Ghosts of Manhattan: A Novel(65)

William’s lawyer opens the door for me and I walk into a small conference room as drab as the building exterior. Nothing on the walls but white paint, a single window with bars across it, and a rectangular table that fits six chairs that don’t roll but need to be scraped across an ancient plastic tile.

Peter Jeffries stands from the head of the rectangle and comes to shake my hand. “Thank you for coming, Mr. Farmer.”

“Of course.” There’s also a uniformed detective in the room, which is jarring but shouldn’t surprise me. It’s not the same cop who was at the Soho Grand.

“This is Detective Kelly, who has been handling the complaint. This shouldn’t take much of your time, Mr. Farmer. The DA’s office is determining whether or not to proceed with criminal prosecution in this matter. Your input will be taken into consideration as a part of our evaluation.”

Lawyers always use too many words. “All right.”

“I’ll ask you a few questions about Mr. William Lansing. We’ll begin once his lawyer is present. Answer honestly and fully.”

I nod. We wait less than a minute in silence, then the door opens without a knock and William’s lawyer walks in. The ADA stands, then sits without shaking any hands, more like someone bumped the back of his chair. I never leave my seat. I assume William’s lawyer is here because the ADA wants to make some kind of deal.

“Let’s get started.” The ADA is already out of patience. “Mr. Farmer, your presence here will be required for only a short time, after which I will conclude my meeting with Mr. Lansing, then with the accuser.” He clears his throat. “Mr. Farmer, I’m going to ask you a few questions about Mr. Lansing.”

I nod again.

“Mr. Lansing is currently in your employ?”

“He’s employed by Bear Stearns. He reports to me.”

“Fine. As part of your supervision of Mr. Lansing, do you conduct performance reviews?”

“I do.”

“Would you be willing to share these reviews with me in cooperation with my investigation?”

“I can fax the paperwork this afternoon. A lot of the review happens orally.”

“In addition to faxing the reviews you have filed, and please fax from as many years back as you have, would you please also describe the nature of the most recent review you gave Mr. Lansing?”

“William got an above-average review. He’s a reliable employee, he shows up on time, rarely calls in sick, works hard, gets along with other employees, and his sales numbers are above the average for his position.”

“To your knowledge, have there been any disciplinary incidents with Mr. Lansing?”

“No.”

“Okay. Fine.” He seems like he’s about to take a different tack with the questioning and he physically adjusts also. “Some of the following questions will be more subjective. Please do your best to answer.”

I nod.

“Please describe, in your own words, Mr. Lansing. His character.”

Jesus Christ. “I don’t socialize with William much out of the office. We’re very different ages and I’m his boss.”

“Did you attend the party at the Soho Grand on the night in question?”

Goddamn it. “Yes, for less than an hour early in the night. It started as a work function for clients.”

“Was Mr. Lansing there when you were there?”

“He arrived as I was leaving.”

“So you occasionally see Mr. Lansing outside the office?” He pauses for effect. “For drinks from time to time.”

“Yes.” I’m starting to dislike the ADA.

“And in the totality of your experience with Mr. Lansing on these occasions, please describe his character.”

He sounds smug and my dislike for him is probably going to play to William’s benefit because I’d really like to shove something down the ADA’s throat. “He seems like an okay guy.” I sound a little smug now and immediately regret it.

“Does he drink liquor?”

“Yes.”

“Frequently?”

“He drinks with customers. I don’t know about other times.”

“Does he use illicit drugs?”

I pause. Damn. Whether or not I do shouldn’t be relevant, but managing an employee that I know uses illicit drugs could be a problem. “I’ve not seen him take an illicit drug.” This is actually true. Thank God for private bathrooms.

“Do you suspect that he does?”

“It’s possible.”

“Okay. Fine.” He’s enjoying this but doesn’t go after me further on this point. I’m sure for the purpose of this evaluation he knows William does cocaine. The police report from the Soho Grand would probably take care of that. “Does Mr. Lansing attend strip clubs?”

“Yes.”

“Does he hire the services of prostitutes?”

“Same as the illicit drugs. It’s possible but I’ve never watched him having sex.” Jesus, I need to be careful.

The detective laughs a little, which is the first evidence he is listening. He otherwise seems bored and not motivated to pursue a case. The ADA is not amused and continues. “Okay, Mr. Farmer. Mr. Lansing is accused of aggravated assault and rape. What is your reaction to this charge?”