The First Counsel

* * *

"I'm looking for an Officer Rayford," I say, reading the name from the confirmation of receipt early the following morning.

"This is Rayford," he answers, annoyed. "Who's this?"

As he says the words, I move the phone to my other ear and picture his crooked nose and hairless forearms. "Hi, Officer, this is Michael Garrick--you stopped me last week for speeding . . ."

"And maybe dealing drugs," he adds. "I know who you are."

I close my eyes and pretend to be unintimidated. "Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I'm wondering if you've had a chance to check the money, so we could put this all behind--"

"Do you know how much money they photocopied before the drug sweep? Almost a hundred grand. Even at four bills per page, it's going to take me days to make sure the serial numbers on your bills don't match the serial numbers on ours."

"I didn't mean to bother you, I just--"

"Listen, when we're done, we'll give you a call. Until then, leave it alone. In the meantime, say hi to the President for me."

How does he know where I work?

There's a click on the other line and he's gone.