"How kind of you," he said.
"I started to give it away, you know, like to some of those antismoking groups. But we decided against it."
"We? How's Nicholas?"
"I'm sure you miss him."
"Deeply."
"He's fine."
"So you're together?"
"Of course."
"Thought you probably just took the money and ran from everybody, including him."
"Come on, Fitch."
"I don't want the money."
"Great. Give it to the American Lung Association."
"That's not my kinda charity. Why are you returning the money?"
"It's not mine."
"So you've found ethics and morals, maybe even God."
"Skip the lecture, Fitch. It sounds rather hollow coming from you. I never planned to keep the money. I just wanted to borrow it."
"If you're gonna lie and cheat, why not go ahead and steal?"
"I'm not a thief. I lied and I cheated because that's what your client understands. Tell me, Fitch, did you find Gabrielle?"
"Yes, we did."
"And did you find her parents?"
"We know where they are."
"Do you understand now, Fitch?"
"It makes more sense, yes."
"They were both wonderful people. They were intelligent and vigorous and they loved life. They both got hooked on cigarettes when they were in college, and I watched them fight the habit until they died. They hated themselves for smoking, but could never give it up. They died horrible deaths, Fitch. I watched them suffer and shrivel and gasp for breath until they couldn't breathe anymore. I was their only child, Fitch. Did your goons learn this?"
"Yes."
"My mother died at home, on the sofa in the den because she couldn't walk to her bedroom. Just Mother and I." She paused and glanced around. Fitch noticed her eyes were remarkably clear. Sad as it must have been, he could muster no sympathy.
"When did you set this plan in motion?" he asked, finally taking a spoonful of soup.
"Grad school I studied finance, thought about law, then I dated a lawyer for a while and heard stories of tobacco litigation. The idea evolved."
"A helluva plot."
"Thanks, Fitch. Coming from you, that's a compliment."
She pulled her gloves tighter as if she was ready to go.
"Just wanted to say hello, Fitch. And to make sure you know why it happened."
"Are you finished with us?"
"No. We'll watch the appeal closely, and if your lawyers get too carried away attacking the verdict, then I've got copies of the wire transfers. Be careful, Fitch. We're kind of proud of that verdict, and we're always watching."
She stood at the edge of the table. "And remember, Fitch, next time you boys go to trial, we'll be there."
The End