The Case of the Stolen Artifact
Chapter 22
1
Ironside finished his breakfast and pushed the empty bowl backward. Perry and Della came out of the bedroom assigned to them. As soon as they sat down beside Robert Ironside, Mark placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of each of them. Going back in to the kitchen, he returned with SFPD coffee mugs and a pot of the brew. After he poured each of them a cup of coffee, he sat down at the table with them.
"You got a phone call from the courthouse," Ironside told him.
"Phone call? Why didn't you wake me?" Perry asked as he sipped his coffee.
"I didn't see any sense in waking you," Ironside said. "Mark took the message. The experts are done analyzing the video from the museum."
When his brother said nothing further, Perry gave him a verbal nudge. "Well, what were the results?"
"The experts weren't the ones who called. The phone call was from the judge's clerk. He said you're to report to court at 10:00."
"I wonder what the results were," Della said.
"I don't," Ironside said. "The video was altered. It had to be if Alexandra is telling the truth, and I believe she is."
"If I hadn't been certain it was altered, Della, I wouldn't have pushed for it to be checked by an expert. Bob's right. It's been altered. At least this part of the case is going our way."
Ironside was staring into his coffee. He could hear his brother talking, but he wasn't really listening. His thoughts were about Katherine. He hadn't heard from Ed, and it was beginning to worry him. The longer it took his sergeant to find her, the less chance he'd find her alive. Why did she just take off and head over there? Whoever was behind this obviously wanted to get her out of the way to make it look like Alexandra was the one who had been casing the museum.
Nor had he heard from Eve regarding Tracy's whereabouts. He should've sent Carl instead of Eve. He rejected that thought almost as soon as it entered his mind. Eve was a very capable officer. She could handle herself in any situation. Ironside had hoped both of them would've been found by now. At the very least, both of his officers should've reported back to him.
"Bob, you didn't answer me," Perry said.
Brought out of his thoughts, Ironside looked up at his brother. "I'm sorry. What's your question?"
"Are you coming to court?" Perry asked.
"Someone has to take Matlock and McMasters to the airport," the chief answered.
Della smiled. "Ben's not going back just yet."
Perry and Della had Ironside's full attention. "What do you mean he's not going back? The inquiry is over. I've been cleared. Why's he staying?"
"He wants to help with Alexandra Hughes' case," Mason responded.
"What for? Doesn't he think he made enough money off me?" Ironside grumbled.
"You mean off me, don't you?" Perry said with a smile. "Actually, I told him I appreciated he wanted to help, but I didn't need it. He offered to forego his fee for defending you if I would let him stay on as co-counsel."
"And you agreed to that?"
"Of course I did. It means I'll actually make some money on this case," Mason said with a grin.
"And here I thought I was going to finally get the bathroom to myself," Ironside grumbled.
Della chuckled. "Cheer up, Robert. This way Alexandra Hughes has the two best lawyers in the country. How can she possibly lose?"
"How much longer is this trial going to last?" Ironside demanded.
Perry winked at Della. "Oh, it could last as much as another month."
The chief snorted in disgust. "I wonder if I can talk Dennis into putting in a second bathroom."
2
Perry arrived at the courthouse. As usual, he and Della were met with a horde of reporters shouting questions at him. They were eager to know the results of the museum tape analysis. Since Mason didn't know the results, he couldn't very well give it to them, not that he would have anyway.
With his hand on Della's elbow, he guided her safely through the mass of reporters and into the building. He was just as anxious to find out the results of the test as the hungry media. Yet, his instincts told him the results would be on the side of the defense.
Alexandra Hughes was waiting at the defense table when he arrived. "Mister Mason, what were the results of the test?"
Mason smiled and patted her hand. "We'll find out very shortly, but don't worry. It'll be good for us."
Judge Herman Thatcher entered the courtroom from his chambers as the bailiff called out for everyone to rise. After he was seated on the bench, he told everyone to be seated. "The court has the results of the test on the museum video. Would Mister Bruce Dempsey step forward and be sworn in?"
Dempsey stood up and came to the front of the courtroom. After being sworn in, he sat down at the witness stand. A video monitor was already placed on a table beside him.
