Brad Meltzer - Dead Even

ID LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE, WHO CONTRIBUTED their tremendous talents and energies to this book: my wife and favorite lawyer, Cori, without whom this book would not exist. When I decided to write about married attorneys, I knew Id be drawing on personal experience. What I didnt realize was that Id also be driving the two of us insane. From the very start, Cori kept it all together, and if this book is anything, its a testament to the strength of our marriage and the love I have for my wife. (Thanks, Cyou know Id be lost without you.) Jill Kneerim, my agent, for her unfailing faith in me as a writer, her insightful advice, and, most of all, her treasured friendship; Elaine Rogers; Sharon Silva-Lamberson; Robin Chaykin; Ike Williams; and everyone else at The Palmer & Dodge Agency for their constant support and, most important, for never giving up on me.

Id also like to thank my sister, Bari, who always stands in my corner and, as a result, provides me with more help than shell ever realize; Noah Kuttler, for his tireless attention to every detail and nuance of this book (Noah, I cant thank you enough; you really are incredible); Ethan Kline, for his discerning reaction to early drafts of the manuscript; Matt Oshinsky, Joel Rose, Chris Weiss, and Judd Winick, for their always perceptive suggestions and always valued friendship; Matthew Bogdanos, for inviting me into the world of prosecution and letting me see, up close, the vivid reality of what it really takes to fight crimethank you for that trust; Maxine Rosenthal, for her extraordinary assistance; Dale Flam, Sandy Missakian, Barry Weisburg, Ronnie Aranoff, Alan Michaels, Bob Woodburn, and Eric Menoyo, for walking me through the details; Dr. Sam Snyder and Dr. Ronald K. Wright, for all the wonderful forensic and medical advice; Sara Emley, for the two words on the cover; Janice Doniger, for her keen understanding of what to wear and where to be seen; the helpful and extremely patient people at the Manhattan DAs public information office; and all my family and friends, whose names, as always, inhabit these pages.

Finally, Id like to thank all the truly incredible people at Rob Weisbach Books and William Morrow: Bill Wright, Patricia Alvarez, Jacqueline Deval, Michael Murphy, Lisa Queen, Sharyn Rosenblum, Elizabeth Riley, Jeanette Zwart, Richard L. Aquan, Tom Nau, Colin Dickerman, David Szanto, and all the other amazingly nice folks at Weisbach/Morrow whose hard work made this book a reality. Im honored to work with every one of them. I also owe a great deal of thanks to Larry Kirshbaum, Maureen Egen, Mel Parker, Airi Dekidjiev, and all the terrific people at Warner Books, who always make it a true pleasure. Finally, Id like to thank my editor and publisher, Rob Weisbach. After close to a thousand pages together, I still have a hard time finding the perfect words for Rob. As an editor and publisher, there is no betterhe pushed me to draw on reserves I didnt know existed, and his influence can be felt on every page. As a friend, he is someone I turn to without hesitation. So thank you, Rob, for your trust, for your enthusiasm, and, most of all, for your faith.

WHAT IF ITS A DISASTER? SARA ASKED AS SHE GOT into bed.

Its not going to be a disaster, Jared said. Youre going to be great.

But what if Im not? What if Im just average? Maybe thats what they were trying to tell me. Maybe thats the lesson.

Theres no lesson, and youve never been average, Jared said, joining his wife under the covers. Its just your first day of work. All you have to do is show up and be yourself. He shut off the lamp on his nightstand and reached for the nearby alarm clock. What time do you want to wake up?

How about six-thirty? Sara paused. Actually, make it six-fifteen. She paused again. Five forty-five. Just in case the trains running late.

Shhhh, take a deep breath, Jared said. He propped himself up on his elbow. Its okay to be nervous, but theres no reason to get nuts.

Im sorry. I just

I know, he said, taking her hand. I know whats riding on this oneI remember what happened last time. I promise you, though, youre going to be great.

You think so?

Absolutely.

You really think so?

Sara, from this moment on, Im choosing to ignore you.

Is that a yes or a no?

Jared pulled one of the pillows from behind his head and held it over Saras face. I refuse to acknowledge that question.

Does that mean were done talking about work? Sara asked, her laughs muffled by the pillow.

Yes, were done talking about work. Jared straddled his wife, keeping the pillow on her face.

Uh-oh, someones getting kinky. Sara tried to pull the pillow away, but she felt Jared press down even harder. Cmon, thats not funny, she said. Its starting to hurt.

Stop whining.

What? she asked.

He didnt respond.

Im serious, Jared. I cant breathe.

She felt him moving forward on her chest. Her left shoulder was suddenly pinned back by his knee. Then her right.

Jared, whatre you doing? She grabbed his wrists and dug her nails into his arm.

He only pressed down harder.

Jared, get off me! Get off me! Her body was convulsing now, violently trying to knock him from his perch. As her nails tore at his arms and legs, her lungs lurched for air. But all he did was hold tight. She wanted to stop fighting, but she couldnt. Choking on her own tears, she called out his name. Jaaared! she sobbed.

Jaaared

Jolted awake, Sara shot up in bed. Her face was covered in sweat and the room was silent. Jared was asleep next to her. Just a dream, she told herself, trying to stop her heart from racing. Its okay. But as she put her head back on the pillow, she couldnt let it go. Even more than the others, this one felt real. Her fears, his response, even his touch. All so real. It wasnt about Jared, though, she told herself. It was about work. To prove it to herself, she pressed her body up against her husband and wrapped an arm around his chest. He felt warm under the covers. Clearly, it was about work. She took a deep breath and squinted at the clock on Jareds nightstand. Two more hours, she realized. Only two more hours.

Heres what I want, Jared said to the redheaded man behind the counter at Mikes Deli. A sesame bagel with most, but not all, of the seeds scraped off, a light schmear of cream cheese, and a coffeevery light, with one spoon of sugar.