Why do they want to search Michaels office?

Perkinss tone was blunt. Thats none of our business.

Its part of the investigation, Ms. Evans, Fiske explained, in case theres a connection with his murder.

I thought it was a robbery.

It was a robbery, and the sooner we can convince Detective Chandler that it has nothing whatsoever to do with the Court, the better, Perkins said huffily.

Ifthat happens to be the case, Fiske said.

Of course, but itisthe case. Perkins turned to Sara. As I explained on the way down, your task is to ensure that no confidential documents are seen or taken.

Confidential meaning exactly what? she asked.

You know, anything having to do with pending court cases, opinions, memos, that sort of thing.

Shouldnt I be involved in that decision, Richard, came a new voice, or is that outside my jurisdiction?

Fiske easily recognized the man approaching them. Harold Ramsey strode toward them like a vintage ocean liner grandly pulling into harbor.

Chief, I didnt see you there, Perkins said nervously.

Obviously not. Ramsey looked at Fiske. I dont believe weve met.

Michaels brother, John Fiske, offered Sara. Ramsey held out his hand; his long, bony fingers seemed to wrap twice around Fiskes. I cannot tell you how sorry I am. Michael was a very special young man. I know that you and your family must feel his loss terribly. If theres anything we can do, please let us know.

Fiske acknowledged Ramseys sentiments, feeling like a stranger at a wake, awkwardly receiving condolences for a deceased he could not name.

I will, he said solemnly. Ramsey looked at Perkins and inclined his head toward Chandler and McKenna. Who are those men and what do they want?

Perkins explained the situation in a fairly efficient manner, although it was clear that Ramsey had already thought five steps ahead by the time Perkins finished his account.

Would you ask Detective Chandler and Agent McKenna to step over here, please, Richard?

When introductions had been made, Ramsey turned to Chandler. It seems to me that the better way of approaching the problem is to sit down with Justice Murphy and his clerks and take an oral inventory of the cases on which Michael was engaged. Understand that Im trying to balance your right to investigate this crime with the Courts responsibility to keep confidential its opinions, until such time as they become publicly known.

Okay. And I dont want anyone trying to pin any leak on me, Chandler thought to himself. Ramsey continued. I see no reason why you cant examine Michaels personal effects, if he kept any here. I only ask that any documents pertaining to the Courts work be set aside until you have had your discussion with Justice Murphy. Then, should there appear to be a connection between a case Michael was working on and his death, arrangements can be made for you to investigate any link thoroughly.

All right, Mr. Chief Justice, Chandler said. Ive actually already spoken briefly with Justice Murphy.

McKenna quickly agreed with this approach. Ramsey turned to Perkins. Richard, please advise Justice Murphy and his clerks that Detective Chandler will want to meet with them as soon as possible. Im assuming tomorrow after oral argument would do?

Thatll be fine, Chandler replied.

Ill also make available the Courts legal counsel to assist you in coordinating matters and addressing any concerns of confidentiality that may arise. Sara, youll be available tomorrow, wont you? You were close with Michael.

Fiske eyed her. How close? he wondered. Ramsey once again extended his hand to Fiske. I would also appreciate being advised of funeral arrangements.

Ramsey then turned to Perkins. Richard, after you speak with Justice Murphy, please come to my office. The meaning in his tone was clear. After Ramsey and Perkins had left, Chandler watched as McKenna looked into Michael Fiskes office again. Chief Dellasandro, Chandler said, to be as least disruptive as possible, Ill bring a team in tomorrow to search the office, so we only have to do it once.

We appreciate that, Dellasandro replied.

However, I want this door locked until I come back, Chandler continued. Nobody goes in, and that means you, or Mr. Perkins, or he looked pointedly at Agent McKenna anybody else.

McKenna glared at Chandler as Dellasandro nodded his agreement. Fiske looked around and caught Wright staring at Chandler. Wright abruptly closed his office door, and Fiske heard the lock turn. Smart man, he thought. As Fiske and Chandler were leaving the building, a voice made them stop.

Do you mind if I see you out? Sara said.

Okay with me, Chandler said. John?

Fiske shrugged noncommittally. Chandler smiled as they walked along. Why do I have the feeling we were just in the presence of the Almighty?

Sara smiled. The chief has that effect on people.

So you clerk for Justice Knight? Fiske asked.

Going on my second year.

As they rounded a corner, they almost collided with Elizabeth and Jordan Knight.

Oh, Justice Knight, we were just talking about you, Sara said. She made introductions all around.

Senator, Chandler said, we appreciate what youre doing for the District. Without the special funding you just pushed through for the police department, Id be conducting homicide investigations via bicycle.

Weve got a lot more to do, as you know. The problems were built up over a long time, and theyre going to take just as long to correct, Knight said in a political stumping tone. He looked at Fiske and his voice softened. I am sorry about your brother, John. I didnt personally know him. I dont make it up to the Court much. If I have lunch with my wife too often the media thinks Im trying to influence her decision making. I guess they forget we share the same house and bed. But please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Fiske thanked him and then added, For what its worth, I voted for you.

Every vote counts. He looked over at his wife and smiled warmly. Just like it does up here, right, Mrs. Justice? How did Brennan put it? You need five votes to do anything? God, if I only had five votes to worry about Id be thirty pounds lighter and my hair would still be black.

Elizabeth Knight didnt smile. Her eyes were as red as Saras, her skin paler than usual. Sara, she said, Id like to meet with you after the afternoon session tomorrow. She cleared her throat. And Id like you to speak with Steven about the bench memo onChance.I have to have it by tomorrow at the latest. If he has to work through the night, I have to have it. Her voice was almost shrill. Sara looked shaken. Ill tell him right away, Justice Knight.

Knight gripped one of Saras hands. Thank you. She swallowed with difficulty. Please also remember that the dinner for Judge Wilkinson is tomorrow night at seven oclock at my home.

Its on my calendar, Sara said a little reluctantly. Elizabeth Knight finally looked at Fiske. Your brother was a very gifted lawyer, Mr. Fiske. I know it may sound callous discussing these details, but the business of the Court stops for no one. She added a little wearily, I learned that lesson a long time ago. Again, Im very sorry. She checked her watch. Jordan, youre going to be late for your meeting on the Hill. And I have some work to finish. She looked at Fiske. If youll excuse us.

Fiske shrugged. Like you said, the machine stops for no one.

After the Knights had departed, Sara commented, Justice Knight is tough, but fair. She glanced quickly at Fiske. Im sure she didnt mean it to sound that way.

Sure she did, Fiske said. Chandler stepped in. Well, she probably had to work three times as hard as a man to get where she is. You dont ever forget that sort of experience.

Thats a very liberated mind-set, Sara said.

If you knew my wife, youd understand.