Free Proof Positive (2006) by Phillip - Jaffe 3 Margolin Page B

got popped a few days ago in a fleabag motel over on Eighty-second, the Continental.
    Frank knew that Martin had cops on his payroll, so he didn't bother to ask how he'd gotten his information.
    Did Art know this guy? Frank asked.
    Breach smiled. Why don't you ask him? I don't want to put words in Artie's mouth.
    Of course. I must be tired, Frank said, realizing his mistake. Breach was too clever to implicate himself or Prochaska in any way.
    I'd ask if you wanted a beer or something stronger, but I can see you' re all in, Martin said. Charlie will drive you home. Get a good night's sleep and see Artie in the morning. He's expecting you.
    Frank picked up the briefcase with the cash. Nice seeing you again, he said, half meaning it. He couldn't help liking Breach, especially after what he'd done for Amanda. Of course, he didn't kid himself. He knew that Martin was the type of guy who could be your best friend one minute, then cut off your head to get your tie if he was late for an appointment.
    Say hello to Amanda. How's she doing?
    She's good, Martin. Thanks for asking.
    Hey, I like her, and she ain't ugly like her old man.
    Frank smiled and opened the door. I'll take good care of Art, he assured Breach.
    Do your best.

    Chapter 10.
    WHEN FRANK JAFFE ENTERED THE CONTACT-VISITING ROOM AT the jail the next morning, Art Prochaska was seated at the table, looking as relaxed as a meditating monk. Frank couldn't help smiling. It was a pleasure to deal with a client who wasn't a mess after a night in jail. Of course, this client's calm came as no surprise. In Prochaska's world, jail time was part of doing business.
    How you doing, Frank? Prochaska asked, returning Frank's smile.
    Better than you, Art, Frank answered as he sat across from his client. He laid a pen and a yellow lined legal pad on the table. I hear you' ve got a problem.
    Not me. I didn't do nothing. With you on the job I'll be out of here soon.
    We'll see, Art. You know me, I never promise anything.
    Prochaska's grin widened. But you do deliver, just like the Domino Pizza man.
    Frank laughed, then forced himself to become serious.
    Look, Art, I know you' ve heard this before, but I'm going to give you my lawyer speech before we discuss your case, to make sure you understand what I will and won't do for you, and some of the consequences you might suffer if you break my rules.
    Sure thing, Frank, Prochaska answered, folding his hands on the table like a student on his first day at school. His brow furrowed as he concentrated on what Frank had to say.
    First off, you know that anything you tell me is confidential. In other words, it stays between us, I won't tell anyone unless you say it's okay. You got that?
    Prochaska nodded.
    Okay, Frank continued. If you tell me something, it should be the truth. I won't get upset if you lie, but I'm going to have to make decisions in your case and I don't want to do something that hurts you because you lied to me.
    Prochaska nodded again, but he didn't tell Frank that he wouldn't lie. If Art was guilty, Frank was certain that he'd never hear the truth from his client.
    I have to warn you that I'm an officer of the court as well as your attorney. If you admit the crime you' re charged with I can't let you take the stand and deny you committed the murder. If you do lie in court I won't reveal the perjury to the judge or the DA, because of the attorney-client privilege, but I'll resign from the case and you'll have to get a new lawyer. If some of your buddies lie for you, I won't have an attorney-client relationship with them, so I will tell the judge and the DA. You following this?
    Sure, Frank.
    Okay, so do you know the cops who busted you?
    Yeah, it was that black lady detective, Brewster, and her partner, Zeke Forbus. You know them?
    Yeah, Frank said as he wrote the names on his legal pad. Why did they say they were arresting you?
    Frank always phrased the question this way so his client's answers wouldn't be a confession.
    They