(Meanwhile ...)
"… we'll use the full ballroom. There will be our own security personnel in addition to those provided by the Westview," explained the Senator's executive assistant. "A suite for Congressman Malcolm, of course, with secure wi-fi and reservations at the President's Club for dinner. Also, is it possible to arrange a private poker game for the Congressman and his guests?"
"We can provide everything you need," Karen Ryder assured them. "Including a private table and dealer. Would you prefer that be in the suite, or in the Diamond Lounge?"
"The suite, please."
The security measures were the most particular: from a cordoned-off space for Malcolm's limousine, a chase car, two Nevada State Trooper cruisers, and six motorcycles, there would be a secure route from the garage to all locations the Senator could be expected to visit. All of which made sense, as Malcolm, a Republican incumbent working on his fifth term, was expected to become Speaker of the House. A former Air Force officer, Malcolm supported the military as well as having played a key role in bringing corporate dollars to the state. He had a reputation for hammering out deals, sometimes over the poker table.
Rumors of an affair with Miranda Blum, his 'body person,' were none of her business, Ryder figured.
"We look forward to having the Congressman celebrate his re-election with us," she smiled.
The rumors were true, of course. Not that Bob Malcolm gave a flying fuck what the self-righteous pricks in the media happened to think about his marriage. Besides, Julia had understood from the start that this was about politics, not romance.
"Guest list?" he asked Miranda.
"Supporters at all levels have been invited to the election night festivities," she said. "There's tonight's $2500-a-plate fundraiser, of course."
"Election night, call Colonel Ellison, invite him to the poker game. And make sure Doug Maxwell and Greg Mason get invited. Mason's the Westview's CEO, after all."
"Was," Miranda told him. "He's still on the Board of Directors, of course, but a … Hitoshi Ryder bought out John Jennings. He's the new CEO."
"Our kind of people?" Malcolm asked.
"He's a difficult read," she said. "We'll look into his history, of course. It seems he made his fortune through careful investments, all handled by an agent."
"Let's not tweak Greg's nose too hard. Finish the research, and see if Ryder wants something from Washington that we can offer to expedite."
By week's end, Malcolm had determined that Ryder, despite his fiscal savvy, was too much of a maverick to place long-term bets on. Certainly, Greg Mason didn't hold the younger man in high esteem, and Mason was a solid Malcolm-for-Nevada backer. Still, leveraging Ryder's support would be beneficial in several key demographics.
"The merger talks are proceeding as expected," Sokatsu told Hitoshi. "Although the upcoming elections aren't likely to produce any major upheavals in Washington, it's clear that our colleagues at Pacific Rim view the present economic circumstances and business climate as favorable."
"Any other concerns?"
"Not really. The merger is essentially an opportunity for Pacific Rim to access American markets more effectively. We'll benefit from the partnership and are positioned favorably against undue loss," James said.
"There is one concern I have," Hitoshi admitted. "There are … rumors that Pacific Rim is connected to the Yakuza. Can we look into that?"
"Mason's people didn't find anything, but I'll have my accountants look over the numbers a second time," James assured him. "If there are Yakuza connections, they're very well hidden."
It occurred to Hitoshi that the merger was fortuitous in regards to something else, namely, his visit from 'Aunt Izzy.' If this particular clan was beholden to or manipulated by the goddess, withdrawing from the merger might cause problems on an entirely different front …
Toshiro Kimura, his head bound in a white hachimaki, laid an offering at the small altar. He struck a small gong, clapping three times to call the attention of the spirits, in particular, the goddess Izanami, the nominal patron of the Miezaru Te Ryu, the Invisible Hand. Although he dutifully made offerings to her, Kimura could not say whether or not the goddess actually heard his prayers. Still, out of all the kami, it made sense for the clan to seek the blessings of the Lady of Shadows.
His devotions complete, he slid a set of shoji back into place before Izanami's shrine, so that her statue – a cloaked and hooded figure – peered out into the room, rather than remain in full view.
