Page 30 of Linc
The DA shakes his head, then moves to the other side of the room to his table, as the judge comes in.
“All rise,” the bailiff announces, and we all stand as the judge takes his seat in his black leather chair.
“The jury has reached a verdict so if the bailiff will please escort them in.”
One by one the jurors come in and take their assigned seats in the jury box.None of them are attempting to look over in our direction, and for the first time I’m frozen.This could go two different ways.First, they could be avoiding looking over here because they’re ashamed to be letting a guilty man go free.Or they’re avoiding us because they decided he was guilty, and went against the judge’s rules as to follow the letter of the law, and they decided to sweep it under the rug and send his ass to prison.I’m almost certain it’s the first one but you never know, with some people, how they feel about getting their own justice instead of following the rules.
“Can the foreman please stand and recite the verdict that was written by the jury.”
A man in his forties stands and begins the long dialogue of the required reading.He states the long list of charges that my client is facing, and my lungs automatically squeeze tight.They do this with every verdict on every case I’ve ever done.My record is impeccable, but there will come a day when I do lose, so I silently hold my breath waiting in case today is that day.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
All three charges that Dustin Barker was facing, he has been foundnot guilty,and I release the breath I was holding.The courtroom bursts out in a commotion but there are several officers here to deal with that.
“After the results from the jury, Dustin Barker, you are free to go.”
The gavel slams down and court is adjourned.
“You did it!”My client celebrates next to me and throws his arms around me.
Of course I did, that’s what you paid for.
“Try to stay out of trouble from now on,” I chide as I shake his hand, then do the same to my associates who worked overtime on this case.
“Sure will.”
With that, he takes off to a group of people who were seated behind us in the courtroom, to celebrate.Chances are we’ll be seeing him again as a client within the next two years, now that he’s free.All idiots who think they’re invincible usually do, which means charging even more the next time I have to bail his ass out.Job security is what my dad always said when I worked for his company the first year after law school.
“How can you live with yourself?You just got a man off on two counts of murder.”
Once again DA Buttons is up my ass before I even make it to the door of the courtroom.He knows that when I step outside the media is going to be circling, because I’ve once again gotten another client off.
“Me?If you’d doneyourjob then we wouldn’t be sitting here in the first place.Had your people followed the law then it would’ve been an open and shut case.Don’t blame me for your shortcomings.I didmyjob, what did you do?”
I push past him and out in the crowd of media yelling to get their questions answered.My client is beside me as I go through all the ways Burt Buttons is nothing but a fuck up and the people suffer under his leadership.
Two hours later, I’m dropped off at the office as everyone congratulates me on another notch to add to the wall of wins.Yeah, yeah, I’m good.
“Mr.Thorne, I’ve had several calls from news outlets, wanting an interview with you or Mr.Barker,” Ruby, my secretary tells me as I pass her desk.
“Send them to PR and have them set something up after looking over my schedule for next week.I’ve told our client to lay low over the next few days, due to the backlash.I’ve sent over security to his hotel to monitor the situation.”I pause just as I’m about to cross over into my office.“Can you set up for Dale to have the car ready half past five?”
“Of course, Mr.Thorne.”
My phone dings and as I glance over at it, I can’t help the smile.Why does hearing from her have me happier than my win today in court?
Everly: Just saw the news, congratulations on a big win!
Me: Thanks, had it in the bag the entire time.Can you be here by 5:30?I’ve got plans for us tonight.
Everly: If I rush.I’m covering for an employee in the morning, who has a sick kid.Hope that doesn’t throw a wrench in things.
Shit, I was hoping to have her all to myself this weekend.
