Page 139 of The Proving Ground

“Good,” I said. “I’ve been on with him before. I’m available if needed.”

“I’ll tell them. And thanks for shooting me the questions to ask. Getting Wendt in there definitely bumps this up a notch.”

“Thanks for asking them.”

I shook his hand, concealing the five folded hundred-dollar bills I put in his palm. I turned to join Brenda and Jack but was buttonholed by Pete Demetriou from KNX radio. I’d known him since I was a baby lawyer.

“Can I get a quick sound bite, Mick?” he asked.

“Sure, Pete,” I said. “Ask away.”

“I assume you’re getting a big payday?”

“I can’t discuss the terms of the settlement.”

“Is it fair to say that this is essentially a big win for you and your client?”

“My client is pleased, so that makes me pleased. But, you know, this was never about money. It was about holding Tidalwaiv to account for putting a faulty product into the hands of young people. It was about getting them to own what they’d done and apologize. That’s what my client wanted first and foremost. It’s what we got, so she is ready to move on with her life and start the foundation.”

“Thank you, Mick. What about you? I assume you are making out like a bandit. What’s next for you?”

“No comment, Pete. That’s all part of the settlement. If I tell you, I blow it, and the deal is gone.”

I left him there holding his microphone.

Jack and I walked Brenda to her car in the courthouse garage. She tearfully hugged and thanked us both, telling us that she’d stay in touch and promising the three of us would do good work together. She then drove away to her new life. She was wealthy beyond her dreams but as hollow as a drum.

49

THE TEAM METat the Redbird at a table in the bar. There was champagne for those who wanted to partake and Perrier for me. It was mostly a joyful silence as we reveled in the end of the case. I was used to the criminal side of the ledger, where settlements and plea agreements were made before trial, rarely during. It was also rare for me to experience a win that didn’t exactly feel like a win. My client was going home with forty million and change. I was going home with ten and change. And yet there was something underwhelming about it.

“Mickey, you okay?” Lorna asked at one point. “You actually look… well, sad.”

“I’m not sad,” I insisted. “It’s just different, you know? We essentially won the case and got our client a big check and an apology, but it just sort of feels like something’s missing.”

“Like a verdict?” Cisco said.

I nodded.

“I guess,” I said. “Look, we got what we wanted. They admittedtheir sins in front of the cameras. That’s what Brenda was looking for more than anything. That was job one and we did it. The money is the money. It’s just a way of keeping score. And speaking of which, you each are getting a million-dollar bonus. Your work—”

“Oh my God!” Lorna said loudly, drawing everyone’s attention to our table.

I lowered my voice.

“Your work on the case was exemplary,” I said. “Each of you. Amazing. But you’ll need to consult with a money manager, because you’re going to have to pay taxes on it, and I want to make sure you’re prepared for that. When you’re ready, I’ll transfer the money to you. Happily.”

“Boss,” Cisco said. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. You did the work, you deserve it. We kicked ass.”

“Thank you, Mickey,” Lorna said. “I’m going to cry.”

“No crying,” I said. “It’s only money.”

I looked at McEvoy.

“The bonus goes to everyone on the team, and that includes you,” I said. “And I hope you go out and sell the book for another million.”