafficking is illegal in El Salvador too—but it happens. This is an incredible young girl and we shouldn’t let a total scumbag get his hands on her just because they’re related.”

  The judge leaned back, steepling his fingers. “This is most irregular.”

  “Granted, this is not like most claims for political asylum. But her case meets the standard. And there is also the matter of justice. And mercy. Which may not be written into the statute, but I like to think it underlies every decision made by every court in this country.”

  The judge turned toward Mr. Abrams. “Anything from the United States?”

  Abrams seemed hesitant to speak. “As I said before, your honor, we oppose on technical grounds. But as Mr. Pike has said, this is a special case. These facts are unlikely to be duplicated.” He cleared his throat. “Before I entered the courtroom today, I had a long conversation with Jazlyn Prentice, a prosecutor I trust and respect who knows all there is to know about this case. She’s as honest as the day is long. She’s sitting in the gallery right now.”

  Jazlyn tentatively raised a hand.

  He bit his lip. Maybe everyone working for government wasn’t quite as villainous as he thought.

  “Ms. Prentice believes everything Mr. Pike said. So I’m not denying it either.” Abrams paused, his eyes darting downward. “It is simply the policy of this office to oppose asylum requests from people who do not currently have legal status in the United States.”

  “I’ve got the general idea,” the judge said. “And I want to thank all parties concerned for their honesty, for putting aside politics and focusing attention where it should be. On the child. So far as the law allows, we need to do the best we can by her.”

  Judge Franklin gathered his thoughts. “It is clear to this court that the threat of persecution exists. I’d like to have more time to consider this and write an opinion, but clearly that time does not exist. That being the case, I will rule from the bench. This petition for political asylum is granted. Mr. Pike, please prepare the appropriate paperwork.”

  He felt Gabriella squeezing his hand under the table. She understood. A small cry escaped from her lips.

  “What’s more,” the judge continued, “just to make the intention of this court clear, I’m issuing an immediate restraining order against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. There will be no deportation, no detention, no incarceration of any kind, while we complete the paperwork necessary to make this young woman a citizen of the United States.”

  The judge looked up. “And when you next see that young lady, Mr. Pike, please tell her that this old conservative fart will be proud to have her as a fellow citizen of my country.”

  Chapter 54

  Gabriella melted into Dan’s arms. He felt her white-hot tears, even through his suit. Barely a second later, a much smaller person wrapped herself around his legs.

  “Had her waiting outside,” Maria explained. “Just in case.”

  “You didn’t mention—”

  “Thought you had enough pressure,” Maria said, then she joined the group hug. And as if that weren’t quite enough, barely a few moments later, Jimmy wrapped his big arms around everybody.

  He looked down. “Do you understand what happened, Esperanza?”

  She beamed up at him, nodding vigorously.

  He feared the judge might be upset at this breach of decorum. That did not appear to be the case. It was subtle, but he thought the judge was smiling. With his eyes.

  Before he knew what was happening, Maria had leaned forward and planted a kiss on his forehead. “Don’t get the wrong idea,” she cautioned. “That’s a congratulatory kiss. Nothing more.”

  “Understood.”

  “You did good work today, champ. Very good work.”

  “What does this mean?” Gabriella asked. “I need to hear it from your lips.”

  “It means Esperanza will not be deported tomorrow. Or ever.”

  Gabriella’s eyes clenched shut.

  “Is it over?” Esperanza asked in a tiny voice.

  “We still have some work to do. But it’s nothing we can’t handle.”

  “But Esperanza is so young. She can’t take care of herself.” Gabriella bowed her head. “And I cannot be her parent.”

  He nodded. “You can and should remain a part of her life. You should see her every day. But she’s going to need more.”

  “I will do anything for this girl. Anything.”

  “I know you will.”

  He pulled out of the embrace and pivoted. Jazlyn stood behind them. “I had my doubts about this asylum business. But you pulled it off. Once again, you’re the miracle worker. Could we talk for a moment?”

  “Of course.” He glanced down at Esperanza. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” He and Jazlyn stepped a few feet away so they could speak privately. “What’s up?”

  “Nothing important. I just wanted to say...oh wow. This is so awkward.”

  “Out with it. Jump into the deep end.”

  Jazlyn sighed. “I just wanted to...amend something I said earlier.”

  “And that would be?”

  “Oh, you remember. That night. Dinner. The sailboat.”

  “I do remember. Not my most successful night on record.”

