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“If he goes unpunished or the criminal court allows him to hide his conviction, yes, he could do it again . . .”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Jennifer Tracey, a former client, called to discuss a case involving her two sons. Jennifer Tracey? Do I know her? Probably another crap case—teenage drunks? I'll call her tomorrow.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Zachary Blake lost his practice, his wife and kids, his home, and his money. He was at rock bottom in only three short years. He also lost the most valuable possession of any successful trial lawyer. Zachary Blake lost his will to fight. His luck, however, was about to change.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“The renaissance of Zack Blake at Renaissance Center, what a story! Maybe Mitch Albom will write a column.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“I don’t think Jake and Kenny Tracey wanted to get that acquainted with Father Gerry Bartholomew,â€� Zack quipped. ”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“There comes a time in the life of every attorney when he or she has two fundamental questions: Why do I need this shit? Is this why I went to law school?”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“The boys broke off in private conversation, satisfied with their decision to move forward. Jennifer stared at them, through them, trepidation inching into her psyche. Is this the right decision? Are they mature enough to handle this? Do they seriously understand what they're sighing up for? Do I? She would be with them every step of the way. If there were any signs the litigation was harming her kids, she'd shut it down. Gerry Bartholomew! This bastard must pay—he must be stopped, We'll blow the lid off this whole affair . . . won't we?”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“He seems perfect for us. One room on Eight Mile? Quite a fall. Probably needs fast money. We can use that to our advantage and accommodate him.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“What did she think of me? Could she smell alcohol on my breath? Did she notice how far I have fallen? Was she sufficiently impressed with my legal knowledge? Must have been, she signed the retainer agreement, didn't she? Did she notice how excited I got when I heard what the case was about? That wouldn't be good. A big, fat settlement check will take care of everything.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“I was hoping you could tell me, Father. Dr. Rothenberg tells me that whoever it is told you to retain him to counsel the boys.â€�
Now he understood. Rothenberg told Jenny about the Voice and the Coalition, but why? What happened to cause him to cross the Voice? This was a dangerous move—there might be consequences.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Uber drivers, summoned by phone, awaited them and drove them to the restaurant. This 'sleight of hand' was Father Jon's idea. Jennifer felt like an actress in a James Bond movie, but she appreciated the subterfuge.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“So, if a molester arranges to have his file sealed in exchange for a guilty plea, he could be transferred by the church, and if the pastor of the new church wanted to check his record, he wouldn’t have one?”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Blake turned meekly from the bench. The gallery, made up primarily of other attorneys, whispered, muttered, and snickered. They pointed at him and whispered to each other, hand over mouth. Zachary waded through them, enduring their snickers and taunts in utter humiliation.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“What about Gerry’s last placement? Is that situation under control?â€�
“Yes, the pastor has been briefed, and the victims well paid for their silence. The criminal file has been sealed, and we were able to persuade authorities over there to seal criminal results. Except for the pastor, the victims, and the cops, nobody over there knows about Gerry.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“If he lands a good case, word on the street is he settles on the cheap, for the quick buck. Sources say he's lost his stomach for legal work . . . " ”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Let them make the first offer. It might be higher than what I'd propose. Don't be anxious. After all, this is only the most crucial moment of your so-called life.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“He’d use the Tracey money to open a small RenCen office, stand in the lobby, and direct his competitorsâ€� lost clients to his office rather than theirs. There’s no loyalty in this business anyway. Lawyers were a dime a dozen. Look how easily his asshole ex-partners were able to convince his clients to stay with them.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Zack was breathless. He felt his professional composure going out the window. He expected and was willing to accept an offer of low six figures. Instead, their first offer was high six figures. He hit the mother lode. "The offer seems a tab light," Zack managed to counter. Was I convincing?”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“This is a good resolution for all concerned. It was nice meeting you.â€� I’ve got to get out of here before I explode!”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“True enough, but with the number of young parishioners being molested by priests throughout the country, wouldn’t the church be wise not to send young male parishioners on camping trips with potential pedophiles?â€� Zack pressed. He could see himself trying this case.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“. . . You’re wasting my time. I think a jury will love this story.â€� Zack rose and began to leave. Please, God, stop me before I get to the door! 
“Hold on, Zack,� Walsh pleaded, turning to and conferring with the mystery man.
Thank you, God!”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“What makes you think he’s done this before? He’s not been prosecuted. I’d bet the church could even bury prosecutions if it wants to . . .”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“This monster needs to be locked up. Where did this predator come from? Has he done this before? How many young boys has he traumatized? How could the church expose unsuspecting children to such a man?”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Suddenly polite and cherubic, Judge Pearl addressed the defendant, a voting citizen. "Mr. Jordan, have you had a chance to meet with your attorney?”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“She adjusted her rearview mirror to look at her two silent sons. Kenny was glaring at Jake fiercely with one finger to his lips, silently ordering him quiet. A single tear ran down Kenny's cheek. The family drove home in silence. Something was terribly wrong.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Outside the door, Jennifer listened in horror. What was it? Someone hurt them. Who? Her thoughts were gathering, inching toward a conclusion, but she resisted. Did something happen at school? Was someone being bullied? The camping trip was fun, wasn't it? She decided that the boys needed professional help but not that night. That night, she would hug them, kiss them, and put them to bed. That night, she would simply love them with all her heart.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Well . . . Gerry visited the family last night. He convinced Jennifer to let him up to the boysâ€� room to talk to them in private. Little did Jennifer suspect that the problem is the priest.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Who are you people? Who cares about arousing suspicion? I care about safety and welfare, especially of the children. Who is concerned for their well-being?”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“Somehow, he makes 'understood' sound like 'fuck you.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith

“There are no perfect adults. We sin constantly and then forgive each other for our sins. There are no perfect fathers, no perfect mothers, no perfect priests.”
― Mark M. Bello, Betrayal of Faith