"Kimura-san?"
"What is it, Matsudaira?"
"Our legal team believes we will have an agreement on the table before the American Thanksgiving holiday," he told his superior. "There is a concern."
"Explain."
"Ryder-san is responsible for the death of Daisuke Yakamura."
"Ah," Kimura said. The revelation made sense of the untimely death of a rival Oyabun's eldest son. It hadn't been a motorcycle accident, as was claimed. There would doubtless be more to the story.
"Learn as much as you can without being too curious."
"Hai."
Isao Muramasa studied the photos, taken only a few weeks ago. There was no doubt the woman shown was his daughter, Mika. She was using her mother's maiden name. Muramasa cared little about his daughter; she had proven willful and disobedient. The family was better off with her pursuing an education and career in America, though he knew Mika's defection had only been possible through his wife's indulgence.
But Mika had been seen traveling to the estate of Toshiro Kimura, who, while not a direct competitor, was nonetheless a business rival. And even pawns were of value in a chess game between grandmasters.
[Election Night]
The Las Vegas Hilton was election headquarters for the combined re-election efforts of the Mayor, Sheriff, and District Attorney. There were brief appearances from the candidates as the polls closed and absentee votes started to trickle in, and favorably so. But then the candidates retreated to their suites, where they could watch the ongoing news coverage. Orders were placed with Room Service, to be expedited by an agreement with the Concierge.
"Seven-point lead out of the gate," one attorney said. "Harris will concede by eight-thirty."
"Nine," said another, slapping a twenty on the coffee table.
"All the way to the wall," laughed a third, tossing his money into the pot. "Alex, what's your take?"
"Ten," Alex said, matching the $20 ante. "Just in time for the late news. But if Goddard concedes, the mayoral race will be the lead."
"Pretty savvy for someone who doesn't like news conferences," Soleil Hunter smiled.
"I dislike them because it's not about what you say, it's about what the media hears," Alex said. "Everyone will lead their newscast with a shot of the Mayor, the Sheriff, and Chris all doing the hands-raised-in-victory thing. "
"Nine-thirty," Soleil said.
Early coverage, however, was focused on Alex, with stations' political reporters offering opinions about Alex's reputation for being a maverick, and how that would play in Clemens' law-and-order shop.
"Those cases weren't me 'bucking the system' - those cases were about seeing justice done. That's what we're here for."
"District Attorney Clemens and I had some privileged discussions on that, so all I'll say is that we have a better understanding as to where each of us stands."
"Damn. You'd think Chris and I had agreed to a prize fight at Caesar's," Alex frowned.
"We'll put you up front. Give Chris a high-five or handshake after his victory speech," Soleil said.
"Handshake," Alex said. "A high-five will look awkward and make it seem like we're not taking things seriously."
"Good point," Chris nodded.
Alex didn't voice his fear that being on the podium also made him an easy target. It had occurred to him that Tyr losing his right hand could easily be a figure of speech describing a person or agent. Why not both? A shot to the heart might not kill him, but he wasn't sure about a bullet through his head. It all depended on what Soleil Hunter's game was – 'expose' him as a Scion, or eliminate him outright.
The phone rang just before ten.
"District Attorney Clemens' suite," answered one of the other prosecutors. "Hold on, please."
He waved at Chris and Soleil, mouthing Harris.
Chris took the phone. "Evening, Tony. Okay, let me put you on speaker phone."
"Chris, I wanted to congratulate you and your people on a top-notch campaign, and wish you nothing but success," Harris told his rival. "As of 10PM, I'm conceding the race. You've got your second term as District Attorney."
A cheer went up throughout the room, and Soleil hugged Clemens.
"Thank you, Tony," Chris said. "I'll make my appearance at ten-thirty. Good night."
"Good night, Chris."
There was more cheering as the line went dead, with lots of back-slapping. Soleil pulled Chris aside and gave him a kiss that left him breathless.
