212 LP: A Novel by Alafair Burke

hand, wanting to hear the rest of the explanation.
    “Bandon says it’s a colorable claim, that’s all. And that in light of the jurisdiction he has over the matter given Guerrero’s demand for discovery, he’s ordering this process as temporary relief. It’s basically a middle ground. The way he explained it to me, he’s essentially protecting us—you, really, the police”—he looked again at Ellie—“from a harassment suit by intervening.”
    “Tell him to bring it on,” Rogan said. “He’s gotten kid gloves compared to anyone else who’d be in his position. Bring it the fuck on. Let him sue.”
    Rogan looked to his partner for validation, but Ellie just stared at the speckled earth-tone linoleum of Tucker’s office floor. If Max was here, instead of the courthouse, it was because he had already tried to fight on her behalf.
    “I already ran it up the chain,” he said, confirming her suspicions. “Knight thinks it’s best if we play along.” Knight was the chief prosecutor of the trial unit at the district attorney’s office and was also Max’s boss. “It’s just a matter of meeting with Bandon in chambers—in camera—no Sparks, no Guerrero, not even a court reporter—and then I’ll informally notify him of any further material developments. Like I said, it’s really just for show. Bandon comes out looking good to Sparks. Nothing on the record shows he’s doing some rich ass a favor—”
    “And we’re going to play along,” Rogan said. He didn’t bother to hide the sarcasm.
    Ellie finally spoke up. “Donovan’s right. Bandon’s probably helping us out.”
    Robin Tucker looked at Ellie with raised eyebrows. It was a look of surprised approval.
    “And Rogan should be the one to do the in camera session with Judge Bandon.”
    “What? So I can serve some time, too?”
    “So I won’t be an issue. So Bandon will see we’ve dealt with Sparks on the up-and-up.”
    “That’s a good idea,” Max said quietly. “Thank you.”
    “Okay, so we’re all done here?” Tucker said. “Happy campers all around?”
    No one looked happy, but no one was protesting. “That was easier than I thought. Now get out of here. I’ve got a kid waiting at home for dinner.”
     
    Rogan didn’t bother waiting until they were back to their desks before reconstructing the events that must have led to Judge Bandon’s phone call to Max Donovan that afternoon.
    “Your girl Kristen Woods gave us up,” he said once they had both crossed the threshold of Tucker’s office.
    “I assumed the same thing.”
    “So much for the sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits,” he said.
    “Well, Woods is more of a miniskirt and stiletto heels type anyway.” Ellie tried to muster a smile as she lowered herself into her worn vinyl-upholstered desk chair. “Given the timing, she must’ve called Sparks the second we left her on the street.”
    “And then Sparks makes a call to Bandon.”
    “Or, more likely, he calls his lawyer, and then Guerrero calls Bandon. That way it at least looks like an actual legal process.”
    “Instead of the bullshit rich-boys club that it is.”
    Ellie felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to find Max Donovan smiling down at her.
    “I’m gonna get my gear from the locker room,” Rogan said.
    “You okay?” Max asked once Rogan was out of earshot.
    “Yeah, I’m good.”
    “I know this has to be hard on you.”
    “Really, it’s fine. I’m actually grateful that Rogan will be the one to deal with Bandon this time. I probably need some distance.”
    “I’ve got another couple hours of work at the courthouse, but meet at my place when I’m done?”
    “I’m sorry, Max. I’m really tired. Last night wasn’t exactly the Ritz-Carlton, you know?”
    “That’s fine. Why don’t you go home and get some rest, and I’ll come to you.”
    “I don’t think I’ll be very good company.”
    “That’s all right. I’m used to doing all the talking while I watch you chew,” he