by Shenda Paul
"I’ll sit in if it would help."
"She did a good job, Adam, and I honestly don’t want another session—it would only make me more nervous. She was tough, and she's prepared me for the possibility of being questioned about my past if that’s what you’re worrying about." She places a reassuring hand on my thigh.
"Jodi will shut down any questions on that subject; it’s not relevant to the case," I tell her, although, I have no doubt that Frank Purcell will raise Angelique’s past. It doesn’t have any bearing on the case, but he’ll use it to discredit her, nevertheless. There’s nothing I’ll be able to do about it, except perhaps push his teeth down his throat, which, given the circumstances, I’m sure I’ll be itching to do—and that would be highly counter-productive.
I keep reminding myself to remain levelheaded, but it’s just so damned hard when I think of anyone hurting Angelique in even the smallest way. Prosecuting, I’d be able to focus on the legal aspects to deal with the kind of challenge Purcell presents. This time, though, I'll be relegated to the background while he verbally attacks the woman I love. I’m struggling to come to terms with the reality of the situation.
"I'll be fine. I trust Jodi, and more importantly, you'll be there," Angelique says as if reading my mind. I squeeze her hand resting on my thigh, and we travel the rest of the way in silence. A short time later, I steer the car into our garage.
"You didn’t have to come upstairs," Angelique protests at the elevator.
"I want to say goodbye properly, Miss Bain."
"This feels like the first time I walked you to your door," I say, bending down to touch her lips outside our entrance.
"You kissed me on the forehead then," she giggles
"I wanted to kiss you like this," I say, drawing her close, "but I was afraid you'd slap my face and send me away."
"Well, you were wrong; I probably would have done this." She winds her arms around my neck to suck on my lower lip. My head’s swimming by the time she draws back. "You wouldn't have," I tell her.
"I wanted to."
"Now you tell me," I murmur, leaning in for another passionate kiss before unlocking the door to allow her in. "I'll call you during the day. I love you, Angelique," I tell her and, with a final kiss, leave for work.
.
.
"Lunch?" Jodi invites, popping her head into my office.
"I was thinking about getting something downstairs."
"Do you have time for the hole-in-the-wall? I was hoping we could go over my trial notes."
"Sure, but can you give me ten minutes, I just need to finish something?" I ask.
"I'll meet you at the elevator in fifteen," she calls out over her shoulder as she leaves.
"We’ll be conducting witness conferences tomorrow. Did you want to sit in?" Jodi asks once we’re seated.
"I’ve discussed Samuel and Mandi's affidavits with them, but I'd be interested to hear what Ingrid Svenska has to say."
"It sounds as if you dislike her," she remarks shrewdly.
"Dislike is probably too strong a word, but I won't deny having mixed feelings. Angelique’s given me Ingrid’s explanation for not having warned either her or Grace about Quandt’s behavior, yet I can't help feeling that she could and should have done more."
"I understand, but we have to remember that she’s, allegedly, also been a victim of his."
"I'm trying, Jodi, but I find it hard to accept that, as an adult and a person placed in a position of trust, she didn't think to warn Grace after Angelique’s thirteenth birthday and then again in Leipzig. The fact that she’s claimed to also be a victim of Quandt only exacerbates my feelings."
"She's clearly trying to atone for her mistakes by agreeing to testify."
"I keep telling myself that, and don’t worry, I won’t say anything unless she raises the subject with me."
"So, you'll sit in on her conference?"
"I'll be there; just let me know the time."
"Okay. What I really want to know is if you’ve gone up against Purcell before?"
"A couple of times."
"Tell me what I can expect."
"He's hard-nosed and won’t give any quarter, Jodi. I'm not looking forward to him questioning Angelique."
"She'll be fine, Adam. She's gone up against you and managed to survive; Purcell can't possibly be worse."
"Don't remind me what a bastard I was!" I grimace at the memory of my treatment of Angelique.
"You were doing your job; Angelique knows that. Now tell me—is Purcell worse than you."
"No, he's not," I admit honestly.
"Then she'll do more than okay; she knows what to expect, and we'll both be there to protect her. The minute he touches on anything unrelated to the case, I’ll shut him down; and your presence will strengthen Angelique. She's grown in confidence, Adam, thanks to you."
"Well, I've grown too."
"Your confidence hardly needed boosting, Thorne," she jokes.
"I'm not talking about my confidence, Maddox. Although, how you dare to comment on anyone else's self-assurance beats me."
"Afraid I'll push you off your lofty perch?" she challenges with the raising of a perfectly manicured brow.
"I couldn’t think of better company; I was getting lonely up there on my own," I counter lightheartedly.
"Thanks," she mutters, suddenly bashful at my inferred compliment. "Tell me more about Purcell," she asks.
We spend the rest of lunch discussing the tactics we think Purcell might adopt and the best ways to combat them. The rest of my day is taken up with preparations for two new cases. The first is a hit and run involving a twenty-four-year-old man who drove into an eight-year-old riding his bike. The child was wearing a safety helmet and, thankfully, suffered only a broken arm and leg. The driver's alcohol level registered 0.2 percent, more than double the legal limit of 0.08 percent. This is his third DUI charge, which deems it a felony. He could, if found guilty, be fined anywhere between one and fifteen thousand dollars. He also faces a prison sentence of anywhere between one hundred and fifty days and five years and the possibility of an eight-year suspension of his driver’s license. The man is a potential hazard on the road and, clearly, hasn't learned from his previous arrests.
