?Chapter Twenty
Denis
The judge stared at the prosecutor with a steely gaze, his patience clearly thinning. He’d already made it clear he expected precision in his courtroom. Denis felt a pang of sympathy for McKinney, but the prosecution had brought this case, and they’d have to deal with the consequences.
“Mr. McKinney, can you explain in ten words or less why the arresting officer isn’t present to deliver his testimony?” The judge’s tone was sharp, and Denis winced, knowing the officer’s absence was a critical misstep in a case hinging on conflicting accounts.
McKinney stood, adjusting his tie. “Officer LaBlanc was injured in a fire, Your Honor.”
Denis’s ears perked up. A few days ago, Cherry had come home reeking of kerosene and smoke, brushing it off as “club business.” Denis had scoured the news and found reports of a warehouse fire, cause unknown, with police claiming they had very little information. If that warehouse tied to ASMC and LaBlanc was there, it was a connection even Ricky hadn’t caught.
“What does this all mean?” Marcus Warner whispered, leaning close. “I don’t get it. They’ve got the paperwork.”
“If the officer can’t testify, their case weakens,” Denis murmured, squeezing Marcus’s hand. “Let’s see how this plays out.”
“Mr. McKinney, can you proceed without the officer, or do you need a recess to contact him?” The judge leaned forwards, his expression expectant.
McKinney cleared his throat, gripping his notes. “Your Honor, we request a brief continuance to verify Officer LaBlanc’s availability. His report and body cam footage can substantiate the charges, and we have secondary witnesses prepared to testify.”
Denis rose, seizing the moment. “Your Honor?”
The judge nodded. “Yes, Mr. Chapin?”
“I move to dismiss the charges. The prosecution’s case relies heavily on Officer LaBlanc’s testimony. This is the third delay due to his absence, violating my client’s right to a speedy trial under the Sixth Amendment. Without him, their evidence lacks foundation.”
The judge turned to McKinney. “Response, Mr. McKinney?”
McKinney straightened, his voice firm. “Your Honor, a dismissal is premature. Officer LaBlanc’s report is admissible, and our other witnesses can establish the events. We ask for a 24-hour recess to confirm his condition or proceed with existing evidence.”
The judge considered, tapping his pen. “Mr. Chapin, you’ve claimed a speedy trial violation. Can you substantiate the prejudice to your client?”
Denis kept his tone steady. “Your Honor, these repeated delays have kept Mr. Warner under bond for months, disrupting his life. The officer’s absence undermines our ability to cross-examine the primary witness, violating his Sixth Amendment rights.”
The judge’s eyes narrowed. “Mr. McKinney, I’m concerned about the pattern of delays. However, I’ll grant a 24-hour recess to confirm the officer’s status. If he’s unavailable and no sufficient alternative evidence is presented, I’ll entertain the motion to dismiss, potentially with prejudice. We’ll reconvene tomorrow at 10 a.m.”
McKinney nodded, his jaw tight. “Understood, Your Honor.”
Denis gathered his papers, gesturing for Marcus to rise. “Come on, Marcus, let’s prep for tomorrow.”
“What’s ‘with prejudice’ mean?” Marcus asked, tugging at his unfamiliar tie.
“It means if the judge dismisses, they can’t refile the same charges. But we’re not there yet. Stay clean, and let the club know you might need their support for a fresh start.”
***
Cherry
“Hang on,” Cherry told Busk, “my Guy is calling.”