  “Well, having to work a little harder for it would probably do you good. I meant those comments I made. Earlier that day, at the courthouse. I said I admired you...but I didn’t respect you.” She shifted her weight, tilting awkwardly to one side. “I just wanted to say that has... changed. Somewhat.” Her eyes scanned the celebration in the courtroom. “I respect what you’re doing, and I respect who you are.”

  He checked his instinct to make a stupid joke, or to turn it into a come-on. “Thank you,” he said quietly.

  She threw up her hands. “Okay, enough of this. I need to get back to the office.”

  He reached out and grabbed her wrist. Was it his imagination, or was there a little electricity there that couldn’t be attributed to the carpet? “I remember something else you said that night. At dinner.”


  “What would that be?”

  “Something about your clock ticking.”

  “Oh. That.”

  “Since you came clean with me, let me come clean with you. I think you would be a terrific parent.”

  “I don’t know anything about parenting.”

  “No one does, until they’ve done it. But what I’ve learned these past few weeks is that there’s a real person hidden under your steely prosecutorial shell.”

  She held her finger to her lips. “Shh.”

  “You would make a fabulous mother. And I know a little girl who needs one, the sooner the better.”

  Jazlyn’s mouth gaped. “Are you—Are you kidding me?”

  “Totally serious.”

  “Oh man. That is...completely...”

  “You know how bright Esperanza is. Given the right education, she could accomplish anything. And you’re on the board at St. Teresa’s, right? Prep school for girls. You could get her in.”

  “I don’t know...Maybe...”

  He turned and found Esperanza not far away. He knelt down to her level. “Esperanza, I’d like you to meet a good friend of mine. Her name is Jazlyn. She works in courtrooms, just like I do.”

  “Well,” Jazlyn said, “hardly like you do.” She bent down and extended her hand. “Hi, Esperanza. Glad I finally got to meet you. I’ve been hearing people talk about you for weeks.”

  Esperanza smiled. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

  “You two girls have a lot in common,” he added.

  Jazlyn arched an eyebrow. “Like...?”

  “You’re both extremely smart. You both know how to apply yourselves in tough situations and get the job done. And you’re both—” He took a breath, then tried again. “You’re both on my A-list.”

  Silence filled the air. They all looked at one another wordlessly.

  “Hey, it’s a beautiful day,” he said. “Let’s all go to that fabulous park Kazan built.”

  Jazlyn nodded. “I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t seen it yet. Let’s make it a party. My car is big enough to hold everyone.” She reached into her purse and withdrew her keys.

  Esperanza’s eyes widened like balloons. “Hello Kitty!”

  He blinked.

  Esperanza reached out and grabbed Jazlyn’s hand. Which was holding a Hello Kitty keychain. “You like Hello Kitty!” Her eyes were saucers, and for the first time in this whole ordeal, he saw tears gushing from them. “You like Hello Kitty!”

  Jazlyn shrugged. “Doesn’t everyone?”

  Esperanza pointed downward. “I have Hello Kitty sneakers! Mr. Dan got them for me!”

  “Did he really?” She gave him a piercing look. “Did you notice my keychain before?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  And a moment later, Esperanza had wrapped her arms around both of them.

  He cleared his throat. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

  Esperanza pulled back and looked straight into his eyes. “I knew you were the one, Mr. Dan. I knew you were the one who would save me.”

  He felt a strange itching behind his eyes. For once, he didn’t know what to say.

  Chapter 55

  Dan sat on the sofa with his teammates, staring at the big screen television with no picture. Mr. K was on the other end of the line.

  “I want to congratulate you all on exceptionally good work,” Mr. K said. “I mean, technically, all I asked you to do was handle an adoption, which you botched. But you found Esperanza a good home. And saved Gabriella from wrongful conviction. You even managed to tag the actual culprit.”

  “I hope he goes away forever,” Maria said.

  “What I can’t believe,” Jimmy said, “is this whole thing started as just an adoption. That was your original assignment.”

  He heard a chuckling emerging from the television.

  Maria gave him the side-eye. “Dan, what does the chuckling mean?”

  “Hey K—did you know where this was going?” he asked. “Did you know we would end up handling a complicated and controversial murder trial?”

  Even though he couldn’t see K’s face, he could hear the smile. “I’m the boss. I don’t have to answer questions.”

  “Then why—”

  “Suffice to say, there are some seriously vile forces out there trying to undermine the justice system. And no, I’m not talking about Democrats or Republicans. I’m talking about people addicted to power. People motivated by hate. Bad enough on their own, but when they organize...well, we don’t need to go into this now. I’m going to do everything possible to stop them. And I need your help.”

  “Anything you ask,” he said. “I’m there.”

  “Good to know. You’ve all earned your paychecks this month. The last-chance lawyers can expect to see a first-rate bonus.”

