[Luthor Estate, Friday November 29]
"I've submitted the latest numbers from your technology sector," Martha Kent browsed through a thick folder. "Europe, Asia, Latin America . they've all reported in."
"Good. Thank you, Mrs. Kent," Lionel noted. Martha was about to leave when Lionel turned his chair.
"I'm sure you are aware by now," Lionel began, "that my son has been accused of the murder of Chelsea Saunders."
"I've heard," Martha replied. "I don't believe he's involved at all."
"Unfortunately, now that he's in custody, who knows what sort of pressure tactics the investigators and the D.A.'s office are using," Lionel fretted. He fumbled on his desk and located a memo.
"I believe this is what I'm looking for," he handed over the memo to Martha.
"You want me to go to New York City?" Martha asked.
"Due to my health, I am unable to be there in person," Lionel explained. "Which is why I need you to be my eyes and ears. I've informed Mr. Goldstein of your arrival. You'll be taking the corporate jet to JFK. You'll stay at the Hyatt Regency. I want to know everything that's going on. Everything, you understand?"
"But this trial could go on for weeks! Or longer," Martha protested. "I have the farm to take care of, Clark ."
"I understand the holiday season is upon us, but rest assured, you will be well compensated for your sacrifice. Anyhow, now that your son has somehow been subpoenaed for the trial ."
"Clark's under subpoena?!" Martha gasped.
"Oh, did I not mention that?" Lionel commented. "From the moment the trial begins, I want you in the courtroom. I'm not about to have that blowhard Jack McCoy eviscerate my corporation before the New York media!"
"I'll be sure to check on Lex, too," Martha stated - just in case Lionel forgot about his son's welfare.
"Oh yes. Do that," Lionel noted. "The jet leaves for New York 9 a.m. tomorrow. Don't be late."
Martha drove away from the estate. Clark will have to testify. Under oath. What if they get too close ... and uncover his secret?
[The Talon, Smallville, Friday November 29]
"What's the news, Ms. Southerlyn?" Tutuola wondered. "Is Lionel gonna abide by the subpoena?"
"He claimed that he was too ill to travel to New York," Southerlyn grumbled. "And he's prepared to oppose it in court."
"So much for grilling Daddy Luthor on the stand," Munch added. "But we still have to take apart the hard drives of Kent and Sullivan. We'd better saddle up and blow this town."
They heard an argument outside.
"All I'm saying is, we don't have to take this lying down!" Chloe insisted. "I can still call my source at the ACLU. We can get the injunction and challenge the search warrant! If you're having doubts about surrendering your hard drive, we still have options!"
"Look, my dad says that the best way I can help Lex is to cooperate," Clark explained. "Maybe I can prove that he's innocent ."
"Or maybe I can call the Daily Planet?" Chloe offered.
"No, Chloe! No ACLU, no Daily Planet, okay?! You do that, you'll give the D.A.'s office the impression we're covering up something about Lex."
"Well, 'we're' not the ones covering up things," Chloe replied. "It's Luthor Corp that -"
"Don't tell me - you think Lex is guilty too? I don't have time for this. My mom's coming back from work soon." Clark drove away, leaving Chloe in front of the Talon.
Chloe slowly opened the door. Her mouth was in a permanent pout.
"All's not well in the land of Oz?" Munch replied.
Tutuola smacked his partner's shoulder in disapproval. "Just chill, John, alright? Come on, Sullivan, have a seat." Tutuola pulled over another chair. "Ms. Southerlyn will buy you a cup of coffee." Southerlyn didn't have much patience for teenage angst, but what could she do? They were all material witnesses to the unresolved issues between Clark and Chloe.
"I'd rather have my laptop back!" Chloe blurted.
"We're supposed to head over to Metropolis," Tutuola "but I'm not about to split leavin' you all down and blue. Now, what's the real problem?"
"I was just trying to be helpful," Chloe explained. "He was feeling bad about giving up his computer. He thinks he's somehow betraying Lex. But like you said, the information could exonerate Lex of any wrongdoing. The moment I even suggest the Luthors are less-than-honest, he gives me the third degree!"
