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Law school had been a struggle for Blair at first, but Danny had made it his personal mission to see Blair succeed. Danny had helped him develop the organizational skills necessary to handle the massive amount of work and inspired Blair to push himself to do the best he possibly could. Danny had spent countless hours explaining the intricacies and nuances of contracts, torts, constitutional law, and all of the various other subjects they studied in law school. Largely due to Danny’s coaching and support, Blair had finished in the top third of their class and graduated from law school with a sense of accomplishment and confidence he was certain he would not have attained if left to his own devices.
    Danny had graduated first in their class and was heavily recruited by all the premier law firms in Chicago. He joined Preston & Harrington, known to be the most selective law firm in the city. The firm was also known for its highly sophisticated and successful trial practice, and was unquestionably the most politically connected of all the city’s elite law firms. Its client list read like a Who’s Who of Corporate America. Danny was a natural in that environment. Although not flamboyant or one to seek the limelight, his legal talents were quickly recognized, and he rapidly rose through the ranks, becoming head of the firm’s powerhouse litigation department at the age of thirty-five. Danny also proved himself to be extremely adept at cultivating relationships within both the corporate universe and political circles. His manner was unfailingly low-key and unassuming, but his legal and political savvy, insights, and creativity quickly made him one of the most sought-after advisers in the city.
    It was Danny who had paved the way for Blair to join Preston & Harrington eight years ago. It was Danny who was the mastermind behind the high-profile trials Blair had handled, even though Blair enjoyed most of the visibility and the credit. And it was Danny who had made the right introductions and paved the way for the launching of Blair’s political career. Danny had been there to help every step of the way. Now the tables were turned: Danny needed his help.
    At six thirty Sunday morning, Blair pulled his black Lexus out of the driveway and drove through the quiet streets of North Beverly toward an unfamiliar destination, the lockup at the local precinct house. Danny had called twenty minutes earlier asking for help. Blair had not even been to bed yet, partly because he was too upset to sleep, but also because he was expecting Danny’s call. They were partners and best friends. Who else would Danny call? If the roles had been reversed, he certainly would have called Danny.
    Danny had sounded uncharacteristically distressed when he called, and said nothing other than that he was in jail and in trouble, and needed help. Blair asked no questions and promised to be there as fast as he could. Having had absolutely no experience with arrests or lockups, Blair was clueless about the process for procuring Danny’s release; however, Sam had assured him that he’d make a call and that Blair would encounter no trouble.
    Ten minutes later, Blair pulled up in front of a drab, old concrete building that resembled a fortress. The world seemed eerily quiet as he pulled the handle of the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. A balding, overweight police sergeant looked up from his Sunday newspaper as Blair approached.
    “I’d like to see Danny Moran,” Blair said uncertainly. “I understand he’s in custody here.”
    “And who are you?”
    “My name is Van Howe. Blair Van Howe.”
    “Okay, I was told you’d be coming. You can have a seat over there, and we’ll bring him out.” The sergeant motioned toward some time-worn wooden benches across the room.
    Within minutes, Danny was escorted to the reception area by another paunchy, middle-aged police officer. Blair started at the sight of his partner. Danny was always impeccably dressed and