Page 12 of Precise Justice

“Someone mentored me and it helped a lot. I’d like to help you if you will let me.”

Robbie hesitated for a moment before saying, “Well, yeah, I guess. It can’t hurt.”

“No, it won’t hurt. I’ll tell you what. Let’s meet for lunch this coming Saturday. My treat. I’ll call you to set it up. Okay?”

“Okay,” Robbie said.

SIX

Mickey O’Herlihy stood in the open doorway of Marc Kadella’s office. He waited patiently for his most recent protégé to look up. Marc, head down, was concentrating on a brief he was preparing for Mickey.

“Knock, knock,” Mickey finally said to get Marc’s attention.

“What?” Marc said.

“I got a call a few minutes ago from two New York lawyers. They’re in town and need local counsel to tag along with them,” Mickey said.

“And?” Marc asked.

“I can’t make it. They need him today, this afternoon, and I have to be in Fed Court in Minneapolis later today.”

“For?”

“That gambling ring case,” Mickey answered.

“Oh, yeah, that nefarious gambling ring busted by the Feds. Bars selling numbers on football games. The great RICO case,”

Mickey laughed and said, “Yep, that’s the one. The great gambling syndicate.

“Anyway, Judge Larson was adamant. No more continuances. So, we’re bringing our motion to dismiss.”

“Okay, so what are the New York guys here…Oh, wait a minute. They arrested that guy from the Carver’s campaign and are charging him with what, a manslaughter charge?”

“First and second degree.”

“Seriously? On an accidental overdose case?”

“The girl’s dad is a heavyweight state senator from Stillwater,” Mickey said.

“Great, politics involved,” Marc said.

“Easiest five grand you’ll make,” Mickey said.

“Five? Seriously? Done,” Marc said. “But what if it goes to trial?”

“Get more money from them. I’ll have Kevin write up an ironclad retainer for you,” Mickey said referring to the office paralegal, Kevin Stuart.

“Besides, I spoke to DeWitt,” Mickey said. DeWitt was the elected Ramsey County Attorney. “He assured me it’s not going to trial,” Mickey said.

Marc stared at his mentor and good friend without speaking for a long half minute.

“The Carvers flew in a couple of high rent guns from New York to get out here and shove a plea deal down his throat. I could sense something sleazy about those two, the Carvers,” Mickey told Marc.

“This Billy Stover kid,” Marc said, “may be taking the rap for Carver.”

“You have painted an accurate picture, my young apprentice,” Mickey said.

“And you’re running across the river because you don’t want any part of this,” Marc said.