BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
"Tell me why you haven't told the police about this before," says Meg.
"When Davey was arrested, someone broke into my house," says Carey Mills. "I was scared. He told me he would kill me and my family if I ever told the police. I...I just wish I had the courage to go tell the police. Maybe an innocent man wouldn't have spent all those years in prison."
"How long have you known Davey Parker?"
"Three years. We dated for three years before he went to prison."
"Have you spoken with him or his lawyer recently?"
"No, I haven't."
"Where do you live now?"
"Rosedale. Near the I-95."
"I'd like to know more about your life in Baltimore in the fall of '97. Who were your friends? Neighbors?"
As Meg questions Carey Mills, Sturgis walks to the telephone and picks up the handset.
"Is AJ Chegwidden there?" asks Sturgis.
"No, he's not," replies a female voice on the other end.
"Tell the ad- Mr. Chegwidden- that Sturgis called for him about an alibi witness named Carey Mills."
"What was your name, sir."
"Sturgis. S-T-U-R-G-I-S."
"Okay, Sturgis. Is that all?"
"Yes, it is."
Meg finishes writing notes on a small white notepad. "Is there anything else you might want to tell us?"
"I've told you enough already," says Carey Mills.
"If there's anything else, you can call the Baltimore PD or the Navy JAG office," says Meg. "I'll give you the number."
"Okay," says the woman, receiving a slip of paper from the Navy lawyer. She then leaves the office, closing the door behind her.
"If her story checks out, we can close this case," says Tony Dinozzo.
"And the police will probably have to settle a lawsuit," says Lieutenant Aaron Lake. "We're being sued for violating Mr. Parker's civil rights. We just got notice yesterday."
ooooooooooo
DAY 18
1706 ZULU
AJ CHEGWIDDEN'S OFFICE
WASHINGTON, DC
"Yes, I just spoke to Carey Mills this morning," says AJ Chegwidden, sitting behind his desk talking on the phone. "My secretary recorded her statement. Are you going to recommend that all charges be dropped."
"Not yet," replies Sturgis. "Wr're still looking into her background. Of course, if we think she's telling the truth, we'll have to let Petty Officer Parker go."
"I trust you'll make the right judgment, Sturgis. How are things in the office?"
"We're okay. General Creswell's a fine JAG."
"I know. I've met him a couple of days ago. I don't there there could be a finer replacement."
"Harm's okay. I spoke with him the day after the bombings in London."
"That's good to hear. The wedding is still ten months away. Gives me plenty of time to prepare."
"Ten months can pass by real quickly, sir."
"Has Commander Austin adjusted to her new post?"
"Meg? She actually fits right in with us. Even told us about a couple of cases she did with Harm."
"Well, I'll take a closer look at this alibi witness. I'll see you again, Sturgis. Hopefully not in court."
"Take care, AJ."
AJ hears the phone click. He looks at the files regarding the David Parker case. The retired Navy SEAL/lawyer/admiral is certain that he will face Sturgis and Meg in a general court-martial.
ooooooooooooo
1930 ZULU
WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON, DC
Petty Officer David Parker walks out of the post exchange in the Washington Navy Yard. He silently counts down the days before his discharge from the Navy. He no longer has any desire to stay in the Navy. The sooner he can close this sorry chapter of his life, the better.
He has noticed the publicity surrounding this case. Celebrities have gathered around his cause, much like they did with Mumia Abu-Jamal, who is on Pennsylvania's death row for murdering a police officer twenty-four years ago. Of course, Abu-Jamal is still incarcerated, while David Parker is as free as any sailor in the U.S. Navy.
Just a few feet from the post exchange, he stops before a man wearing khakis. Parker immediately salutes.
"Good afternoon, Captain," he says.
"Petty Officer Parker," says the captain. "I've heard you got out of prison. Your case has gotten a lot of publicity. A lot of people support you, it seems."
"What happened to me was a grave injustice, sir."
"I just finished an overseas deployment. My crew and I are getting some shore leave. Are you staying in the Navy, Petty Officer?"
"There's a hold on my discharge until October. After that I'll be leaving."
"Good. It will be best if you not talk about this case to anyone other than your lawyer. I know you must be tempted to speak out and join those crowds of activists supporting you. And I would advise you not tell anyone what really happened. Snitches are not very popular in Leavenworth."
"Is there anything else, sir?"
"Without those prints, you'll walk. It's best just to put this whole thing behind you and move on with your life once you leave the Navy."
"I can't wait to do that, sir."
"Good day, Petty Officer."
David Parker watches as the Navy captain walks away, a bitter feeling surfacing in his mind. He exhales deeply and walks away, trying to put the memory of that man behind him.
ooooooooooooooo
DAY 20
2351 ZULU
BALTIMORE POLICE HEADQUARTERS
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
It is late afternoon, around dinnertime, and the task force to re-examine the Halloween Massacre is still working. Paper bags from Burger King and Taco Bell sit on the table where the members of the task force meet.