"Ten on the dot," said the attorney who'd started the pool. "Alex wins the pool!"
Alex handed the money to Clemens. "Here. Take Soleil out to dinner."
Clemens nodded his thanks. "I will."
At the end of the evening, it would be a clean sweep for the incumbents, with Alex's predicted hands-raised-in-victory moment leading the evening newscasts. The visible handshake between Alex and the District Attorney also made the news, without any obvious play from Lyman's side.
[Charles Cooper]
"Got one for you, Alex," Chris Clemens said. "Juvenile, repeat offender, was the getaway driver on an armed robbery. Jewelry store. We're trying him as an adult."
"I saw that on the news. Other kid died?"
"That's right, with two more accomplices getting away on foot," Chris told him. "Junior's looking at two accessory charges."
"Injured store clerk, dead partner, grand theft," Alex began tallying factors. "You said he's a repeat offender. Dossier?"
Clemens indicated it was in the stack of folders; Alex cracked the file open.
"Shoplifting, truancy, tagging," Alex noted. "Nothing serious until now. Who's handling his defense?"
"Public defender. They know they don't have a defense," Clemens said. "Word is their client isn't saying a thing."
"Have we talked to him at all?"
"I don't see the point, Alex. We're not going for a plea bargain on this."
"Come on in, Mrs. Cooper," said Jeff Hamlyn. "This is Alex North from the District Attorney's office."
"Why are you doing this?" Deb railed at Alex.
"Mrs. Cooper, I'm here to explore your son's options," Alex assured her. "I understand Charles hasn't been forthcoming with details on his part in this incident. I've reviewed his record, and I share your discomfort with the notion of trying him as an adult."
"The District Attorney and that other prosecutor, the woman, they've been all over the news telling people what a monster Charles is, and what a horrible parent I am!" Deb shot back.
"My boss approaches his job from the perspective of law and order," Alex said. "I am more concerned that justice is done, but for this to happen, I'll need Charles' cooperation."
"What do you mean?" asked Deb.
"I'm willing to look for a solution other than sending Charles to jail for twenty years," Alex said. "Charles?"
"Yeah?"
"First of all, you're not obligated to answer any of my questions. Mr. Hamlyn is here to make sure we respect your rights, and your mother is here to observe," Alex told him. "So, your parents divorced and your mother was given custody, correct?"
"Yeah."
"How do you feel about that?"
"Pretty shitty, actually. Dad wasn't perfect, but I kinda hoped he and Mom would have worked things out. The divorce thing, kind of pulled the rug out from under me. We weren't rich to begin with, and Mom had to pick up a second job just to make ends meet."
"Charles, I'm sorry," Deb told her son.
"Don't start, Mom. Just don't."
"How long have you been hanging out with the others involved in the robbery?" Alex asked.
"About a year, maybe. Met at a sideshow, showed 'em how to do some pretty tight donuts. Guys realized I can drive."
"So they asked you to take the wheel on something they had going?"
Charles looked at Hamlyn.
"Go ahead and answer," the Public Defender said.
"Yeah, pretty much."
"Did you have any part in deciding which store to rob?"
"No."
"Did you have any part in deciding how the theft was to be carried out?"
"No. I mean, I know it was supposed to be a smash-and-grab, but I didn't plan it."
"Were you aware the others were carrying guns?"
"No."
"Would you be willing to name the principals – the people who did do the planning, and the others involved in the actual heist – for consideration from the DA's office?" Alex asked.
"What's that mean?" Charles asked. "I rat out my friends, and I get immunity?"
"We don't have anything on the table, and I won't ask for the information unless the DA approves our cutting a deal," Alex told him. "If we do offer a deal, it means you will have to take steps to turn things around, Charles. The next time, the judge will look at your record and throw the book at you. Okay? I'm not trying to do a Scared Straight act here. It's something you need to think about."
"Maybe it's a good thing you joined the DA's office after all," Hamlyn said.
