Page 36 of Precise Justice

“You people have just about destroyed this young man’s life.”

“Women need to be believed,” Professor Olds said.

“Quiet time,” their lawyer said.

“His name was leaked to the media and that needs to be rectified, at least as much as possible.”

The room went completely silent while Marc looked each of them in the eyes in turn. The silence lasted for over a minute until Marc ended it.

“You have to ask yourselves a question. Do you really want the opportunity to sit on a witness stand in a federal court and explain yourselves? Do you want to make me put Kendra Barker on that same witness stand and eviscerate her? Do you want these witnesses to testify about what they know about her?”

“What do you want, Marc?” Susan Thorn, their lawyer quietly asked.

“For starters, stop doing this. Stop taking the word of every girl who wakes up the morning after with a hangover and regrets about who she slept with the night before. Find a better way.

“I want a press release from the University of Minesota by this committee, with all of your names in it, taking full responsibility exonerating my client …”

“I voted against it,” Kyle Johnson said.

“Then the press release should include that,” Marc said.

“You will also pay my fees and costs…”

“We can’t…” Thompson said.

“Yes, you can,” Marc said. “Find a way. Oh, and, my fees and costs plus thirty percent annual interest to begin thirty days from today until everything is paid. That includes two hundred thousand dollars to my client for the damage you did to him…”

“We…”

“Don’t even say it,” Marc said. “Even if the four of you have to pay for it yourselves, you will.

“Finally, Branson Fellows is to be given a free ride at this university including any post decree program he chooses. Put him on scholarship.

“Or, if you decide to turn me down, we take the sitting on a witness stand in federal court to explain yourselves option. I’m being kind compared to that. Two hundred thousand, my fees and the scholarship will sound cheap after I’m done with you.”

“What about a nondisclosure agreement?” Professor Helfinger asked.

“An NDA? You’re about to put this in a news release. Then there’s always that witness stand option. Your lawyer will explain to you how much fun I’ll have,” Marc said. “And what is it with you guys with tortoise shell glasses, tweed coats with elbow patches and bow ties? Do you own a mirror?”

Both Maddy and Susan Thorn choked back laughter after that statement. When he saw the offended look on Helfinger’s face, Marc said, “Never mind. It suits you.

“I’ll give you to the end of tomorrow or I start adding money on to it so call me and let me know you’ve accepted,” Marc said to Susan Thorn.

Marc closed the office’s back stairs exterior door when he returned. Seated in one of the reception area chairs was another client, Kenneth James.

Surprised by his presence, Marc looked at Sandy and asked, “Did I have an appointment?”

“No, I just needed to see you,” Ken answered for Sandy.

“Can I see you in your office? I need to ask you something,” Sandy asked.

Marc looked at the area’s wall clock which read 4:20. He noticed all of the other lawyers’ office doors were closed and Sandy was the only staff still here.

“Yeah, sure,” Marc answered Sandy. “Give me a couple minutes, Ken. Then I’ll be with you.”

“Take your time. I know I’m kind of intruding.”

“Why is he here?” Sandy whispered after closing Marc’s door.