Sully knew he was in the wrong place but didn’t know how to move forward without money or guidance. Hans Luden was a serious man, and Sully recognized the opportunities his association with Luden presented. Things were looking up, and perhaps he had a chance to build a life with Laney Ashford.
William Ashford enjoyed being a judge. Was he a compassionate man? No, never. However, he understood the law, and his cases were rarely overturned on appeal, despite being known as Gallows Bill. He was a wealthy man who didn’t need to work and never questioned his judgment. Why should he? He had been a star since his days at Milton Academy and later at Harvard.
Ashford was a member of the right clubs, knew influential people, and served on several boards. Many admired him, but lawyers in his court often felt angry and disillusioned by his supposed reputation for sainthood.
Luden didn’t know much about Judge Ashford, but his ears perked up when Sully mentioned that he was dating the Judge’s daughter. Although Luden felt uneasy about what he heard, he didn’t say anything to Sully. However, he asked whether the parents knew he and Laney were dating. Sully didn’t know, and the Professor sensed trouble ahead.
That evening, the professor opened his computer and researched in his study on Appleton Street in Cambridge. He was curious about Judge Ashford and worried about his protégé, Johnny Sullivan. He sensed that trouble lay ahead and wanted to help Sully if possible.
Hans had a sixth sense for seeing beyond the ordinary during a “fox hunt.” He enjoyed cyber detective work and excelled at it. While his fingers flew over the keys, he sipped a glass of cold Chimay, a favorite Belgian beer. An hour into the project, he had found nothing. Ashford appeared to be a typical person from an old, wealthy New England family who had received countless advantages. Good schools, European vacations, and lessons in pursuits from tennis to piano were readily available to him.
Luden laughed as he reflected on his background and wondered again how Sully and his girlfriend could hope to resolve their relationship given their family histories.