"I'd like to offer the Cooper kid a deal," Alex told Clemens.
"I told you we're going to trial on this one."
Alex tossed the file onto his desk. "Kid's a patsy. There's nothing but misdemeanors in his file, but we're gonna send him up the river for twenty? Come on, Chris, that's not justice."
"He was involved in an armed robbery."
"He was the wheelman and got all of five blocks before getting into a wreck. The guy who shot the clerk is dead, the others are still on the run," Alex argued. "Cooper is in over his head."
"He knew what he was doing."
"What's going on, Chris? Why are you so intent on punishing this kid?"
"We're supposed to be on the side of the law, Alex."
"No, Chris," Alex said. "We're supposed to be on the side of justice."
"I talked this over with Sunny while you were out. We're taking this to trial."
Alex suddenly realized that Clemens had been speaking in short, declarative sentences. There was no dialogue taking place between them; Chris was reciting lines that had been spoon-fed to him. Soleil Hunter's work, perhaps? And part of the rationale behind the restructuring of staff, perhaps. It wasn't the success rate, it was whether or not Soleil could get into their heads. If that was the case, he was fighting well out of his weight class.
"I told you when you made the offer. If it's a choice between the job and seeing justice done, I'll walk," Alex said. He unclipped his badge and dropped it on the desk. "I'm sorry, Chris. That kid deserves better than this. I won't be party to a lynch mob."
"Mr. Hamlyn. What's this, a petition for a change of counsel?" Judge Palsson said. They were in chambers, as the matter was administrative.
"That's correct, Your Honor," Hamlyn replied. "Signed by myself; Alex North, the attorney who will be representing the defendant; and the defendant's legal guardian."
"The Cooper case," Palsson said. "And, Mr. North, the last time I checked, you were with the District Attorney's office."
"I've stepped down from that position, Your Honor," Alex told him.
"I'm aware of your reputation, Mr. North," Palsson said. "Does this have to do with the District Attorney seeking to try Mr. Cooper as an adult?"
"Yes, Sir. I feel that doing so is counter-productive and will produce a criminal rather than result in a chance for rehabilitation for Mr. Cooper."
Palsson nodded. "Approved. Mr. North, the odds aren't in your favor, but if I had a son in a similar bind, I'd want someone like you going to bat for me."
"Yes, Your Honor. Thank you," Alex told him.
"Your Honor, this motion is totally frivolous. The defendant knew what he was doing, and the consequences his actions entailed," argued Chris Clemens. "Accessory to murder is a felony. To pretend it's something lesser is, quite frankly, insulting."
"Attempted murder," Alex said quietly. "Just for the record."
"Attempted murder," Clemens allowed. "It's still a felony."
"Trying Mr. Cooper as an adult is overreaching. The suspect who shot the guard is dead. They fled the scene; there was not an active pursuit nor a successful escape," Alex rebutted. "You can't charge Mr. Cooper on a stack of what-ifs."
"Mr. Cooper is a repeat offender with a long history of disregard for the law," Clemens said.
"Mr. Cooper is not an adult by age or by conduct," Alex said. "I feel the justice system owes h—"
"Owes him?!" Clemens interjected.
Palsson rapped his knuckle against his desk. "District Attorney Clemens, please allow Mr. North to finish his sentence."
Alex paused for a beat. "I feel the justice system owes Mr. Cooper every opportunity to recognize his past behaviors as a dead end. Trying him as an adult on two separate counts of accessory closes that door in his face. Juvenile court is about rehabilitation; criminal court is about punishment."
"Mr. Clemens, do you have anything further to say?" asked Judge Palsson.
"No, Your Honor. We hope that you will see the wisdom in trying the defendant as an adult."
"Mr. North?"
"Nothing further to say, Your Honor."
"Gentlemen, I'll have my decision for you tomorrow morning."
