I smiled and let out a little laugh. “That’s not necessary. Three months is plenty.”
We chatted about different strategies, as well as the dangers involved in a case like this.
I said, “I’ll help where I can. I’m still looking at homicide cases, but who knows how they might intersect.”
Cindy smiled and rubbed her hands together. “This is how I dreamed becoming a reporter would be. Looking into something that’s important.”
Our food arrived and the waiter set the hamburger with garlic fries in front of me. I’m sure he didn’t realize it, but it probably saved his life.
CHAPTER20
YUKI CASTELLANO STEPPEDout a side door of the Hall of Justice. Technically, it was the sheriff’s entrance, but they didn’t mind prosecutors using it. Her work had gone late, and it was dark outside. A few cars rumbled by on the elevated pavement of I-80.
Yuki was worried that the main defendant, Elio Huerta, might beat another serious charge. It made her queasy to think about it. That’s why she’d be ready to do battle again tomorrow.
She intended to call a witness tomorrow who could potentially blow the case wide open. A stable, well-spoken young man who had personally witnessed the shooting. The problem was that the witness, to use the technical legal term, was scared shitless.
A cool breeze swept across her. The smell of a light rain was in the air. Yuki stood for a moment outside the door and checked her watch.
That’s when she heard a voice from the shadows in front of her. She squinted into the dim light as a man with neat, dark hair and a nice suit stepped onto the walkway.
Once he was in view, the man said, “Hello, Counselor. How are you this evening?”
His voice was calm and had a nice pitch. But Yuki felt a chill go down her spine as he spoke. She knew exactly what this guy wanted. “Can I help you?” she said carefully.
The man stepped a little farther onto the sidewalk. Now he was closer to the entryway where Yuki stood. He looked like a model, with his stylish glasses and precise haircut.
He said, “Tough trial, huh?”
Yuki tried to control her fear. She’d already made some calculations. She couldn’t retrieve her key card from her purse and use it to reopen the door behind her before the man could make it the twenty feet to her. She stalled. “Who are you?”
The man chuckled and said, “Just an observer.”
“You know, you could get in a lot of trouble for this.”
“I could get in a lot of trouble for many things. If I was ever caught.”
“You could just walk away.”
“Does that mean you’ll let Elio out of jail?”
“It doesn’t matter what I do. If I decide I can’t go on with the case, someone else will.”
“Not if Elio is acquitted. Then they can’t convene another jury. You lawyers call it double jeopardy.”
“Thanks for the lesson.”
“I don’t think you understand that Elio is a hero in his neighborhood.”
“So is this some kind of hero worship?”
“No, just a message.” Now the man slowly reached across his body and under his suit coat.
Yuki tensed at the thought of what he might pull from his coat.
CHAPTER21
YUKI DIDN’T KNOWwhat to expect. A quick shot to the face? A disfigurement with a razor? Her imagination could come up with any horrendous assault.