"I'm calling Mister Dempsey to the stand, not as a prosecution or defense witness. It is important . . . no, it is imperative. There's a question before the court as to whether this video has been altered. Therefore, the court ordered an outside professional, not associated with either the prosecution or the defense to check it for alteration. In this case, I will be doing the questioning."
Deputy Prosecutor Gary Sullivan stood up. "I appreciate the court's diligence in this matter, but since this is a prosecution exhibit, I request the court allow the prosecution to question the witness."
"Request denied," Thatcher said immediately. There will be no grandstanding by either attorney over this exhibit."
Sullivan wasn't happy, but there wasn't anything he could do about it. The judge controlled the courtroom. He didn't like him questioning the witness. If it didn't go the prosecution's way, Sullivan wanted the opportunity to destroy the witness' testimony. The very fact he was worried about it showed he had doubts that the video hadn't been tampered with.
"Now, Mister Dempsey, I'd like you to tell the court your credentials," Judge Thatcher said.
For ten minutes, Bruce Dempsey outlined his schooling, experience, and expertise in video editing. Judge Thatcher was very thorough with his questioning. He made sure there'd be no doubt the man was an expert in his field.
"Mister Dempsey, I asked that you bring the video in question into the court room and I see you have done that. Please step down and start the video."
Dempsey left the witness stand. Pushing the keys on the computer on which the video was stored, it appeared on the monitor. "You will see here, Miss Hughes is entering the museum."
"Did you find the video had been altered when the defendant entered the museum?" the judge asked.
"Not when the defendant entered," Dempsey said. A big grin appeared on Gary Sullivan's face. It was quickly wiped off when Bruce Dempsey continued. "However, just before Miss Hughes enters, you will see a slight flicker." He backed it up and played the section of the video in question.
"I don't see any flicker in that video," Sullivan said as he stood up and walked over to the monitor. Perry Mason joined him at the table.
"Play it again, Mister Dempsey," the judge ordered.
Dempsey backed the video up and did as he was requested. Mason immediately caught what the expert was talking about. Pointing at the flicker, which was almost non-existent . . . but not quite, Mason said, "This is what you're talking about."
The witness smiled. "Very good, Mister Mason. Most people wouldn't have even spotted the flaw in the video."
"This is ridiculous," Sullivan complained. "I don't see anything at all."
Bruce Dempsey smiled. "Like I said, most people wouldn't. Mister Mason's power of observation is well known."
"And mine isn't, is that what you're saying?" Sullivan said indignantly.
"That'll be enough, Mister Sullivan. Mister Dempsey didn't say that. He simply said the defense attorney is known for his power of observation. I think we can all agree it is part of his reputation."
Sullivan didn't like conceding anything to Perry Mason. He didn't care if he was a famous attorney. He was tired of hearing about the attorney who never loses. Well, he was going to lose this case.
The judge continued. "Tell the court what that flicker means."
"It means the video was altered. Someone didn't want you to see what was happening."
"Objection, the witness is speculating," Sullivan complained.
"Sustained. Please stick to the facts, Mister Dempsey," the judge admonished.
"I am sorry, Your Honor," Dempsey said.
"To be clear, it isn't speculation the video was altered, is that correct?" Mason demanded.
"That is correct. The video was most definitely altered."
"How was it altered, Mister Dempsey?" Judge Thatcher continued to stare at the computer monitor.
"Well, that flicker represents the video being paused."
"Could someone have entered the museum while the video was paused?" Mason asked.
"Definitely. There's no doubt about it. There is no way to tell how long it was paused," Dempsey answered.
"How can you be sure it isn't just a glitch in the video rather than having been altered?" Gary Sullivan was concerned this part of his evidence could be thrown out when there really wasn't anything wrong with the video.
Dempsey gave a five minute explanation why it wasn't possible. Sullivan could tell the judge was buying his explanation. Dempsey then moved the video forward. "It happens again, right here. The video was paused. Someone could have entered at this time as well without showing up on the security video."
"Your Honor, may I be permitted to ask a question?" Mason requested.
Judge Herman Thatcher smiled. "So far, neither counsel has paid any attention to not asking questions. Go ahead, Mister Mason."