"How did it go?" asked Soleil Hunter. They were back at Clemens' condominium. He set his briefcase down, emptied his suit pockets onto a valet rack. She went to the wet bar and poured their usual libations: for him, two fingers of scotch, neat; for her, a glass of white wine.
"Judge Palsson says he'll have his decision in the morning," Chris told her, accepting the drink. "It pisses me off that Alex jumps ship then signs on as Cooper's attorney."
"I guess he believes his own press," Soleil said. "That's too bad."
Clemens had been easily manipulated through abilities Soleil had inherited from her divine parent. Chris actually believed they were in love, not realizing that he, as a mortal, had about as much in common with her as he did with an ant. But her own kind, Scions, often tended to hew to the extremes dictated by their allegiances ¬– idealistic heroes like Alex North, or allies-of-necessity like Jason Lyman.
"Give the case to Josh," she said after a moment.
"Josh isn't experienced enough," Clemens frowned. "Alex will run right over him."
"Chris, you and I both know this won't be Cooper's last run-in with the law."
Clemens was silent for a long moment, brooding. "I'll take it to trial myself."
"That will make it seem personal, Chris," Soleil said. "Give the case to Josh."
"I'll think about it."
Hunter didn't push him further. As with abilities such as Jotunblut, direct manipulation was a delicate balance. Humans were no longer Bronze Age primitives mired in superstitious thinking, easily cowed by a show of divine power. That would change. Ragnarok would follow Fimbulwinter, and the world would be reborn.
The jury selection process took nearly two days, with Alex looking for people amenable to reasoned argument over a strict law-and-order approach. He used a peremptory challenge to excuse one potential juror for insisting she adhered to 'Biblical principles,' while the prosecution rejected one woman who identified herself as a social justice advocate.
The trial began the following morning. The media was there to record the opening arguments, not unusual in high-visibility cases, but made more newsworthy by Alex 'switching sides,' as Chris Clemens had termed it.
"Alex North, for the Defendant, Charles Cooper."
"Joshua Bennett, for the People," said the younger prosecutor.
"Thank you, gentlemen," Judge Palsson said. "In regards to this trial and a motion by Mr. North to have the defendant tried as a juvenile, as befitting his age and circumstances, I am ruling that the motion is approved. Mr. Cooper will not be tried as an adult."
There was a choked sob from the gallery, most likely Charles' mother.
"A cautionary word, however," Palsson continued. "This does not lessen the severity of the matter before the court. Although the court will forego sentencing Mr. Cooper as an adult, the matter will remain on his permanent record and not be expunged on his 18th birthday. Mr. Bennett, your opening statement."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, despite the court ruling against treating the defendant as an adult based on his actions, the People will show that Charles Cooper did, in fact, act as an adult, an active participant in a robbery that resulted in the injury of one man, and the death of another, as well as a serious traffic accident," Bennett said.
"Mr. North?"
"Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury," Alex said. "You are here to assure that justice is carried out. The District Attorney's office will attempt to persuade you that my client acted with full knowledge, not only of his actions, but of the consequences, and that he should be treated, accordingly, as an adult. You will be told that Charles has had run-ins with the law in the past.
"But hidden behind that simple statement is a deeper truth. That the District Attorney's office is less concerned about giving Charles a fair chance as a young man who has made mistakes, and more with portraying him as a criminal who is beyond redemption and requires harsh punishment. That his behavior was such an affront to the law that he should be denied the grace we, as a society, have long accepted as a part of growing up. Thank you. "
"How's it going with the Cooper trial?" Clemens asked.
"We did the store clerks and security guard yesterday," Bennett told him. "Finishing up with the driver of the car Cooper hit, and the arresting officer. We'll show the officer's lapel camera, which has Cooper mouthing off, lots of profanity."
"Good. Make Alex work for it," Clemens said.
"Get the fuck away from me!" Charles snarled at the officer. "Fuckin' pig!"
Alex had seen the video; it had been part of the trial's discovery phase.
"Does the Defense wish to cross-examine?" asked Judge Palsson.
