Page 85 of Mafia Angel

“Now you decide to plead the fifth? You can’t do this.”

“They’ll kill me if I don’t.”

He’s likely right.

“Counselor?”

I look at the judge.

“Does your client wish to officially change his plea?”

“Your Honor, may we approach?”

I glance at Diane who looks like she’s ready to dance a fucking jig on my grave. The judge waves us forward and pushes aside her mic.

“Ms. O’Malley, what is going on?”

“I believe my client is under extreme duress to change his plea. Known leaders of the Polish Mob are in the gallery. I believe they’re coercing him to plead guilty.”

“Why do you think that?”

I can’t exactly share what and how I heard my info.

“Mr. Cohenour may be a witness for the state in another case where he is naming a member of the Polish Mob as a witness to a crime. I think the Nowakowskis don't want him to involve their people in the trial and want him to be their informant on the inside.”

“Do you have any proof of this?”

“They’re sitting here.”

That’s not even close to evidence, but it tumbles out of my mouth. I scramble.

“My client heard the Polish Mob talking about another crime and called Detective Morris. He will testify for the state in that trial.”

“Which he cannot easily do while a guest at one of our fine correctional facilities.”

The judge surmises the situation with the sarcasm of a woman who’s sat on the bench for nearly thirty years. Diane tries to sound like she’s not gloating when she speaks up, but she fails miserably.

“Your Honor, the defendant wished for immunity in exchange for testifying in the Gabriele Scotto trial. We refuse to allow a man guilty of embezzling millions from senior citizens to walk free. We intend to request maximum sentencing, but we can still compel him to testify even if he goes upstate.”

“I know, Ms. Stanton. That does not negate the fact that the defendant might be changing his plea under duress.”

“Your Honor.”

All three of us turn to look at Cohenour who takes a step around the table. The bailiff immediately rushes forward. Cohenour raises his hands.

“Your Honor, I’m sticking with the guilty plea no matter what Ms. O’Malley recommends.”

I glower at my client. Even if we lose the case, at least he wouldn’t be admitting fault. Now there’s no chance Diane won’t request maximum sentencing. I’m still facing Cohenour, but I shift my gaze toward the Nowakowskis. They’re watching me like hawks. I quickly shift my focus elsewhere, pause, then shift again and pause. I don’t want them thinking I was staring at them specifically.

“Mr. Cohenour, I will give you only this chance to change your mind and rescind your guilty plea.”

“No, Your Honor. I’m guilty.”

Fuck me. Fuck me. Fuck me up the ass with a pogo stick. Fuck me. I maintain my bearing when all I want to do is rub my eyes and let my shoulders droop.

“Your Honor, I request a recess to further discuss this with my client since I clearly did not know he would take this course. I believe an inquiry into him changing his plea would be appropriate.”

“This court is in recess for fifteen minutes.”

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