Once We Were Brothers

Catherine receives a call from Jeffers requesting a private meeting between Elliot and Ben.

After signing confidentiality agreements, Elliot and Ben enter a conference room alone. Elliot offers Ben $20 million to drop the case and make a public apology. Ben rejects the offer, saying, “Will twenty million dollars wash your hands, Otto? Will it cleanse you from the thousands you condemned?” (343).

Before long, Elliot drops the facade and speaks to Ben as Otto, rationalizing his actions by blaming Abraham for forcing him to join the Nazis. Ben is unmoved, explaining that he would sooner die than drop the case. Elliot’s demeanor changes from plaintive to vicious, and he says, “Just another dead Solomon” (344).

At a Bar Association committee meeting, Jeffers whispers something in Judge Ryan’s ear.