Page 80 of The Fallen Man
“I don’t think it is an interest in Absolex,” said Jackson. “I think it’s a vested interest in revenge, and I think possibly someone doesn’t want those hearings transcripts to go public.”
“But most of the hearings were broadcast,” objected Dominique. “I don’t see the point in blocking them.”
“Not everything was broadcast,” said Aiden thoughtfully. “The Absolex lawyers successfully argued that some of their testimony could be in the realm of intellectual property. Before it became clear that Absolex was acting in extreme bad faith, some of the early testimony was behind closed doors. Meaning that something could have been said behind closed doors that would still be a threat to this person.”
“I think,” said Jackson, “that Granger said something that could incriminate his would be partner. At least, that’s what I’mhoping. I can’t find Granger’s files, but if I can figure out who is behind this maybe I can get him another way.”
“You keep saying him,” said Dominique, “but right now, Griffeth is my top contender. You said Taggert implicated her as the motivator behind blocking the file release.”
“I keep saying him, because Granger saidhim,” said Jackson. “Right now, Griffeth is screwing up my perfectly good theory and it’s annoying me. So if you could find a way for my theory to still be true, I’d appreciate it.”
Aiden laughed. “I hate it when the evidence won’t cooperate.”
“Me too,” said Jackson.
“I don’t see how she’s not involved,” said Dominique. “Particularly with Ralph Taggert pointing the finger at her.”
“She could just hate Grandma,” suggested Evan. “It might not have anything to do with Granger or Absolex.”
“That’s sort of what I’m thinking,” said Jackson, with a shrug. “I’m hoping to get something out of this hearing today, although I’m not looking forward to it. Aiden, any pro-tips on how to do this properly?”
“Keep your answers short and to the point,” said Aiden. “They’re going to be annoying and they’re going to bluster and grandstand even though there won’t be anybody to show off for really. There may be some that are actually doing their job, but there are going to be a few that are just trying to score points.”
“OK,” said Jackson nodding. “I never did actually get my subpoena. Do I actually have to show up?”
“How’d you manage that?” demanded Evan.
“I’m sneaky,” said Jackson. “And I rotated my schedule.”
“Are you telling me that you intentionally started spending time other places?” demanded Dominique, giving him a look that was surprisingly disapproving.
“No,” said Jackson. Although spending nights at Katie’s hadn’t hurt anything. “I don’t think it’s playing fair if I don’t go toall my usual stuff. I went to all of my appointments. I just did not use the usual entrances or exits, and I changed some of my appointments at the last minute. It’s not my fault they use shit process servers.”
“You still have to go,” said Aiden, shaking his head. “They talked to your lawyer who has advised you to show up.”
“I was going to anyway. I just wanted to know how the game is played,” said Jackson, grinning at Aiden’s annoyance. “How’d they get you?”
“Coming out of court,” said Aiden, with a sigh. “A week ago.”
Jackson grinned. “Can’t avoid court.”
“No, and the judge wouldn’t put off the date. I knew that was how they’d do it, but I couldn’t get out fast enough. Stop looking smug.”
Jackson grinned. “I can’t help it. I told Pete you’d make it past the fifteenth. He didn’t think you’d make it past the fifth.”
“What?” demanded Dominique, looking offended. “Why wasn’t I in on this pool?”
“It wasn’t a pool,” said Jackson. “There wasn’t any money on it. We just had a conversation. I thought for sure Aiden would make it well into December. He’s crafty.”
“Well, hopefully he’s crafty enough to get us all through this hearing,” said Evan. “And frankly, I’m a little more than pissed that they called it right before Christmas.”
“That’s on purpose,” said Aiden. “This is my point. Christmas thieves are the kind of people we’re dealing with.”
Aiden
After the Hearing
Aiden exited the hearing and did a little Bruno Mars spin.
