“So a large sum of money goes missing from a client’s account, and Uncle Bill decided to take the rap rather than embarrass the firm.”
“That sounds about right,” said Logan.
Fletcher could feel the sweat on the palms of his hands as he put the phone down.
Tom burst into Nat’s office. “Did you spot the piece in the New York Times about Bill Alexander’s resignation?”
“Yes, I recalled the name, but couldn’t remember why.”
“It was the law firm Ralph Elliot joined after he left Stanford.”
“Ah yes,” said Nat, putting down his pen, “so is he the new senior partner?”
“No, but he is the other partner who resigned. Joe Stein tells me that half a million has gone missing from a client account, and the partners had to cover the sum out of their own earnings. The name on the street is Ralph Elliot.”
“But why would the senior partner have to resign if Elliot’s name is in the frame?”
“Because Elliot’s his nephew, and Alexander pushed for him to be the youngest partner in the firm’s history.”
“Sit still and revenge will visit thine enemies.”
“No, I don’t think so,” said Tom, “but it might revisit Hartford.”
“What do you mean?” asked Nat.
“He’s telling everyone that Rebecca is missing her friends, so he’s bringing his wife back home.”
“His wife?”
“Yeah. Joe says they were married at City Hall quite recently, but not before she also resembled a big apple.”
“I wonder who the father is,” said Nat almost to himself.
“And he’s opened an account at our Newington branch, obviously unaware that you’re the bank’s chief executive.”
“Elliot knows only too well who the bank’s chief executive is. Just let’s be sure he doesn’t deposit half a million,” Nat added with a smile.
“Joe says there’s no proof, and what’s more, Alexander’s has a reputation for being tight-lipped, so don’t expect to hear anything more from that quarter.”
Nat looked up at Tom. “Elliot wouldn’t come home unless he had a job to go to. He’s too proud for that. But just who’s been foolhardy enough to employ him?”
The senator picked up line one. “Mr. Gates,” said his secretary.
“Business or pleasure?” Fletcher asked when Jimmy came on the line.
“Certainly not pleasure,” replied Jimmy. “Have you heard Ralph Elliot is back in town?”
“No. Logan rang this morning to tell me that he’d resigned from AD and B but he didn’t say anything about him returning to Hartford.”
“Yeah, he’s joining Belman and Wayland as the partner in charge of corporate business. In fact, part of his agreement is that the firm will in the future be known as Belman Wayland and Elliot.” Fletcher didn’t comment. “Are you still there?” asked Jimmy.
“Yes, I am,” said Fletcher. “You do realize they’re the law firm that represents the council?”
“As well as being our biggest rival.”
“And I thought I’d seen the last of him.”
“You could always move to Alaska,” said Jimmy, “I read somewhere that they’re looking for a new senator.”