“George.” I gave a curt nod as he chuckled.
“I wonder what we’re being summoned for,” Jeremiah said.
“We’ve found new evidence that may be admissible, so we wanted to meet before the trial tomorrow.”
What the hell? I swore, these prosecutors were way too determined to make these charges stick, and now I had to see exactly what the hell we were up against.
Jeremiah scoffed. “This just keeps getting better and better for you guys, huh?”
“Oh, absolutely. When you realize that you’re trying to get a bunch of criminals off, you may want to change your profession,” Rivers retorted.
“That’s one thing about facts; you have to make sure they’re credible,” Jeremiah countered. The door to Cason’s office opened, and his assistant waved us inside. My stomach wastwisting in knots from the impending evidence these assholes swore they had.
“Morning,” Judge Cason greeted. We all said our greetings and took our seats.
“So, the prosecution team called this morning, saying they have some new evidence involving this case,” he said.
“Yes, Your Honor. We have another witness who refuses to get on the stand or for her voice to be heard. She has drawn up a written testimony and is willing to give substantial evidence involving the Aldanas.”
“Are the other two witnesses still willing to testify?” Cason asked.
Rivers cleared his throat. “They have, uh, we have not been able to get in contact with them, sir. We have reason to believe that these men are doing something to our witnesses.”
“That’s quite a reach, Rivers,” I said.
“It’s not far-fetched, Clark.”
“And what is she testifying for per se?” I asked.
“She works with the Aldanas.”
“Apparently, everyone wants to testify against them. These men are working-class citizens who have multiple businesses with tax-dated proof,” I declared.
“Then why are they on house arrest and have all of these people who have information on them willing to testify against them?” Rivers queried.
“Everyone knows the Aldanas own half the businesses in the city. They are wealthy because of old money and inheritance. Anyone who’s looking for a quick payday will get on that stand and lie to make a dollar,” I argued.
“Where is the written testimony?” Judge Cason asked. Smith reached inside his satchel and handed him the papers. I readjusted myself in the seat just as he looked it over.
I could see his face turn into a frown. “I don’t see a name on this testimony.”
“She wishes to remain anonymous, sir, for fear of her life possibly being in danger,” Rivers said.
“Your Honor, I would like to go on record stating that I don’t believe we should use that testimony in court. It’s hearsay, especially since she refuses to get on the stand,” Jeremiah said.
“I’m going to look over the document and make my decision based on what I see. Until then, we will postpone the trial for further notice. You all are dismissed.”
“Your Honor, I’d like to petition that the house arrests be removed from my clients. Some of their businesses require them to keep late nights. I can assure you that they’re not a flight risk,” I said.
“You’re pushing it, Ms. Clark. House arrest will remain, but I will extend their curfew to 1 a.m., no later than that.”
“Thank you, sir.” We all stood and left the office. As we walked out of the building, Smith called out to us.
“You can’t save them this time. With that testimony, along with the information she has on them, they are going to rot in prison.” He chuckled.
“Oh yeah? I’ll be sure to mention how you coerced Terrica James to get on the stand and lie on them. You may have this anonymous witness in your corner, but let’s not forget my 90 percent success rate. I’ll always come out the winner. Remember that.” I winked at him and walked away with Jeremiah following.
“Those assholes sure know how to pull witnesses out of their asses, don’t they?”
