Chapter 5

Frank fixed his gaze at me. “Will you help me, Jake? Please, help me.”

“I haven’t heard anything that says you’re guilty of Hannah’s death. In any event, I think you’re being a little paranoid but I will represent you. From what you told me there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Here’s my check for five hundred dollars.” The paper wavered between us as his hands shook.

“Okay, also need you to sign this contract.” I went through my drawer and pulled out the agreement and fee schedule. There were a couple of blank spots I filled in for him. “Frank, take this contract home, and read it over.”

Frank looked at the fee schedule. I’d written in a one hundred thousand dollar fee if Frank was charged with premeditated murder, and a fifty thousand dollar fee if charged with the lesser, second-degree murder. The contract and fee schedule called for a twenty-five thousand dollar retainer for either murder charge.

“I just want to repeat, Frank, that I can help you.”