Justice (Counsel #2)

by Shenda Paul

  "You have seen documented evidence of the defendant’s drug dealings. No blackmailer, however cunning, would or could have conjured up the level of detail and the sheer amount of evidence uncovered in the defendant and his brothers’ homes.

  "You have seen proof of the vast sums of money received from the sale of illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin, and Joseph Cordi’s other illegal and often brutal activities. You have heard the testimonies of witnesses who verified those facts. There can be no doubting the defendant's guilt, Your Honor, Ladies, and Gentlemen.

  "The Commonwealth asks that you consider not only the financial gains made by the defendant but also the human cost of his crimes on his victims and society as a whole.

  "You have heard Mr. Ealy tell of his fall into addiction and crime at the hands of the defendant's henchmen. And Mr. Walsh, a man who spent his entire adult life providing for and trying to build security for his family, has related how their safety and that of his livelihood were threatened on the defendant’s orders.

  "You have heard how the defendant ordered and then watched, entertained, as a man’s ear was severed from his head. You have been presented with the details of his prostitution businesses and learned of his low regard for the dignity and the rights of women.

  "And who of us present in court can forget the testimonies of Jasmine Thomas and Linda Hall? These unfortunate young women, one who the defendant knew to be a minor, were callously targeted and then manipulated to meet the perverted sexual predilections of his clients and to increase his ill-gotten gains. In the eyes of the law, that act is viewed as child enticement and human sex trafficking.

  "Defense Counsel has attempted to present his client as being innocent of these criminal, unconscionable, and often brutal acts. He has tried to portray the defendant as a victim of blackmail by unknown rivals. He claims and wants you to believe that the documents submitted to this court are forgeries.

  "The Commonwealth dismisses those claims out of hand—there can be no denying the veracity of what you have seen and what you have heard. We refute the assertion that Mr. Moretti and Mr. Barnes were in collusion with rivals as alleged by the defense; we deny that their evidence was given in exchange for a plea bargain. The witnesses have testified that no such agreements were made, and court records substantiate this fact.

  "Regardless of anyone's personal view of her, Ms. Bonacci provided compelling testimony about the defendant's lack of character, and she has, through her foresight, provided this court with incriminating and irrefutable evidence proving his guilt.

  "Defense Counsel has portrayed his client as a product of his upbringing, one that reputedly desensitized him to the morals of society, the respect for women, criminal behavior, and acts of brutality. He has presented the defendant as having worked to rectify the mistakes of his family's past. But Counsel has failed in every attempt to substantiate claims of his client’s innocence.

  "Yes, the defendant donated millions to charity, but I ask you to consider whether his charitable acts were to help the underprivileged or whether they were part of a cynical ploy by a callous man to improve his position in society.

  "At the start of proceedings, I described Joseph Cordi as being a smart, cruel, and ruthless felon. But as you would, no doubt, by now have realized, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, the defendant is not only a felon, he is also an evil man, a man undoubtedly guilty of the crimes he has been charged with.

  "The Commonwealth, therefore, asks that you find Joseph Cordi guilty on all counts."

  .

  .

  "How do you feel?" Jodi asks once we’re settled into a cab.

  "About the trial, Jones’ closing, or about the fate of the man responsible for my mother's death and enticing Angelique into prostitution?" I voice my inner turmoil.

  "All of the above, actually," she says solicitously because, yes, I finally told her the basics about my past with Joseph.

  "Well, I think we'll win," I answer. "Our case was watertight; Jones and Bryce had an uphill battle from the start. It would have had been near impossible for anyone to mount an effective defense for the Cordis.

  "Mostly, I’m relieved that they’ll finally be off the streets, and I feel extraordinarily proud and blessed to have played a role in bringing Joseph Cordi to account and to have done something to avenge his victims, especially my biological mother and the woman I love."

  Jodi’s phone rings before she can respond.

  "That was Jon, he's just met with his counterpart in Laredo," she informs me after a short conversation.