My second case is one of aggravated robbery in which a methamphetamine-addled youth, armed with a hunting knife, held up a convenience store. The manager and a male customer foolishly or bravely, depending on your point of view, fought with and then restrained him before calling the police. Given the violent aftermath of the drug on users, they're lucky to have escaped uninjured.
Satisfied with the work I’ve done, I email Daniel Watson, a recent appointee to the department assigned as my second chair, and then call Rita to ask for a meeting with Bristly. He can see me in ten minutes, she says.
"Thorne, good to see you. What can I do for you?" Bristly, obviously in a good mood, greets me on arrival.
"Afternoon, Sir. I plan on taking some time off and wanted to clear it with you."
"If the press is to be believed, congratulations are in order?" he asks.
"They've managed to get the facts right this time," I say with a smile.
"Not that I read the social columns, of course, but Rita and my wife told me. When did you want to take this time off?"
"Angelique and I are getting married on August the ninth, and I'm planning on a three-week honeymoon."
"Not letting the grass grow under your feet, are you?"
"I see no point in waiting, Sir."
"I'm not too old to remember what it feels like to be that impatient. I felt the same way when Louise agreed to marry me; couldn't risk her changing her mind," he says jovially.
"Precisely," I join in his banter.
"As much as I don’t look forward to your absence for that length of time, I'm aware that you haven’t taken any real time off in years, so I’m ha
ppy to agree."
"I appreciate it."
"I'm glad you asked for this meeting, Adam because I need to discuss two other matters." He sits back, contemplating me for a moment before continuing.
"First, I have the pleasure of informing you that the Governor plans to grant you, Maddox, Holmes, and some members of his team a commendation for the roles you played in bringing the Cordis to justice."
"Sir, we were only doing our jobs…." I protest, caught by surprise and flooded with sudden embarrassment.
"Nonsense, you all performed above and beyond," Bristly interjects. "The Texas authorities, the Riviera family, and the Mexican Government have written to this office and that of the Governor to express their gratitude for your perseverance. You deserve the commendation. I'll advise Jodi shortly, and I’m sure Holmes and his colleagues have already been told. Rita will keep you posted on official plans."
"I’m honored and humbled to be singled out. Thank you, Sir."
"The second matter is about you taking over the role of Chief ADA," Bristly continues after acknowledging my thanks with a nod. "You're the best prosecutor we have, Adam, and given your track record, you deserve the opportunity."
"How long would you want me to take the role over for, Sir?"
"Bill’s decided to retire, so it’s not a caretaking role, Adam."
"I'm sorry to hear that; he's an excellent prosecutor."
"Yes, but you're better," he responds dispassionately. "Are you interested?"
"It's an incredible opportunity, and I'm honored, Sir, but it bothers me that I wouldn’t spend as much time in court. That’s where I feel I can make the biggest difference."
"I completely understand. I have to admit that I miss the courtroom skirmishes myself, but this kind of opportunity rarely comes along, Adam. It would set you up to become DA one day… when I retire, of course," he jokes.
"Would it make a difference if I ensured that you were still able to prosecute some of the important cases? I’m prepared to hire someone to relieve you of the lion’s share of the admin tasks?"
"When do you need to know, Sir?"
"I won’t be making any immediate announcements. We could wait until just before you go on leave and plan on you taking over when you return."
"Would you think me ungrateful if I asked for time to consider your offer, Sir?"
"Not at all. Just let me know before you leave; and if you need to discuss anything before then, my door’s always open.
"Thank you. Also, Angelique and I would be delighted if you and Mrs. Beazley would attend our wedding. Invitations will be mailed shortly, but given the media attention we’ve attracted, I wanted to make sure you'd be comfortable being there."
"We'd be delighted, Adam, and I'm sorry to hear that your girl will be forced back into court later this week. Must say, I was surprised that you didn't ask to prosecute?"
"Believe me, it crossed my mind… well, if I'm honest, it did more than that, but good sense and Jodi Maddox prevailed."
"She's a spitfire that one. I predict that in five or ten years, you'll be making her the same offer I'm making you now," he laughs as he stands to shake my hand. "I'll go on to predict that when she becomes DA, you'll be running for Governor."
"I don't have any interest in politics, so I wouldn't place any bets on that if I were you. I'll happily vote for you when you decide to run, though!" I say, accepting his hand.
"I’ll hold you to that," he laughs and claps me on the back.
That night, while relaxing after dinner, I tell Angelique that I'll be sitting in on Ingrid’s conference and then fill her in on my conversation with the DA.
"It sounds wonderful, but why do you seem so unsure?" she asks, running her hand repeatedly through my hair and making me groan in pleasure.
