Chapter 55 – Summons
Monday, 8:12 a.m. — Logan's Office, Pearson Hardman, Manhattan
The morning began with the sound of an email arriving. A single ping, crisp and quietbut enough to cut through the otherwise quiet office. Logan stood with a cup of coffee now almost cold in his hands, staring at the papers on his desk. He read the sender: House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The subject line: Official Summons for Public Hearing.
He clicked. His eyes scanned the lines with the precision of someone who has been poring over sensitive documents for years.
Dear Dr. Logan Moore,
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform formally requests your presence at a public hearing on April 27, at 9 a.m., at the Capitol, Hearing Room 3C. Your presence is requested as an expert witness on the topics of legal liability, covert operations, and constitutional law as applied to national security contexts.
This summons is based on your recent speech at the American Bar Association Annual Conference and internal reports regarding your previous work with the Department of Defense.
The hearing will be broadcast live on C-SPAN and recorded in the Congressional Record.
Mandatory attendance.
Logan let out a long sigh and leaned back in his chair. He had known this was coming. But there was something about the formality of "mandatory attendance" that anchored him to reality once and for all.
He closed his eyes for a few seconds, allowing himself to feel the weight of the moment. This was not just a hearing. This was a turning point a journey that would leave its mark.
8:45 a.m. – Jessica Pearson's Office
"Jessica, can I speak to you?" Logan said, entering without ceremony but with his usual respect.
Jessica looked up from her planner.
"Sure. Did something happen?
He held out his phone, the email open.
She read it slowly, each word sinking in like a legal sentence. When she finished, the silence was filled only by the sound of the street in the background and the wall clock ticking away.
"They've officially summoned you, then."
"Yes."
Jessica stood up. She was serious, but composed.
"Logan… we'll be with you."
He stared at her.
"You don't have to "
"Yes, you do," she interrupted. "This is bigger than you, and you know it. It's not just about what you said at dinner. It's about what you represent. About how you've lived between two worlds the legal and the operational and how no one else has the vision you do. If you're going to sit in front of that committee, you won't be alone."
Logan lowered his eyes. He felt the weight of silent gratitude tighten in his chest.
"Thank you, Jessica. Really."
She reached out and lightly touched his arm.
"Let's show them that truth still has a place in the courts."
9:30 AM – Break Room, Pearson Hardman
Donna was the first to speak.
"I knew it. I knew this was coming after that speech. You poked the right hornet's nest, Logan."
Harvey followed close behind, with Mike and Rachel.
"Are you being called to testify?"
Logan nodded.
"Congress. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform."
"This is big," Mike muttered.
"And political," Harvey added. "They're going to try to corner you. They're going to smile for the cameras while they prepare the most venomous questions possible."
Rachel looked at Logan, serious.
"Are you ready for this?"
"I am," she said without hesitation. "I spent years writing reports for the DOD. Dealing with the legal nuances of operations that no one even dreams of." What I'm about to say isn't new to me. It will only be new to those who have never wanted to hear it.
Louis appeared at the door, his briefcase always full.
"Does this mean we'll see you on TV?"
"Probably," Logan replied, with a half smile.
Louis took a deep breath.
"Well... I hope you wear that dark blue suit. You command respect in it."
Everyone laughed.
10:45 AM - Logan's Office
Rachel walked in, holding a printed copy of the summons.
"I've been reading the records of other hearings with this committee. They usually try to trap witnesses in technical details. They make it seem like they're just 'seeking clarity,' but in reality they want to create a tense moment for TV."
Logan turned to her, grateful.
"Good reading, Rachel. I expected that."
"I can help you prepare, if you'd like. Put together a timeline of what you've experienced, highlight legal points, applicable case law..."
He smiled.
— I was going to ask that. And thank you.
She hesitated for a moment, then said,
— It's an honor to work with you, Logan.
— The honor is mine, Rachel. It always has been.
2:00 PM – Conference Room, Pearson Hardman
Jessica has called all the partners together for a meeting.
— As you know, Logan Moore has been called to testify before Congress. Officially. And this firm will support him. Not just because he's our partner, but because he's being called because of what he stands for integrity, courage, and legal expertise like few others.