Munch tapped his watch, but Tutuola held up a hand to keep him still. Southerlyn brought over Chloe's coffee.
"Thanks," Chloe smiled meekly.
Southerlyn sat beside Chloe. "You're good friends with Clark, aren't you?" Chloe nodded slightly.
Tutuola grinned. "You like him, don't you?"
Chloe coughed. "S-sure I like him. We're friends."
"I don't think that's what the detective meant," Southerlyn replied.
Chloe tried to appear disinterested. "Clark and I have common interests. We get along."
"Uh-huh," Tutuola stood up. "So you're saying you only want to be friends with Clark Kent, hmm? You don't even like him just a little bit? Know what I think? You're flying wa-a-ay too low on his radar. Kent likes you, but he's afraid to admit it. You should just flat out ask him out."
"What??" Chloe blurted.
"Okay, enough teasing, Fin!" Southerlyn laughed. "I'm sure Chloe's got better things to do than to be cross-examined about her secret crush for Clark Kent!"
"I do NOT have a crush on Clark Kent!" Chloe insisted, not noticing that her cheeks were flushed red.
Southerlyn and the detectives began their drive to Metropolis.
"You're all sadists. Both of you," Munch joked. "As if she was gonna confide in two old fuddy-duddys like yourselves."
"Fuddy duddys?" Tutuola snickered. "You're the one who could pass as her old man."
"Come on, John," Southerlyn replied. "I think it's sweet. Clark is like Archie - torn between the hometown girl-next-door and the sassy city girl."
"Two women competing for his affections," Munch remarked. "Yeah, I truly feel bad for him ."
[FBI field office, computer forensics lab, Metropolis, Friday November 29]
Southerlyn walked into the lab. Munch and Tutuola were involved in a heated discussion.
"The feds came up with something already?" Southerlyn inquired.
"Still waiting," Tutuola replied. "We were wondering . if Chloe is Clark's Veronica, would that make Lana . Betty?"
"Veronica's the one with oodles of money," Munch stated. "I think Chloe and Lana are both Bettys at heart."
Southerlyn rolled her eyes. "I'm getting a salad. Lemme know when you hear something."
A door opened. "Counsellor? Detectives? I'm Special Agent Ridge, FBI computer forensics," the agent introduced himself. "Sorry about the delay. Both Kent and Sullivan had up-to-date Internet security software. Once they deleted their email, the file became encrypted. It took awhile, but I think we were able to retrieve about 50% of their email over the past two weeks."
"Excellent!" Southerlyn exclaimed. "We'll need to get a copy of that. How long before Kent and Sullivan can have their computers back?"
"We're trying to restore some damaged files, break some encryption codes," the agent remarked. "We need until the end of next week. Maybe Thursday at the earliest?"
Southerlyn studied the resurrected email. "This is good. Really good. Lex makes several references to 'clearing up an oversight' and 'righting some wrongs'. Not exactly a confession, but an indication he expected something to be done."
"You think he already knew that Ms. Saunders was gonna snitch to the company ombudsman about the irregular chemical shipments?" Munch asked.
"He must have," Southerlyn answered. "Why else would he have gone to Chelsea's condo?"
Tutuola squinted at the computer monitor. "Maybe he's telling the truth. Maybe he was going to help Chelsea bring the irregularities to light?"
"Unlikely," Southerlyn insisted. "If it turns out Luthor Corp. was selling chemicals to rogue states and dictators, it would force Capitol Hill to investigate. The Luthor empire would never survive the public scandal that would follow."
"That may be true," Munch noted, "if Lex had a clear stake in Luthor Corp.'s success. But isn't he launching his own independent firm: LexCorp?"
"Even if he is planning a corporate coup, I don't think he's quite prepared to bite the hand that feeds him right now." Southerlyn stated. "Hopefully, the email records and those affidavits will indicate just what Lex was thinking the night of the Saunders murder."
"Well, I guess it's back to Smallville's fine cuisine," Munch groaned. "So what'll it be? McDonalds? Denny's? The Talon . yet again? Or do we upgrade to Ponderosa?"
