The Judge sighed, indicating that any resolution of Jacqueline’s involvement was going to be complicated. Not only did she have to be kept quiet, but more importantly, Jill had to be satisfied with any arrangement. “Her foray into high-level real estate transactions was not a success, I am sorry to say. However, there is always a need for a good trust and estates lawyer. She can have her old job.”

“She bribed an elected official. Defrauded an elderly client. Destroyed court records. And she walks? No, even better. She gets rehabilitated with documents to prove it. What a farce.”

“You and I have a special place in our hearts for someone who loves her dearly. Jill would be broken in two if we didn’t do all in our power to keep Jacqueline safe.”

It was the Judge’s blind spot. Ted’s too, he acknowledged. But there was more than concern for Jill at work. The stakes were too high. If Cheryl had balked at taking full responsibility for the bribery, the Judge would have had to toss Jackie out of the life raft. But the fierce Ms. Clavette would not have gone quietly. She could not be easily—or cheaply—bought. Ted discovered that he had a grudging respect for the woman. “You have to protect Jackie, or she’ll talk and the whole house of cards tumbles. She knows all the ugly details. The firm. Councilman Pak. The Russian banker. Even Reisner, the man behind the biggest real estate deal in Queens. She’d take everybody down. Except you, maybe.”

“I am only an advocate, Ted.”

And the Judge was betting that Ted’s love for Jill would keep him from intervening and forcing their hand. Jackie would walk and Ted and the Judge would conspire to let her.

“And the damned tower gets built,” Ted finally said.

“Which will make a lot of people very happy. It is inevitable. Not only will this project attract real wealth to that neighborhood; it will provide jobs, improved amenities, and a commitment from both city and state government to upgraded services and infrastructure. Every politician in the state is racing to take credit, right up to the governor.”

Ted was perhaps less enthused about the governor’s support than the Judge expected. “I know at least one person who won’t be happy about it.”

“Ah, yes. The community organizer. How is she?”

“Healing.”

“I am happy to hear that. What she does is important, though quixotic. But I am sure she is used to living with disappointments. There will be other projects to protest.”

Ted took a moment to let the stink of such arrogance dissipate.

The Judge checked his watch again. “I can’t imagine what’s keeping him.”

“And what do you want from me? What do I do to earn my place in this utopia?”