A Civil Action

1

On January 7, 1985, Richard Aufiero is deposed by counsel from Grace and Beatrice. They meet Schlichtmann at his office. He tells them that Cheeseman can ask any question he wants, and they must answer. This makes Richard nervous. Fifteen years earlier Richard had been a drug abuser. Once, during an argument with his wife, Lauren, he had pushed her, resulting in a cut that had to be treated at a hospital. Richard knows that the defense might use his history against him. Schlichtmann and Richard walk to the offices of Hale and Dorr for the deposition. Facher, Neil Jacobs, Cheeseman, and several other lawyers are present.

Facher begins the questioning. He mentions the drug abuse but moves on quickly. He asks Richard about Jarrod’s death, and if he knew that salmonella had been listed as the immediate cause of death. He asks him why there had been an autopsy. Richard says more than once that Jarrod died of leukemia, and it had been sudden. He’s angry and heartbroken. When they finish, Facher wishes Schlichtmann good luck in a contemptuous tone. Schlichtmann replies that Facher is the one who will need luck.

After, Facher is disturbed.