Chapter 47

Freedom

Desiree Saunders and Brian Hopewell sat at the defense table listening intently to the prosecutor catalog a list of things he’d present as evidence. All of it was supposed to show that Jahson Holden was a murderer. A life-size portrait of Sasha Richards was on display for everyone in the courtroom to view.

Buck didn’t dare hide his face as the jurors looked at him. He didn’t hang his head in fear, despite the severity of the charges. He listened as the prosecutor detailed every inch of Sasha’s brutal murder. He couldn’t hold in his emotions as photographs of her battered body were passed around and displayed. Judging from the reaction of the jurors, he was going to jail.

Hopewell leaned over and whispered, “It’s cheap parlor tricks, and we still have an ace.”

The room was silent as Hopewell stood. Buck held his breath, waiting and hoping for a miracle. Hopewell declined his right to give an opening statement.

“Judge, I request a meeting in your chambers,” Hopewell said. “New evidence recently came to my attention, and it could save the court a lot of time and money.”

Judge Philbert agreed to a meeting in her chambers. She had heard about Hopewell’s previous antics in the courtroom. After the judge, Hopewell, and the prosecutor were settled, the judge said, “Look, Hopewell, I don’t intend to spend my nights at home trying to best you at the games you play, so make it good. Make your point.”

“My client has a moving violation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a result of failing to pay the ticket, my client is a wanted man. I was unable to get a copy of the warrant, but I do have official paperwork from Virginia explaining everything. It has all the information regarding the violation, including the date on which the violation occurred, which happens to be the date that Sasha Richards was murdered.”

“Is there any reason why this information wasn’t funneled through the proper channels before now, Hopewell?” the prosecutor hissed.

“I only just received this information. I am not too familiar with Virginia’s policies, but my office received a great deal of trouble due to our reluctance to surrender Mr. Holden.”

There was nothing more to be said. Mr. Jahson Holden could not have murdered Sasha Richards. The judge dismissed the jury, the prosecutor was pissed, and it was a windfall for Hopewell, and especially for Buck.

After the courtroom had emptied, Hopewell told Buck, “I received the check for representing Earl, even though the case didn’t play out.”

“See it as a payment for taking the case at my request,” Buck said. “I didn’t know anyone that could ensure him a fair trial.”

“It has never been a problem working with you, Mr. Holden, but your release has made me an enemy with my peers.” Brian Hopewell laughed. “I just have one question. How did you get a hold of those videos?”

“My friend, some things are best left a secret.” Buck smiled.