Chapter 8
"Do you have any questions for this witness, Arbiter?"
Sam looked up and gave a slow blink. The last witness he hadn't asked questions. Riley had prompted him not to ask anything since the witness then didn't have much to offer and it wasn't like they saw much. This one however was different. He glanced at Riley and felt the nudge and was prompted to stand.
So far the only thing that he had said was his opening statement that she was innocent of the whole thing. He had told the truth and how the evidence would show it… he could see why Dean disliked those procedural cop shows. He felt like he was on one of them while giving his statement and he was certain that he screwed that up and the people watching could see it.
Now he was up and time to question the witness. He swallowed slightly and stood up and looked at the audience. It was a large group and it was no surprise considering that it was Angela. He felt like he really was in the spotlight and it wasn't like when he would have to present for classes. He looked at the audience and as he moved around the table he was sitting he turned towards the councilors and they looked like they wanted to eat him alive.
Ignore them.
Sam heard it but didn't flinch. The only thing he did was make a slight movement of his head. To the outsider, it looked like he was thinking about what he was going to say. He wasn't aware of it but his demeanor had shifted and he looked like he was going to really lay it on the witness.
That's it Sam. Ignore everyone else.
The witness was male and Sam wasn't even going to guess at what he was in terms of species. He learned a long time ago not to bother and considering the characters he had seen when he participated in the tournament… he might as well keep an open mine. This guy though had Sam feel a little uneasy since he could see clearly that there was nothing but disdain for Angela. He hadn't failed to see the look shot his way.
It was also necessary since the guy had said scathing remarks that were geared towards character defamation. While it had no bearing directly to the case, it was clear to Sam that the prosecution was going to use this to paint an ugly picture of Angela. Yes she may have done a few questionable things but even he knew that she didn't make choices like that lightly at all. If anything she was like him and over thought it a little.
Looking at the witness and started off simple, "So you know the accused?"
"I just told you that," the irascible old man replied. "All too well."
"And how did you know her? What were the circumstances you two meeting?" It was two questions but Sam wasn't going to get caught in a back and forth that might end up with him getting his head bitten off.
"Panama was when we first met. Back in 1989. You would know it as the year when Noriega was removed from power."
Sam knew full well about that. He remembered that from history class. He was also fully aware of Angela's involvement in certain historical moments though half the time he wondered if she was kidding. Some of the things she offered were true since he highly doubted she would diss Edgar Allen Poe by calling him Eddie Poe unless she was familiar with him and of course she referred to Samuel Colt as Sammy Colt and just some of the things she said… Plus there were a few pictures he found of her.
It was clear that this point in time was a sore spot for this guy. So Sam needed to bring out that why but then force the issue to conclude that whatever resulted wasn't an issue of malice on Angela's part. "And what were you doing?"
"We were supposed to mind our own business and take out a couple of coke dealers that weren't your average human dealers. And their product wasn't normal coke either."
Sam blinked as he absorbed the information. He figured there was a reason to go there for her. "Anything else?"
The old man grumbled something and Sam was forced to ask again. When the old man refused, he appealed to the councilors. The head councilor looked at him like he was nothing more than a pest bothering him from his nap. For Sam that didn't bode well since that could mean a serious case of misjustice here. He was surprised when the councilor told the old man to answer the arbiter's question.
The old man grumbled, "She claimed that she was there to help capture Noriega. As if."
"And why do you say that?"
"Because you stupid Winchester, we aren't allowed to interfere in human affairs. And the blood bitch did."
"Shut up asshat."
"Order."
Sam turned to look at Dean and gave him the silent look to be quiet. He knew that the name calling was meant to hit a sore spot and it did. At least for Dean it did since his brother was well aware what he had said and done… He looked back at the irascible old man and felt the urge to rip his heart out.
Calm down Sam. He's only trying to get a rise out of you.
Sam closed his eyes slowly and took a breath. He knew she was right. Giving a slight nod, he opened his eyes and continued, "Can you explain why you aren't supposed to interfere?"
"The order dictates that, stupid. Something you should know since you keep her company." After a slight clearing of the throat from the senior councilor, the old man continued, "We are only meant to ward off the threat of our world and never interfere. People tend to be content living in their bubbles of ignorance and we respect that since we are no longer in the open. What she did, nearly destroyed that."
