"Your accountants are making sure I get paid for my hours, and my secretary is making sure I record my hours correctly," he said, "so you're already doing something for me."

Hotchner fastened his briefcase. He'd done what he'd come to do. "Tomorrow, when I come, I may have the paperwork from the prosecution. I wouldn't expect it, if I were you. They're dragging their feet, but they know that what I've told you is the best outcome they're going to get."

He knew. If he were the prosecution and the defense came to him with this argument, he'd hate it, but he'd take it, because otherwise, the defense could argue and surely achieve even less from the jury. This way, it was the best for both parties instead of only the best for one.

"I suppose I should be grateful that your usual legal team turned this one down."