"Can we play the section that shows the murder?" Mason knew it wasn't there. There'd be no way the killer would've allowed it to be filmed. The lawyer was going to get his point across.
"There is no section that shows the murder being committed, Mister Mason," Dempsey said.
"Then could you tell me if someone paused the video right at the time?"
"There's no doubt about it. It was turned off at the time the murder was committed."
Gary Sullivan didn't care for this turn of events. It was a threat to his case and he knew it. There had to be a way to minimize the damage it was causing. "Mister Dempsey, isn't it possible that the system was malfunctioning at the time of the murder?"
"There's always that possibility, Mister Sullivan, but in this case, there are clear signs the video was interrupted to hide what was really going on."
Sullivan turned sharply to the judge. "I object to his comment and ask that it be stricken from the record. Mister Sullivan couldn't possibly know why the video was interrupted, let alone make a statement that it was to hide what was really going on."
Thatcher again smiled. "You asked, Counselor. The witness simply answered. "However, the last part of his statement will be stricken."
Mason couldn't help himself. He smiled, looked at the deputy district attorney, and said, "If it wasn't to conceal what was really going on, do you suppose he was hiding a party they were having?" The courtroom broke out in laughter.
Judge Thatcher lightheartedly banged his gavel. The corners of his mouth were upturned. He obviously found Mason's remark amusing, but was trying to hide it. He knew he had to scold Perry Mason. "That will be enough, Mister Mason. The court will not tolerate such statements."
Mason bowed toward the judge. "My apologies to the court."
"Mister Dempsey, in your opinion, would you consider the video as reliable evidence in this case?" the judge asked.
"Absolutely not," Bruce Dempsey answered. "It was turned off and on to hide something. It is not a reliable source as to who entered the building."
"Your Honor . . ." Gary Sullivan called out, but was interrupted by Judge Thatcher before he could get any further.
"Mister Sullivan, despite the fact that I threw out a portion of Mister Dempsey's earlier statement, it has since become obvious this was done on purpose, and someone was trying to hide something."
"But, Your Honor, Kevin Powers, the man in charge of video security stated he had been in the security room all evening. It couldn't have been tampered with," Sullivan protested.
"I must object to Mister Sullivan's reference to anything Kevin Powers said as he's not in court to testify to it. Mister Sullivan is simply repeating hearsay," Mason complained.
Sullivan turned to Mason with a disgusted look on his face. "Naturally, he's been removed from the equation."
He said it with such venom Mason couldn't ignore it. "You're not suggesting I had anything to do with his death, are you?"
"He has been conveniently stopped from testifying!"
"Mister Sullivan! That is enough!" Thatcher growled. "You'd better be certain you can prove any accusations you make or I'll hold you in contempt of court. Is that clear?"
Sullivan calmed down. "It is, Your Honor." As much as he hated to, he turned and addressed Perry Mason. "I apologize, Mister Mason. I was out of order."
Mason simply nodded and smiled at the deputy district attorney.
Thatcher decided not to address the incident any further and continued. "In as much as this expert witness has testified the video can't be relied on as evidence, I am throwing it out."
Dejected, Sullivan sat down at the prosecution table, but not before throwing a look at Mason to display his displeasure with the lawyer.
The defense attorney noticed the look, but didn't acknowledge it. Sullivan was so set on winning the case, he was blinded by the significance of what the tampered video was telling them.
"Mister Sullivan, you may now call your next witness."
"Your Honor, before I do that, on the matter of the video . . ."
"I've ruled on the video and my ruling is final," Judge Thatcher said sternly. "Call your next witness."
Gary Sullivan was clearly upset with the ruling, yet he knew he could push it no further without angering Thatcher. He didn't want to do that out of fear he might lean toward favoring Mason. So, he decided the video was a lost cause. "The people call Lieutenant Carl Reese to the stand."
Reese, who was sitting in the back of the room, stood up and came forward. He was sworn in and sat down at the witness stand. Sullivan barely gave him enough time to settle in before he began his questioning.
"Lieutenant, you work for Chief Robert Ironside. Is that correct?"