"Yes, Your Honor," Alex said. "Good Morning, Officer Montano. Just a couple of questions. What makes your lapel camera video unusual? This isn't the first time someone has cussed you out, is it?"
"No, Sir. But the suspect was verbally abusive and combative from the start."
"Suspect," Alex repeated. "When you responded to the scene of the accident, had you been advised of the robbery, any descriptions of suspects or their vehicle?"
Montano hesitated. "No."
"So you were responding to a vehicular accident, first and foremost?"
"Yes."
"In your experience, Officer Montano, do drivers involved in this type of accident respond with this kind of language?"
"Yes, they do."
"So the language wasn't what alerted you to the driver and passenger being involved in a crime?"
"No, it wasn't."
"Did anything Charles Cooper say or do make you aware of that situation?"
"No."
"Thank you, Officer Montano. No further questions."
"Mr. Bennett, your next witness?"
"Prosecution rests, Your Honor."
"In light of the Thanksgiving Holiday, we will adjourn at this time and reconvene on Monday of next week, at which time, Mr. North, Defense may begin its presentation," said Palsson. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, please enjoy your holiday. You are all reminded that you should not discuss the case with family or friends, nor engage in independent investigation of the crime scene, persons involved, or particulars of the case."
"Please state your name for the court," Alex said.
"Charles Cooper," came the answer. He was wearing a shirt and tie, but not a jacket; his hair was pulled back into a short ponytail, and he was clean-shaven. It was a compromise between the image of a clean-cut youth and a young man who still had some rough edges.
"Tell us how old you are, Charles."
"I turned sixteen last month."
"Attending high school?"
"Yes. Las Vegas High," Charles said.
"Do you have a favorite subject?" Alex asked.
"Objection," Josh Bennett called out. "Relevance."
"Mr. North?" asked Judge Palsson.
"The prosecution offered the lapel camera video as representative of my client's character. I will show that is neither a complete nor accurate portrayal of my client," Alex replied.
"Objection overruled, Mr. Bennett. Proceed, counselor."
"Basketball," Charles answered. There were some chuckles from the gallery.
"How about classroom subjects?" Alex smiled.
"Um … I don't do as well with those," Charles frowned.
"Any particular reason?"
"My parents got divorced. Mom tries hard, she really does, but that means working two jobs so we have a roof over our heads," Charles said, sounding embarrassed. "So if I don't get the subject material, there's no one to talk it over with. Can't afford one of those fancy tutoring services."
"All right. Have you been involved with the police before?"
"Yes, I have."
"What for?" Alex asked.
"Tagging, speeding, spinning donuts in the parking lot at the mall," Charles said.
"All misdemeanors, all non-violent incidents, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"And how were those incidents resolved? Jail? Community service?"
"Community service for the tagging, had to help clean it up," Charles said. "Traffic tickets for the other two."
"Let's talk about the robbery, Charles. Were you involved in the planning?"
"No."
"Did you voice an opinion about the methods to be used?"
"No."
"Did you know the others were carrying guns?"
"No."
"What were you asked to do?"
"Wait outside the store and pick the guys up when they came out."
"And what actually happened?"
"Jorge comes out, dives into the back seat, yells for me to go," Charles said. "I knew something had gone wrong, because JJ and Toro, they're bolting down the street on foot. I pull into traffic, and that's when I hear Jorge moaning. I glance back, and he's lying down on the seat, bleeding like crazy. Boom, that's when I got hit."
"The jury should note that Jorge, Jorge Luis Morales, died from his wounds," Alex said. "The gentlemen named 'JJ' and 'Toro' are still at large. Charles, do you know how old Jorge was?"
"Nineteen."
"And the others?"
"JJ, he's turning 21 in May. Toro, he just turned 20."
"So they're all older than you are."
"Yeah."
"No further questions, Your Honor," Alex said.
"Mr. Bennett? Do you wish to cross-examine?" Palsson asked.