"We just found something on that lady who said she was with Parker," says a Baltimore police detective, a mustard stain on his white shirt.
"I wonder if it's over," says Lieutenant Lake, holding a double dekcer taco.
Sturgis and Meg read the copies of the report on Carey Mills. The task force had been spneding the better part of two days finding all recoreds relating to Carey Mills.
"She is whom she said she was," says Meg.
Sturgis puts down the report. "We'll talk to the general."
oooooooooooooooo
DAY 21
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
1305 ZULU
Sturgis and Meg arrive in the main office of the Judge Advocate General's headquarters. The people adress them as they enter.
"Good morning, Commanders," says Lieutenant Gregory Vukovic, dressed in his neatly pressed white summer uniform.
"I heard you went to Hawaii," says Meg.
"Yes, ma'am, I did.," replies the lieutenant. "I just got back last night."
"We were in Baltimore," says Sturgis. "Reinvestigating an eight-year-old murder case involving a petty officer."
"Baltimore. Such a vacation spot," says Vukovic. "Maybe one of you will get to go to Vegas TAD."
"I notice you have a tan," says Meg.
Vukovic looks at his arms. "I was in Hawaii. I had to spend at least a few hours on the beach. And no, Commander, it did not affect the performance of my duties. In fact, it helped me solve the case."
"You can tell us about it later, Lieutenant," says Sturgis. "We have to see the general."
The two Navy commanders enter General Creswell's office. The Judge Advocate General lifts his eyes from a cable news show that he is watching.
"Good morning, General," says Sturgis. "We are delivering a debriefing on the investigation into Petty Officer Parker."
"What have you got?" says the general.
"We have three witnesses who place David Parker at the crime scene. One was a homeless man standing on the street near the scene when it happen, one of them heard that Parker did the hit, and the other is in prison for that same crime."
"Any physical evidence?"
"Not at this time, sir," says Meg. "A woman came forth and said that Parker was with her at the time, far away from the scene. We checked her out and she had huge credibility problems."
"Of course, Chegwidden does not need any credible witnesses on his side to win; you do."
"We do not think our witnesses are lying," says Sturgis. "Two of them may have been drug dealers, one even a murderer."
"Chegwidden will probably tear them new ones on cross-examination," says Creswell. He looks at the color television. "Look at that. Every prominent lawyer is giving his two cents about the case. And these protestors"
"I am right here at the Pentagon where protestors have gathered in support of David Parker," says a news reporter on the television screen. Behind him are people chanting and holding signs, and behind those people is the Pentagon, the headquarters for the Department of Defense. "To let you know, David Parker is a sailor falsely convicted of an infamous murderr in Baltimore seven years ago whose convictions were overturned by an appeals court earlier this month. The Navy has yet to decide whether to retry the case."
"David Parker was convicted by a dishonest, racist system!" exclaims a man with drwadlocks, wearing a FREE DAVEY PARKER T-shirt. "He was framed by the police just as Mumia was framed by the police."
"Look out there," says General Creswell, looking out the window. "A crowd has gathered outside, telling us to let him go. There will probanly even be a bigger crowd in the next few weeks."
"What are you hinting at, sir?" asks Meg.
"I think we should let a jury decide how credible these witnesses are," says Creswell.
ooooooooooo
1640 ZULU
WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON, DC
Petty Officer third Class David Bruce Parker sits behind his desk, typing on the keyboard attached to the personal computer, when he notices a flash of white. He looks up and sees two Navy commanders. He stands at attention.
"Good afternoon, Commanders," he says. "Is there anything I can help you with, sir and ma'am?"
"I'm Commander Turner from JAG," says Sturgis.
"Commander Austin," says Meg.
David's heart skips a beat. He calms himself down and smiles. "Petty Officer Parker. Do you wish to see Commander Leonard? I'll be happy to provide whatever assistance you require from me."
"We spoke with SecNav," says Sturgis, "and he has convened a general court-martial to try you for seven counts of Article 118- murder."
David's heart sinks upon hearing about court-martial and murder. He bows his head.
"Tony Dinozzo, NCIS," says a dark-haired man in a suit. "You remember me, don't you?"
Parker recognizes the man. He says nothing.
"I was the one who arrested you when you were in Baltimore PD," says Tony. "Now I'm gonna arrest you again for the same crime. David Bruce Parker, you are under arrest on seven counts of murder. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to appoint civilian counsel."
"I already have a lawyer," says Parker as his wrists are cuffed.
oooooooooo
1955 ZULU
Clad in an orange jumpsuit, David Bruce Parker heard the door open. AJ Chegwidden enters the room and sits down, as the master-at-arms closes the door.
"General Creswell's office informed me that you're going to be court-martialed again," says the lawyer.
"What should we do now?" asks the petty officer.
"Your arraignment's on Monday. The judge in this case has a good reputation. She actually served under my command when I was the JAG. My associates and I will look over the case again, see if we can get get you off. I would like you to consider a plea bargain."