Louis raised his hand.
"Will this involve us politically?"
"Possibly," Jessica replied. "But not directly. He's going as a citizen. But we're his home now. And if someone messes with one of ours…"
Harvey added:
"…they mess with all of us."
"Exactly," Jessica said.
Donna stood up, her eyes fixed on everyone in the room.
"I've handled crisis communications before. Let's organize a statement. Something sober, but firm. Showing that we're aware, and on the right side of history."
Jessica nodded.
"Do it."
6:30 p.m. – Logan's Apartment
He was silent on the couch, reviewing notes, legal codes, previous cases. A folder with strategic topics was next to him. The news was already commenting on the upcoming hearing, although without details.
The phone rang. It was his father.
"Son, we saw it on TV. Is it true?"
"Yes, Dad. I was summoned."
"We're proud of you, Logan. We really are. What you said… needed to be said. And now it needs to be backed up."
"I know. And I'm ready."
His mother picked up the phone on the other end.
"Logan, will you have anyone there with you?"
He smiled.
"More people than I thought. I won't be alone."
Tuesday, 6:00 AM – Pearson Hardman, days before the hearing
The office was already buzzing around Logan as if it were preparing for a high-profile trial. Jessica assured him that he would have all the necessary equipment for his presentation graphic, legal, technical, and logistical.
Rachel and Donna were coordinating the files.
Mike was organizing historical case law based on the last citations Logan had made in his speech.
Harvey, reluctant as he was to admit it, had engaged directly with the verbal defense structure.
And Logan? Logan was calm. He knew the pressure. He had faced the deafening silence of maximum security rooms. He had had to make decisions with lives on the line. Congress was just another arena but one that required more than strategy. It required truth.
Deep down, he knew: this hearing wasn't about him. It was about everything he stood for.
And he was ready.
Chapter 56 — The Capitol
April 27, 2011 — Washington, D.C. — 7:13 a.m.
The sky above the Capitol was heavy with gray clouds. A cold wind blew down the marble steps, while black government cars and press vans milled around the area. Inside the neoclassical structure, the atmosphere was one of pent-up anticipation—something important was going to happen that morning.
At the main entrance, reporters murmured among themselves. "That's that lawyer who used to work for the DOD…" "He talked about the limits of legal liability at the ABA dinner…" "They're going to press him…"
Inside, in the North Corridor, Logan Moore walked up the stairs with calm, steady steps. He was wearing a perfectly tailored dark gray suit, a navy blue tie with microtexture, and polished black Oxford shoes. His face was serene, but his focused eyes revealed the preparedness of someone who understood exactly what he was stepping into.
At his side, Jessica Pearson walked with impeccable posture. Behind him, Harvey Specter, Donna Paulsen, Mike Ross, Rachel Zane, and Louis Litt were all present, silently committed to showing their support.
Logan didn't need applause. But here, on this walk to Courtroom 3C of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, he had the support of those who really mattered.
8:00 AM — Hearing Room 3C
The room was large, classic, and austere. Oak paneling covered the walls. American flags and congressional seals dominated the space. C-SPAN cameras were positioned, microphones lit.
The seats were already filled with aides, reporters, and members of the public. In the first few pews behind Logan's desk were the familiar faces of Pearson Hardman. Jessica kept her expression serene. Donna crossed her arms with an arched eyebrow. Mike and Rachel whispered something. Harvey watched everything with a hawk's eye. Louis was discreetly leafing through a file with sweaty hands.
In front of him were the members of the Committee, all in their seats.
The chairman of the committee, Congressman Edward M. Tolson, a Republican from Texas, adjusted his microphone and began:
"Good morning. We are here today to discuss critical issues that affect the intersection of national security, constitutional law, and civil liability. We have with us a star witness: Dr. Logan Charles Moore, former senior counsel for the Department of Defense, now a partner at Pearson Hardman, and a specialist in criminal law with an emphasis on covert operations and national security."
Logan was called to the table. He bowed his head briefly in respect.