"No, actually I don't work directly for him," Reese replied.
Sullivan gave him a disgusted look. "Everyone in the department works for Robert Ironside. According to the chain of command, he is over everyone except Commissioner Randall."
Mason stood up. "The defense would like to know who is testifying, Lieutenant Reese or Prosecutor Sullivan." Several people in the room laughed.
"Mister Sullivan, you know better than to testify for the witness," the judge admonished.
"I am not testifying for the witness. Lieutenant Reese is not being forthright with his answers."
"Actually, he was very forthright," Mason disagreed. "He said he doesn't work directly for Chief Ironside and he does not. He works in the homicide department."
"All right, gentlemen, let's move on. Mister Prosecutor, you were not asking a question, therefore, you were testifying for the witness. The objection is sustained."
Sullivan didn't attempt to hide his disdain for Mason. It seemed to him Thatcher was giving the lawyer all the breaks. Mason had the ability to intimidate judges. He never would have believed Thatcher could be intimidated by any attorney, but it was obvious to him he was where Mason was concerned.
"Lieutenant Reese, was the defendant seen in the museum before the actual theft took place?" Sullivan asked.
"Objection!" Mason called out. "At what point is the prosecution referring to? Ten years ago, twenty years ago, or five minutes ago?"
Sullivan rolled his eyes. Mason knew exactly what time period he was talking about. He would object to anything to delay the proceedings; the reason being he had no case. He couldn't get Hughes off and he knew it. "I'll rephrase the question." He turned and frowned at the famous attorney. "Lieutenant, from the time the Chinese exhibit came to town," he looked back at Mason, "was Alexandra Hughes seen in the museum?"
"Yes, she was."
"How many times?"
"At least twice that I'm aware of."
"And where was she seen?"
"Near one of the exhibits in particular," Reese said.
"Which one?" Sullivan demanded.
"The Chinese Tiger."
"In other words, she was casing it, isn't that right?" Sullivan asked, raising his voice.
"Objection!" Matlock called out, standing up for the first time. "The lieutenant can't possibly know what was in the mind of the defendant."
"Just a minute, Mister Matlock," the judge said. "This man is a police officer, an expert in observation. The court will hear his opinion."
"But, Your Honor!" Matlock protested.
"Your objection is overruled." The sternness in his voice caused Mason to put a hand on the lawyer's arm.
"It's all right, Ben. Let it go," he whispered.
"Of all the ridiculous rulings," he said to Mason.
"Don't worry about it. Remember, Tracy Oliver and Katherine Denuerve were lured to the museum."
"Lieutenant, did it appear to you she was casing the museum?" Sullivan repeated.
"It did at first, but after . . . "
"That will be all," Sullivan said and headed back to the prosecution table.
As Mason began to stand up, Matlock headed for the witness stand. Perry sat back down. Glancing over at Della, he shrugged.
Matlock approached the witness. "Lieutenant, the defendant only allegedly went into the museum, isn't that right?"
Sullivan looked up. What was Matlock up to? He stood up. "Objection! Allegedly? Lieutenant Reese just testified she was in the museum twice."
Judge Thatcher frowned at the district attorney. "Exactly what grounds are you objecting on?"
"Your Honor, Mister Matlock is twisting the witness' words. Alexandra Hughes was in the museum twice that Lieutenant Reese has testified about."
"Your Honor, we intend to show there is a very good possibility it wasn't Alexandra Hughes at all." There were murmurs across the courtroom.
With a bang of the gavel, the courtroom quieted immediately. The judge ruled without hesitation. "I am going to allow this line of questioning. If defense counsel can prove it was not the defendant who entered the museum, he should be allowed to do so."
Sullivan's face turned red with anger, but he kept it in check.
"Lieutenant, do the names Tracy Oliver and Katherine Denuerve mean anything to you?" Matlock asked.
"They do."
"Tell the court how they are related to this case," Matlock said.
"Objection! Incompetent, irrelevant, and immaterial," Sullivan called out.
Matlock looked back at the prosecutor. "Now just how can you know that without hearing Lieutenant Reese's testimony? You couldn't possibly . . ."
