When Stanley Wright was well enough, he was transferred to the infirmary at the Wisconsin State Correctional Facility. He was mobile only with the use of a wheelchair, but at least could move from the infirmary and access the prison’s law library during the one-hour periods prisoners were allotted for free time. He came up with an elaborate plan to countersue the state for wrongful imprisonment, and he would accuse Garmer and Algier for masterminding the entire scheme. He was still working on figuring out how to finagle the evidence to implicate Algier in all the murders. He needed to contact someone who could get into the police evidence room and exchange some of the evidence. He had some ideas as to who he would recruit. There were plenty of cops he had worked with who would willingly volunteer to do a small favor, if the price was right.
Wright contacted his attorney, Jordan Bell, who met him in the prison cafeteria. It took Wright nearly forty-five minutes to tell Bell how he wanted to be represented, and confided in him regarding the additional false evidence that would be found to turn the suspicion away from him and incriminate Algier.
When he was finished outlining his plan, Bell said, “Stanley, I’ve known you a long time. You and I go way back…we were young men when we first met. But you’ve chosen a path I took an oath to never go down. I have a reputation to maintain and a family who’s proud of the man I am. I’m not willing to throw away my morals for any man. I can’t represent you any longer.”
“What do you mean? You can’t drop me! I paid you good money to represent me against the claims I killed my daughter.”
“Things have changed, Stanley. This mess you’re involved in goes way beyond killing your daughter in an insane rage. I read through the formal complaint, and you’ve broken the law, and the sacred trust bestowed upon a public official, in just about every way that could possibly be imagined. I don’t know what possessed you to go this route, but I certainly cannot condone it. In fact, I won’t be any part of it. That’s final, Stanley. No further discussion,” Bell said sternly, getting up to leave.
“But, you’re my friend. I’ll work it your way…just don’t abandon me,” Wright whined.
“No, Stanley. I can’t. I’m sorry.” Bell left quickly without another word.
* * *
Judge John Garmer had a lot of favors to call in, or so he thought. He spent hours of his free time leaving messages for those he had helped in the past. He became increasingly infuriated as his calls were ignored. Over the years he had reduced the charges or forced acquittals for dozens of his friends and colleagues, and now that he needed a little help, they wouldn’t give him the time of day.
Out of desperation, he finally called two of the best defense lawyers he’d witnessed representing the toughest cases in his courtroom. He knew the price would be steep, but staying in prison was a fate worse than death. He needed fresh air and freedom. He was presently sequestered from the general prison population because of his position, having sentenced many of the inmates to their present status, but he still didn’t feel safe. He doubted the guards gave a damn whether he was protected or not. He kept to himself as much as possible, but there were always occasions where he could be at risk of attack. He was alone in his cell, but was required to eat his meals in the cafeteria and shower once a week with the general populace. The only thing keeping him sane was his thoughts of freedom.
Brian Jacoby and Carl Washington finally agreed to take his case. The two defenders were as different as night and day, but were the toughest lawyers in the city. Garmer knew part of their reasoning for representing him was the high-profile nature of this case, but they weren’t coming cheap either. Not that the money bothered him—he’d stashed plenty away in foreign accounts under assumed names. If only he hadn’t gotten quite so greedy, and quit just a little sooner. He already had a sweet little woman waiting for him in a Swiss chalet located in the Alps. He’d promised her he was retiring at the end of the year to be with her.
Brian Jacoby was short, dark and compact. He had recently represented the Jewish Defense League in the Midwest region, and rarely lost a case. Carl Washington was black as coal, and looked like a professional football linebacker. The man had a brilliant mind and easily swayed juries over to his side with his easygoing banter and deep melodic voice. If anyone could win his case, it was these two men.
* * *
District Attorney Lawrence Algier was probably in the toughest spot of the three accused. In his position as middleman, he more often made enemies with his contacts, rather than foster friendships. Although he’d made a lot of money over the years, he also had expensive habits. He had lavished his girlfriends with expensive jewelry and fine dining, had been an impeccable dresser, and his hobbies included piloting his own jet and sailing expensive yachts. Traveling the world at every opportunity, he’d been to Europe, traveled extensively in the Mideast, been in every port in South America and had most recently been on an African safari. He didn’t believe in saving for the future, as he lived for the moment. In his line of work, the future was uncertain and the risks were many. Therefore, he was left working with a public defender. His chances of getting off were slim, but he agreed to testify against the others and accept a plea bargain to keep his sentence to a minimum. He could easily pick up the pieces and start over after a few years of serving time. He wasn’t worried.