“Stone, I’m very pleased that you’re going to be…associated with us,” Woodman was saying. “I think that, with your help, we can take what has been a nongainful irritant and turn it into a profit center for the firm. That’s with you fully on board, of course, after our initial feeling-out period.”

“Frank, I should tell you that, for the long term, I’m really more interested in a general practice than solely criminal work, and I’d appreciate it if, after I’m admitted to the bar, you’d consider putting me on an occasional noncriminal case.”

“I understand your feelings, and I’ll keep that in mind.”

Warren Weld, the other name on the door, spoke up. “Are you interested in corporate work, Stone?”

“Not really, Warren. I think I’d prefer to represent individuals.”

“That puts you right back in Frank’s bailiwick, then.” Weld stood up. “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I’ve got a meeting. Welcome aboard, Stone.”

They shook hands, and Weld left, leaving only Frank Woodman and Bill Eggers in the room with Stone.

“Bill, you take Stone back to your office, will you? I’ve got a client coming in.” Woodman stood and shook Stone’s hand. “I think Bill already has a couple of things for you, Stone. He’ll brief you.”

They returned to Eggers’s office and sat down.

“Frank had a word with your banker yesterday—we keep our trust account at your branch, so we have a little pull there. You’re off the hook for the principal reduction they were demanding. You’ll still have to make the interest payment, though.”

“Thank you, Bill, that’s good news.”

Eggers handed him an envelope. “And here’s ten grand against your retainer.”

“You’re full of good news,” Stone said. “Thanks again.”

“Not at all.” Eggers looked at his watch. “There’s somebody I want you to meet, Stone. He’s due in here in ten minutes.”

“A client?”

“Son of a client. The father is Robert Keene, of Keene, Bailey & Miller advertising.”

“I don’t know them.”

“The three partners left Young & Rubicam fifteen years ago and set up on their own. Now they’re a medium-sized agency well known for good creative work. Warren Weld represents the agency, and I represent Bob personally. Bob Keene is as nice a guy as you’d want to meet.”

“And the boy?”