"That was not exactly your best opening today, Gideon." Judge Travis motioned for a waiter as he pulled out a chair at Harker's table and sat down.
Harker gave his long-time friend a rueful smile. "I'd like to argue that point with you, but clearly I'd lose." He took a bite of steak while Travis placed his own order, then added, "Trevor's always been good at digging up the dirt, then using the shovel to stir the pot."
"He certainly used it to his advantage today," Travis agreed.
"He's got a natural talent for the business; I usually enjoy watching him work."
"When you're not up against him."
"Indeed. Has he ever lost a case?"
"He lost his first case due to shoddy preparation, if you can believe it. He swore never to do so again, and he's been successful so far," Travis said with admiration.
"Well, he's only been at it for, what, seven years? Give him another few decades and I'm sure that record will even out," Harker said with a laugh.
They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, Harker eating his dinner and Travis sipping at his drink. Finally, Harker said quietly, "I know what you'd like to be able to ask, and I know that you can't—"
"And you couldn't answer anyway," Travis interrupted.
"True. I'll tell you this, if you hadn't vouched for him, I wouldn't still be here."
Travis sat back in his chair. "I see."
"Look, Orrin, Trevor's got a hell of a case, with an extremely motivated client."
"I realize the evidence is on his side, but you've got a highly motivated client too…" Travis trailed off at the negative expression on Harker's face. "I take it that's why you didn't speak to Ms. Recillos before today?" Harker didn't say anything, which in this case was a clear "yes." Judge Travis badly wanted to inquire further, but they were dancing too close to the legal boundaries already. Finally he just said, "I'm afraid I don't know what to make of that."
"Well then, you see my problem."