The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men

"None, but I got one more try...."

"That's what I'm calling about, but what's yours?"

"Go to the District Attorney and ask for a grand jury. Probably an exercise, but it's all I got left."

"Well, great minds and all that, but I've been thinking along that line, too, but my idea is for me to go to Burton first."

"Thanks, Barry, but save your counters for the Mexican business."

"Won't use any chips. Like you figured it about the girl. I'll be offering to help him with a suggestion about something that's getting bigger than he may realize. There's talk about it up here. That Admiral must be dumb."

"More likely an order without law man. And he's probably got the drizzles about Truman's integration order. Anyway, let me think on the Burton angle...."

"Nope. This is mine. I can maybe get him yet today, so you hold off 'till I call you tomorrow."

"Friend, don't learn the wrong things from success."

Clay laughed and hung up.

Marsh told The Reverend, Rogers and Mitch about his adventures, and then spent a long evening without any booze working on a conspiracy charge against Crown.

Clay called him before eight the next morning.

"Interesting tales, Mr. Judge."

"So tell me I was wrong."

"You were down, so I won't count it - 'course you were right about the odds on getting a jury, let alone an indictment. But Burton seemed honestly appreciative of my calling him, said he'd have to kick some staff ass back here...."

"Barry, the man is honest most of the time; but never forget to read between his lines. He's honest sly if you follow me...."

"Yes, Judge. But he said he'd call a friend and get back to me...."

"Meaning Crown."

"Correct, and he used the magic name the second time. Crown thinks the Admiral is stupid proud, or just ordinary stupid."

"And...."

"Crown won't touch it till you've gone to the DA; but Burton promised he'd call Henson today and for you not to go till tomorrow."

"Very nice, Barry. Thanks. What's your fee for these late life lessons?"

"I'm way overdrawn with you. Just let me know what happens."

Marsh made the appointment and then, after persuading Cat to talk with the law if it came to that, worked on his Crown file and reviewed what he knew about District Attorney William Henson. That schedule left little time for bourbon, and as he finished a weak nightcap Marsh reflected wryly that his knees seemed to do no worse than usual.

Marsh pegged Henson as an anomaly. He came from an old, moderately wealthy family but lived quietly. His membership in the Bayview Club was largely formal; neither he nor his wife used the facilities except for entertaining friends. He did own a well-appointed fishing boat and exercised it regularly. He dressed his almost skinny body in good clothes worn too long between pressing.

Henson had established himself as an effective trial lawyer rather choosy about the cases he took; then moved sideways (if not down) to run for the DA's job. He had been reelected three times on his performance as a careful, honest and tough officer of the Court. Everybody called him William. Marsh had never known him to reveal the slightest interest in a political career.

The two men had dealt with each other in court from time to time and respected their different responsibilities and talents.

Table of Contents

• Introduction

1. Maggie and Mr. Hank
2. The Reverend
3. Squalls Along the Flight Line
4. Flying Home to Church
5. A Visit with The Judge
6. Communion
7. Afterthoughts
8. Monday Morning With The Admiral
9. Into the Dining Room
10. On Toward Walking the Streets
11. Glimpses of An Election
12. The Dream and The Reality of Violence
13. The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men
14. Down That Lonesome Road

• Cast of Characters
• Credits and Acknowledgements