"You'll be having dinner without me," Southerlyn revealed. "McCoy wants me back Saturday morning to plan our trial strategy."
"You mean we gotta stay here?" Tutuola demanded.
"You're to escort Clark Kent to the Big Apple," Southerlyn replied. "He'll likely take the stand this week. I'm pretty sure Jack intends to challenge Lionel Luthor's motion to dismiss. We may need you to execute more warrants. McCoy will have Kent sequestered in a Manhattan hotel. No newspapers, radio or TV. He's to have no contact with Lex or his classmates until he's completed his testimony."
"Wow, those are some rigid conditions!" Munch exclaimed. "McCoy's going on all cylinders! No wonder Lionel's got his boxers in a knot."
"McCoy's determined to see this thing through," Southerlyn replied. "He wants a conviction - and to hell with the consequences."
"Yeah, well, if he loses," Tutuola complained, "I'm afraid those 'consequences' involve Munch and I being hung out to dry like beef jerky."
Special Agent Ridge returned. "I have a bunch of files that we just de- coded. Something about the 'Wall of Weird'?"
"Oh, that's irrelevant," Southerlyn replied. "Those tales are local urban legends . that the green meteor is somehow related to mysterious deaths, inexplicable behaviour ."
"Actually, agent," Munch interrupted, "I wouldn't mind a copy of those files. Personal research."
The agent handed over the CD-ROM. "Knock yourself out detective."
"John, you don't seriously believe those stories?" Southerlyn inquired. "I mean, come on, the Wall of Weird?"
Munch gazed at the CD. "Fear of the unknown is no excuse, counsellor, for rejecting the possibility that some things just can't be explained by modern science."
"Not with the alien conspiracy theories again," Tutuola groaned.
[Office of D.A. Arthur Branch, New York City, Friday November 29]
McCoy stormed into the room. "Arthur! Explain this!!" He tossed a copy of the New York Gazette onto Branch's desk. The Gazette recently joined the Big Apple newspaper wars. Majority owner: LuthorMedia, a division of Luthor Corp.
Branch reviewed the headline: 'Stop Luthor harassment: NY senator'
"Don't pursue this challenge to Lionel's motion to dismiss," Branch advised. "With his recent accident, no amount of legal jerry-rigging is going to drag him out of Kansas."
"Why, Arthur?" McCoy demanded. "Because you're afraid of bad press from Lionel's New York rag?"
"I got a call this afternoon," Branch stated. "Someone with the ear of the governor. He suggested that it wouldn't be a 'good idea' to further antagonize Lionel Luthor. Look, you have Lex in Sing Sing and your murder trial. Yanking an invalid Lionel out of his sick bed won't help your cause."
"Why are you protecting Luthor?" McCoy exclaimed. "Do you owe him that much that you're prepared to jeopardize a murder trial?"
Branch stood up. "I got to this office on my record! I have provided New Yorkers with a strong hand in their darkest hour! They wanted a D.A. who's tough on criminals: I gave them solid convictions, greater police powers and a sense of order in their city. Luthor contributed some funds to my election campaign. That's the extent of his impact on my job."
"Well, I wish I could believe that, Arthur, I really do," McCoy grumbled. He looked outside onto the Manhattan skyline. Pedestrians shivered in the chilly November air, oblivious to the impending political turf war that would surely tear the city apart. Luthor could muster loyalists at every level of government. Sirens wailed in the distance.
A warning of trouble ahead.
"It's not Luthor I'm protecting, Jack," Branch insisted. "It's you. Your career. And, to be frank, my own! If you want Lex to answer for his alleged crimes, that's all well and good - if you have the evidence. I pray that you do. Just be prepared for the fallout if you lose."
"I know the risks," McCoy insisted. He glared at the Gazette. "And I won't let Luthor's publicity machine intimidate me! If you will excuse me, I have a murder trial to prepare for."
"Jack," Branch said as he reviewed the Gazette's lead story. "Don't tempt fate."