Sam knew he was close to actually proving the prosecution's case of a wanton and rogue operative. He asked his next question, "Was the order compromised when the accused aided in capturing Noriega?"
"No," came the reluctant reply. "But she almost exposed us in order to recruit help."
"Do you have proof of that? It could be that the help already knew and required a code word or something."
Smooth Sam. Not exactly the truth but smooth.
Sam could almost hear her laughing in his head. He had never really questioned her ability to do that and why he heard her so readily. He wasn't going to go on a warpath and demand it but it was something to ask about. And she always seemed to know when he needed that little bit of encouragement. And there was no doubt she had been that when he was six and dealing with schoolyard bullies. He didn't give any indication he heard her and gave a pointed look at the old man, indicating that he was waiting.
"It is possible," the old man admitted reluctantly, "There have been… instances where the few humans that aid us needed to be recruited and such code phrases were a necessity."
Sam gave a slight smile, "So for all you know, there was a reason that you didn't know about that she would have to be involved and you just weren't read in… right?"
"It's possible. The blood bitch is courteous on occasion to let another operative know when giving help."
"So you would say that while maybe unconventional, the accused followed protocol?"
There was a moment of silence as people strained to listen. Finally the old man said, "You could say that."
"I did but would you?"
It was a fit of humor and Sam heard the snort of a chuckle. He was horrified but hid it since it came near where Angela was standing. It wasn't her chuckle though but could easily be mistaken for it. He only hoped that it wasn't going to blow everything apart. He wasn't even through the first day yet and to get screwed because of a chuckle…
"Yes… I would," came the answer albeit a bit reluctantly.
There was a murmur from the crowd as Sam straightened slightly. He kept his gaze to the ground as he paced a little. It was more leisurely and it allowed him to think. There wasn't really anything else to ask really but he turned so he could get a look from Riley. He then turned and asked, "So in light of what happened in Panama, would you say that the accused would have no reason to go rogue, that she more or less follows what is asked?"
"Yes."
There was nothing more to say so Sam stated that he was finished with his questions. He heard murmurs as he spared a glance at Angela. She was giving him a slight smirk as if to say good job but it was very subtle. Riley was giving him a similar look, like he was impressed. He was just glad that he had gotten through one but even he knew that there was still more to go through.
The next witness was a character witness as well as one who attended the night in question. Sam followed through and asked his questions. At least this witness didn't seem anxious to try and demonize Angela. Rather it seemed to Sam that she liked her and didn't want to say anything bad about her. As a result he was a bit nicer on his questions but they still held the same firmness he had exhibited earlier.
The questioning went well and Sam managed to point out that she wasn't in a position to see anything clearly. She did see something but it just wasn't as damning as could be. It had Sam start to wonder why Angela was even on trial. As far as he could tell, this was more like a vendetta against Angela and because they didn't like her or like the way how she did something. Like it was one huge grudge of sorts.
Being the nice guy, he thanked the witness and let her step down. He turned to look at Riley and the Lupei had turned something to face him. Sam had moved close enough to read it. He then turned towards the panel and asked, "Councilors, at this time I would like to ask for dismissal. There is no sufficient evidence and all that is available are character witnesses."
"Denied."
That was a stunner since councilors deliberated or at least allowed for arguments. This time it was given and nothing. Sam blinked and looked at Riley and he could tell that the Lupei was stunned but he also looked livid about the whole thing. He said, "Councilors…"
"Denied, Arbiter. This case will proceed on schedule. There will be no room for dismissals."
Sam clenched his jaw and he felt his teeth grind slightly. He gave a hard stare before turning back to his table. He couldn't say anything and glancing over at Angela, he noticed she was giving rapt attention. Nothing was giving away what she was thinking or feeling and he watched her expression slide into the one that he really disliked. He gave a look at Riley and the Lupei made a slight gesture in that they would have to fix it.
The prosecution made to call the next witness and made a show about it. Sam wanted to just punch him in the face since he was a prick making a show that the next witness was a character witness and had evidence that definitely pointed towards Angela being the guilty party in the crime. He announced, "We call the victim's daughter, Raylene Schmidt."
