Darby researches Rosenberg and Jensen's court records, searching for a similarity in beliefs, something that would give someone a cause
to kill them both. Once she has found her answer, she composes a brief, explaining the identity of the man who hired the assassin, his motive, and his position. She conjectures that it was Victor Mattiece, a man who had an upcoming appeal to regain oil-drilling land that had formerly been protected due to the endangered brown pelicans on the territory. Jensen and Rosenberg, both staunch environmentalists, would have decreased his chances of winning the appeal had they stayed on the Supreme Court. Being friendly with the president, Mattiece knew that he would appoint new justices that would rule more in his favor. Darby gives a copy of what she names "The Pelican Brief" to Thomas Callahan, her lover and Constitutional Law professor. After he reads it, he passes a copy to his friend Gavin Verheek, a lawyer with the FBI. Verheek then passes it on to FBI director Voyles, who, in turn, passes it on to the president and vice president. Shortly after, a bomb, intended for Darby, is placed on Callahan's car while the two are in a restaurant. Darby does not enter the car, telling Thomas that she will walk home due to his lack of sobriety. Immediatley after starting the car, it explodes, killing Callahan instantly. After going on the run, Darby speaks with Verheek, arranging to meet him for FBI protection. He too, is killed, by the notorious assassin Khamel (hired by Mattiece).
After running and hiding for days, Darby contacts Gray Grantham of the Washington Post, and together, they strive to expose Mattiece--and save their own lives.
"
Mary Dwyer
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