“Do you think you can?”
“I won’t know until I’ve spoken with Cooper.”
“But you will take the case.”
“Again, I won’t know until I’ve spoken with Cooper.”
All roads led to Cooper.I was beginning to feel uneasy.“Why is that?”
“Because I have to get a feel for the man.I can’t represent him unless I believe in him.And if it turns out that he and I don’t see eye to eye on what has to be done—” He made a “pfft” sound and tossed his head.
With deliberate care, I took two slices of bread from the package, put them on a plate, covered one with tuna, then lettuce, then set the other on top.I made a neat diagonal cut in the finished product and set the plate before Peter.Instantly he began to eat, which was just what I’d hoped he’d do.Hungry and mean was fine for the trial; for now, I needed full and indulgent.
Crossing my hands on the counter, I said, “By definition, a criminal lawyer defends criminals—”
He interrupted me with a raised finger, held it there until he’d swallowed, then said, “Alleged criminals.”
“Alleged criminals.Some of whom are totally innocent.They must be angry at having been accused.You must bear the brunt of their anger sometimes.”
“Sometimes.”
I thought for a minute, choosing my words with care.“There must be times when a client sees you as part of the system and resents you for that.”
Having taken another mouthful, he gave a slow, silent nod.
“And times,” I went on, “when a client doesn’t want help from anyone, least of all you.”
Peter stopped eating and gave the smallest tilt to his head.“Are you trying to tell me something, Jill?”
“Tell you something?”I asked.My voice was a little higher than usual.I wasn’t sure whether it was because he saw too much too fast, or whether it was simply the way he said my name.In either case, I was in trouble.
“Is Cooper angry?”
I debated lying, but it seemed pointless.“Yes.”
“Is he resisting help?”
“Would you like milk with this, or just coffee?”
“Jill?”
I felt a flicker of annoyance.“Yes, he’s resisting.”
“Does he know I’m here?”
“Of course, he knows you’re here.I wouldn’t have dragged you all the way from New York without mentioning it to him.”
Looking thoughtful, Peter popped the last of the sandwich half into his mouth.When it was gone, he speared me with an accusatory gaze.“You mentioned that I was coming, but he hasn’t agreed to cooperate.”
“He’s upset.He doesn’t understand the difference a good lawyer can make.”
“Did he agree to talk with me?”
“Yes.”
“Is he coming over here?”
“Yes.”
