You meet your client's father

Jeff Ryan is one of the firm's most important clients. A developer and contractor who has had a finger in nearly every major project in the state for the last few decades. A billionaire, he has influence at every level of government, and according to rumour, more than a few contacts in the underworld.

His son Tommy is something else entirely. The youngest child, he's been in and out of trouble since his early teens, depending on his father's money and influence to shield him from any significant consequences.

He had been arrested last night for **** in a nightclub. Accused of grabbing and sexually assaulting a woman, then fighting with the bouncer, then attacking the cops when they showed up, and after his arrest he was found to have an illegal gun in his possession, along with more than a few grams of cocaine. He's spent the night in jail and this morning the judge would set bail.

You put your papers together and fill your briefcase, then check your appearance. You look stunning, and you smile to yourself, thinking that your looks can't hurt when you're standing before Judge Melman and pleading your client's case. With a happy smile, you grab your briefcase and head for the elevator, wanting to be early for the hearing.

You take a cab to the courthouse, not wanting to be bothered with finding a parking space and make your way to the courtroom. Tommy's bail hearing is the first thing on the docket, and when you get to the courtroom there are a few people in the gallery but no one else. You walk up your aisle and put your briefcase on the table.

"Are you who the firm sent to represent my son?" a voice asks. You turn to see a tanned, tough looking man in a suit that fits so well it looks like a living thing. "Where is Jack or Frank? Or at least one of the other partners?"

"Frank sent me Mr. Ryan. I do a lot of bail hearings. It's kind of a specialty." He looks you up and down, obviously evaluating your assets, and nods.

"Ok, they better be right. I do a lot of business with your law firm. No one's going to be happy if my son spends any more time in jail."

"No sir. I'm on it. You can count on me."

"I am counting on you. You better not mess this up," he says firmly before turning his back and taking a seat in the front row of the gallery.