The courtroom was packed to overflowing. TV cameras were positioned in a cramped space in the back and reporters, family, friends and the curious filled every available seat not reserved for the defense and prosecution.
As everyone was taking their places, Gwen noticed Captain Wright walk in stiffly with his lawyer. He was wearing a blue suit, white shirt and red and blue tie. He had a smug expression on his face and carried himself with an air of authority, like he was going to a business meeting instead of a court hearing. He wasn’t cuffed, but two well-armed guards stood close by. His lawyer was a small man, but had a crooked grin and a dishonest look about him. From the rumors Gwen had heard, Jordan Bell was an expert at defending scumbags like Wright, and had an excellent record of successes.
Gwen waved to the district attorney assigned to the case, Sydney Fellerman. She had worked with him on many other occasions, and found the man to be brilliant, dedicated and honest. He was tall and athletic, and known to spend his spare time running marathons.
“All rise,” the bailiff announced, and Judge John Garmer stepped to the bench. Garmer was the last jurist Gwen would have picked had she had a choice in the matter. He was known for his insensitivity and quick decisions, allowing only brief sidebars between the lawyers. Once his mind was made up, it was not easily swayed, no matter how complicated the legal interpretation that the lawyers were arguing. Rumor had it he was close to retiring, and Gwen now wished he had already made that a reality.
Fellerman summarized the charges against Wright and made it clear that he was a flight risk. He didn’t go as far as accusing the man of having ties to the mob, but made it known that some of his associates were shady and not always law abiding. He tactfully outlined the State’s contention that Wright should not be set free until his trial under any circumstances. Garmer refused Fellerman’s request to submit further evidence substantiating Wright’s crimes and present witnesses.
Bell was quick to dispute the evidence Fellerman had presented as purely circumstantial, and made Wright sound like an innocent choirboy. He extolled his achievements on the police force and named numerous committees he had headed on behalf of the State. Another list of his volunteer work and donations depicted Wright as a man who kept nothing for himself, but gave most of his time and money to the needy.
Gwen wanted to throw up, and felt the bile rising in her throat. She got more and more angry and disgusted as Bell’s description of this killer continued. Finally, he sat down and the judge called a fifteen-minute recess.
Fellerman turned back and looked at Gwen, a helpless frown plastered on his face. He shrugged and turned back to face the front of the courtroom.
When the judge returned, he quickly recited his verdict. “Bail granted pending payment of a two hundred thousand dollar bond.”
Gwen nearly cried. For a mere twenty thousand, Wright would be able to purchase his freedom. He would only need to put up ten percent in cash. Wright smiled broadly and shook his lawyer’s hand.
When she shuffled out of the courtroom with the rest of the crowd, Fellerman caught up to her and whispered, “We’ll get him at trial. I promise.”
Gwen could only nod, wracked with fear she’d lose her composure if she spoke.
* * *
Back at the precinct she met with Brad and Scott and brought them up to date with the judge’s decision. CC hadn’t returned from her interview. She also informed Scott about the possible connection between Meg and Kathy.
“I almost wish the captain does hightail it out of here and head for Florida. At least then he won’t be underfoot,” Scott commented.
“I can’t believe he’d stick around. With the murder charges pending against him and the wealth of information backing up the fact that he was into some underhanded dealings, not to mention using his position to his own advantage, he’ll never get another job on the force…or for the city for that matter,” Brad added.
Gwen shook her head. “Leaving will make him look guilty, and from the smug satisfaction he displayed in the courtroom this morning, I’m sure he expects to be fully exonerated. He doesn’t appear to have a worry in the world.”
“What’s going on?” CC popped her head in. “What’d I miss?”
“Wright’s out on bail,” Brad said miserably.
“What? That’s incredible.” Then turning to Gwen, “I’m so sorry. You were so sure.”
“Yeah, we’ll just have to deal with it. Scott, do you know anyone we can have tail Wright who he won’t recognize?”
“There’s a real green recruit he couldn’t possibly pick out. The kid’s been out of the academy for only three weeks, and he seems like a real go-getter.”
“Perfect. I’ll request to have him transferred. He’ll be assigned to you so you can keep tabs on him. Okay, Scott?” Gwen asked.
“Sure. I don’t mind giving the kid a few pointers,” Scott said, lifting his arms with his elbows pointing out, pretending to groom his own feathers.
“You come up with anything?” Gwen asked CC, laughing and dismissing Scott’s antics.
“Yeah. Meg and Kathy met frequently at some bar. Meg’s friend didn’t know which one, but she was sure it wasn’t The Dive. Toward the end, Linda met the two a couple times at Meg’s apartment. They wanted her to join them in a business venture. Linda was reluctant because it would wipe out her savings, but they had a good idea about recycling used clothing, and offering office women on a low budget nice outfits for dirt cheap prices. Meg was a whiz at putting clothing and accessories together in an attractive way, and Kathy had no shame when it came to searching bargain stores or riffling through neighborhood donation boxes. Linda did freelance marketing and artwork, so they wanted her to make flyers and pay for some advertising in exchange for a percentage of the profits.”
“Okay, the story sounds logical. Sure wish we knew where Meg and Kathy met for their little powwows though,” Gwen said thoughtfully.
“Linda doesn’t drink, so she always met with them at Meg’s place. I’ll tell you one thing though, Linda is freaked out that Kathy is dead and Meg is missing. She’s very much afraid.”
“Has she seen anyone following her?” Brad asked, concerned.
“No. She has nothing to substantiate her fears. No strange cars or men hanging around. She has my card. I made sure she understood she could call me twenty-four/seven if she thought of anything else, or noticed something suspicious going on.”
“Okay. It’s been a long morning. I’m going home to try to get some rest before we meet at The Dive tonight. I suggest you all do the same,” Gwen told them.
They all looked beat. Gwen was sure no one would refuse her offer for a few free hours to get refreshed before another long night.