Nails
26 -
Matt and Shady in front of the Judge
"Unless you produce a witness Duval will be released. You know that's the only way a preliminary hearing for a Federal Indictment can be carried out. No hearsay. Got to come from the source, in this case, the only witness."
Thibideaux reminded Matt of Samuel Tarly. Pompous. Much too secure in the letter of the Law to allow any creativity. Or bending. Or any common sense.
"But Tobias Heinlein is still loose," Shady was at the point of whining. "We know Duval wants her dead, she's the only witness, and this Heinlein is just the man to do it. He already killed a Federal agent."
"That's all good and well, but it has nothing to do with Duval. Either you produce this witness or I have no choice but to let him go and your Feral indictment with it."
"And all my work will go down the back house hole."
Thibideaux raised his index finger at Shady. "I will not take that tone from you, missy."
"Give us a minute, Judge."
Matt ushered Shady into the outside hall.
"Matt..."
"I know." He ran his fingers through his graying hair.
"We can protect her. I've got the men. Haynes is here, he'll help."
Matt wanted to spit. "Haynes isn't savvy. He runs a women's prison for God's sake."
"I'll get more men."
"Do we have enough time? And where will these men come from. Where do their loyalties lie?" He dreaded to think just how far Duval's arm reached in Houston.
"Oh, Matt. I know how you feel but we have to do this." And after a very short pause she added, "You know Kitty will want to do this. She had a good relationship with Adelia Proctor and getting the man that killed the old lady would give some kind of peace."
Yup. Kitty would definitely want to proceed with this hearing. Even if it meant risking her life. "I know. I know."
Just how many times had he been caught in this situation? Five? Fifty?
Only a handful ever concerned Kitty Russell. But they were the worst.
But this one...
There was no allowance for error.
He didn't like it. Not one little bit.