  "Anything on Perez?"

  "Nothing other than that he's been positively linked to the murder of the guard and will be charged."

  "That’s good; it’s just another step in being able to wrap up the Cordi cases. O'Flaherty's trial is next, and with the news of Perez’ arrest in Texas, other than potential negotiations for Joseph’s extradition and possible appeals, it's all but over for us."

  "It’s been a great learning curve for me, but you’re right, it will be good when it’s over. Jon's guys are still investigating other suspected Cordi associates, but it will be a while before they’re ready to brief us," she replies.

  "Bristly may well choose to hand those minor cases over to Tess and Neil, which I wouldn’t object to," I admit.

  "I wonder how long before the jury returns? It would be great to get a guilty verdict before the weekend," Jodi muses.

  "That's what I'm hoping for, but there's a lot for the jurors to deliberate over."

  We’re silent for long moments as I gaze unseeingly out the window. "You should prosecute Quandt," I eventually turn to say.

  "It's the right thing to do," she responds almost apologetically.

  "I know." I give her a reassuring smile. "Would you talk to Bristly when we get back?"

  "I will, and I promise to do my best, Adam. The arraignment’s been set for Monday afternoon; do you want to be there?"

  I smile wryly. "You were sure I’d ask you to prosecute, weren’t you?"

  "How else would you know when the arraignment is," I add when she’s about to protest.

  "Well, even a stubborn mule like you has been known to see reason at times," she says with a smile. "Anyway, do you want to be there?"

  "Nothing could keep me away."

  "It's a good thing I already have the background information. I just need to read the police report and get Angelique's account of the events of the night of his arrest."

  "Why don't you settle matters with Bristly and meet with her after? Angelique’s at my place now, so you shouldn’t have a problem reaching her."

  "Your place?"

  "She’s staying with me for a while," I say, unable to resist a smile.

  "A while?" she playfully questions.

  "A while," I return impassively.

  "Does Angelique’s concept of a while match yours?"

  "I’m hoping it will," I smile conspiratorially and change the subject before she can probe further.

  Jodi walks into my office less than an hour later. "I've been cleared to handle the case," she announces, looking pleased.

  "That's excellent news, thanks."

  "No problem, but I need to speak with Angelique as soon as possible."

  "We talked, and she's expecting your call." I hand her a folder from my desk. "These are signed affidavits from Amanda Benson, Samuel Beauvais, and Ingrid Svenska, Angelique’s dance mistress. She was also her chaperone in Leipzig. They're all prepared to testify if needed."

  "When did you get these?" she asks sitting down to scan the contents of the file.

  "Around the time you arranged for the 258E."

  "Gosh, you're a canny…" She breaks off with a smile.

  "Bastard?" I joke.

  "When I call you that, it’s meant as a compliment. I’m continually amazed at how astute you are, Adam," she says earnestly. "This saves a lot of
time and will go a long way to ensuring he’s held over until trial."

  "That's what I'm hoping for. By the way, I think it would be beneficial to interview Ingrid; she’s apparently known Quandt for a long time."

  "Okay. I'm about to have a quick lunch at the deli downstairs, care to join me?"

  "I need to make some calls, but I'll walk down with you and get something to go. Leave those on my desk until you get back," I suggest, getting to my feet.

  On my return, I talk to Dad, the landscaper, and make two calls to New York before calling Angelique. After we've chatted for a while, she confirms that Jodi contacted her to arrange a meeting at five-thirty. "Your Mom's going to drop me off," she says.

  "Would you like to go out for an early dinner after?" I invite.

  "That would be lovely," she immediately replies.

  "I'll come and find you when you're through with Jodi. I can't wait to see you."

  "Me too," she tells me before we say goodbye.

  I spend the rest of the day familiarizing myself with my next trial load. As grateful as I am that the Cordi case brought Angelique into my life, I'll be glad to see the back of it. We both deserve the chance to concentrate on building a life together without the specter of either of our pasts hanging over us.