McCoy slammed the office door. Don't tempt fate, he sneered to himself. If I lose, Branch will offer me up as the fall guy. Me - and those associated with the case: Southerlyn, Briscoe, Green, Van Buren, the SVU detectives. All of them.
In the elevator, he felt isolated. Alone.
My god, he thought to himself, the trial begins on Monday ...
*****
NOTE: Okay, there are plenty of detectives and lawyers running around. Since this is CH 10, I'll make things simpler for those who need a refresher, or aren't too familiar with the Law and Order universe:
Homicide Lt. Anita Van Buren, commanding officer Det. Lennie Briscoe (the grizzled veteran) Det. Ed Green (impulsive younger partner)
Special Victims Unit Captain Donald Cragen, commanding officer Det. John Munch (cynical investigator/part-time conspiracy theorist) Det. Fin Tutuola (street-wise ex-narcotics cop) Det. Olivia Benson (tough, but fair) Det. Elliot Stabler (family man, the stress of SVU work beginning to catch up with him)
Major Case Squad Captain James Deakins, commanding officer Det. Robert Goren (meticulous, extremely intelligent) Det. Alexandra Eames (more independent, sometimes has to rein in )
D.A.'s office Arthur Branch, District Attorney - elected on a tough justice platform, riding the crest of New York's post 9-11 insecurities, must balance quest for justice with political realities Executive District Attorney Jack McCoy - prosecutes major homicide cases (including the Luthor trial), no stranger to stepping on political toes Assistant D.A. Serena Southerlyn - McCoy's primary junior assistant, does most of the pre-trial work and preliminary evidence gathering, warrants, subpoenas Assistant D.A. Alexandra Cabot - responsible for SVU cases D.A. Ron Carver - responsible for Major Cases
Defense Richard Goldstein, Lex's defense attorney, appointed by his father
Capital punishment in New York state
For the record, first-degree murder/murder one qualifies as a capital offense in New York state, especially if there is proof that the intent for the murder is a felony (i.e. committed to cover up another crime -- and not merely a crime of passion)
N.Y. Governor Pataki has lifted the state's past moratorium on the death penalty, although no one has been executed (yet) during his administration.
"I've submitted the latest numbers from your technology sector," Martha Kent browsed through a thick folder. "Europe, Asia, Latin America . they've all reported in."
"Good. Thank you, Mrs. Kent," Lionel noted. Martha was about to leave when Lionel turned his chair.
"I'm sure you are aware by now," Lionel began, "that my son has been accused of the murder of Chelsea Saunders."
"I've heard," Martha replied. "I don't believe he's involved at all."
"Unfortunately, now that he's in custody, who knows what sort of pressure tactics the investigators and the D.A.'s office are using," Lionel fretted. He fumbled on his desk and located a memo.
"I believe this is what I'm looking for," he handed over the memo to Martha.
"You want me to go to New York City?" Martha asked.
"Due to my health, I am unable to be there in person," Lionel explained. "Which is why I need you to be my eyes and ears. I've informed Mr. Goldstein of your arrival. You'll be taking the corporate jet to JFK. You'll stay at the Hyatt Regency. I want to know everything that's going on. Everything, you understand?"
"But this trial could go on for weeks! Or longer," Martha protested. "I have the farm to take care of, Clark ."
"I understand the holiday season is upon us, but rest assured, you will be well compensated for your sacrifice. Anyhow, now that your son has somehow been subpoenaed for the trial ."
"Clark's under subpoena?!" Martha gasped.
"Oh, did I not mention that?" Lionel commented. "From the moment the trial begins, I want you in the courtroom. I'm not about to have that blowhard Jack McCoy eviscerate my corporation before the New York media!"
"I'll be sure to check on Lex, too," Martha stated - just in case Lionel forgot about his son's welfare.
"Oh yes. Do that," Lionel noted. "The jet leaves for New York 9 a.m. tomorrow. Don't be late."
Martha drove away from the estate. Clark will have to testify. Under oath. What if they get too close ... and uncover his secret?
[The Talon, Smallville, Friday November 29]
"What's the news, Ms. Southerlyn?" Tutuola wondered. "Is Lionel gonna abide by the subpoena?"