"Two reasons, really. By accepting this job, I'd be signaling that I have ambitions to become DA, and that means campaigning when the time comes. That would affect you too, Darling, so I want you to be part of the decision-making process. If you have even the smallest doubt about the high-profile nature of the job, I'll turn it down. Secondly, even with the assistance Bristly’s promised, my time in court will be significantly reduced, and I'm not sure I want that." I sit up to better look at her.
"Adam, my love, I don't..."
"Say that again." I cup her cheek and bring her face to mine.
"I don't want…"
"Not that. What did you call me?"
"Adam…Oh! My love—that's what you are, my true love," she says, blushing. I crush her lips with mine.
"That's the first time you've used a term of endearment for me," I point out when we come up for air.
"I think it all the time. In fact, I think of the Gaelic term."
"Say it," I demand.
"M'fhíorghrá," she says, the melodic sound making my heart melt. "It’s what Dad called Mom, and it's the way I think of you."
"You have no idea how happy it makes me hearing you call me that. You know you're my true love too, don't you."
"I'm starting to realize it."
"I want you to know it. You’re my first and only love," I tell her and kiss her tenderly this time.
"Adam, about the job," Angelique says when she’s settled in my arms once more. "I don't want you to worry about me. I'd happily support you in whatever you do; the question, ultimately, is, do you want to be DA one day?"
"I honestly don't know, and I don't intend rushing into any decision. I don't want you to either." She’s about to protest, but I stop her. "No matter what you say, Darling, this affects both of us, our families and, ultimately, any children we plan on having. I've asked for time to consider; let's do that."
She acquiesces readily, and I go on to tell her about the commendations.
"I'm so proud of you. Your parents, Cait, everyone, will be proud of you." She cups my face in both hands and gives me a lingering kiss. When she draws back, I pull her to her feet and swing her up into my arms.
"Show me," I demand as I make my way upstairs.
Chapter Nineteen
It’s the day of Joseph’s sentencing, and the courtroom is comparatively empty, populated primarily by members of the media. Those present are requested to stand for Judge West’s entry, and soon after, Jones and I are asked to acknowledge receipt of the pre-sentence investigation report. We both confirm that we’ve received and read it. I'm then asked whether the Commonwealth wishes to address the court before sentencing is passed.
I respond in the affirmative and begin by restating the seriousness and devastating impact of Joseph Cordi’s crimes, not only on his victims but also on the community as a whole. I emphasize the fact that, through his drug trafficking and distribution, he has been responsible for increasing the number of addicts on our streets and worsened the lives of those already addicted.
"The consequence suffered by family and friends of addicts is devastating, and the cost of policing the growing problem and treating those affected is increasing at an alarming rate. Victims of Joseph Cordi’s extortion and their families have been both financially and emotionally damaged. He has been responsible for the brutal assault and kidnapping of a fellow citizen. This man, Your Honor, has been responsible for recruiting a minor into prostitution and the degradation of countless numbers of women. The Commonwealth asks that the court considers the cruel and grievous nature of his crimes when determining his sentence," I conclude.
Travis Jones speaks next. He asks that the circumstances of his client's upbringing and his efforts to atone for his family's past be recognized. He quotes published medical data attesting to the impact of a child's environment on adult behavior.
"Your Honor, just as the effect of Mr. Cordi’s upbringing cannot be denied, so also, should the good he has done for the community not be denied. Thousands of people have benefited from my client’s benevolence as affidavits from several major charitable organizations ha
ve confirmed. We ask that the court takes account of these facts when sentencing my client," he says.
Joseph is almost dismissive in his refusal when asked whether he wishes to make a statement. Judge West scrutinizes him for long moments before finally speaking.
"Joseph Cordi, you have been judged guilty on all counts by a jury of your peers. On the charge of drug trafficking, this court orders you to serve twenty years in prison, on the charge of drug distribution, fifteen years, and on the charge of extortion, you are to serve ten years," he pauses, eyeing Joseph keenly, before continuing. "For the crime of kidnapping, you are ordered to serve ten years, and for sex trafficking and child enticement, twenty years. Your sentences are to be served consecutively."
Joseph visibly pales but, otherwise, expresses no emotion. He will, in effect, spend the rest of his natural life in prison. Judge West then advises him of his appellate rights. He informs Joseph that he is entitled to the services of a public defender, should he wish to appeal and finds himself suffering financial hardship. He then advises me that the Commonwealth has the right to present any financial information we believe would negate the prisoner's entitlement to public assistance.
Jones confers with his client briefly before addressing the court. "My client intends to appeal his sentences, Your Honor, and will not be requesting financial assistance."
Good luck with that, I think, because Joseph will, almost certainly, be extradited to Texas well before their first appeal can get underway. Jodi and I leave court well satisfied with the outcome of what has been the biggest case either of us has, to date, prosecuted.
.
.
A day later, I watch and listen intently as Angelique’s former dance mistress answers Jodi’s questions.
"You say you first met the defendant when you were fifteen, Ms. Svenska?"
"That is right," Ingrid says, her pale blue eyes looking earnest.
"Tell us about that meeting, please?"
"He introduced himself to me soon after I joined the Company in Leipzig. He was the assistant musical director."
"How old was Dieter Quandt then?"