  At six-thirty, I make my way to the conference room where Angelique and Jodi are meeting. I’m surprised to see Tess through the partially open door. Concern and anger flare as I hear Angelique and see her upset face.

  "My past is not your concern, and my plans with Adam are not your business. In fact, nothing about our relationship is, " she says, her voice trembling with emotion.

  "Someone like you could never understand or appreciate Adam. We've been friends for years…" Tess’ voice rings with vitriol. I've heard enough.

  "You've never truly known me, Tess," I say icily as I move to Angelique’s side.

  "Are you all right, Darling?" I ask. She nods, but her eyes glisten with hurt and anger.

  "I love you," I reassure her and place a soft kiss her mouth before, with an arm wrapped protectively around Angelique’s waist, I turn my gaze on Tess.

  She blinks at my barely contained anger. "Adam…" she says, her tone and eyes pleading, but I interject.

  "What you've just done is unforgivable. We became friends only because you dated friends of mine." She takes a step toward me, but I stop her. "I want you to leave; any friendship you or I may have had is over. We’ll deal with each other professionally because we have to, but that'll be our only interaction," I tell her before giving Angelique my full attention. I sense Tess’ continued presence but ignore her.

  "Where's Jodi?" I take hold of Angelique’s hand.

  "She had a phone call," she says just as Jodi enters.

  "Sorry about… oh, you found us…" She stops, her eyes widening as she takes in the tense atmosphere. She gives Tess a questioning look.

  "She's just leaving," I say coldly. Tess’ eyes cloud with emotion before she turns on her heel.

  "What the hell’s going on?" Jodi asks.

  "Nothing," Angelique instantly replies.

  "Tess took it upon herself to confront Angelique about our relationship," I counter.

  "I thought she'd gotten over all that nonsense," Jodi scoffs.

  "Ignore her," she advises Angelique, "she’d have turned on any woman she thought Adam interested in. Can you believe she even had a go at me once? I mean, can you see me with Adam? I don't go for the brooding type." She feigns a shudder, and Angelique giggles, the sound instantly lessening my tension.

  "Have you finished?" I ask Jodi with a grateful smile.

  "We have. I'll prepare for the hearing tonight and keep you posted, Angelique," she replies, leaning in to hug her.

  "Thanks for everything." Angelique returns her embrace warmly.

  "Okay then. There’s been no word from the jury, and if you're through, I'm getting my girl out of here," I announce, guiding Angelique out.

  .

  .

  "I'm sorry you had to go through that," I apologize and reach across the table for Angelique’s hand. My anger at Tess flared anew as Angelique related how she’d walked into the conference room and introduced herself as a friend of mine. She refused to provide details of their entire conversation, but it's clear Tess implied that we’d been more than friends.

  "She only said what everyone’s thinking," Angelique says sounding chastened.

  "Well, everyone doesn't know you, and they sure as hell know nothing about me. They don't matter," I reply, caressing her hand. "I was proud of the way you stood up to her."

  "Did you and…?" Her voice catches as she stumbles over the question.

  "No! I've never dated her, and I've never given her reason to believe there could be anything other than friendship between us. We had a repeat of that conversation only a short while ago when she accused Jodi of being interested in me."

  I tell her then about my friendship with Matt, Alan, and Ian and the roles that Tess and Lana played in those relationships, including the number of times Tess made a play for me, only to be rebuffed.

  "So you've never…" Angelique stops, blushing delightfully.

  "Never, Darling, I promise."

  "She is in love with you, though, and I can't help feeling sorry for her. I'd be devastated if you didn't return my feelings."

  "I regret whatever feelings she harbors, but I can't do anything more about it than I already have."

  "How many other women are in love with you?" she asks with a tiny grimace.

  I laugh. ‘I'd say none, and if any profess to be, they're certainly not in love with me. They're in love with the person they think I am, or the one they’d like me to be. I have never been in love before you, and I have never told another woman I love her, Angelique, there’s only ever been you. There will only ever be you," I add to further allay her fears.