"Mister Matlock, if you would kindly allow me to rule on the objection, I would appreciate it," Judge Thatcher said with a touch of sarcasm.
"His objection is ridiculous," Matlock complained. "There's no basis for it. Incompetent, irrelevant, and immaterial! It couldn't be more competent, relevant and . . . "
"Mister Matlock!" Thatcher called out sternly.
Della looked over at Perry. He didn't seem to be concerned over Matlock's behavior. Della had read on occasion the attorney could become rather animated and a bit out of control in the courtroom. His style certainly was far different than Perry's dignified demeanor.
Matlock backed off and waited for Thatcher's ruling. The judge shook his head. He certainly knew about Matlock's reputation, but he wasn't going to get away with it in his courtroom. Thatcher had developed respect for Perry Mason as he watched him operate in his courtroom previously. "Mister Matlock, can you tie these people to this case?"
"Yes, Your Honor, I believe I can," Matlock said.
"Then the objection is overruled. Please continue."
Sullivan sat down, obviously upset with the ruling as he knew where Matlock and Mason were going with it.
Ben Matlock addressed Carl Reese. "Lieutenant, tell the court how Tracy Oliver and Katherine Denuerve are related to this case."
"Both women look exactly like the defendant," Reese answered.
"So, in all actuality, you can't say whether it was Alexandra Hughes, Katherine Denuerve, or Tracy Oliver who visited the museum, can you?"
Gary Sullivan was on his feet. His face red and his arms waving, he shouted, "Objection! Mister Matlock is attempting to confuse the issues by claiming the defendant was not in the museum."
"Just a minute, Mister Sullivan. Defense counsel has every right to challenge your contention that Alexandra Hughes was, as you put it, casing the museum. Go ahead, Mister Matlock."
"Your Honor, at this time I would like to turn the questioning of this witness over to Mister Mason, who is more knowledgeable on this particular point." Ben Matlock walked back to the defense table and sat down in the seat next to Perry Mason, who had stood up.
Mason approached Lieutenant Reese. "Lieutenant, can you honestly identify the woman you saw in the museum on two separate occasions as Alexandra Hughes?"
"No, Mister Mason. I can only say that it appeared to be Alexandra Hughes."
Gary Sullivan stood up again. He was well aware Robert Ironside had sent his staff to Europe to look for the two women whom Reese was testifying about. "Your Honor, Lieutenant Reese is not the person to testify about these two woman who allegedly look like the defendant. I request the court order the defense attorney to produce these women and prove they were the ones who came into the museum."
Herman Thatcher had no choice but to agree with the deputy district attorney. "Mister Mason, Mister Sullivan is has a legitimate complaint. Are you prepared to produce these two women to testify?"
Mason looked back at his brother. He knew full well he couldn't produce Tracy Oliver and Katherine Denuerve. He was aware Gary Sullivan would request the women be called if he knew they were in Europe. His only choice was the request he was about to make.
"Your Honor, it is not possible to produce the witnesses at this time."
"In that case, I move the entire line of questioning be stricken from the record," Sullivan demanded.
"I would ask the court not honor that request," Mason interjected. "Instead, I request, Your Honor, the defense be allowed to recall Chief Ironside to the stand to testify as to why these witnesses are unavailable."
"I think that's reasonable, Mister Sullivan. Are there any further questions for Lieutenant Reese?"
Sullivan shook his head. He didn't like the turn things were taking. It seemed the judge was ruling against him every step of the way. He declined to question Reese any further. His entire reason for questioning him was the claim that he had seen Alexandra Hughes in the museum twice. He worried Mason and Matlock were about to be allowed to continue smoke and mirror tactics.
"You may step down, Lieutenant Reese. Chief Ironside will return to the stand."
Perry Mason walked over, opened the gate, and held it for his brother. Robert Ironside wheeled to the front of the room and settled his wheelchair in front of the stand.
"I will remind you, Chief, you are still under oath," Judge Thatcher told the detective.
Mason came forward when Gary Sullivan stood up. "Your Honor, I am presenting the prosecution's case. It is not Mister Mason's place to question this witness, it is the prosecution's."
