Gibson & Clarke (Failed Justice Series Book 2) by Rick Santini Read Free Book Online

about is, without deals, without plea bargaining, the system will collapse under its own weight. Without sweetheart deals, the criminal court calendar would be backed up for years and years. There would be no such thing as a speedy trial. More than half those accused would walk. If every defense counsel would demand a jury trial, you would need three times as many courtrooms, three times as many judges, three times as many clerks, and three times as many assistant district attorneys. That day will never come. At least not in my lifetime. The DA has no choice. He must cut deals, he must accept plea bargains or we may as well go home and watch daytime TV. Everyone knows it, and no one talks about it. I for one do not intend to plea bargain anything. I will force them to go to trial on every case I have. Or dismiss. No more Ms. Nice Girl.”
    “Spoken like a true defense attorney. Now let’s talk reality. Have you heard from any of our new clients recently?”
    “No.”
    Was I supposed to hear from either one of them? It’s my job to keep on top of their cases, not the other way around.
    “How is Rik working out? I understand tomorrow is his last day with the sheriff’s office. Do you have a desk for him? Is he going to work out of his home or the office? Most important, do you have enough work for him?”
    Billy did not add “professionally.”
    “To be honest with you, I have not seen or talked to Rik in the past twenty-four hours. Been too busy and I let Rik know if he’s unhappy working for a firm that represents alleged criminals, this was definitely not the place for him.”
    “Lover’s spat?”
    Marta held her tongue, but only for a second.
    “Screw you. That was uncalled for, and you know it. The fact I may have slept with him in the past, and am not sure if I will in the future, in no way has any bearing on our professional relationship. Do you think you can keep that in mind?”
    “Mea culpa, mea culpa. You’re right. It was unprofessional. I’m sorry.”
    “Apology accepted.”
    Billy Jo decided to change the subject. Anything was less controversial than the last one.
    “Any contact or comments by the chief judge, Steven Saltmeyer?”
    “No, why would you ask about him?”
    “Well, he is still the chief judge; he was really behind the problem with Judge Kolkolski and having Judge Sugarman appointed to hear the judge’s case, and he knows you personally. I will be surprised if you do not hear from him regarding your comments on justice or lack thereof by the DA’s office. Nothing escapes that prejudiced bastard.”
    “I was invited to join the Essex County Defense Bar. Sort of a ‘welcome to the club’ gathering. I think I should join and maintain a better relationship with my fellow defense counselors.”
    “I agree. Keep me posted. I’ll be back up in Newark sometime next week. If any emergencies pop up, pick up the phone. Bye.”
    “Bye.”
    The line was dead.
    I wonder what prompted that call. He was fishing for something, but not sure what.
     
    ***
     
    “Afternoon, Boss. Feel like celebrating. I am now officially off the payroll of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.”
    The fact was, Marta did not feel like celebrating with Rik or with anyone. Yet she didn’t want to hurt his feelings and was not sure where their personal relationship, if there was one, was going.
    “Let me make a few phone calls, and I’ll get back to you in less than an hour. Okay?”
    Rik had no choice. No, it was not okay, but he wasn’t about to say so.
    “Fine.”
    Marta was stalling, and she knew it. She was about to call him back and suggest they get together for a drink or two, but that was it. No sleepover tonight.
    “Ms. Clarke, Mr. Yeung on line one.”
    She was actually relieved to get the call.
    “Good afternoon, Ms. Clarke. My sincere apologies for the last-minute call, but one of my esteemed associates from across the river is in town and wondered if you were available to join us for a light