"He claimed that he was too ill to travel to New York," Southerlyn grumbled. "And he's prepared to oppose it in court."
"So much for grilling Daddy Luthor on the stand," Munch added. "But we still have to take apart the hard drives of Kent and Sullivan. We'd better saddle up and blow this town."
They heard an argument outside.
"All I'm saying is, we don't have to take this lying down!" Chloe insisted. "I can still call my source at the ACLU. We can get the injunction and challenge the search warrant! If you're having doubts about surrendering your hard drive, we still have options!"
"Look, my dad says that the best way I can help Lex is to cooperate," Clark explained. "Maybe I can prove that he's innocent ."
"Or maybe I can call the Daily Planet?" Chloe offered.
"No, Chloe! No ACLU, no Daily Planet, okay?! You do that, you'll give the D.A.'s office the impression we're covering up something about Lex."
"Well, 'we're' not the ones covering up things," Chloe replied. "It's Luthor Corp that -"
"Don't tell me - you think Lex is guilty too? I don't have time for this. My mom's coming back from work soon." Clark drove away, leaving Chloe in front of the Talon.
Chloe slowly opened the door. Her mouth was in a permanent pout.
"All's not well in the land of Oz?" Munch replied.
Tutuola smacked his partner's shoulder in disapproval. "Just chill, John, alright? Come on, Sullivan, have a seat." Tutuola pulled over another chair. "Ms. Southerlyn will buy you a cup of coffee." Southerlyn didn't have much patience for teenage angst, but what could she do? They were all material witnesses to the unresolved issues between Clark and Chloe.
"I'd rather have my laptop back!" Chloe blurted.
"We're supposed to head over to Metropolis," Tutuola "but I'm not about to split leavin' you all down and blue. Now, what's the real problem?"
"I was just trying to be helpful," Chloe explained. "He was feeling bad about giving up his computer. He thinks he's somehow betraying Lex. But like you said, the information could exonerate Lex of any wrongdoing. The moment I even suggest the Luthors are less-than-honest, he gives me the third degree!"
Munch tapped his watch, but Tutuola held up a hand to keep him still. Southerlyn brought over Chloe's coffee.
"Thanks," Chloe smiled meekly.
Southerlyn sat beside Chloe. "You're good friends with Clark, aren't you?" Chloe nodded slightly.
Tutuola grinned. "You like him, don't you?"
Chloe coughed. "S-sure I like him. We're friends."
"I don't think that's what the detective meant," Southerlyn replied.
Chloe tried to appear disinterested. "Clark and I have common interests. We get along."
"Uh-huh," Tutuola stood up. "So you're saying you only want to be friends with Clark Kent, hmm? You don't even like him just a little bit? Know what I think? You're flying wa-a-ay too low on his radar. Kent likes you, but he's afraid to admit it. You should just flat out ask him out."
"What??" Chloe blurted.
"Okay, enough teasing, Fin!" Southerlyn laughed. "I'm sure Chloe's got better things to do than to be cross-examined about her secret crush for Clark Kent!"
"I do NOT have a crush on Clark Kent!" Chloe insisted, not noticing that her cheeks were flushed red.
Southerlyn and the detectives began their drive to Metropolis.
"You're all sadists. Both of you," Munch joked. "As if she was gonna confide in two old fuddy-duddys like yourselves."
"Fuddy duddys?" Tutuola snickered. "You're the one who could pass as her old man."
"Come on, John," Southerlyn replied. "I think it's sweet. Clark is like Archie - torn between the hometown girl-next-door and the sassy city girl."
"Two women competing for his affections," Munch remarked. "Yeah, I truly feel bad for him ."
[FBI field office, computer forensics lab, Metropolis, Friday November 29]
Southerlyn walked into the lab. Munch and Tutuola were involved in a heated discussion.
"The feds came up with something already?" Southerlyn inquired.
"Still waiting," Tutuola replied. "We were wondering . if Chloe is Clark's Veronica, would that make Lana . Betty?"
"Veronica's the one with oodles of money," Munch stated. "I think Chloe and Lana are both Bettys at heart."