"I beg the court's pardon, but the defense has the right to call rebuttal witnesses. Chief Ironside is a rebuttal witness," Mason insisted.
"Mister Mason is correct. You may question the witness."
Mason approached his brother. "Chief Ironside, can you explain to the court why Tracy Oliver and Katherine Denuerve are not available to testify in this court?"
"They were lured out of the country to keep them from testifying."
"Oh, objection! There is no proof the women were, as Chief Ironside puts it, lured out of the country."
"If the deputy prosecutor will be patient, Chief Ironside will clarify why he believes they were lured out of the country."
"Objection overruled," Thatcher said.
"Naturally," Sullivan complained quietly, but not so quietly the judge couldn't hear him.
"What was that, Mister Sullivan?" Thatcher asked, knowing fully well what he had said.
"Nothing, Your Honor," Sullivan said, embarrassed he had spoken louder than he had intended.
"Mister Mason, you may continue." Thatcher did not take his eyes off Sullivan.
The defense attorney turned to his brother and continued. "Chief, when were you aware Tracy Oliver and Katherine Denuerve had been lured to Europe?"
"I object to the use of the word "lured," Sullivan complained.
Judge Thatcher rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Mister Sullivan, Chief Ironside has testified in this court dozens of times. If he uses the word lured, I trust he is about to substantiate it. If he doesn't, then I will strike his testimony."
Gary Sullivan was having trouble containing his frustration. He was furious with Mason and Matlock. The judge was being taken in by their muddying of the waters. He couldn't say anything further without making the judge more upset with him, so he sat at the prosecutor table fuming, but saying nothing more.
"Now, Chief, when did you become aware the women were lured to Europe?" Mason asked, emphasizing lured.
"I became aware when I was unable to reach Katherine Denuerve. After checking into her whereabouts, I found out she had received a call from Montre and Sons, a winery, to come to France on the premise she would be able to sell her wine to them."
Sullivan interrupted again. "I don't see how that could possibly show she was lured over there to keep her from testifying in this courtroom."
"That point will be cleared up if Mister Sullivan will be patient," Mason said.
"Go ahead, Mister Mason," Thatcher said.
"Now, Chief, how do you know Katherine Denueve didn't simply respond to an offer made by Montre and Sons?" Mason asked.
"I didn't until John Lovell approached me and asked me to check into the disappearance of his daughter, Tracy. She was lured to Italy under the guise of purchasing a villa she had been told had been sold, but the deal supposedly fell through."
"So why would a deal which fell through raise your suspicions?"
"Because, when I checked on the villa in question, it had indeed been purchased and was not available for sale," Ironside answered.
There were several murmurs throughout the courtroom which Judge Thatcher quieted immediately with the banging of his gavel.
"Then what did you do?" Mason asked.
"I sent Officer Eve Whitfield to Rome, Italy and Sergeant Ed Brown to Paris, France to find both of these ladies. According to Francois Montre, Katherine Denuerve had not called upon him nor visited his winery. In fact, he said he did not call her."
"So what makes you think she was lured there?" Mason asked.
"Because I had her phone records checked, and there was a call from Montre's winery to the Denuerve Vineyards."
"Thank you, Chief Ironside," Mason said and headed back to the defense table.
"Chief, were these women lured away before or after the alleged appearances at the museum?" The judge asked. Thatcher noticed Sullivan had placed his hands over his eyes. The deputy prosecutor did not want the judge see him rolling his eyes. Mason and Ironside now had Thatcher using lured in his description of how Oliver and Denuerve wound up in Europe.
"They were lured away directly after their appearance at the museum."
Sullivan stood up. "I have to object to this entire line of questioning. Chief Ironside is being investigated for his conduct in the possibility of assisting the defendant in the theft of the Chinese Tiger. Naturally, it would fit his narrative to claim they were lured away."
Matlock shot out of his chair. "And I object to your conduct, Mister Sullivan. You are a bit late to the party."
"Gentlemen! That'll be quite enough!" Thatcher roared. "This is a courtroom not a bar where you can brawl. Both of you will address the bench and not each other."
"I apologize, Your Honor. I didn't want to bring this up, but since Chief Ironside insists on trying to showcase the defendant as the victim, I submit he is trying to protect a former lover," Sullivan claimed.
