“Preston Strauss and Louis Ackerman for the United States. Good morning, Your Honor,” Preston said.
“Good morning,” the judge replied.
“Danai Belvedere of Belvedere and Elliot for Patrick Collins,” Danai said. “Good morning, Your Honor.”
“Good morning.” The judge then turned her attention to Patrick, and he felt pinned by eyes that held no humanity in them. He wondered if anyone else noticed. “Please state your full name for the record.”
Patrick swallowed, giving the legal name he’d gone by for the past twenty-two years. “Patrick Collins.”
“Thank you. This is an arraignment for you, Mr. Collins. I’m going to read the indictment, which is brief.” She looked at the paper on her desk and flipped over a page. “Count one being murder in the first degree of Youssef Khan, alpha werewolf of the New York City god pack, whose body was found in Brooklyn with your magical signature on the missing trishula you were charged with investigating.
“Count two being a hate crime act committed against a person of the preternatural community, as the death did not happen inside a federally recognized challenge ring. Count three being obstruction of justice due in part to your position as a federal agent overseeing cases brought against the murdered individual in question and using your position to gain standing for your god pack.”
The judge paused and looked up, staring at Danai. “Ms. Belvedere, have you discussed the charges set forth in the three counts with your client?”
“I have, Your Honor,” Danai said.
“Does your client wish to enter a plea at this time to the charges in the indictment?”
“Yes, Your Honor. He will plead not guilty to each count.”
“All right. A plea of not guilty will be entered. I understand you are also representing the second god pack staking claim to New York City as a whole and individually. Does your client understand the inherent conflicts of interests involved with that?”
“He does. He is willing to waive it for his defense.”
“Very well. Is there discovery?”
“Yes, Your Honor,” Preston said. “We will be sending it out to the defense shortly.”
“The defendant invokes his right to a speedy trial and requests a necromancer to call the soul of the victim back from the afterlife for a deposition,” Danai said.
“The government objects to that request,” Preston said.
“The government is reminded the defendant is guaranteed a speedy andfairtrial.” The judge looked over at Danai. “Submit the writ or a motion. The court will set a hearing accordingly if it’s the latter. Let’s move on to bond.”
“Your Honor—”
“Any motion submitted to the court, the government has a right to oppose. I understand the government is requesting detention without bond?”
“Yes, Your Honor. The defendant is a flight risk.”
“The defendant is not a flight risk, Your Honor,” Danai countered. “He is a veteran who diligently served his country in the Mage Corps for years before joining the Supernatural Operations Agency. He’s put down roots since his transfer to New York City and has no reason to flee the jurisdiction. His monetary assets are limited.”
“The government is against releasing the defendant for the reasons in the indictment, Your Honor. As to monetary assets, he has access to funds tithed to him by other factors, one of his pack members is engaged to a billionaire, and several known acquaintances are multimillionaires.”
“None of which means if money was offered, it would be taken. The defendant is dedicated to his job and the country, Your Honor. He has no intention of fleeing and every reason to stay. He is willing to submit a secured bond in the amount of one million dollars to prove it.”
The judge looked at Danai. “The defendant’s letters of support were considered by the court, as well as the confidential reports submitted under seal by the SOA and the US Department of the Preternatural.”
“What reports?” Preston said, voice going sharp before he belatedly smoothed it out. “Your Honor, what reports is the court referring to?”
“National security issues will not be read into open court, Mr. Preston. Suffice to say the court rules the defendant will be released on his own recognizance if the secured bond is met at one million dollars. He will be required to hand over his passport.”
Danai nodded. “Thank you, Your Honor. The secured bond will be paid today.”
“Your Honor, the government strenuously objects to the court’s decision,” Preston said, disbelief bleeding into his voice. “The defendant is charged with murder and is a danger to society.”
“The court’s decision is not changing,” the judge replied coolly, that hint of ozone growing stronger.