Southerlyn rolled her eyes. "I'm getting a salad. Lemme know when you hear something."
A door opened. "Counsellor? Detectives? I'm Special Agent Ridge, FBI computer forensics," the agent introduced himself. "Sorry about the delay. Both Kent and Sullivan had up-to-date Internet security software. Once they deleted their email, the file became encrypted. It took awhile, but I think we were able to retrieve about 50% of their email over the past two weeks."
"Excellent!" Southerlyn exclaimed. "We'll need to get a copy of that. How long before Kent and Sullivan can have their computers back?"
"We're trying to restore some damaged files, break some encryption codes," the agent remarked. "We need until the end of next week. Maybe Thursday at the earliest?"
Southerlyn studied the resurrected email. "This is good. Really good. Lex makes several references to 'clearing up an oversight' and 'righting some wrongs'. Not exactly a confession, but an indication he expected something to be done."
"You think he already knew that Ms. Saunders was gonna snitch to the company ombudsman about the irregular chemical shipments?" Munch asked.
"He must have," Southerlyn answered. "Why else would he have gone to Chelsea's condo?"
Tutuola squinted at the computer monitor. "Maybe he's telling the truth. Maybe he was going to help Chelsea bring the irregularities to light?"
"Unlikely," Southerlyn insisted. "If it turns out Luthor Corp. was selling chemicals to rogue states and dictators, it would force Capitol Hill to investigate. The Luthor empire would never survive the public scandal that would follow."
"That may be true," Munch noted, "if Lex had a clear stake in Luthor Corp.'s success. But isn't he launching his own independent firm: LexCorp?"
"Even if he is planning a corporate coup, I don't think he's quite prepared to bite the hand that feeds him right now." Southerlyn stated. "Hopefully, the email records and those affidavits will indicate just what Lex was thinking the night of the Saunders murder."
"Well, I guess it's back to Smallville's fine cuisine," Munch groaned. "So what'll it be? McDonalds? Denny's? The Talon . yet again? Or do we upgrade to Ponderosa?"
"You'll be having dinner without me," Southerlyn revealed. "McCoy wants me back Saturday morning to plan our trial strategy."
"You mean we gotta stay here?" Tutuola demanded.
"You're to escort Clark Kent to the Big Apple," Southerlyn replied. "He'll likely take the stand this week. I'm pretty sure Jack intends to challenge Lionel Luthor's motion to dismiss. We may need you to execute more warrants. McCoy will have Kent sequestered in a Manhattan hotel. No newspapers, radio or TV. He's to have no contact with Lex or his classmates until he's completed his testimony."
"Wow, those are some rigid conditions!" Munch exclaimed. "McCoy's going on all cylinders! No wonder Lionel's got his boxers in a knot."
"McCoy's determined to see this thing through," Southerlyn replied. "He wants a conviction - and to hell with the consequences."
"Yeah, well, if he loses," Tutuola complained, "I'm afraid those 'consequences' involve Munch and I being hung out to dry like beef jerky."
Special Agent Ridge returned. "I have a bunch of files that we just de- coded. Something about the 'Wall of Weird'?"
"Oh, that's irrelevant," Southerlyn replied. "Those tales are local urban legends . that the green meteor is somehow related to mysterious deaths, inexplicable behaviour ."
"Actually, agent," Munch interrupted, "I wouldn't mind a copy of those files. Personal research."
The agent handed over the CD-ROM. "Knock yourself out detective."
"John, you don't seriously believe those stories?" Southerlyn inquired. "I mean, come on, the Wall of Weird?"
Munch gazed at the CD. "Fear of the unknown is no excuse, counsellor, for rejecting the possibility that some things just can't be explained by modern science."
"Not with the alien conspiracy theories again," Tutuola groaned.
[Office of D.A. Arthur Branch, New York City, Friday November 29]
McCoy stormed into the room. "Arthur! Explain this!!" He tossed a copy of the New York Gazette onto Branch's desk. The Gazette recently joined the Big Apple newspaper wars. Majority owner: LuthorMedia, a division of Luthor Corp.
