Audrey could feel her face heating up. “Marcia is the only one who reads French. It’s a twenty-year friendship. John made very clear in our meeting that he’s shocked by Pierre’s accusation.”

“If the friendship is so valuable, maybe John should repay the money himself. He’s pretty wealthy as well.”

“That would set a strange precedent. John’s not the one who wanted to make the trade. He’s not the one at fault,” Audrey said.

“Still, that shows how valuable the friendship is. Money trumps friendship. There is no other motive. It’s not like it’s all ‘pure friendship’ on John’s side either. He benefitted from being able to pull Pierre in as a significant client when he was starting out. That certainly helped propel his career.”

Audrey was silent. It was likely that money was the sole reason, but a different motive could change the whole paradigm of the case. Looking at the case solely through a “legal” lens was too limiting. And she felt sorry for Colette if she believed money trumped friendship. But arguing that point further with Colette didn’t seem productive, particularly not in front of Genevieve.

“Is Marcia assigned to the defensive discovery team?” Colette asked. Audrey nodded reluctantly. Colette inclined her head and wrote more notes.

Audrey took a deep breath, discussed their third topic, and then said that each of the associates would take a deposition. Audrey and Colette shared tips on preparing for depositions and promised they’d practice with each person to make sure they were ready. Audrey wrapped up the meeting, and the junior associates left the room. She was left alone with Colette and Genevieve. Genevieve said goodbye and walked towards the door.

Colette said to Audrey, “We shouldn’t waste Marcia’s time reading the French news, so I’m asking you to stop requesting that of her. I’m in charge of defensive discovery, she’s assigned to the defensive discovery team, and I need her full-time on defensive discovery.”

“Are you sure? I really think it could help with motive.”

Colette rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’m positive.”

Audrey left the meeting deflated. Maybe she was not “serious enough” for pursuing this non-legal argument. She jumped when Genevieve popped up around the corner.

“I overheard your conversation with Colette,” she said.

“I’m sorry. It probably sounded unprofessional.”

Genevieve shrugged. “Politics can be brutal in-house too. I can speak French. And both Mr. and Mrs. Rothman raised that same question. They don’t understand any of this. Why would Pierre do this? John is checking with his contacts in the French financial community to see if there are any rumors about Pierre’s financial straits.”

“I think it has to do with Pierre’s wife. Isn’t she the connection between the two couples?”

“Yes. Really? Why?”

“You’re going to think I’m ridiculous. Do you have some time to come to my office?”

“Sure.”