Page 21 of The Best Lawyer
“Brutal objectivity,” he said. “That’s the marching order you gave me.”
“I know. I know.”
“Kind of inauspicious.” A female voice beside me made me jump. Eric whipped around. He hadn’t heard her approach either. I couldn’t tell where she’d come from. There were no other cars parked anywhere near us. How much had she overheard of our conversation?
“I’m actually kind of shocked,” the woman said. “I thought this guy was supposed to be mildly famous around here.”
“Are you a friend or just a gawker?” I asked.
She smiled. She was young. Probably in her late twenties, with straight brown hair, trendy blue cat-eye glasses, and a baggy pea coat that seemed a little heavy for the weather.
“A little of both,” she said. “I’m Tallon. Tallon Shipley.” She extended her hand to shake mine and then Eric’s. “So, you’re Cass Leary, huh?”
“I am.”
“Is it true you’re actually going to defend Katy Loomis at her murder trial?”
“I am,” I repeated.
She scrunched her face and nodded, as if she were impressed. “Bold choice,” she said. “She was married to your brother, wasn’t she?”
“She’s family,” I answered. “So you know who I am. Are you going to tell me who you are?”
“I think I did. Tallon Shipley.”
“What’s your business here?” Eric asked, putting his camera down.
“Tallon of Justice.” She smiled. “You’ve not heard of it?”
Eric and I gave each other a blank look. “Sorry,” I said. “No.”
“I suppose the name’s a little corny. But it makes it easier for people to remember me. But it’s Tallon with two Ls.”
“Tallon with two Ls,” Eric said. “How did you know Tom?”
“I’m a podcaster,” she said. “Tallon of Justiceis the name of my show. I focus on true crime in the Midwest. I was up for a Sleuthy award for season one. I covered a wrongful conviction murder case up near Charlevoix. A nine-year-old girl? Found her weighted down and submerged? Last season I covered a cold case down in Ohio. Misidentified the victim, a seven-year-old boy.”
“You’re covering Tom’s murder?” Eric asked.
“Season three,” she said. “Total format change. This will be the first time I’ve done a case in real time as it unfolds. You’d make a terrific episode one guest, Ms. Leary.”
“Not interested. Sorry. I’m not at liberty to discuss my client’s case with anyone. Least of all, a reporter.”
“I’m not a reporter.”
“You might as well be,” I said.
“You’re planning to harass mourners at his graveside?” Eric asked.
“Are you?” she asked.
“I think we’re done here,” I said.
“Just a small quote,” she said. “A sound bite.”
“I told you,” I said. “No comment.”
“But you can at least confirm youareKaty Loomis’s defense lawyer. And you’re also the sister of her former husband. Doesn’t that present a conflict of interest?”
