Until Judgment Day by Christine McGuire

much money did he lose?”
    â€œFifty-three thousand dollars so far, but we’re still auditing past years. It might be more.”
    â€œHas the Diocese paid the bills?”
    â€œNot all of them. I froze payment on all invoices and charges incurred by Reverend Duvoir. Our legal department contacted the casino by e-mail—they have a ‘contact us’ hot key on their web page—and suggested they forgive current charges and refund prior payments.”
    â€œWhat did they say?”
    â€œThey e-mailed our attorney, Mr. Scalisi, back and said that—in their words—‘no one welches on a gambling debt and gets away with it.’”
    â€œSounds ominous. Then what?”
    â€œWe disputed the unpaid charges directly with the banks that issued the cards. After some negotiation, they reversed them and refused to tender payment to R-O-L.”
    â€œHow much was disputed?”
    â€œAs I said, more than fifty thousand dollars.”
    Mackay’s right eyebrow lifted involuntarily. “Who eventually sustains the losses?”
    â€œThe casino, although I don’t see how they’ve actually lost anything. Then the threats started.”
    â€œThreats?”
    â€œA man who never identified himself called repeatedly, at all hours of the day and night. When I wouldn’t agree to pay, he threatened to send ‘enforcers’ to visit.”
    â€œVisit whom?”
    â€œHe didn’t say, but it isn’t hard to figure out who he had in mind.”
    â€œDid you contact the police for protection?”
    â€œGod protects us.”
    â€œAnd Reverend Duvoir?”
    Davidson sighed. “We were evaluating treatment programs. Jacques was sick but, aside from his addiction, he was an exemplary and revered priest who was loved by his parishioners. I’m afraid your witch hunt has tainted his memory forever.”
    â€œGrand Jury testimony is secret.”
    â€œThat’s what President Clinton thought about his relationship with Monica Lewinski.”
    â€œIs there anything else we need to know about Reverend Duvoir, Bishop Davidson?”
    His eyes were wet-shiny blue pools. “You already know too much.”
    â€œWould you like to take a short break?”
    â€œNo, thank you.”
    â€œLet’s move on then. The subpoena also ordered you to produce personnel records for Reverends Benedetti and Thompson. Did you bring those records with you?”
    Davidson straightened his back and cleared his throat. “No.”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œAnd I refuse to answer questions about them.”
    â€œRefusing on the grounds that truthful answers to my questions would tend to incriminate you?”
    â€œI didn’t say that.”
    â€œWell, Bishop Davidson, that is the only grounds for refusing to answer my questions without being held in contempt of court.”
    â€œThe order Judge Keefe issued isn’t enforceable so long as Judge Woods has our motion to quash your subpoenas under submission.”
    â€œIf that is your attorney’s advice, it’s bad advice, and following it will cause you trouble,” Mackay admonished him. “Why don’t you step outside the jury room and consult with legal counsel?”
    Davidson hesitated, then stood. “Perhaps I shall.”
    Â 
    â€œThat’s not what I said.” Scalisi’s voice rose as he addressed Bishop Davidson. “You told me you were bringing all three files.”
    Escalante stood at a discreet distance, gazing out the window, trying unsuccessfully not to overhear the confidential attorney-client communication.
    â€œI changed my mind, now calm down before you have a heart attack.” Davidson patted Scalisi’s arm.
    Mackay opened the door and stepped into the hallway, where she saw the two men in a heated discussion.
    â€œWith all due respect, Mr. Scalisi, you should reconsider the advice you gave Bishop Davidson,” Mackay said.