Read Online The Washington Lawyer by Allan Topol - Free Book Online Page A

appointment to DOD. Sticking with her for a long fucking miserable week after we received info about her ties to Winston Defense Industries. That’ll never happen again. We’ll cut and run. Throw you to the wolves at the hint of trouble. I mean something of substance that tarnishes you, not smoke that somebody blows your way. We’ll hand you a shovel and tell you to dig your own grave. We’ll be so far away that you won’t even remember what we look like. Those are the ground rules. You better understand them.”
    Arthur’s words didn’t surprise Martin. As governor of New York, Braddock had acquired the nickname of Pragmatic Philip. Some said he was dull. He refused to take chances, playing it safe. He had emerged as his party’s candidate as a compromise between two ideologues and was elected in large part by his promise to end the bitterness in America. “Let’s have a period of calm.” Preferring charismatic leaders who tried to lead with a bold vision, Martin had never been a big fan of Braddock’s, but he didn’t share his views with Arthur.
    â€œNow let’s talk about specific areas.”
    Arthur picked up a pen and pulled over a pad. Martin saw extensive notes on the first page.
    Arthur glanced down at the pad. “You must have had some complaints filed against you with bar committees. Let’s start with those.”
    Martin tried to think. “About twenty years ago I took a death penalty case, on appeal, pro bono for Roosevelt Taylor. It was down in Texas. I gave it a good shot, but lost two to one in the court of appeals. The Supreme Court refused to take the case. Taylor filed a complaint with the bar accusing me of malpractice.”
    Arthur smiled. “No good deed goes unpunished. So what happened?”
    â€œThey tossed it out.”
    â€œI don’t care about shit like that. Anything real?”
    Martin shook his head.
    â€œWhat about clients you represented that would be embarrassing?”
    Martin thought about it for a minute and said, “Nothing.”
    â€œWhich foreign governments do you represent?”
    â€œFrance, China, Brazil, and Australia. All longtime clients. I don’t see any problems there. I’m a Washington lawyer.”
    â€œWhat about health issues? Anything that would affect your ability to do the job?”
    â€œHey, you can’t be serious. You’ve seen me running around a tennis court for hours. I’m still going strong when you’re ready to collapse.”
    â€œOkay, let’s move on. People in this town usually get in trouble because of sex, money, or power. Let’s talk about those.”
    Martin gripped the arms of his chair. He’d have to submit to this—grin and bear it. He took the initiative. “My sex life has been boring. I’ve been married once. We still are after thirty-five years. I’ve been monogamous.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œNo affairs?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œNot even with one of those women on the tennis team at Kenwood who are always chatting you up? ‘Oh hi, Andrew,’” he cooed.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œSomebody you met at a bar or on a business trip?”
    â€œNope.”
    â€œHow about prostitutes?”
    â€œNever.”
    â€œGay relationships?”
    Martin scowled. “C’mon.”
    â€œI had to ask.”
    â€œThe answer’s no, but you should drop that one from your repertoire.” Martin’s voice was sharp.
    Arthur raised his hand. “Okay, don’t get pissed. What about money?”
    â€œTell your FBI people to see Walter Cox at PWC in town. He does my taxes. Has all the records, including ten years of tax returns. I’ll tell him to open up the books.”
    â€œWhat’ll we find?”
    â€œI filed and paid every year.”
    â€œGood for you. What else?”
    Martin sighed. “I had one bad investment a couple of years ago in