  Maria beamed. “I like the sound of that. There’s a purse at Louis Vuitton that’s got my name on it.”

  “Enjoy yourselves. But I’ll have another assignment for you soon. So party hardy while you can. That’s an order.”

  Jimmy gave them a stern look. “Hear that, team? We have our orders.”

  “I THOUGHT YOU SAID his power to strike was four.”

  “It was four. Now it’s eight.”

  “How did that happen?”

  “He got a power-up card.”

  “I have a power-up card.”

  “You used yours.”

  “I don’t understand this at all.”

  “Yes, we get that.”

  The four of them sat around a table covered with a dungeon map, painted figures, and more cards than Dan had ever seen in his life. As best he understood from the opening scenario, they were on some kind of quest infiltrating some kind of castle keep. Motives were a bit murky. He had hoped he could follow their lead and do what everyone else was doing, but that wasn’t working.

  Jimmy cleared his throat. “Let me explain the rules to you again, Dan.”

  “You spent more than an hour explaining the rules.”

  “It’s only hard the first time.”

  Maria flipped over some cards. “If you can handle a murder trial, Dan, you can handle Gloomhaven. Just takes a while to get the hang of it.”

  “Because there are roughly fifty thousand rules.”

  “Still simpler than courtroom procedure.”

  “Hey, Dan,” Garrett said, “did you take that treasure beside the portal?”

  “I did. I landed on it.”

  “I didn’t see you move.”

  “Guess I was too fast for you. I wanted the treasure.”

  Jimmy nodded. “You’re definitely getting the hang of it. Nice move.”

  He smiled. “Now I’m starting to like this game.”

  “I knew you would. Ready for your costume?”

  He pulled back. “What? I’m not wearing a robe.”

  “Of course not. You’re not a wizard. You’re a warrior.” Jimmy handed him a feathered Robin Hood hat and a quiver filled with plastic arrows.

  “Swell. Is Maria going to be the beautiful princess in the cone-shaped hat?”

  “Boy, are you living in the Dark Ages,” Maria said. “I’m the dark enchantress. I know all the secrets. I pull everyone’s strings.” She slipped on a stylish leather jacket. “And of course, I wear the best clothes.”

  Jimmy put on his zombie mask. Garrett wore a wizard’s cloak.

  He put the Robin Hood hat on. It fit perfectly. “Well, now I feel like a warrior.”

  “Good,” Jimmy replied. “but I have one more prop for you. A substitute player token.” Jimmy held out a small action figure.

  His eyes bulged. “The Mego Aquaman!”

  “Indeed.”

  “You took it out of the plastic!”

  “And if that doesn’t prove I like you, nothing will. All right, are we going to take this dungeon?”

  He counted his coins. “I don’t think I can afford it.”

  “Individually? No. As a t
eam, absolutely.”

  He looked at every one of them, then smiled. “You know, I’ve never actually been a member of a team before.”

  Maria arched an eyebrow. “And?”

  He tilted his head to one side. “I might be able to adjust.”

  She nodded. “Thank goodness. We’re stronger together.”

  Afterword

  Thank you for reading The Last Chance Lawyer. If you enjoyed it, please post a review. And check out William Bernhardt’s other spellbinding legal thrillers.

  To learn more about the author and his books, click here to visit his website. Or email him at: wb@williambernhardt.com.

  The next book in the Daniel Pike series, Court of Killers, will be released on July 16, 2019. For a sneak peek—turn the page!

  Sneak Preview of Court of Killers (Book 2 of the Daniel Pike Series)

  “How much would you give for one moment of perfect pleasure?”

  “A great deal.”

  “Would you give anything?”

  “Anything. Everything?”

  “Do you mean that?”

  “Can you deliver?”

  “I can.”

  “Will it hurt?”

  “Doesn’t pleasure always hurt? In the end?”

  She held his hand as they walked down the narrow hallway of Crislip Arcade, a testament to nostalgia and commerce, just as they were. Was his grip a little tentative? Obligatory? Under the circumstances, it was astounding he was willing to touch her at all. Perhaps this was attributable to the enormity of the promise she had made. Who wouldn’t take a chance to obtain that elusive butterfly they had pursued unsuccessfully their entire life?

  “Look,” he said, pointing to the display in one of the shops to the right. “Can you believe it? Old-style vinyl. Everything old is new again.”

  “Vinyl probably seems more romantic if you weren’t there the first time around,” she replied. “All I remember are the cracks, skips, scratches, and hisses.”

  “But still.” He picked up an album. “Some of these are seriously old, not reissues.”