Read Online The Arraignment by Steve Martini - Free Book Online

asking, and we’re declining to answer.”
    They run up a dead end. I can tell by the body English that Padgett doesn’t want to leave it. Ortiz takes the higher road and chooses to ignore it.
    “We’re informed that you had one meeting with Mr. Metz to determine whether or not you would take his case, and that you declined.”
    They have been talking to Dana.
    “Can you tell us why you didn’t take the case?”
    “Assuming your information is correct, which I’m not conceding, I couldn’t comment. I know. It looks like we’re not getting very far. But I am trying,” I tell him.
    “So you did talk to Metz?” says Padgett.
    “Did I say that, Harry?”
    “No.”
    “I didn’t say that.”
    We all know why Harry is here. So that Padgett, acting as scribe, can’t get creative with his pencil and notepad.
    “But he did have some legal problems,” says Ortiz.
    “We understand he was indicted,” says Padgett.
    “If you say so.”
    “It was in the newspapers,” says Padgett.
    “Was it?”
    “Let’s cut to the chase,” says Padgett. “We know you met with Rush that morning. We know the conversation was not some hold-your-dick-and-tap-it-till-it-drips pass-the-time-of-day in the men’s room. We have a witness,” he says, “sawyou huddled over a table with the man less than ten minutes before he was shot and killed.”
    “Then why are you asking me?”
    “Because we want to know what you were talking about.”
    “Your witness didn’t hear enough to tell you that?”
    Padgett says “No” before his partner can walk over the top of him verbally, saying: “We wanted to hear what you would say.”
    “Which is it, yes or no? Because if your witness did hear it, then that person would be your best source of information. Because I can’t discuss it.”
    “So it was attorney-client?” says Ortiz.
    “I thought we already established that.”
    “If Rush was your friend, why wouldn’t you want to help us catch his killer?” says Padgett.
    “Why don’t you ask me if I still beat my wife?” I tell him.
    “Do you?” he asks.
    “She died of cancer several years ago,” says Harry.
    Padgett looks at me. “Sorry.”
    “All we want to know is what Metz told you during your initial client interview,” says Ortiz.
    “Unless and until I’m told by a judge to the contrary, any communications I’ve had with any clients are privileged.”
    “Even dead clients?” says Ortiz.
    “Even dead ones,” I tell him.
    “I see, you don’t make the rules, you just follow them, is that it?” says Padgett.
    “You’re not as dumb as you look,” says Harry.
    “Harry. They’re just trying to do their job,” I say.
    “And you’re not helping much,” says Ortiz.
    “I’m sorry. But I have to do mine,” replies Harry.
    “How long did you know Nick Rush?” Ortiz takes a different tack.
    “Ten years. More or less.”
    “How did you meet?”
    “I’ve thought about that a few times since it happened. You know how it is. When you lose someone you know. I think it was probably a conference or a seminar. Continuingeducation of the bar maybe. But to be honest, I can’t remember the specific event or where it was.”
    “Let me ask you a question. How could Metz be a client if you didn’t take his case?” Padgett doesn’t want to give it up.
    “You know as well as I do, whether I declined representation or not, whatever a client told me in an initial interview . . .” He’s starting to write in his notepad. “And mind you, that’s not saying that I ever talked to Mr. Metz about legal matters, but if I did, it would be covered by privilege.” He scratches it out, closes his notebook. As he does, he sees the device on my desk. He looks at it for a second. My heart gains ten extra beats.
    “I’m told you don’t do drug cases,” says Ortiz.
    I try to look at him, but my gaze keeps going back to his partner who is still looking at the device on my desk.
    “Is that true?”
    “Excuse