The Sixth Man (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell 5)

“What time?”

“Around six.”

“What did he want?”

“Just checking on some cases I was handling.”

“Did he talk to you about Edgar Roy?”

“He said he was going to meet with him. In fact, I think he was on the way there. In a car, I mean.”

“Nothing else?” asked Sean.

“I called him back about nine o’clock.”

“Why?”

“To go over a court hearing I had the next day. I needed his advice.”

“Okay, Megan, this is really important. Did he mention that he had seen Edgar Roy last night?”

“No, he didn’t talk about that.”

“Did he mention to you where he might have been going late last night? I mean other than to meet with Michelle and me?”

Her voice sounded frightened. “No, he didn’t say anything about it. I didn’t even know he was meeting with you. I just assumed he was in for the night.”

“Nothing at all, you’re sure?” Sean persisted. “Just some comment he let slip?”

“There was nothing. Most of the conversation was about the court hearings I had the next day. He didn’t say anything about Edgar Roy and I didn’t ask.”

“Why not?”

“Because if Mr. Bergin had wanted to discuss the case he would have. I’ve only been working for him a short while. I wasn’t comfortable just injecting myself into a case I wasn’t really working on. He was always very particular about client confidences.”

Sean said, “Okay, let’s get down to specifics. Do you know whether you’re on the papers filed with the court?”

“As a matter of fact I am. Mr. Bergin said it was always good to have another attorney on the papers. Just in case something happened.”

“Well, unfortunately, he was prophetic. Look, we’ll need to talk to you about what Ted’s theories and strategies were. And anything else that might be connected to Roy.”

“Have you talked to Edgar Roy?”

“We’ve seen him. Talking is somewhat problematic. Can you fly up here?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve got some cases I’m working on and—”

“Megan, this is really important.”

He heard her take a long breath. “Of course. I know it is. I… I can get continuances. And bring work with me. The legal community down here knows and respects Mr. Bergin. They’ll understand.”

“I’m sure they will. And can you bring with you whatever files Ted had on the case?”

“Absolutely.”

Sean checked his watch. “You can catch a seven o’clock evening flight to Portland from Dulles. Think you can make that?”

“I think so, yes. I can get things organized here and then drive really fast.”