Page 377 of Edge of Eternity (The Century 3)

The mayor of Roath, Mississippi, sat in George Jakes's office at Fawcett Renshaw. His name was Robert Denny, but he said: "Call me Denny. Everyone knows Denny. Even my little lady wife calls me Denny." He was the kind of man George had been fighting for a decade: an ugly, fat, foul-mouthed, stupid white racist.

His city was building an airport, with help from the government. But recipients of federal funding had to be equal-opportunity employers. And Maria in the Justice Department had learned that the new airport would have no black staff other than skycaps.

This was typical of the kind of work George got.

Denny was as condescending as a man could be. "We do things a little differently in the South, George," he said.

Don't I fucking know it, George thought; you thugs broke my arm eleven years ago, and it still aches like a bastard on a cold day.

"People in Roath wouldn't have confidence in an airport run by coloreds," Denny went on. "They would fear things might not be done right, you know, from a safety point of view. I'm sure you understand me."

You bet I do, you racist fool.

"Old Renshaw is a good friend of mine."

Renshaw was not a friend of Denny's, George knew. The senior partner had met this client just twice. But Denny was hoping to make George nervous. If you mess up, your boss is going to be real mad at you.

Denny went on: "He tells me that you're the best person in Washington to get the Justice Department off my back."

George said: "Mr. Renshaw is right. I am."

With Denny were two city councilors and three aides, all white. Now they sat back, showing relief. George had reassured them that their problem could be solved.

"Now," George said, "there are two ways we could achieve this. We could go to court and challenge the Justice Department's ruling. They're not that smart over there, and we can find flaws in their methodology, mistakes in their reports, and bias. Litigation is good for my firm, because our fees would be high."

"We can pay," said Denny. The airport was clearly a lucrative project.

"Two snags with litigation," George said. "One, there are always delays--and you want to get your airport built and operating as soon as you can. Two, no lawyer can put his hand on his heart and tell you what the court's decision will be. You never know."

"Not here in Washington, anyhow," said Denny.

Clearly the courts in Roath were more amenable to Denny's wishes.

"Alternatively," George said, "we could negotiate."

"What would that involve?"

"A phased introduction of more black employees at all levels."

"Promise them anything!" said Denny.

"They're not completely stupid, and payments would be tied to compliance."

"What do you think they'll want?"

"The Justice Department doesn't really care, so long as they can say they've made a difference. But they will consult with black organizations in your town." George glanced down at the file on his desk. "This case was brought to the Justice Department by Roath Christians for Equal Rights."

"Fucking Communists," said Denny.

"The Justice Department will probably agree to any compromise that has the approval of that group. It gets them and you out of the department's hair."

Denny reddened. "You better not be telling me I have to negotiate with the goddamn Roath Christians."

"It's the smart way to go if you want a quick solution to your problem."

Denny bristled.

George added: "But you don't have to see them personally. In fact I recommend you don't speak to them at all."

---