When they got inside and through security, Bryn couldn’t help but be impressed by the courtroom. There were high ceilings with decorative moldings, wood-paneled walls and huge windows, though they were covered by blinds for additional security. The judge’s bench was on a platform at the front, with the witness stand to one side. The jury box was on the other side. Separate tables for the prosecution and defense faced the judge’s bench and behind them were rows of chairs for the public and media, separated by a low barrier. He tugged at his shirt collar, wishing he’d worn a T-shirt like he usually did. “Where do you want me?”
“Sit at the prosecution’s table,” Warden said. “That way we can get each witness to come sit next to you, then move to the public seating once they’ve been cleared. When you’re done, they’ll be removed from the courtroom until they’re called to give evidence.”
“Okay.” Bryn took his seat. “Who’s asking the questions?”
“I am,” Warden said. “The judge has agreed to that. He’s happy to be read, too. He’s an old friend and a good man. He doesn’t want there to be any doubt that the proceedings are fair.”
Emmett moved to a seat in the public area and Gunnar took up a position in front of a window where he had a good view of everything. He took his gun out of his shoulder holster and held it with deceptivecasualness. Bryn had no doubt he was ready to use it should he need to. Gunnar caught his eye and winked at him.
Stop looking so fucking gorgeous. Damn he’s distracting.Bryn drummed his fingers on the table, both nervous and impatient. He took off his gloves and sunglasses.May as well be all-in from the start.Warden stood behind him, not helping his nerves.
There was a palpable tension in the air as the gaggle of witnesses came in, accompanied by three armed court security officers. The witnesses went to sit in the jury box. A few seconds later the judge arrived. Tall with a beaked nose and steel-gray eyes, his gaze flickered across everyone in the room. He hesitated when he got to Bryn but gave him a brief nod before turning to the collected witnesses.
“I’m Judge Franks. I want to thank you all for being here today. You’ve been briefed on what’s about to happen and we’ll get through it as quickly as possible so that proceedings can begin.” He took the seat next to Bryn then offered his hand. Bryn took it. The judge’s palm was dry and warm, his grip gentle. Bryn pressed the fingers of his other hand against the judge’s wrist.
Warden stepped up. “Judge Franks, is there any reason you know of why you should not preside over this trial?”
“No.”
“Truth.” Bryn was relieved.
“Have you ever had any dealings with the defendant or with Salvatore Russo?”
“No.” The judge was icy calm.
“Truth.”
“And finally, has anyone bribed or threatened you in order to influence the outcome of this case?”
“No.”
“Truth.” Bryn let go of the judge’s hand.
With the example set, Bryn got through the first three witnesses without incident. The fourth, a tiny middle-aged woman of Asian descent, was obviously nervous as she took the seat next to Bryn.
“It’s okay,” he said. “It won’t hurt. You won’t know anything’s happening.” Her eyes darted around the room but she extended her hand for Bryn to take.
Warden asked the first question. “Ma’am, is there any reason you know of why you should not bear witness at this trial?”
“No.”
“Lie.” As soon as Bryn spoke, the woman tried to pull away. She yanked her hand hard then stood, tipping her chair over.
“They threatened my family, said they’d burn my children alive…”
In the jury box another witness stood. “Me too. They had pictures of my wife and children.”
Two more people got to their feet but before they could speak, Bryn heard a muffled metallic click. He glanced at Gunnar, whose sharp ears had caught the sound too.
“Everybody down!” Gunnar yelled. Bryn threw himself to the floor then crawled under the table. He tried to see what was happening but there was chaos with witnesses and lawyers running everywhere. Warden had a gun in his hand. Emmett had disappeared, presumably on the floor between the chairs where he’d been sitting.
One of the court officers fired his weapon and there was a scream.
“Why’s he firing at the witnesses?” Bryn’s panicked brain took a few seconds to compute that it was the court officer who was the threat.
Bedlam followed. Shrieks filled the air, witnesses trying to hide or pushing toward the exits. The other court officers scrambled, hands fumbling for their own weapons, but their colleague kept firing. One of them was hit and fell to the floor next to Bryn. Part of the guy’s head was missing. Bryn squeezed his eyes shut. “Fuck.” He turned his head before opening them again.
Not everyone was running. Gunnar rolled from cover and fired at the rogue court officer. The bullet caught him in the hip and he dropped to one knee, cursing. He fired indiscriminately, forcing Gunnar to dive to the floor.