Branch reviewed the headline: 'Stop Luthor harassment: NY senator'
"Don't pursue this challenge to Lionel's motion to dismiss," Branch advised. "With his recent accident, no amount of legal jerry-rigging is going to drag him out of Kansas."
"Why, Arthur?" McCoy demanded. "Because you're afraid of bad press from Lionel's New York rag?"
"I got a call this afternoon," Branch stated. "Someone with the ear of the governor. He suggested that it wouldn't be a 'good idea' to further antagonize Lionel Luthor. Look, you have Lex in Sing Sing and your murder trial. Yanking an invalid Lionel out of his sick bed won't help your cause."
"Why are you protecting Luthor?" McCoy exclaimed. "Do you owe him that much that you're prepared to jeopardize a murder trial?"
Branch stood up. "I got to this office on my record! I have provided New Yorkers with a strong hand in their darkest hour! They wanted a D.A. who's tough on criminals: I gave them solid convictions, greater police powers and a sense of order in their city. Luthor contributed some funds to my election campaign. That's the extent of his impact on my job."
"Well, I wish I could believe that, Arthur, I really do," McCoy grumbled. He looked outside onto the Manhattan skyline. Pedestrians shivered in the chilly November air, oblivious to the impending political turf war that would surely tear the city apart. Luthor could muster loyalists at every level of government. Sirens wailed in the distance.
A warning of trouble ahead.
"It's not Luthor I'm protecting, Jack," Branch insisted. "It's you. Your career. And, to be frank, my own! If you want Lex to answer for his alleged crimes, that's all well and good - if you have the evidence. I pray that you do. Just be prepared for the fallout if you lose."
"I know the risks," McCoy insisted. He glared at the Gazette. "And I won't let Luthor's publicity machine intimidate me! If you will excuse me, I have a murder trial to prepare for."
"Jack," Branch said as he reviewed the Gazette's lead story. "Don't tempt fate."
McCoy slammed the office door. Don't tempt fate, he sneered to himself. If I lose, Branch will offer me up as the fall guy. Me - and those associated with the case: Southerlyn, Briscoe, Green, Van Buren, the SVU detectives. All of them.
In the elevator, he felt isolated. Alone.
My god, he thought to himself, the trial begins on Monday ...
*****
NOTE: Okay, there are plenty of detectives and lawyers running around. Since this is CH 10, I'll make things simpler for those who need a refresher, or aren't too familiar with the Law and Order universe:
Homicide Lt. Anita Van Buren, commanding officer Det. Lennie Briscoe (the grizzled veteran) Det. Ed Green (impulsive younger partner)
Special Victims Unit Captain Donald Cragen, commanding officer Det. John Munch (cynical investigator/part-time conspiracy theorist) Det. Fin Tutuola (street-wise ex-narcotics cop) Det. Olivia Benson (tough, but fair) Det. Elliot Stabler (family man, the stress of SVU work beginning to catch up with him)
Major Case Squad Captain James Deakins, commanding officer Det. Robert Goren (meticulous, extremely intelligent) Det. Alexandra Eames (more independent, sometimes has to rein in )
D.A.'s office Arthur Branch, District Attorney - elected on a tough justice platform, riding the crest of New York's post 9-11 insecurities, must balance quest for justice with political realities Executive District Attorney Jack McCoy - prosecutes major homicide cases (including the Luthor trial), no stranger to stepping on political toes Assistant D.A. Serena Southerlyn - McCoy's primary junior assistant, does most of the pre-trial work and preliminary evidence gathering, warrants, subpoenas Assistant D.A. Alexandra Cabot - responsible for SVU cases D.A. Ron Carver - responsible for Major Cases
Defense Richard Goldstein, Lex's defense attorney, appointed by his father
Capital punishment in New York state
For the record, first-degree murder/murder one qualifies as a capital offense in New York state, especially if there is proof that the intent for the murder is a felony (i.e. committed to cover up another crime -- and not merely a crime of passion)
N.Y. Governor Pataki has lifted the state's past moratorium on the death penalty, although no one has been executed (yet) during his administration.