When David left Kincaid’s office, he went to see Steven Patterson. He had telephoned ahead, and the doctor was waiting for him.
“Well, David?”
My answer is going to change my life, David thought. And not for the better. “I’m going to defend your daughter, Dr. Patterson.”
Steven Patterson took a deep breath. “I knew it. I would have bet my life on it.” He hesitated a moment. “I’m betting my daughter’s life on it.”
“My firm has given me a leave of absence. I’m going to get help from one of the best trial lawyers in the—”
Dr. Patterson raised a hand. “David, I thought I made it clear to you that I don’t want anyone else involved in this case. She’s in your hands and your hands only.”
“I understand,” David said. “But Jesse Quiller is—”
Dr. Patterson got to his feet. “I don’t want to hear anything more about Jesse Quiller or any of the rest of them. I know trial lawyers, David. They’re interested in the money and the publicity. This isn’t about money or publicity. This is about Ashley.”
David started to speak, then stopped. There was nothing he could say. The man was fanatic on the subject. I can use all the help I can get, David thought. Why won’t he let me?
“Have I made myself clear?”
David nodded. “Yes.”
“I’ll take care of your fee and your expenses, of course.”
“No. This is pro bono.”
Dr. Patterson studied him a moment, then nodded. “Quid pro quo?”
“Quid pro quo.” David managed a smile. “Do you drive?”
“David, if you’re on a leave of absence, you’ll need some expense money to keep you going. I insist.”
“As you wish,” David said.
At least we’ll eat during the trial.
Jesse Quiller was waiting for David at Rubicon.
“How did it go?”
David sighed. “It was predictable. I’m on a leave of absence, no salary.”
“Those bastards. How can they—?”
“I can’t blame them,” David interrupted. “They’re a very conservative firm.”
“What are you going to do now?”
“What do you mean?”
“What do I mean? You’re handling the trial of the century. You don’t have an office to work in anymore; you don’t have access to research files or case files, criminal law books or a fax machine, and I’ve seen that outdated computer that you and Sandra have. It won’t be able to run the legal software you’ll need or get you on the Internet.”
“I’ll be all right,” David said.
“You’re damn right you will. There’s an empty office in my suite that you’re going to use. You’ll find everything you need there.”
It took David a moment to find his voice. “Jesse, I can’t—”
“Yes, you can.” Quiller grinned. “You’ll find a way to pay me back. You always pay people back, don’t you, Saint David?” He picked up a menu. “I’m starved.” He looked up. “By the way, lunch is on you.”
David went to visit Ashley in the Santa Clara County Jail.
“Good morning, Ashley.”
“Good morning.” She looked even paler than usual. “Father was here this morning. He told me that you’re going to get me out of here.”
I wish I were that optimistic, David thought. He said carefully, “I’m going to do everything I can, Ashley. The trouble is that not many people are familiar with the problem you have. We’re going to let them know about it. We’re going to get the finest doctors in the world to come here and testify for you.”
“It scares me,” Ashley whispered.
“What does?”
“It’s as though two different people are living inside me, and I don’t even know them.” Her voice was trembling. “They can take over anytime they want to, and I have no control over them. I’m so frightened.” Her eyes filled with tears.
David said quietly, “They’re not people, Ashley. They’re in your mind. They’re part of you. And with the proper treatment, you’re going to be well.”
When David got home that evening, Sandra gave him a hug and said, “Did I ever tell you how proud I am of you?”
“Because I’m out of a job?” David asked.
“That, too. By the way, Mr. Crowther called. The real estate broker. He said the papers are ready to sign. They want the down payment of sixty thousand dollars. I’m afraid we’ll have to tell him we can’t afford—”