"No way. The fingerprints were bogus! Without that, they have no case."
"I know the two who will prosecute you. Both of them served under me. If there is anything that can connect you to these murders, they will use it."
"You think they have an airtight case?"
"We're still looking over it. But I want you to consider a plea bargain."
"We worked hard to get that conviction overturned! If I go back to prison, that was all for nothing!"
"A plea bargain might be the only way to save your life."
oooooooooooo
DAY 22
1404 ZULU
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
Over a hundred people have gathered just outside the headquarters for the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General. Many of them hold picket signs, with messages such as FREE DAVEY PARKER and NO MORE RACIST FRAME-UPS and HE'S NOT A KILLER. Meanwhile, Petty Officer First Class Jennifer Coates enters the main JAG office, holding some file folders.
"Sir, I was just informed," she says. "Pia pleaded guilty to murder two. It's over."
"Very well, Coates," replies General Creswell.
"Did you notice the protestors outside?" asks Coates.
"It weems they disagree with the decision to court-martial Petty Officer Parker."
"I don't know what anyone can prove, sir. I mean, the fingerprints are useless."
"You've been following the case."
"I read about it in newspapers and the Internet."
"I have others working on this case. You concentrate on your duties and I'll concentrate on mine."
"Yes, sir," says the petty officer.
The general leaves the main office and enters a room where he gives press conferences. He looks at the reporters sitting in the room, as well as the television cameras.
"Good morning," says Creswell. "As you know, the SecNav has convened a general court-martial to try Petty Officer David Parker. He has done this at the recommendation of myself and two other judge advocates from this office. They were part of an interagency task force to reexamine the case. We believe there is evidence to justify another trial."
"We hear reports of a witness claiming that David Parker was somewhere else," says a reporter. "Is she credible?"
"We'll let a jury of six decide whether or not that witness is credible."
"Aren't all of the witnesses for the prosecution convicted criminals?" asks another reporter.
"No. The prosecution will also call the detectives who investigated this case. Yes, some of the witnesses have criminal records. A jury can decide whether or not that means they are lying."
"Will Mr. Parker get a fair trial?" asks another reporter.
"I will do everything in my power to ensure a fair trial," says the general. "There will be zero tolerance for misconduct."
"What will you say to those people demanding Mr. Parker's release?"
"All of my decisions in this matter is based upon fact and law, not public opinion."
oooooooooooo
1630 ZULU
STEFANO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
WASHINGTON, DC
AJ Chegwidden sits in front of the cloth-covered table in Stefano's, an Italian restaurant located on the first floor of the building that also houses Dewey, Walsh, and Lambert. The restaurant has an elegant atmosphere, with cloth-covered tables and wood-paneled walls. Waiters carry trays to serve delicious Italian dishes to customers.
"So it has come to court-martial," says Chris Walsh, who is having lunch with AJ after coming from a court hearing. "I was hoping the publicity would prevent that."
"They have a case," admits AJ. "Not as strong as the original case, but as far as I know, it doesn't involve perjury."
"Winning this case is very important to the firm," says Walsh. "Our firm never represented anyone in a high profile case. When that scandal broke out with that FBI agent pulling evidence out of his ass, we contacted every one whose cases he testified in, offered to represent them. When one of them was in Leavenworth, we knew you were the perfect person for the job."
"I can't argue with that," says AJ, looking at the breadstick.
"The Parker case was the case that is going to place us-and you- in the public eye. You'll be a celebrated lawyer, AJ. Our firm will get more business. Maybe we can make you a partner. Dewey, Walsh, Lambert, and Chegwidden."
"Sounds great," says the retired admiral.
"We sent e-mails to every one of those activist groups, telling them about to case and to support David Parker."
"It was your idea? The publicity was your idea?" asks Chegwidden.
"Definitely," says Chris Walsh. "You know how these activists are, sticking up for every criminal. These guys are advocating freeing that cop killer up in Pennsylvania."
ooooooooooooo
DAY 25
1330 ZULU
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
Maryland Deputy Attorney General Nick Perry is assisted into the courtroom by a Navy master-at-arms. He is placed in the front row. He had requested to attend this arraignment after hearing that Petty Officer Parker will be court-martialed.
"This hearing is now in session," says the bailiff, a man in a white Navy uniform. "Captain Allison Krennick presiding."
Then the judge, a woman with short blond hair, sits at the judges desk. "Petty Officer Third Class David Bruce Parker, you have been charged with seven counts of violating Article 118 , murder, with special circumstances," she says. The captain continues to list each inidivdual charge and specification. "How do you plead?"
Petty Officer Parker stands up along with his lawyer AJ Chegwidden. "Not guilty on all charges," says the petty officer.
"Defendant shall be remanded into custody of convening authority," says Captain Krennick. "Selection is at 1000 tomorrow." She then bangs the gavel.
A master-at-arms escorts David Parker from the courtroom.
AJ approaches Sturgis and Meg.
"Now it begins," says AJ.