"That's ridiculous!" Matlock shouted.
"Mister Matlock, I am warning you. I will find you in contempt of court if you don't stop this behavior right now!"
Perry Mason placed a hand on Matlock's arm. "Easy, Ben. Judge Thatcher won't allow you to get away with what you do in Atlanta."
Matlock calmed down. "Your Honor, I apologize to the court. However, I can't allow Mister Sullivan to smear a highly decorated police detective to try to substantiate his case against the defendant, who by the way is innocent. If Mister Sullivan was keeping up, he would realize Chief Ironside was completely exonerated. The witness in question admitted to being paid by Sergeant Terry Cox to lie about seeing Chief Ironside plotting with the defendant to steel the Chinese Tiger."
Sullivan stood up. "What? When did this happen?"
Matlock ignored him and continued. "Furthermore, Sergeant Terry Cox was shot and killed by the police while attempting to kill Officer Duffy at the hospital, who just happens to be a witness when he wakes up."
"If he wakes up," Sullivan said.
"He'll wake up. He is improving every day," Matlock said.
Thatcher didn't like what he was hearing. If Alexandra Hughes killed Howard Jurgens, then why would a police officer try to kill a potential witness and frame Chief Ironside? This entire case was starting to smell. Thatcher was beginning to believe the defendant was indeed innocent after all. Unfortunately, someone did a very good job of framing her, and he couldn't just dismiss the charges. "The objection, if there was one," he looked at Ben Matlock, "is sustained. I will remind the district attorney Chief Ironside is a veteran detective with an impeccable record with numerous citations for bravery and outstanding performance. Obviously, there was an attempt to smear him. I don't like what is going on here. I suggest the district attorney take a closer look at this case and decide whether he wants to continue or dismiss the charges."
"Dismiss the charges! No disrespect, Your Honor, but I remind the court the defendant's finger prints are on the murder weapon. She had motive and opportunity. I will not dismiss the charges."
"That's your prerogative, Mister Prosecutor. Are there any other questions for Chief Ironside?" He looked up at the opposing lawyers.
Mason smiled. "Nothing further, Your Honor."
Sullivan decided not to waste any more time on the subject. Mason and Matlock had won on this point without having to prove the women were actually lured to Europe.
"You may step down, Chief." Realizing his choice of words, the judge turned a bit red before saying, "You are excused. Mister Prosecutor, call your next witness," Thatcher said.
"The people rest. We feel we have proved a murder was committed, that there is enough evidence to suspect the defendant committed that murder, and should be bound over and tried of murder in the first degree."
"Mister Mason, is it your intention to put on a defense?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
Thatcher looked at his watch. "Due to the lateness of the hour, we'll adjourn and reconvene at 10:00 tomorrow morning.
Della began collecting Perry's paperwork and putting it into his briefcase. She was looking at the lawyer out of the corner of her eye. Once her task was completed, she closed the briefcase and handed it to a smiling Perry Mason.
"You know I could do that myself," Perry said.
She smiled back at him. "It's my job, Mister Mason."
"I suppose it is." When he hesitated to move, Della looked up at him. "I miss the closeness," he told her. "We don't have any privacy in Bob's office."
"I know, but it won't last forever," she reminded him.
Mason nodded as he watched his brother wheel over to him. "Perry, I think it's about time we find out who has been embezzling money from the city. I'm betting whoever it is, is the one pulling the strings."
"In other words . . . the murderer," Mason said.
"That's exactly what I mean," Ironside confirmed.
"I think I know who it is," Matlock said.
"I think we all know who it is," Perry stated. "It has to be someone who has access to city funds. Proving it might not be easy. We have to confirm who took the funds and tie him or her to the murder."
"Which we can do as soon as we find out who is stealing from the city of San Francisco. Let's go see Judge Thatcher and get a search warrant on the city books," Ironside suggested.
Mason, Ironside, and Matlock left the courtroom determined to nail the killer and end the case. Mason took Della's elbow. She could feel his determination as he guided her out of the courthouse. Della decided she wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of the mens' wrath.