The Cathar Secret: A Lang Reilly Thriller by Gregg Loomis Read Free Book Online

rainmaker who had brought the bank's business into the firm. Taylor did little other than schmooze clients and put in appearances like this. He was much more likely to be found in a barroom than a courtroom. Glen Richardson, senior litigation partner, would actually try the case but he relied heavily, if not entirely, on preparation by Wynton, who would sit second chair. Although Richardson signed the letters reporting on the case's progress, the correspondence was authored by Wynton, who also had put the defense together. In turn, Wynton had relied on several junior and senior associates to do the legal research, interview witnesses, and conduct discovery under his watchful supervision. Richardson would review the case a few days before trial with the full expectation it would be ready for him to step into the courtroom. The arrangement, like any firm business, was handled by the lowest-paid lawyer experienced enough to do the specific task and billed at the next highest hourly rate.
         To be essentially in charge of trial preparation was a tremendous opportunity for Wynton, a job which, if done well, would be remembered at the annual partners' meeting. It would be remembered even more vividly if there was a screwup.
         Junior partners at Swisher & Peele at any of the firm's offices did not screw up, not if they had any ambition of being senior partners.
         Wynton thumbed through a stack of files as thick as several Manhattan phone directories. "As we all know, the plaintiffs have sued the bank's trust department, claiming its investments were improper in that most of them were in the stock of companies in which the bank owned substantial shares. The specific causes of action alleged consist of self-dealing, breach of fiduciary duty, failure to conduct due diligence, and related claims."
         "Claims that wouldn't have been made," Frisk snorted, "if the stocks had gone up instead of down. We don't guarantee against a bear market, that stocks won't tank. The corporations we know best are the ones we own part of. That's just plain business sense. Besides, every trust we administer gives us, what is it? Unbridled discretion. Unbridled discretion as to choice of investments. That's in the trust forms you guys drew up for us."
         The same thing Frisk always said when the subject came up. Same whiff of accusation, too. Wynton knew better than to mention that a number of the securities had been in decline for years. A major sell-off would have

depressed their value, and the value of the bank's holdings, even more. The share price declines plus the bank's fees had depleted a number of trusts.
         Wynton glanced at Richardson, received an almost imperceptible nod, and continued. "Part of the problem is that some makers of the trusts didn't sign our form. They had their own lawyers draw up the instruments. A large number of the subject trusts were set up to provide education for minor children and support for elderly widows. A jury is likely to be sympathetic."
         Frisk gave a theatrical sigh. "Widows and orphans! The plaintiffs' lawyers will have the jury in tears."
         "That's why we removed the case to federal court," Richardson interjected, "to minimize local influence. Juries here in Fulton County tend to be overly generous with other people's money."
         The floor was Wynton's again.
         "We have a number of defenses. Specifically . . ."
         The door to the room opened and a young black woman entered. She glanced around the room like a bird unsure of its surroundings. "Excuse me. Mr. Charles's wife is on the phone."
         Wynton felt his face flush.
         Richardson scowled. "I thought I left word we weren't to be interrupted."
         The woman was clearly flustered. "You did, Mr. Richardson. She says it's an emergency."
         Richardson's glare at Wynton was hard as a diamond drill. "Go ahead, take it." He softened as he spoke to Frisk. "I was about to