I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy. - Marie Curie
"I'm afraid that there are some complications."
Hannibal sighed. There were always complications where Stockwell was involved. And the team always seemed to get the short end of the stick.
"A presidential pardon will erase your convictions in military court. Those were all crimes against the US. However, California is not quite so... forgiving. Nor are many of the other states where you had operations. Presidential pardons do not include those crimes."
"What exactly does that mean, General? That we could still face jail time?"
"Yes. Nothing as serious as murder, of course. However, there are several felony counts in various district attorneys' offices - most involving the illegal discharge of firearms, shooting at vehicles, burglary, kidnapping, assault, etc. The numerous misdemeanors across the country have almost universally been dismissed. It's just not worth the bother."
"So how much time are we looking at? If we're convicted, of course."
"A lot would depend on how good your lawyers are, of course. If they can convince the various jurisdictions to cooperate and let you serve your time concurrently instead of consecutively, you could be out in as little as fifteen to twenty years." Stockwell smiled.
"You're enjoying this a little too much, General."
"Not at all. Those numbers are contingent on your actually being tried and convicted. Your past clients have shown remarkably similar cases of memory loss. As to the many people you turned over to law enforcement, well, unlike the military court, local juries tend to be suspicious of convicts testifying against the people who turned them in."
"What about the cops themselves?"
"Well, obviously you were identified when you ended up in some of the local jails. But those were merely identifications - and the crimes you were wanted for - "
"Are the ones the pardons cover." Face smiled. "Nice."
"Exactly. And when it comes to actual evidence against you, there's actually only a handful of cases where the authorities can actually prove you were involved. You might end up paying some rather hefty fines, but I'm sure the lieutenant's knack for smart investing over the years will provide coverage for that probability."
"There's got to be a reason you're telling us all of this, Stockwell. Like to explain?"
"Happily. You all now face the prospect of years of court appearances, huge attorney's fees, and, despite your 'Robin Hood' reputation, no guarantee that you won't end up in jail or prison afterwards, along with hefty fines and restitution. Or - I can offer assistance. I know people, you see. Influential people."
Hannibal smiled cynically. "And in return for that assistance?"
"A minor extension of your employment contract."
"You thought about this from the beginning, didn't you?"
"Of course. That's how I got where I am, Hannibal."
Of course...