Chapter 5
New York Criminal Court
Manhattan, New York
"Now before I render my decision is there any further arguments that either counsel wish to present at this time?" The Judge asked Mr. Sorenson and Erin.
"No your honor." Both of them said at the same time.
"Very well. After taking time to look over the motion by the defense and the logs provided by the state, I have to deny the motion to dismiss the charges and evidence." The Judge told the courtroom. She motioned over her bailiff and handed a copies of her decision to be handed to the lawyers. "Mr. Sorenson, while your argument for delay in the processing of evidence does have some merit, it does not warrant the dismissal of charges and the evidence."
The judge took a quick look around before she continued. "The priority of the evidence in the Chief Kent case is due to the Federal government making their case a priority and not this court."
Erin looked over at Mr. Sorenson who was sitting there with a stone faced look. It took all her control not to smirk at the defeated defense attorney.
"The handling of evidence is always under review by not only the lab, but the state attorneys, and outside sources. Race does not play a factor in the processing of evidence." The Judge continued with her opinion of the motion. She looked around once more. "As far as the state attorney goes, she did what she thought was in her best interest of not only you and your client, but the state as well. Are there any questions at this time?"
"No your honor." Both attorneys spoke at the same time.
"Very well then. Let's schedule jury selection for tomorrow and push for opening statements on Wednesday. Any object to this by any of the counsels?" The Judge asked them. Both lawyers shook their heads no. "Alright then, jury selection tomorrow. Court stands in recess."
"Congratulations Ms. Reagan, I hope you are happy." Mr. Sorenson said to Erin as soon as the judge had left the bench.
"Don't look so down Mr. Sorenson, you'll have your evidence today." Erin said with smile as she started to walk away. She noticed Danny standing near the back of the courtroom. "To what do I owe this pleasure Danny?"
"You got second sis?" Danny asked opening the door to the courtroom. He followed Erin out into the hallway and stopped by a bench located just outside the courtroom. "Erin, this is Sandra. A friend of Linda's from the hospital."
"Nice to meet you. What is this about Danny?" Erin asked after shaking hands with Sandra. She led them to a room near the elevators and closed the door once inside the mini conference room.
"My homicide victim got his childhood friend into the abuse women's underground, and I need to talk to her. She was put in an arrange marriage and the husband was abusing her." Danny said sitting down across from his sister, while Sandra took a chair at the head of the table. "Sandra can get me in touch with her, but she wants to know what type of protection she can get for the women."
"Danny if she is a material witness, you can get an order forcing her to come in." Erin said to her brother.
"Her friend and his boyfriend moved her to safety. The boyfriend was erasing her identity." Danny said passing over what he had learned so far on the case to his sister. "She is a person of interest, but I need to talk to her."
"So why do you need me? You know as much as I do wives can't be forced to testify against husbands." Erin remarked.
"Miss. Reagan, a lot of these women fear that they will be placed back into their abusive situation. Danny doesn't think this women is a suspect, but she won't come out unless some type of protection is offered." Sandra said to Erin looking her in the eyes. "I have been in that relationship, and it was only because of a policemen as a neighbor that got me out of it, so I trust Danny."
Erin looked at Danny and Sandra for a moment. The wheels turned inside her head. "Safe house minimum, maybe witness protection. Yet I want to be there when you interview her, so I can get it in writing and also so you don't go around my back to get a warrant."
"Thank you sis, I owe one." Danny said with a smile on his face. He nodded to Sandra who nodded also.
"I'll put it on your tab." Erin said as she got up to leave the room. She stopped at the door. "Why did you do this Sandra?"
"Believe it or not, the man that was murdered was trying to protect his friend. I want justice for him." Sandra replied. Erin smiled and left the room.
One Police Plaza
Manhattan, New York
"Well I can't say I am shocked." Garrett says as he lays the New York Daily News down on Frank's desk. "Council to commissioner: Bite the bullet. Catchy headline."
