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Jack glanced in his client’s direction, keeping her reaction in check.
“Seriously?” said Jack. “You want Imani to perform at a private event for the granddaughter of a Russian oligarch?”
“Spare me the indignation,” said Miles. “Even J.Lo played for the president of Turkmenistan.”
Imani couldn’t contain herself. “Her publicist said it was because she didn’t know how evil he was.”
“I’m sure that was it,” said Miles, sarcasm dripping.
“Please direct your remarks to me, not my client,” said Jack.
The prosecutor continued. “This would be just like the dozens of other private events Imani has done in the past. Except this time, she can’t leave the party until she has a one-on-one conversation with the girl’s father. And she has to wear a wire.”
“What information do you expect her to gather from the son of a Russian oligarch?” asked Jack.
“It’s premature to discuss those details. As a threshold matter, we need to know if you’re on board with the concept.”
“No way,” said Imani. “I won’t do a concert for a Russian oligarch’s family.”
The prosecutor scoffed. “But you’ll accept wire transfers from the family-owned piracy websites?”
“Stop,” said Jack. “For the last time: don’t speak directly to my client. Imani, we’re here to listen, remember?”
“Sorry,” said Imani.
Jack leveled his gaze at the prosecutor, knowing that they were entering the critical stage of the negotiation. “Let’s say we’re not open to ‘the concept,’ as you describe it. What’s the consequence for Imani?”
“One count of perjury for her false testimony in Florida. Multiple counts of wire fraud for the illicit transfer of piracy proceeds to her offshore account. Multiple counts of aiding and abetting copyright infringement for the kickbacks she received for telling her fans to ‘go pirate.’ All told, ten-to-twenty years in federal prison, I would estimate.”
“And if weareopen to the concept, what’s the picture?”
“Complete immunity from prosecution, all charges dropped.”
“Charges have to be brought before they can be dropped,” said Jack. “Are you taking this to a grand jury?”
“No. The charges are by criminal information.”
Not all charges required a grand jury indictment.
“Are?” said Jack. “You make it sound as though you already have signed affidavits from the federal agents on the investigation and the charges are ready to be filed with the court.”
“Our office plans to make an announcement today at a press conference.”
“What time today?” asked Jack.
“Eleven a.m.”
Jack didn’t hide his disapproval of the hardball tactics. “You’re giving us one hour to consider your offer? You can’t be serious.”
Miles checked his watch. “Actually, I’m giving you ten minutes. You can have the room to yourselves to discuss it. Feel free to review the wire transfer spreadsheet. This is a generous offer,” he added, looking directly at Imani. “You’d be a fool not to take it.”
The prosecutors rose and left the room, closing the door behind them.
Jack’s client didn’t need the ten minutes.
“I’m not playing for an oligarch’s granddaughter,” she said firmly.
“I’m impressed,” said Jack. “Most of my clients would have said, ‘no way am I wearing a wire.’”
