“We represent Hen Bank and its three brokers who are being sued for unauthorized trading.”

Colette flipped the binder open to that tab.

“We’re still in the midst of discovery,” Audrey said. “John Rothman’s case is the most critical for success from the bank’s perspective because he’s one of their long-time stars and heads its wealth management group.” And he was a good guy.

“Have they said that?” Colette asked sharply.

“Yes,” Hunter said. “Our firm has also worked with John for years, and he’s solid—a straight arrow. These allegations are quite distressing and a real shock to his family and the firm. You may have seen some of the press.”

“Especially at this time—his wife is undergoing chemotherapy, and so they just want the stress of the case to be mitigated,” Audrey said.

“They want to settle?” Colette asked.

“No, they want to clear his name, but as soon as possible and with the least amount of disruption. But the case is—let me give you background first.” Audrey relaxed. She knew this case cold. “John has a French client, Pierre, from a very wealthy family. John brought Pierre in as a client to Hen Bank years ago when he started. They are family friends. So, it’s a twenty-year relationship with no prior issues—as far as we know. About six months ago, Pierre calls John on his personal cellphone while John is at the hospital picking up his wife from her first round of chemo. Pierre wants to invest in this Brazilian company. John said he hasn’t researched it, hasn’t heard of it, wouldn’t advise it. Pierre is insistent that he wants to buy it. John tells Pierre to call Mike, the analyst, and ask him to place the trade because he’s at the hospital. Pierre is adamant that John has to make the trade—he only trusts John.” Audrey paused to let Colette catch up as she was writing notes.

“This is from a recording?” Colette asked.

“No, unfortunately. John’s memory. Because Pierre called John on his personal cellphone, no recording. John’s wife overheard part of the conversation, but he doesn’t want her in the case. And she’s the wife—so a jury will probably consider her biased.” Audrey took a sip of water; her throat felt dry. “But the telephone records show that John received a call from Pierre that day, and the hospital records show that John was at the hospital at that time.”

Colette nodded and made some more notes.

Audrey leaned forward. “Pierre says that he wants John to make the trade or he’ll use his other broker. What kind of client service is this? Blah, blah, blah. John agrees to make the trade.”

Colette shook her head. “Shouldn’t have done that.”