Smoking in the Woods

Eleven-year-old Mark Sway and his younger brother Ricky sneak into the woods behind their trailer park to smoke cigarettes. Mark, who has been smoking for two years, is teaching Ricky how to smoke. Their father, an abusive alcoholic, has left, and Mark feels responsible for Ricky. As they sit under a tree, they hear a car approaching.

A Deadly Encounter

The boys witness a man, Jerome Clifford, attempting suicide in a car. Mark tries to stop him by removing a hose from the exhaust, but Clifford catches him and forces him into the car. Clifford, a lawyer, reveals secrets about a murder case involving the Mafia before shooting himself. Traumatized, Ricky goes into shock, and Mark is left with a dangerous secret.

Secrets and Lies

Mark struggles with the burden of Clifford's secret and the fear of the Mafia. He lies to the police about what he saw, fearing for his family's safety. Meanwhile, Ricky is hospitalized in a catatonic state. Mark hires Reggie Love, a lawyer, to help him navigate the legal and moral complexities of the situation.

The Lawyer's Dilemma

Reggie, a lawyer with a troubled past, takes on Mark's case. She faces the challenge of protecting Mark from the FBI, who are desperate to find out what Clifford told him. Reggie must balance her duty to her client with the potential danger from the Mafia, who are also interested in what Mark knows.

The Mob's Threat

Mark is threatened by a Mafia thug, who warns him not to reveal Clifford's secret. The encounter leaves Mark terrified for his life and the safety of his family. Reggie arranges for security at the hospital, but the threat looms large, and Mark is more determined than ever to keep the secret.

A Mother's Struggle

Mark's mother, Dianne, is fired from her job while staying at the hospital with Ricky. Reggie files a lawsuit against Dianne's employer, securing her job and a raise. Dianne is overwhelmed by the situation but remains strong for her sons, unaware of the full extent of the danger they face.

The FBI's Pursuit

U.S. Attorney Roy Foltrigg is determined to extract the truth from Mark, believing he knows where a murdered senator's body is hidden. He plans to use legal pressure to force Mark to talk, unaware of the Mafia's involvement. The FBI's investigation adds to the tension and danger surrounding Mark and his family.

A Dangerous Game

Mark grapples with the decision to reveal the truth or keep the secret. He fears the consequences of both choices. Reggie advises him to stay silent for now, but the pressure mounts as the FBI and the Mafia close in. Mark's courage and quick thinking are tested as he navigates this perilous situation.

The Truth Unveiled

Mark finally decides to reveal the truth to Reggie, trusting her to protect him. Together, they devise a plan to safely disclose the information to the authorities while ensuring the family's safety. The revelation sets off a chain of events that lead to the arrest of the Mafia members involved in the senator's murder.

A New Beginning

With the danger behind them, Mark and his family begin to heal. Ricky recovers from his trauma, and Dianne finds stability in her job. Reggie continues to support the family, and Mark learns the value of truth and courage. The ordeal strengthens their bond, and they look forward to a brighter future.

Characters

Mark Sway

Mark is an eleven-year-old boy thrust into a dangerous situation after witnessing a suicide. He is protective of his younger brother Ricky and feels responsible for his family's safety. Mark is intelligent and resourceful, but the weight of the secret he carries takes a toll on him. His journey is one of courage and resilience as he navigates threats from both the Mafia and the FBI.

Ricky Sway

Ricky is Mark's eight-year-old brother who goes into shock after witnessing the suicide. He is innocent and dependent on Mark for protection. Ricky's condition is a source of worry for the family, and his recovery symbolizes hope and healing.

Reggie Love

Reggie is a lawyer with a troubled past who takes on Mark's case. She is fiercely protective of her young client and uses her legal skills to shield him from the FBI and the Mafia. Reggie's personal history of overcoming adversity makes her a compassionate and effective advocate for Mark.

Dianne Sway

Dianne is Mark and Ricky's mother, struggling to provide for her family after being fired from her job. She is unaware of the full extent of the danger her sons face but remains a pillar of strength for them. Dianne's love and determination are crucial in helping her family through the crisis.

Roy Foltrigg

Foltrigg is the U.S. Attorney determined to solve the murder case involving the Mafia. He is driven by ambition and is willing to use any means necessary to extract information from Mark. Foltrigg's pursuit of the truth adds pressure and danger to the situation.

Jerome Clifford

Clifford is the lawyer who commits suicide after revealing a dangerous secret to Mark. His involvement with the Mafia and the murder case sets off the chain of events that entangle Mark and his family. Clifford's actions are driven by fear and desperation.

Paul Gronke

Gronke is a Mafia thug sent to intimidate Mark into silence. His threats are a constant source of fear for Mark and his family. Gronke represents the danger and violence of the criminal world that Mark is drawn into.

Jack Nance

Nance is a private investigator hired by the Mafia to keep tabs on Mark. He is skilled at surveillance and willing to bend the law for the right price. Nance's involvement complicates the situation and adds another layer of danger.

Dr. Greenway

Greenway is the psychiatrist treating Ricky. He is dedicated to helping Ricky recover from his trauma and provides support to the Sway family. Greenway's expertise is crucial in understanding and addressing Ricky's condition.

Wally Boxx

Boxx is Foltrigg's assistant, tasked with managing the logistics of the investigation. He is loyal to Foltrigg and works diligently to support his boss's ambitions. Boxx's role is to ensure the smooth operation of the legal proceedings.

Plot Devices

The Suicide Note

The note left by Jerome Clifford is a key plot device that hints at the secrets he shared with Mark. It serves as a catalyst for the FBI's investigation and the Mafia's interest in Mark. The note's ambiguity adds tension and mystery to the story.

The Mafia Threat

The Mafia's involvement in the murder case and their threats against Mark create a constant sense of danger. This plot device heightens the stakes and forces Mark to make difficult decisions to protect his family.

The FBI Investigation

The FBI's determination to uncover the truth about the senator's murder drives the narrative forward. Their investigation puts pressure on Mark and adds complexity to the legal and moral dilemmas he faces.

The Attorney-Client Privilege

Reggie's role as Mark's lawyer and the confidentiality of their conversations are crucial plot devices. They provide Mark with a safe space to share his fears and secrets, while also complicating the FBI's efforts to extract information.

The Juvenile Court Petition

The potential use of a Juvenile Court petition to force Mark to talk is a plot device that underscores the legal complexities of the story. It highlights the lengths to which the authorities will go to obtain the truth.

Analysis

"The Client" explores themes of courage, justice, and the moral complexities of truth-telling. Mark Sway's journey from a frightened boy to a courageous young man is at the heart of the story. The novel examines the impact of trauma on children and the importance of family and support systems in overcoming adversity. It also critiques the legal system and the lengths to which authorities will go to solve a case. Through Reggie Love, the story highlights the power of empathy and advocacy in protecting the vulnerable. Ultimately, "The Client" is a gripping tale of survival and the pursuit of justice in the face of overwhelming odds.