Blood Game: A Jock Boucher Thriller Read Free

to overcome to achieve what you did. You’re a credit to your family, your state, and an example of the promise this nation offers every man and woman regardless of creed or color. And you want to throw that all away? What the hell’s the matter with you?”
    “I’m sorry, Mr. President.”
    “ ‘Sorry’ doesn’t cut it. I want to know why you want to quit.”
    “I killed two men,” Boucher said, “and given the opportunity, I’d do it again. I’m not fit to be a judge.”
    “When you screw up, you do it big-time, don’t you? I know you acted in self-defense, and I understand the dilemma you’re facing. On the other hand, I can’t just let you walk away. There are too many young men and women out there facing challenges in their lives, like you did throughout your professional career. You’re an example to them—at least you were. I am not going to have you regarded in their eyes as a failure or, worse, a dilettante. I fight a partisan battle with the Senate with every judicial nomination I make. They’re not approving my choices, and there are far too many vacancies on the federal bench. Some judgeships have been vacant for over five years. Even the chief justice of the Supreme Court is pleading with men of his own political party. If a judge I appointed tries to quit after a few months, they won’t blame themselves, that’s for sure. They’llbe screaming that my selection process is a failure, and I may not get another judge approved for the rest of my term in office. I’m not going to let you do that to our justice system. You’re not leaving public service yet. I’ve got another job for you, and it’s not a promotion.
    “You will remain a judge of the Eastern District of New Orleans, but you will not try cases until you are told otherwise. You will handle any administrative task that any other judge in your district decides to give you, and they’re going to pile it on. I also want you to see if you can help that poor judge who was swamped with all the oil-spill litigation. I understand most of the lawsuits have been settled, but if there are any complaints, I want them going to you. It’s a no-win situation for you, Jock. The poor people affected by that tragedy are going to hate the process for going too slow or for not giving them enough money. But because a federal judge who has no connection to the offshore energy industry is involved, the people will know the matter is being taken seriously. Have I made myself clear?”
    “We had a judge impeached in our district. He was given a similar penance while his proceeding went forward.”
    “You’re not being impeached, at least not yet. This assignment was at the advice of your chief district judge. He’ll oversee your work. I’m at arm’s length here.”
    Jock said nothing.
    “Look,” the president said, “I couldn’t fill your slot if you left now. There’s been a death and an impeachment in your district. One of your judges has had no time for anything but oil-spill litigation. Help me out here, Jock. When the political landscape shifts and I can get an appointment approved, you can go back to full duties, or you can quit. Do you agree to my terms?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    The president looked at his watch. “Then we’re done here. I’ve got family duties. There’s someone waiting outside to show you to your sleeping quarters. You scared of ghosts?”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “You’re sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroom tonight. I figure that’s a good place for you to think about the duty you owe to your country. Don’t worry, there haven’t been any sightings in forty years.”
    “Maybe I’ll get lucky,” Boucher said.
    The president shook his hand, looking deep into his eyes. “Yes,” he said, “I’m hoping you will.”
    •  •  •
    Boucher called his girlfriend, Malika, on her cell. She answered after the first ring.
    “Well, I’ve had a few dates cancel with fancy excuses,” she said, “but dumping me