2001, Bangladesh
"Thank you for taking time to meet here for the job of head of security. As you know, Ambassador Schmidt is particular about having Centurion guardsmen."
More like making sure that everything looks nice and good for diplomacy. Angela looked around at the three others that were interviewing for the head of security detail. She knew at least one and they didn't get along. She knew that the job was rather cushy in most respects; Jabari had filled her in on the details.
I sure hope you have a way of getting in my friend.
Oh I have a way, Jabari, Angela thought to herself with a smirk. She had taken some precautions as a means of getting in.
"Ms. De Medici, we'll start with you," the ambassador's secretary said as she approached. "First I need some identification."
Angela gave a slight smirk as she opened the lapel of her suit and fished out a wallet. She was going to hand it out when she said, "Oh, that's his." She tossed it to the correct owner.
This happened with all of them until she fished out hers and handed it over. It had the desired effect thought. The ambassador chose her citing that a good bodyguard could keep track of their personal things and the thing they were protecting. It was a minor triumph and she relished it since she made her competition scowl.
Ambassador Cole Schmidt was a nice man and very cordial. He may have a stern front but once they were alone, his demeanor changed. He ushered her to sit, "I apologize that we had to go through that procedure but I'd rather that things go through normal channels."
"You mean flying under the radar. I can respect that," Angela replied as she sat in the proffered seat and straightened out her suit. She crossed her legs and sat back in the chair. She was well aware that it could come off as intimidating. It was also a means of stating silently that she was not in the business of being pushed around. "But I do have to ask why I was requested specifically when you are well aware that I do not have a… pleasing reputation since Panama."
"I am aware of that," Schmidt replied as he sat in the seat opposite of her. "That is the reason why I requested you. I know that you know how to get things done and do it with the least amount of casualties." He looked at her as she sat there looking like a regal businessman. "It is because you care about life that I asked for you."
"And they would have told you that I don't care and that I have a blatant disregard for rules and order," Angela countered. Her expression was a mask of what most would say was indifference. She surveyed the ambassador trying to find out if there was deceit was involved. It wouldn't be the first time considering that there was that asshat that tried to get her to commit theft of plans that weren't his.
"That is what your hate admirers say but I've read the reports," Schmidt replied, well aware that he was being tested. "You get the job done but you've never tread past the PNR. You do what you can to make sure that there is zero body count if possible. You have been charged with security detail on a number of persons and objects that few others would trust."
"Actually I stumbled across them but I see your point."
"To sum it all up I need and want your expertise."
"Fairly obvious."
Schmidt looked at Angela as she sat there. The stoic calm she was exhibiting could mean anything. The only difference was the tone her voice took and maybe the slight movement of her eyes. He had heard good things and the Seer preferred her over the others. He hoped that it was the right choice. "I won't lie, the situation here is not a good one."
"That I figured. It was important enough to pull me off my surveillance."
"Bangladesh has long been a hotbed of corruption and one government replacing another. It's been rather bad for our line of work," Schmidt continued as if he hadn't been interrupted. "We're on our third government in two years."
"In Zaire the odds are better," Angela offered since she was well aware of the political situation in the current world climate. "And we have problems in the Middle East. It's not looking good all over the world."
"But this is the center of Asian operations."
"That I am aware of." Angela shifted to a slightly more relaxed position but it didn't give any indication of friendliness. "And It is because of you we were able to expand into territories that we have success with diplomatically more than actual politics."
"The way I see it is that we don't' have time for pettiness. We are in the business of saving people and hunting things. Some of us more by the book than others… we have to keep the people happy and unsuspecting."
Angela allowed herself to have a slight smile. "I agree with that. So what do you need me to do? Do you expect and uprising?"
"Current situation indicates such and the main problem is that our local operatives have started picking sides."
"That is usually the case since this is their home."
Schmidt nodded in agreement at that. He sighed as he adjusted his position and crossed his legs. "And even though we have longstanding arrangements with local populace, it's been clear that home is first and this place is not really protected under international law."
