“Yeah, we need to get going, and Camille is a sweet lady. She’ll look after him like he’s her own son. Also, she makes the best callaloo soup. You in the right head space for witness checking?”
Bryn shrugged. “Sure. I’d rather be working on the Walmart serial killer case, but it is what it is. This mafia trial is a big deal too.”
“True and it has already been delayed thanks to the jury tampering you uncovered.”
“We uncovered.”
“Agent Bell and his team have plenty to get on with on the Walmart case. Maybe they’ll solve it without us.”
“I admire your optimism.”
Gunnar drove one of the GCR’s armored vehicles to the courthouse because this trip wasn’t just him andBryn. Warden was accompanying them and he’d given Emmett permission to join them, to gain some experience. Bryn and Emmett were in the back, Warden had claimed shotgun.
“Does everyone understand the process we’re going through today?” Warden asked. “I know Gunnar does, but what about you two?” He turned, pinning first Bryn then Emmett with an intimidating stare.
“In theory, yeah,” Bryn said. “But I’ve never been in a real courtroom.”
“Nnnn…no, sir,” Emmett stuttered, blushing to the roots of his hair.
Bryn stared at him then gave him a slow, knowing smile. Emmett’s eyes widened and his cheeks got even redder.
“Pre-trial prep has already happened. That’s when both the prosecution and the defense compile a list of potential witnesses. They swap lists to allow for objections and preparations. Most of the witnesses have been subpoenaed to ensure their attendance in court.”
“Most?” Bryn questioned.
“There are several types of witness where it generally doesn’t happen. If a witness can be easily discredited or has a history of perjury, people who don’t have the mental or physical capacity to testify, those who are protected by attorney–client privilege or doctor–patient confidentiality, that kind of thing.”
“And if they’re outside the jurisdiction,” Gunnar added. “Sometimes it’s not feasible to compel attendance, especially if people are abroad.”
“Because this is a high-profile case,” Warden continued, “measures may be taken to protect the identity of some witnesses. They might testify from behind screens.”
“What about the press?” Emmett asked.
“The court might limit media access, but this case has huge public interest. I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
“So when do I get involved?” Bryn asked.
“Once the witnesses have been sworn in. They have to swear to testify truthfully. You’ll read them to check that’s the case. Where it isn’t, we’ll get you to take a look for memory and intent.”
“Will this happen before anyone else is allowed in?” Emmett asked.
“On this occasion, yes. Opposing counsels will be there, the judge and court staff, but not the defendant or the public.”
“And will they have been told that this is going to happen and how it works?” Gunnar asked.
“Only once they’ve all arrived. We didn’t want anyone absconding before Bryn reads them.” Warden turned away. “This is a bit of a test run for us and a first for the court system. With augurs being so rare, only the highest profile cases will have the option of our assistance.”
“There’s no parking at John Adams, I’ll go to Center Plaza on Somerset, it’s only a short walk from there,” Gunnar interjected. His local knowledge meant that they were walking along the street less than ten minutes later.
Bryn stared at the court building. “Impressive.”
Emmett bounced. “As well as the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the Appeals Court, this place has the Social Law Library, the oldest law library in the country. It’s amazing. I’ve been there lots of times.”
“Geez, you get excited by the weirdest things,” Bryn muttered.
“No yucking on his yum. We all have our fetishes,” Gunnar said. Bryn knew he was grinning even though he was walking behind him and couldn’t see his face.
“I think Emmett has more than most,” he said under his breath.