"I'm not laughing Garrett." Frank said as he picked up the paper and looked at the cover. He sighed as the image of a hospital with a target over it. "You would think they would at least look over the analysis before leaking it to the press."
"You don't have exactly that many friends on the city council." Garrett remarked as he sat down in a chair as he pulled out his phone.
"I can count my friends on the city council on one hand." Frank replied to the comment from Garrett by tossing the paper back on to the desk. "Who do you think it was?"
"Don't know, but I am getting hounded by press for a statement." Garrett said holding up his phone and waving it. "New York Times is writing an article calling for the NYPD to do the job with the resources at hand."
"Wonderful." Frank replied to the news. He leaned back in his chair to think about the current situation.
Ghormley walked into the room with a little bit of frustration behind him. "Sir."
"Sid, is there a reason you came in the room like that?" Frank asked with a curious look on his face.
"Yes sir. The Police Union President released a statement that calls for a vote before any changes are made to precinct assignments, and hiring of more officers." Ghormley said handing over the email he received from the police union.
"What makes them think they have a voice in this?" Garrett asked taking the paper from Frank.
"They feel they have a right to protect the citizens and their members just as we do." Ghormley replied to the question. He sat down in the chair. "They want to know what your response is going to be sir."
"So do I." Frank remarked.
12th Precinct
Manhattan New York
"Jenko got a minute." Jamie called out to Eddie as he saw her walking from a parking spot near the precinct. He walked up to her as she stopped. Their platoon had the swing shift but Eddie and Jamie agreed to meet at the precinct a couple hours before their shift so she could help him study for the exam.
"For you Reagan, I got all day." Eddie said as she smiled at Jamie. That smile of Eddie made Jamie's heart jump every time.
"Funny." Jamie replied with a smile on his face as well. He shifted on his feet for a moment, nervous by what she would say. He decided to just come out with it. "Hey, my family wanted me to invite you for Sunday dinner at my dad and grandpa's house.
Eddie stood in shocked in what Jamie had asked her. "Jamie don't get me wrong I would love too, but what would people think, especially Sarge?"
"That was the point that was brought up by me, my father, and grandfather." Jamie responded to her question. He shifted on his feet again. "Look I know what people would think if they saw us having dinner at my dad's, but as partners, your family to me. Come to one of the dinners."
"Geez Jamie I don't know." Eddie said a little reluctantly. Since she had been partnered with Jamie, she heard of the famous Reagan dinners, and even imaged being at one, but the gossip may come from it worried her. "Your dad is my boss, my dad being in prison, the image it may send."
"I understand Eddie, I know about the image it may throw out there, but at least think about it." Jamie said. He looked at Eddie's face who was quite unsure, so he decided to throw in a clincher. "If you do say yes, I guarantee really good food."
"Not fair Reagan. You know what the promise of good food does to me." Eddie said laughing, while poking a finger into Jamie's chest. She shifted on her feet as well. "I'll think about Reagan."
"All I can ask from my partner." Jamie replied with a smile on his face. He looked at the precinct. "Still want to help me study?"
"And miss a chance of getting rid of you? Of course I am going to help." Eddie answered Jamie's question. She started off at a fast pace towards the precinct, leaving Jamie to catch up.
Tompkins Square Park
Manhattan, New York
Danny, Baez, and Erin were sitting at a table in Tompkins Square Park enjoying the warm summer day while waiting for Adara to show up to the meeting. Whoever Sandra contacted to arrange the meeting suggested an open place with lots of people around. To Danny that sounded like a pretty smart idea, and suggested Tompkins Park during the lunch hour rush.
"What are we doing here exactly?" Erin asked only arriving a few minutes ago from her office. All she received was Danny's call to be at the park.
"This is the place I suggested we meet Adara." Danny replied to Erin's question while trying not looking to over cautious. "They suggested someplace open."
