Saras eyes widened. Are you suggesting that John impersonated his brother in order to take out the life insurance policy on him?

Why not? It would make it a lot clearer why two estranged brothers would have such a big financial pact.

You obviously do not know John Fiske. McKenna gazed at her in a way that she found unnerving. The point is, Ms. Evans, neither do you.

McKennas next words almost put her on the floor.

Did you also know that Michael Fiske was killed by a slug fired from a nine-millimeter? He paused for effect. And that John Fiske has a nine-millimeter registered to his name? And this appeal, Im sure hes telling you its connected to his brothers murder, isnt he?

Sara looked at Chandler. I cant believe this.

Well, none of its been proven yet, Chandler said. Perkins nodded thoughtfully, his arms crossed. We received a phone call from the Office of Special Military Operations, Ms. Evans. A Master Sergeant Dillard. He said you had called about Rufus Harms, that you said an appeal had been filed by Rufus Harms with the Court and you were checking into his background.

Theres no law that says I cant make a phone call to clarify something, is there?

So you admit having called him, Perkins said triumphantly, looking first at Ramsey and then at Knight. That means you admit to having used Court facilities and Court time on some personal investigation into some escaped convict. And you happened to have lied to the military, since no such appeal is on file here, as you pointed out.

Your offenses are quickly adding up, added McKenna.

I admit to no such thing. As far as Im concerned, it was Court business and I had a perfect right to do it.

Ms. Evans, are you going to tell us who exactly had that appeal? Ramsey was staring at her just as he had peered down at the lawyers during oral argument that morning. If someone at this Court stole an appeal before it was filed the very idea is unthinkable and if you know who it was, you have a duty to this institution to tell us who it was.

They all knew the answer to that question, Sara realized, or at least they thought they did. However, she wasnt providing any clarification. Summoning a reserve of strength she was unaware she possessed, she rose slowly. I think Ive answered enough questions, Mr. Chief Justice.

Ramsey looked over at Perkins and then at Elizabeth Knight. Sara thought she could see a slight nod pass among all of them.

Then, Sara, I have to ask you to voluntarily resign your clerkship, effective immediately, Knight said, her voice breaking as she made this announcement. Sara looked at her with very little surprise. I understand, Justice Knight. Im sorry its come to this.

Not nearly as sorry as I am. Mr. Perkins will escort you out. You may gather your personal belongings from your office. Knight abruptly looked away. As Sara turned to go, Ramseys voice boomed out again. Ms. Evans, be advised that if your actions cause this institution any harm whatsoever, all appropriate action will be taken against you and any other responsible parties. However, if I am reading the situation correctly, I think the harm has already come to pass, and may well be irreversible. His voice rose dramatically. If so, then may your conscience haunt you with that damnable fact for the rest of your natural life!

Ramseys face was red with indignation; his gaunt body seemed ready to burst through his suit. Sara could read it all in his smoldering eyes: A scandal on his watch. At the one institution that had been above scandal in a town constantly and infamously mired in it. His place in history, his long-earned career of jurisprudence, to be blemished by the blunders of an insignificant clerk; the history of his professional life reduced to a series of explanatory footnotes. If she had struck down his entire family right in front of him, Sara Evans could not have devastated the man any more. She fled the room before she burst into tears. ["C51"]CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

Fiske was waiting for Sara in her office. When she appeared in the doorway, he rose and started to speak, but then Perkins appeared behind her. Sara went over to her desk and started cleaning it out, while Perkins watched from the doorway.

Sara, what happened?

This is none of your concern, Mr. Fiske, Perkins said. However, I will let Detective Chandler and Agent McKenna know youre here. They have something to ask you.

Well, why dont you run off and tattle on me so I can talk to Sara in private.

I am going to escort Ms. Evans from the building.

Sara continued to pack her things into a large shopping bag and then picked up her purse and laid it on top in the bag. As she passed Fiske, she whispered, Ill meet you in the garage.

As she went by Perkins, he said, Ill also need all of your keys to this building.

Sara put her bag down, fished through her purse, pulled the keys off her key ring and tossed them to Perkins.

Its not like Im enjoying any of this, Perkins said indignantly. The Courts in shambles, were surrounded by a media army, people being murdered, the police swarming everywhere. Its not like I wanted you to lose your job.

Sara wordlessly pushed past him. On the way down the main hallway, the group slowed as Chandler and McKenna approached from the other way.

I need to talk to you, John, Chandler said. Fiske looked at Sara. Ill catch up with you, Sara.

She and Perkins walked off.

You want to ask me something? Fiske said.

Thats right.

Would this be about my brothers life insurance policy?

Yes it would, Chandler said grimly. McKenna thinks you might have taken it out yourself in your brothers name without his knowledge and then killed him.

You found the policy in my brothers apartment? Chandler nodded. Well, then he obviously knew about it.

Chandler looked over at McKenna with an inquiring look. However, McKenna remained silent.

Look, I didnt know my brother had taken out the policy. The insurance agent talked with me. Ill give you her name. She actually met with my brother, if youre really thinking I set this whole thing up myself. He looked at McKenna and saw the mans face darken. Sorry to pop your balloon, McKenna. The moneys going to our parents Mike knew thats what Id do with it. Talk to the insurance agent, she can confirm it. Unless you think Im also in cahoots with her. Why stop there? Ive probably got all nine justices in the back of my pocket too. Right?

So you talked your brother into taking out a life insurance policy to help your parents. But you and only you are the beneficiary. Thats still terrific motivation to kill him, McKenna said. He turned to Chandler. You want to ask him or do you want me to?

Chandler looked at Fiske. Your brother was killed by a nine-millimeter slug.

Really?

You own a nine-millimeter pistol, dont you?

Fiske looked at both men. Been talking to the Virginia State Police?

Just answer the question, McKenna said.

Why answer it, if you already know the answer?

John Chandler began.

All right, yes. I own a nine-millimeter. SIG-Sauer P226, to be specific, with a fifteen-round mag.

Where is it?

In my office, back in Richmond.

Wed like to have it.

For ballistics?

Among other things.

Buford, this is a waste of time

Do we have your permission to go to your office and get the gun?

No.

McKenna said, Well, well have a search warrant issued in about one hour.

You dont need a warrant. Ill give you the gun.

McKenna looked stunned. But I thought you just said

I dont want them breaking into my office to get it. I know how cops can be sometimes. Theyre not the most gentle souls, and itd take me forever to get reimbursed on the cost of fixing my door. Fiske looked at Chandler. I assume Im not part of the unofficial team anymore, but a couple of things: Did you talk to the guards on duty the night Wright was murdered, and have the video cameras been checked?