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CHAPTER 11

The next morning, Locke arrived at the courthouse to find Ralph Irvin, the lead prosecutor on the case, already there. Minutes later, Detectives Connors and Tomlin entered the courtroom. Then came the clerk, reporter, and bailiff. He greeted everyone, and although they returned his greeting, no one seemed pleased with his request for an early-morning meeting. Too bad.

By the time he had taken a seat and answered the text messages from Shogun and Macayle, he was down to less than five minutes. He used that time to pull files from his briefcase. At exactly seven, the bailiff spoke in a commanding voice, starting the proceedings. “All rise, the Honorable Charlene Wiggins’ court is now in session…”

Everyone stood to their feet as the judge took her place.

Then the bailiff gave instructions. “Everyone may be seated.”

There was no doubt in Locke’s mind that the prosecution would object to his request, but he was not only fighting for the rights of his client and fiancée, but for their lives.

***

“Your Honor, in light of what happened yesterday when an attempt was made on my client’s fiancée’s life, I believe any disclosure of my client’s location could result in another such attempt on both of their lives.”

“I object, Your Honor. What Mr. Dangerfield is requesting for his client and his fiancée is not necessary.”

The judge peered over her glasses at the prosecutor. “Does that mean arrests have been made from yesterday’s attack on that house?”

“No, Your Honor. The detectives feel it was merely a scare tactic by the followers of the man Mr. Dangerfield’s client allegedly killed.”

“Your Honor,” Locke then said, “There’s no way Detectives Connors and Tomlin know this for certain when no arrests have been made. And then there’s the issue of how the attackers knew the location of the house when the parents provided it to detectives and no one else. That leads me to believe there is a leak somewhere.”

The judge stared at him before leaning forward. “Counsel, are you stating that you believe there is a leak in law enforcement?”

Locke knew it wouldn’t be wise or in his best interest to say so, even if he believed it. “No, Your Honor, that’s not what I’m stating. All I know, and I’m sure Prosecutor Irvin and the detectives will agree, is that somehow the information got leaked, and that it is the responsibility of us – both the prosecution and the defense ─ to keep everyone safe while we continue our investigation, not only of Donnie Barcos’ death but also into yesterday’s attack, and to ensure nothing else is planned.” He paused to let what he had said sink in before continuing.

“Then there is the issue of Nick Underwood’s death. He was murdered within hours of being released on bail. He stated he had been paid to determine the location of Karl Halifax.”

Locke had purposely linked Underwood’s murder to what happened yesterday, not saying whether it was the same people involved. What he’d done was to show there were still unknowns that could place his client and fiancée in danger.

“Even if Prosecutor Irvin is right,” Locke stated, “And these incidents are the work of Donnie Barcos’ men, my client and his fiancée are entitled to protection.” He didn’t have to add that denying protection could be perceived as law enforcement wanting them unprotected.

Judge Wiggins peered at him intently, over the rim of her glasses. “Counsel, do you honestly believe your client and his fiancée are in danger?”

“Yes, Your Honor, I do. I feel good to report that although she was in that house at the time it was attacked, Nyla Roker managed to get out in time and is alive. However, there is no doubt in my mind that whoever tried to kill her would try again and do the same to my client if their location is not kept private.”

“What if Mr. Dangerfield is wrong, Your Honor?” Prosecutor Irvin asked.

“And what if I am right, Your Honor? I honestly don’t think law enforcement wants to gamble which one it could be, or have any more blood on their hands other than that of Nick Underwood.”

He knew that got everyone in the courtroom thinking. Although no special treatment could be given in whatever decision the judge made, everyone was aware they were talking about the daughter of one of Tampa’s wealthiest men. The news of last night’s incident was already making national headlines. Things would get worse if protection was denied when it was known that Nyla Roker’s life was at risk.

“Attorney Dangerfield?”

“Yes, Your Honor?”

“I will grant your request, but for only thirty days. I’m hopeful that by then both you and the prosecution will be ready to bring this case to trial.”

“I am hopeful of that as well, Your Honor.”

***

“May I help you?”

Hollis returned the smile of the woman who walked toward her when she entered the establishment. “Hi. I need to speak with the manager.”

“Mrs. Jones isn’t here today. Perhaps I can help you? I’m Janice, her assistant.”