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In this case, the answer is: "request"

e.g. "If you will follow me...."

If Grisham had written:
"If you tell me, I'll be in a better position to help him.", i.e. using a first conditional,...

Because I don't understand it clearly myself.

But now you mention it, the rule I am talking about only applies to conditional sentences. Good point! I had forgotten about constructions like this:...

It is much safer for a non-native speaker of English who is learning the language to stick with the rule, albeit there are exceptions.
"If you will" .... or "If you would" .... characterize a formal...