  "Let's not talk about other people. I want to enjoy being here with you and then take you home to show you just how much I love you," I tell her, as I run the back of my fingers over her flushed cheek.

  Chapter Fourteen

  "Your Honor, Dieter Quandt began stalking Ms. Bain eighteen years ago when he was a man in his thirties and she, only seven years old. He traded on the reputation of his ballet school to convince Ms. Bain’s mother of the merits of his scholarship offer. He deceived and took advantage of a recently bereaved woman. He capitalized on her vulnerability and the natural desire, given her circumstances, to give her child the opportunities she and her late husband had hoped to provide.

  "On her thirteenth birthday, Mr. Quandt summoned Ms. Bain, then a student at his academy, to his office where, on the pretense of presenting her with a gift to acknowledge her dance progress, he touched her face and made improper comments about her developing womanhood. Ms. Bain was young and innocent, not yet old enough to fully understand or recognize the inappropriateness of his actions, except that it repelled and confused her. He did, though—his behavior was predatory and inexcusable," Jodi says, her voice ringing with condemnation.

  "The Commonwealth’s submission includes sworn affidavits from witnesses attesting to Mr. Quandt’s stalking, Your Honor. The first is from Ms. Amanda Benson, a long-time friend of Ms. Bain, who was present at her first encounter with Dieter Quandt. In it, Ms. Benson describes how, as a stranger, he accosted the four little friends in a park. They, thankfully, had the good sense to run from him.

  "The next is a statement from Ms. Ingrid Svenska, former dance mistress at Quandt Academy and, later, Ms. Bain's chaperone on her debut season in Europe. In her statement, Ms. Svenska gives an account of how the defendant followed them to Germany. She tells of his anger and jealousy when learning that the then eighteen-year-old Ms. Bain had a boyfriend. Ms. Svenska describes how he confronted her about the role he perceived she'd played in bringing the two young people together. He claimed Ms. Bain to be rightful
ly his.

  "Fueled by his obsession, he caused the accident that ended a potentially stellar career—a career Ms. Bain trained eleven years for." Judge Walter frowns as he reads and then, raising his head, nods for Jodi to continue.

  "Not satisfied with having destroyed her livelihood, Dieter Quandt hired a private investigator to locate Ms. Bain; he followed her to Florida where he again confronted her." Jodi pauses until Judge Walter looks up from the document.

  "Exhibit Three is the affidavit of Mr. Samuel Beauvais, Ms. Bain’s former physiotherapist and friend, who witnessed Mr. Quandt intimidating her at her home in Florida—a place where she had the right to feel safe, Your Honor. Mr. Beauvais escorted Mr. Quandt from the property and later assisted Ms. Bain in obtaining a protection order. That order is appended to the court documents as Exhibit Four," she adds.

  "Ms. Bain relocated to New York and, while there, had another encounter with Mr. Quandt. He did not engage with her on that occasion, but she felt so threatened that she left her invalid mother and friends behind. She moved to escape him, but he followed her once again. He confronted and terrified her outside her home here in Boston. Copies of the statement taken by Senior Detective Holmes on that night are included in the court documents and are tabled as Exhibit Five."

  "On the advice of Boston police, Ms. Bain successfully petitioned the courts for a protection order. Dieter Quandt chose to ignore the authority of the court by once again accosting the helpless young woman at her home. A copy of the 258E order is submitted as Exhibit Six.

  "We are yet to discover exactly why Mr. Quandt targeted Ms. Bain for his unwanted attentions, but that is not relevant today, Your Honor. What is relevant is that he has not given up his unhealthy obsession with her.

  "What is clear is that he followed her halfway around the world and across this country to force his unwanted attentions on her. He has demonstrated the means and willingness to follow her anywhere and is, clearly, a man who cannot be trusted to obey the law. He has shown that he will stop at nothing to get to Ms. Bain. He means her harm, Your Honor.