Before Erin could answer, a female came walking toward them and sat down on the table next to them. She calmly opened a bottle water and took a sip from it. "Detective Reagan?"
"Yes?" Danny answered his hand reaching down towards his weapon.
"Just to be clear, we will only send over Adara, if you can gurantee her safety from her husband." The women said without looking at him.
Danny looked over at Erin who took the lead. "If she has something that leads to an arrest in the case, safe house, possible witness protection. That is best I can do without clearance from my boss."
"Ma'am, her friend is dead, and every minute his killer is one step closer to getting away with this." Danny said shifting in the seat of the table. He looked over towards the women. "Trust me, ADA Reagan is pretty good at keeping her promises."
The woman looked over at Danny for a moment before looking back towards the way she had come. She waved towards someone at the far end of the park. That person walked over to the table and removed the hoodie from over her head. Adara Hassan sat down as the women got up and moved off towards another table just a few feet away. The bruises that covered her face were fading but you can tell she was abused.
"Ms. Hassan thank you for meeting us." Baez said coming over with Danny and Erin to the table that Adara was sitting at. Baez took out a notebook and pen. "We have a few questions for you."
"Is it true that Trevor is dead?" Adara said looking at the three of them.
"Yes it is." Danny told her. "I'm very sorry for your loss."
"There was something special about him. Ever since we were kids." Adara replied crying just a little bit. Erin had her a tissue from her person to which Adara nodded. "He always looked after me, you know, maybe because he didn't have any siblings."
"What can you tell me about your husband?" Baez asked Adara who was still crying a little bit.
"My father started his own business when he first got here, basically selling rugs, and carpets, anything from the region he was born in. Yet to be successful he need someone of influence to help with the paperwork in Pakistan." Adara answered the question dabbing her eyes a little bit. She looked at Baez before continuing. "So he arranged for me to marry the son high ranking official in the ministry of trade. He comes from a family that believes in the strict version of the Koran."
"We heard he was jealous of you and your relationship with Trevor and Fred?" Danny asked getting a nod from Adara.
"Yes, even though I assured him there was nothing going on, but he believes that I am spending too much time with them. He also says I shouldn't be going to school or working." Adara answered. "To him everything I tell him was a lie and he would beat me."
"Adara, why didn't you leave and get a divorce?" Erin asked
"I was married in Pakistan, so only the Pakistan's courts can grant a divorce." Adara answered. She shifted in her seat. "They rarely do."
"Adara, what does your father know about this?" Erin asked again making her own notes.
"He knows about the abuse, but he looks the other way because of the money." Adara said. She looked around at the both them. "I am expected to behave like the good wife I am supposed to be."
"Does your husband and father know about Trevor and Fred's relationship?" Baez asked Adara.
Adara shook her head. "No, my mother and I kept that from them. It would be an embarrassment for them."
"What is your husband's name Adara?" Erin asked Adara again. She was taken aback by all this coming from this poor women.
"Muhammad Hassan." Adara replied.
"Does he own a gun?" Danny asked making his own notes. He felt that he was getting valuable information.
"No but my father does, but he has been in Pakistan for the past couple weeks." Adara replied to the question with a look. "Oh my god. My father got my husband licensed for concealed carry. All the managers do for when they are making the bank drop."
"What type of gun does your father own?" Baez asked.
"45 caliber. Not sure what type." Adara said just realizing what may have occurred.
Danny signaled for the escort to comeback over to the table. "Here is my card with cell number."
Baez and Erin also handed over their cards to Adara, who put up her hoodie and left with her escort. They all looked at each other.
"I'll get you that warrant for the gun." Erin said pulling out her cell phone to call her office.
"And we better start looking for husband." Baez stated pulling out her phone to start the search for the husband.
"Yeah before he gets wise and heads back to Pakistan." Danny answered.
I hope everyone is enjoying the story and how its progressing. I love the feedback I am getting from everyone of you.