"Dr. Moore, please raise your right hand."
He did so.
"Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, under penalty of perjury?"
"I do."
8:15 AM — The Beginning
"Dr. Moore," Congressman Tolson began, "you stated in your speech at the ABA that "deliberate legal omission is as damaging to security as operational negligence." Explain.
Logan adjusted the microphone, looked the congressman directly in the eye, and calmly responded:
"Mr. President, when the legal apparatus that should control the actions of the State fails in the name of secrecy or political convenience, we create a dangerous vacuum. A vacuum where operational errors can occur without accountability, and where agents of the State become instruments without oversight. I have lived in this vacuum for years."
"Are you saying there is illegality in the government?" Congresswoman Lila James of California shot back.
"I am saying that the structure that regulates government action needs to be clear, strong, and public enough to prevent abuse," Logan said. "In many instances, the boundaries were not clear. Responsibility was diluted among departments, memos, and security classifications."
8:40 a.m. — Pressure
Congressman Mason Burke, a veteran conservative, was more direct:
— Dr. Moore, you were a lawyer for operations that took place abroad. Did you participate in the preparation of opinions that legitimized armed actions without formal authorization from Congress?
Logan did not hesitate.
— Yes, I participated in the legal evaluation of actions abroad. But I want to make it clear that I never signed or wrote an opinion that was not based on the Constitution, the War Powers Act, and the Executive directives authorized after September 11.
— Are you saying that everything that was done was legal?
— I am saying that everything I approved had a legal basis. If there were operations carried out outside of this, they were not my responsibility — he added firmly.
Jessica gave a slight nod.
9:20 a.m. — The turnaround
Congresswoman Lila returned to the attack:
— Do you believe that American citizens should have access to this type of information? Or do you think secrecy should trump democracy?
Logan took a deep breath.
"I believe secrecy is necessary in some operational contexts. But it should never be permanent. And it can never become an excuse to protect illegalities. Democracy is harmed every time the State acts without transparency. And, as a lawyer, I defend that legal tools should always serve the people, not the power.
Rachel, in the audience, smiled discreetly. Harvey nodded respectfully. Mike murmured to Donna:
"This guy is on another level."
10:05 AM — Climax
Congressman Tolson folded his hands, resting his elbows on the table.
"Dr. Moore, we have documents here that indicate your participation in the legal review of Operation Neptune Spear, the mission that led to the elimination of Osama bin Laden. Do you confirm that?"
Logan looked directly at Tolson.
"Yes. I was part of the team that analyzed the legality of the operation."
"So you believe that entering Pakistani territory without authorization was justified?"
Logan kept his tone calm:
"The operation was exceptional. It involved multiple layers of risk, both diplomatic and legal. Our assessment was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees the right to self-defense. Bin Laden's presence was a continuing threat. And previous efforts to cooperatively detain him had failed. This was a necessary, proportionate, and precise action.
Tolson sat back, thoughtful. A few whispers filled the room.
10:30 a.m. — Closing
After three hours of questioning, Logan answered everyone clearly, without arrogance, without beating around the bush. The chairman of the committee finally concluded:
"Dr. Moore, we appreciate your willingness to appear today. Your words will be recorded in full. This hearing is adjourned. Thank you."
As he stood up, Logan took a deep breath. Only then did he notice the slight tremor in his fingers. Jessica was waiting for him at the door.
"That was brilliant," she said, touching his shoulder. "Brilliant and honest."
Harvey approached:
"If anyone here still doubted you, now they have to eat every word."
Donna smiled. "You're not just good at what you do, Logan. You're the kind of person this place needs, even if you don't deserve it."
Mike shook his hand firmly. "It was an honor to see that."
Rachel was moved. She touched Logan's arm. "Thank you for teaching me so much. And for showing me that courage can go hand in hand with elegance."
Louis… well, Louis tried to smile. "That… was great. Historic. I… am proud to work with you."
Logan looked at them one by one. There, in that moment, more than Congress, more than the cameras, what he felt was the strength of belonging. He was no longer alone behind the scenes. He was in the center and he was ready to continue.
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