Angela knew that full well. It was always a risk to maintain operations in areas that were pretty much hostile to everyone and everything. You were lucky if you managed to obtain acquaintances that could help you out of a sticky spot but it wasn't always definite. Alliances shifted and changed like someone changing their clothes. She had that happen before. Her saving grace was the fact that an act of kindness had a lot of power and it went a long way. The way she saw it, it seemed that Schmidt was anticipating that they would need to pull out.
She knew the ambassador but chose to give a hard time simply because she had been burned before. She wanted to make sure of intentions. She knew he was a good man in that he was trying to stabilize a region that had the mentality of 'my own first and screw everyone else'. In times of trouble, they would stand together but it wasn't a permanent thing. So if he was saying things were bad then they pretty much were. She sat back and asked, "So do I need to plan for evac?"
"Yes but not for me."
"For who?" Angela didn't betray her surprise at this development. She added, "I am not escorting the crown jewels."
"She might as well be," Schmidt replied, guessing what was going on in her mind. "It is my daughter."
The rest of the time was Schmidt filling Angela in on who her charge was. Angela was agreeable, well at least she said she was but she was reserving judgment for when she actually met the girl. She had escorting VIPs before and she had been exposed to a wide range of them but most were arrogant snots in her opinion who thought they were on top of the world because they had money. Her little secret was that she had money and title too but she didn't flaunt it. She was proud of her family name but she didn't use it to make life easy. She preferred to earn it.
"Alright, Ambassador," Angela said as they walked down the hall, "I will do the job but I still insist that you have someone to be with you just in case the shit hits the fan."
"Who do you suggest?"
"Jabari," was the automatic answer. She paused when Schmidt did and it was clear that he was waiting for a justification from her. So she gave it, "Jabari is good with security. Most would think twice before approaching because of his size but he also knows how to get past things and… I trust him."
Schmidt looked at her and replied, "That is a tall order. You trust him but what would be reassuring to me?"
Angela could understand that. This was a new relationship and Schmidt was going based on her reputation. That was stretching it and she was bringing in someone he knew little to nothing about but he was willing to go out on a limb to trust her with it. She replied, "Jabari saved my life. In my book that is a selling point… and he is watching over something special to me while I am here. Well his men are watching and Jabari is a man of his word."
Schmidt looked at her and considered for a moment. He noted the way how she said she had something special to her. He figured it was more of a who than a what and the fact that she was trusting this Jabari with it. The fact that she emphasized he was a man of his word carried weight. He was well aware that when she gave her word, she kept it. Taking the chance, he nodded, "Alright. So long as you protect my daughter, I will consent to Jabari being my guard."
Angela nodded and motioned that Schmidt was to go first. "As you said, Ambassador, things are not looking good. If you plan on relocating to keep operations going, you will need someone who will keep you from getting into trouble." She walked almost leisurely but she was on alert. "And if something happens, we know how to get in contact with each other."
"That is what I hoped." Schmidt led the way to where his daughter was waiting. "Again I thank you for your assistance."
"It was requested and coming from the Seer, I take that seriously."
They stopped before a door. Angela turned to look at the ambassador with an expressionless face. She was now on the job. She gave a nod that the ambassador was to take the lead. She crossed her arms in front of her and waited.
Schmidt nodded and opened the door. He walked in and greeted the girl sitting at the desk studying in Bengalese. He motioned for her to come over and made the introductions, "My dear this is Angela, your bodyguard and Angela, this is my daughter Raylene."
Angela stared at the girl who looked at her. She wanted to smirk when she heard the girl look at her father and protest in Bengalese that she didn't want someone who didn't look like a trophy wife. She was amused by that assessment since she didn't think she looked like that. Before Schmidt could rebuke his daughter, she waved him off and then spoke in perfect Bengalese, "I can assure you that this trophy wife has earned quite a few awards and from the school of life." She gave a polite and yet it was mocking towards the girl.
Schmidt couldn't help but smile at the reply. He knew his daughter was something else. Perhaps she would learn something from one who was considered a champion. "I see that you two will get along fine."
A/N: Sam gets a start on being an arbiter but looks like we get an better introduction to just how Raylene and Angie met. Keep watching for more Trial and Reckoning...
