Page 35 of Zade (Den of Sin)

This is exactly what I expected. Judge DeSoto will want to view the video and speak with the jury before reaching a decision. A mistrial is never taken lightly, and shouldn’t be. If he finds that only the one juror is involved he will most certainly rule that six is relieved of his duty and an alternate will be brought in. I plan on making it clear that a mistrial is the only resolution.

After playing the video for the judge, I hide my grin, because Walcott is looking a little pale. No prosecutor ever wants to begin again. Much time and money goes into a criminal trial of this magnitude. Having started my career in the prosecutor’s office I know the chances of them retrying this case are slim. The most damning evidence they have is my client’s outburst. A new trial means that’s no longer a factor for the new jury. Garza was charged with seventeen counts of murder, no bodies ever recovered. This was an uphill battle for the prosecution and now even more so if I get my way.

The judge decides to speak with juror number six first and then each of the other jurors one by one. Six hours later, he declares a mistrial.

When Walcott is asked what his plans are regarding a new trial he solemnly says the prosecution will not be pursuing this case any further. Under normal circumstances, the juror would be replaced with an alternate. However, after the judge spoke with the other jurors he quickly concluded that number six was a cancer that spread through the entire jury. The only remedy for that isa mistrial.

As I leave the courtroom for the day Walcott comes up to me, walking closely, “Well played, Zade.”

I smile slightly, “All is fair in the pursuit of justice, right?”

He groans, “That wasn’t justice.”

I can’t argue with him, if I were in his shoes I’d be equally displeased.

“Come back over to the good side.”

Laughing I say, “And make a tenth of what I do now? I don’t think so.”

We step out into the hot sun, both of us sliding on our shades to dull the brightness, “Not everything is about money.”

We went to law school together so we know each other well. And he’s right, everything isn’t about money but it’s pretty high on my list.

I pat him on the shoulder, “Have a good one, Mitch. I’ll see you next time.”

We both chuckle as we walk separate ways.Next time, we both know it isn't too far into the distant future. Things will get crazy again soon, I’m sure of it. For now, I breathe a sigh of relief that this case didn’t end like it could have.

ChapterTwenty-One

ZADE

I walk in the door unsure of what to expect from Amira but figure more tears are likely. However, I’m completely taken aback when she smiles at me, “I made dinner. I hope you like seafood.”

If I were going to be honest I’d tell her that I fucking hate seafood. The taste and texture are revolting. Most seafood tends to be chewy and I’m not a fan of the flavor. However, I’m not going to tell her that. If she made it then I’ll eat it. I glance at the table and notice it’s empty.

Again, she flashes me that warm smile that makes me feel things I can’t afford to, “It’s nice out, I thought we’d eat by the pool.”

I have an indoor and an outdoor pool so I follow her and quickly see we’re going to the outdoor one. It is nice out so I’m sure this will be fine. My stomach turns slightly when I spot the two plates with salmon, broccoli, and a baked potato. Amira smiles with pride, “I sliced lemon in case you like lemon on your salmon.”

I return her smile, “Thank you.”

I can tell you there is not enough fucking lemon in the world to make this shit edible. Yet I sit down and say my first lie of the evening, “It looks delicious, thank you again.”

She takes a seat and I sit across from her, “How was work?”

Taking a bite of my broccoli, I chew as I nod before answering her, “It was good. The judge declared a mistrial which was the best outcome for the defense.”

“A mistrial?”

I explain further, “A mistrial is when a jury can’t reach a verdict or something more serious happens like a procedural error or misconduct where a fair trial is not possible. The case could be tried again but in this particular case the prosecution won’t move forward with a new trial.”

Her eyes lit up like she had a lightbulb moment, “Oh a hung jury. I saw that onLaw and Order.”

I chuckle as I force myself to take a bite of salmon, “This wasn’t a hung jury. It was juror misconduct.”

Amira gasps while chewing her food, and quickly covers her mouth, “Oh my god. Does that happen a lot?”

I shake my head, “Not a lot no, but it does happen.”

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