The Simple Truth

Chandler pointed to a group of men walking purposefully down the hallway toward them. Them. As they drew nearer, their collective footsteps became the boom of ca

Detective Chandler? The man in the suit extended his hand. Im Richard Perkins, marshal of the United States Supreme Court. Perkins was about five-nine, ski

Good to meet you, Chandler said, and he watched Perkins look expectantly over at Fiske. He added, John Fiske. Michael Fiskes brother.

All of them rushed to provide their condolences.

A tragedy. A mindless tragedy, Perkins said. Michael was so highly thought of. Hell be sorely missed.

Fiske managed an appreciative demeanor in the face of all this instant sympathy.

Youve locked up Michael Fiskes office, as I requested? Chandler asked. Dellasandro nodded. It was difficult, because he shared it with another clerk. Two to an office is the norm.

Lets hope we wont need to keep it off limits long.

We can meet in my office if youd like and go over your agenda, Detective Chandler, Perkins offered. Its right down the hallway.

Lets do it.

As Fiske started off with them, Perkins stopped and looked at Chandler.

Im sorry. I was assuming that Mr. Fiske was here for another reason unrelated to your investigation.

Hes helping me out with some background information on his brother, Chandler said. Perkins looked at Fiske with what Fiske gauged as unfriendly eyes.

I didnt even know Michael had a brother, said Perkins. He never mentioned you.

Thats okay, he never mentioned you either, Fiske replied. Perkinss office was right off the hallway leading to the courtroom. It was furnished in an old-fashioned colonial style, the architecture and craftsmanship from an era of government unburdened with trillion-dollar national debts and budgets awash in red. At a side table of Perkinss office sat a man in his late forties. His blond hair was cut very short, and his long narrow face carried an unshakable air of authority. His self-assured ma

Detective Chandler? The man extended one hand and with the other flashed his identification card. FBI Special Agent Warren McKe

Chandler looked at Perkins. I wasnt aware that the Bureau had been brought in on this.

Perkins started to say something, but McKe

Thats good, because even the tiniest bit of unwanted pressure and I just go nuts. Chandler smiled. McKe

Fiske held out his hand. John Fiske, Agent McKe

Im sorry, Mr. Fiske. I know it must be damn tough for you, McKe

Fear out of ignorance, Perkins pointed out.

But feared nonetheless. After Waco, the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City, weve learned to be extra careful, McKe

Too bad you people werent faster learners, Chandler said dryly. But turf battles are big wastes of time. I do believe in share and share alike, though, okay?

Of course, McKe

McKe

The precise details of cases pending before the Court are so well insulated from the public that there would be no way anyone could know what a specific clerk is or isnt working on. Perkins smacked the tabletop with his palm to emphasize the point.

Unless that clerk told someone.

Perkins shook his head. I personally run them through the drill on security and confidentiality as part of their orientation. The ethical rules which apply to them are very stringent. Theyre even provided with a handbook on the subject. No leaks are permitted.

Chandler looked unconvinced. Whats the average age of the clerks here? Twenty-five? Twenty-six?

Something like that.

Theyre kids, working at the highest court in the land. You telling me that its impossible that they might let something slip? Not even to impress a date?

Ive been around long enough to know better than to use the wordimpossibleto ever describe anything.

Im a homicide detective, Mr. Perkins, and believe you me, I got the same damn problem.

Could we back up to square one here? Dellasandro said. From what I know about the case, it seemed that robbery was the motive. He spread his hands and looked expectantly at Chandler. How does that involve the Court? Have you searched his apartment yet?

Not yet. Im sending a team over tomorrow.

How do we know its not something co

Certainly, Perkins said. You can count on our full cooperation.

Now why dont we have a look at Mr. Fiskes office, Chandler said. ["C24"]CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The man glided cat-smooth down the corridor. He was six-foot-three, lean but strongly built, with wide shoulders fa

Sorry, sir, this area is off limits to everyone except necessary medical perso

My brothers in there, Joshua Harms said. And Im going to see him.

Im afraid thats impossible.

Harms eyed the soldiers name tag. Im afraid it aint, Private Brown. I visit him at the prison all the time. Now you let me in there, you hear me?

I dont think so.

Well, then Im go