by Stuart Woods
“That’s about the size of it.”
“So, I’m supposed to appear at the hearing and tell the board that, contrary to all the available evidence, they are very bad boys, not to mention evil little shits, and they should throw away the key.”
“Sort of,” Keegan admitted.
“And, of course, the twins will have a parade of other witnesses—guards, nurses, fellow prisoners, and, let’s not forget, the prison doctor, who will all swear to their cuddliness.”
“You make it sound hopeless.” Keegan said, his shoulders slumping into his damp suit.
“I don’t make it sound hopeless,” Stone said. “It is hopeless.”
“Will you, at least, come up to Maine for the hearing and share my bench with me, holding a briefcase? That would make it appear that I’m not alone in all this.”
“Jack,” Stone said, not unkindly. “Apart from your father, do you have any family?”
Keegan shook his head. “My wife and I were childless, and she died last year.”
“Well, my advice to you is to pack up your shingle and your bags and retire to some remote place in a distant land, but not without a shotgun handy, because your appearance before the parole board, no matter how ineffective, is not going to win the affections of the Stone twins, and they will not have short memories.”
Keegan sighed. “I had hoped to avoid retirement.”
“Why avoid it? Many men of your age retire every day, sitting under a palm tree and drinking piña coladas.”
“My problem is, I love the law, love practicing it every day.”
“Do you play golf?”
“Sadly, no.”
“Time to take it up,” Stone said brightly. He rose. “I wish I could help, Jack. I really do, but I have no argument to make that would not just make things worse for both of us.”
“I understood,” Keegan said, standing and offering his hand. “Thank you for hearing me out.”
“One thing might help,” Stone said.
“What’s that?”
“Don’t appear. I think we both understand that your absence would not make a difference in the outcome, and the twins will be grateful, not vengeful, whenever they hear the Keegan name, as long as it’s your father they’re thinking of.”
“You have a point,” Keegan said.
“Check into a good hotel, see a show or two, get drunk, and be in another state when the board meets.”
Joan helped him into his soggy rainwear and put him out onto the street with a cheery wave.
To learn more about and to buy Double Jeopardy, please visit prh.com/doublejeopardy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stuart Woods is the author of more than eighty novels, including the #1 New York Times-bestselling Stone Barrington series. He is a native of Georgia and began his writing career in the advertising industry. Chiefs, his debut in 1981, won the Edgar Award. An avid sailor and pilot, Woods lives in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico.
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