The Solider Husband

1 August, Military Jail, City K

Without waiting to hear where Bronwyn's conversation went, Steven was quickly directed to where the other lawyers were waiting walking in without thought.

"Gentlemen.  You asked for this appointment.  Lieutenant Nang is speaking with Lawyer Chi, but rather than allowing him to pass what she has to say, I am here to give you the absolute last chance…"

"Stop right there Mr Hou.  We have all been speaking to our clients.  None of us are dumb enough to know with the new material you disclosed one of our client's has already struck a deal with you regarding this matter.  Lawyer Chi and his clients do not want to see that, but we do."

A chorus of agreement went through the room, and Steven scanned the six lawyers, making sure that he did not give away who had struck the deal.

Another of the lawyers said, "While we have been waiting for you to arrive, we have all discussed the situation, having had the opportunity to discuss matters with our client's individually."

"Gentleman, iI am going to stop you there.  I am not going to play games and I want to know what it is you specifically want.  Just know that the original deal is not on the table, but cooperation, even at this late stage will see your clients avoid the death penalty, and have the chance of being released from prison before their death.  The extent of benefits received will depend on the cooperation given."

Steven watched as the lawyers looked at each other before a third voice said, "We all have preliminary statements from our clients about matters, which we will hand to you once we have the deal that we want on the table."

Steven leant back in the chair he was in, saying "Gentleman, I do not have the time to play your games.  My current offer is just what I have said it is, but I will give you this.  Those who cooperate now, will all receive the same deal, and that overall depends on that you give us to nail those who do not take the offer."

The second vice came back and said, "Our client's want out, no further time than what they have been on remand, a pardon, and their lives and ȧssets back."

Laughing Steven said "You think I am that stupid, you must be kidding.  You can take my offer or leave it, and if you leave it, I can guarantee that the prosecution will be seeking the death penalty.  And honestly, I can say I am not tempted to give you much time to take the offer."

Steven paused, looked at his watch and said, "I will give you two minutes to talk to each other, and indicate you except what I have put on the table, and then we will go into specifics of what your clients are willing to offer, and what the bottom-line number will be before they can be considered for release."

Sweeping his gaze again, around the room, Steven added "And there will be no deals on new identities on release, or access to the wealth that you have accumulated.  Your clients will, on release, receive a lump sum calculated based on the then current minimum age, for each year for how many years then then must reach the average life expectancy and they will be excluded from any government benefits until they reach that age.  Your client's want more money, they must earn it."

As he paused, silence filled the room and after around thirty seconds Steven added "And do not think that anything will change our mind.  While it may appear contrary, I convinced people in the government that there is the potential that some of the ȧssets your client's own have come purely from legitimate sources.  Legally, we cannot touch those ȧssets, but the problem for your clients is that they affairs are so messed up, the ancillary orders we will seek on sentence will seize everything.  Do you need to talk to your client's or are you willing to negotiate with the minimum sentence to be confirmed, or do I leave.  Your two minutes starts now."

Steven sat there, watching his watch as the two minutes started to run.  As he kept looking at the lawyers, they simply sat there, and he saw it as they were attempting to call his bluff.  As the two minutes ticked over, Steven stood up, and said "Gentlemen you have had your opportunity.  I am leaving and you can tell your client's there will be no further chances, as you blew it.  And honestly I can tell you while I hate the idea of attending executions, I will happily attend theirs to see the sanction carried out." 

Just as he reached the door a voice called out "Fine, we will deal, but there are come financial and other conditions before we will hand over the information we have…"

Steven turned back and responded "You are lucky, that I am in a reasonable mood.  Now what is it you want?  Remember that the minimum period of time is dependent on what your client's give us, and everyone will get the same deal, but If we find out anything is a lie, the deal will be off.  Do you understand that?"

A series of nods went around the table, and Steven said, "What are your client's financial demands?"

Gary Zhu's lawyer, knowing the deal his client already had said "That money is insufficient.  Our client's have no hope in obtaining employment on their release, and…"

The first lawyer who spoke interrupted saying "The money needs to be triple what is being offered, plus our clients need to be able to keep at least five of the properties under their names and half their investments."

"Gentlemen, do you think I am stupid.  That is not going to happen..  But, if you can persuade me I may be able to convince others that a small apartment could be made available for them to live in, in the city that they are allowed to live in after their release." .