“Briefly, my job was to oversee our direct mail, and advertising to sell our data integration software to furniture retailers.”
“Was one of your duties also to attend trade shows?”
“Yes.”
“Where are they located?”
“They move around the country.”
“How often are they held?”
“Three times a year.”
Mary half-listened, knowing they were getting closer to why Chen had been called as a witness. In the meantime, she clicked to see the type of article Sussman wrote and skimmed the titles: “5 Common Pleas Court Judges You Need to Avoid, If Possible”; “The Biggest Mob Case You’re Not Watching, or Joey Merlino Strikes Again”; “10 Restaurants Near Family Court That Are Cheaper Than Filing Costs”; and “Around the Roundhouse—An Insider’s Guide to Philly’s Police HQ.” Mary made a mental note of the last one, but was wondering if there was a list of clients anywhere on the website.
“Now Mr. Chen, was one of your duties also to attend trade association conferences?”
“Yes.”
“How many trade associations does London Technologies belong to?”
“Just one.”
“And that is?”
“Home Furnishings Group, or HFG.”
“How often do you attend those conferences?”
“Twice a year.”
Mary noticed a link on the website for “Amanda’s Clients,” clicked, and skimmed the list which varied from restaurants, boutiques and bars, with corporate at the bottom.EDWARD BLACKEMORE & ASSOCIATES, THE GUPTA GROUP, NATHAN & RADDATZ, LLC.Mary recognized them as small law firms, but there was no mention of Machiavelli. Then she realized if Machiavelli had hired Sussman, he would’ve made it confidential, so it probably wouldn’t be on the website. She felt momentarily stumped, then got an idea.
“Mr. Chen, where are the conferences located?”
“The October conference moves around the country, but the April conference is in High Point, North Carolina.”
Benedict turned a page of his notes. “Let’s discuss the first HFG conference you attended. Do you recall when that was?”
“Yes.”
Listening, Mary felt proud of Chen again. Anybody else would’ve supplied the more complete answer, but he was proving to be a professionally badass witness. Meanwhile, she navigated to “Contact Amanda” on Sussman’s website and clicked. An email form popped onto the screen, and Mary typed:
Dear Amanda, It was great seeing you at the Roundhouse today! Rosato & DiNunzio could use an enterprising freelancer like you! Why don’t you ditch Nick Machiavelli and come work for the good guys? Either way, we’ve got your number. Regards, Mary DiNunzio.
Mary added a CC to Machiavelli, then hit Send.
“Mr. Chen, when was the first HFG conference you attended?”
“In October, 2015.”
“And where did it take place?”
“At Lake Harmony in the Poconos, at Harmony Spa & Conference Center.”
“Did you attend alone?”
“No.”
