Trial and Terror by ADAM L PENENBERG Read Free Book Online Page B

isn’t any light. I haven’t even had a shower.”
    Raines interrupted. “Your accommodations have nothing to do with—”
    The judge hammered down his gavel. “Raines! In my court lawyers have fewer rights than fraternity pledges. Don’t talk unless I tell you to.”
    Raines looked sideways. “I apologize to the court.”
    “I don’t think he means it, Your Honor,” SK said.
    “I don’t either,” Angiers said, cracking a smile. Summer couldn’t remember the last time he had done that. “Anyway, I can sympathize with your plight, Ms. Killington. But I have no powers outside this court. Take it up with your congressman. I can’t even get the jails to provide medical care to prisoners with open wounds.”
    “I’m being treated like I’m guilty when the law states I’m innocent until—”
    “Spare me Civics 101,” Angiers roared, suddenly out of patience, “and save me the hassle of reading your mind: Who is going to represent you?”
    SK shook her chains. “No, Your Honor. This is wrong. I refuse to participate until—”
    Angiers slapped the bench with his palms. “Participate?”
    “Yes. Participate. Until I’m moved to a decent—”
    “Where you are incarcerated while awaiting trial is not my problem. Look behind you, to those gentlemen waiting politely for us to conclude our business so that they may find out if they will have to stand trial. That is my problem.”
    “I’m innocent.”
    “Claiming you are innocent is irrelevant, Ms. Killington.” Angiers peered over his eyeglasses at the file. “I have no choice but to find that there is ample evidence to charge you with the murder of Harold Gundy. Now, for the record, who will be your attorney?”
    At the mention of Gundy’s name, Summer noticed that the prisoners in the cage quieted, watching SK. But when Summer tried to catch SK’s eye, she looked away. Fine , Summer thought, I don’t even want this damn case .
    Angiers said, “This is no time to mess around. If you cannot afford a private attorney, then I am forced to appoint a public defender. If you are dissatisfied with your representation, the law allows you certain options, which will be explained to you.” He looked over to Levi, who was sitting elbows on knees. “Mr. Levi, will you, at least for the time being, be in charge of Ms. Killington’s defense?”
    Levi stood. “No, Your Honor, I am here merely to assist. Ms. Neuwirth will have the honors.”
    Angiers eyed Summer coldly. He had taken a lot of heat over Cruz’s missing file and subsequent release. “As you wish. Because of the violent nature of the crime and the accused’s martial arts skills, which are documented in this file, I am forced to deny bail.”
    Summer banged the back of her knee into her chair when she stood. She talked fast: “Your Honor. Ms. Killington has been a model citizen and done much good for the people of Haze County. She’s not a likely candidate to flee. At the very least, she should have the right to remain free until a jury decides her fate.”
    Angiers stared, dumbstruck, then passed his hand across his forehead. “Ms. Neuwirth, when God gave out nerve, you somehow managed to wrangle a subscription. The last client of yours to grace this court lasted one day on his own recognizance before ending up back here on drug charges.” He pointed to his photo gallery, where Jimi Cruz’s picture was covered by a yellow stickie. “If I let Ms. Killington free on bail, no doubt you’ll have her on a plane to Tijuana in time for the next bullfight. Speaking of bull, request denied. Next case.”
    Before Summer could respond, Levi gave her a keep-cool tap on the shoulder.
    But SK wasn’t finished. “Your Honor. I’m innocent.”
    “I said , next case,” Angiers said.
    “Don’t send me back to that hellhole.”
    Angiers said simply, “Bailiff. Remove the prisoner.”
    When the bailiff nudged her, SK turned his momentum against him, and in one easy motion, tripped him to the floor.