LW, everything in your thoughtful post is possible and logical. But I'm siding with dt here. Questadt could have told Geary (as dt said) that he'd have a swell opportunity to get out from under Michael's thumb, and avenge the brothel humiliation at the same time. Or, he may have threatened him: "Go along or the brothel murder will be exposed."

Some people here have objected to my theory about Geary setting up Michael by noting that it'd be suicidal for him to cross Michael. Perhaps. But people bent on revenge seldom think logically (just ask Carlo). Another point: If Michael had retaliated by releasing the brothel murder story, Geary might have been able to deny it by claiming, "Look who's accusing me--a convicted perjurer. Who're you gonna believe--him or me?"