Page 65 of The List

“Good lawyers are a dime a dozen,” Bozin said. “Good lawyers who understand politics are hard to find. Good lawyers who understand politics and Hank Reed are virtually nonexistent. In fact, you may be the only one on the planet. Though I would not tell him this to his face, Concord was never governed better than when Hank was mayor. He knew how to get elected, stay elected, and govern.”

Bozin smiled at him.

Brent returned the grin and said, “I’ll keep your secret.”

“When I learned that you applied for the opening in our general counsel’s department, I was the one who personally lobbied for your hiring.”

That was news. “Why?”

“In all honesty, I thought it would be handy to have someone on the payroll who could reason with Reed. If need be.”

First Hank came to enlist his help with the company. Now the company wanted his help with Hank. “I’m not sure what I can do.”

“You can help us get him to an agreement.”

“I’ll do what I can. But Hank generally does what he wants, not what I say.”

Bozin grinned. “I imagine Hank listens to you more than you want me to believe. And I’d be disappointed if you didn’t still have some loyalty and connection to him.”

More than this man realized, he thought. But he only said, “I owe him a lot.”

“And if you thought we were deceiving him you’d tell him, wouldn’t you?”

Bozin’s tone had deepened.

Was this some kind of test? “I would hope the company would be honest in its dealings with all employees.”

The older man grinned. “I see you have a quick mind, too.”

He said nothing.

Finally, Bozin broke the silence. “I’ve requested that you sit in on the negotiations. I want you to get a feel for the company’s side of the process. Who knows? You may be our general counsel one day. So you need to become familiar with the waywedo things.These negotiations come along only every few years, so we should take advantage of the opportunity. I also want your insights on Hank—without violating any confidences. Fair enough?”

He nodded. “More than fair.”

Bozin pushed back his chair and stood, signaling the conversation was over. He rose too. Bozin extended his hand.

“It’s been good talking to you. I want you to know that I’m pleased with our new assistant general counsel.”

CHRIS WAITED FORBRENTWALKER TO LEAVE THE CONFERENCEroom, then followed. The young lawyer headed one way, he the other down the carpeted hall. Before turning the corner, he stopped and glanced back.

He’d told Brent a half-truth. Yes, he was pleased with his selection. But he’d also included the younger man in the staff meeting because he wanted him to know the company’s bargaining position firsthand. Whether he told Hank Reed the details mattered little. Five years. Three years.

Who cared?

The death of the company’s assistant general counsel, by suicide, had been both unfortunate and random. No Priority decisions were involved. Just one of those fortuitous events that could be parlayed into an advantage. The real question was whether Brent Walker was up to what he had in mind. Where before he’d been unsure, the critical assessment, the one essential to his plan for his partners—

Had just been made.

6:43P.M.

JON ENTERED THE LOBBY OFTHEBELVEDERE THROUGH BRASS-FRINGEDrevolving doors, the hotel an imposing edifice of stone, terra-cotta,and marble. It was one of downtown Atlanta’s largest, a hub for both travelers and locals drawn to the many restaurants and lounges dotting its open interior.

A thirty-five-story panoramic interior rose above the lobby. Railed balconies draped with flowered vines lined the floors from ground to glass-topped ceiling. The central promenade rose three stories, each level accommodating swanky shops and opulent bars. Indoor plants and feathered palms abounded, the fall of water loud from flowing fountains, live music played somewhere in the distance.

A dinner crowd was just arriving, most of the gentlemen in suits, ladies in evening dresses. Jon fit right in, appropriately attired in the navy Hart Schaffner Marx suit he’d worn to work. Hamilton Lee had called an hour ago and caught him just before he left the Blue Tower. Lee wanted him to stop by the Cafe Carmón where Lee and his wife were due for dinner at six. It was important they talk immediately. He strolled to the maître d’ stand and saw his boss socializing at one of the clothed tables. Lee obviously had been on the lookout and immediately excused himself.

“I appreciate you coming,” Lee said. “Shall we?”