"Yes, Your honor," Josh said, perhaps a touch too eagerly.
Charles swallowed nervously, but remembered what Alex had drilled him on. He sat up straight and met the prosecutor's eyes.
"Mr. Cooper, you admit that you were a participant in the attempted robbery of a jewelry store on October 21st of this year?"
"Yes."
"And you have previously been cited for speeding and participating in an illegal sideshow?"
"Yes."
"Yet you expect the justice system to cut you some slack, as it were, because you didn't know any better?"
"Objection, Your Honor," Alex said. "Prosecution just asked my client if he's stopped beating his wife."
"Withdrawn," Bennett said. "No further questions, Your Honor."
"Redirect, Your Honor," Alex said. Palsson nodded.
"Charles. Tell the court why you deserve a second chance."
"I guess … I guess this whole thing sorta opened my eyes," Charles said quietly. "Yeah, I've done my share of dumb things, but it ain't been because I've been throwing away chances. My Dad walked out on us, my Mom is working her butt off trying to pay the bills. I could be doing better in school, I suppose, but going from a traffic ticket to jail? Where's the fairness in that? How smart, how good do I have to be to be given a second chance?" Charles said.
"Thank you, Charles. No further questions, Your Honor," Alex said. "Defense rests."
"Thank you, Counselor. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, we will break early for lunch. Please be back at 1PM, at which point counsel will present their closing arguments," Palsson instructed.
Alex rose to address the jury. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury. I believe everyone understands that my client has made poor choices, one of which has brought him here. But you also have a choice to make, an important one, in regards to Charles' future. That someone is responsible for an accident, or associated with someone who broke the law, does not make them a criminal. Sometimes, the first step to addressing a problem or obstacle is to not only recognize one is facing a problem, but to ask for help. And that is what Charles Cooper is doing here, today. We thank the court for recognizing this as an opportunity to help, and not solely to punish, and we ask that you do the same by finding Charles Cooper innocent."
Bennett's closing statement was next.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. The court has demonstrated remarkable leniency in hearing this as a juvenile offense, when, in his own words, Mr. Cooper affirmed that he was keeping company with adults, and taking part in their illegal activities. He also made clear that he has something of a long-standing habit of breaking the law, and while those prior events may seem minor, they show a clear and persistent disregard for the law. Criminals thrive on the indulgence of society, and while the District Attorney's office sympathizes with the difficulties this young man has faced, we cannot turn a blind eye to his actions," said Josh Bennett. "We ask that you find the Defendant guilty, so that the court may properly apply the law."
"Mr. North, your Rebuttal?" said Palsson.
"Thank you, Your Honor," Alex said. "Mr. Bennett has painted a clear picture. He has told you that Charles Cooper is a scofflaw, that Charles Cooper is a criminal, that Charles Cooper is, in fact, beyond redemption or deserving of justice, and that a firm hand makes all of that right. The problem goes away. But you and I know that's not true – the District Attorney is well aware that trusting Charles' future to the penal system puts the possibility of redemption even further out of reach. We can't assure justice through a willingness to sweep societal problems under the carpet. Thank you."
"Mr. North, Mr. Bennett, thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, I will now read the instructions under which your deliberations will be conducted …"
"All rise," said the Bailiff. "Court is now in session, the Honorable John A. Palsson, presiding."
Everyone stood until Judge Palsson took his seat.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, in the matter of the People vs. Charles Cooper, have you reached a verdict?"
"Yes, we have, Your Honor," said the jury foreman.
"Please present your findings to the Clerk."
The jury form was handed over and shown to Palsson. Deliberations had taken several hours, continuing past the usual 5PM close-of-business. Usually, the quicker the deliberations, the more likely a not guilty verdict would be returned.
"In the matter of the People vs. Charles Cooper, on the charge of accessory to attempted murder, the Jury finds the Defendant … not guilty," read the Clerk.
Charles lowered his head and sighed at the weight that was now off his shoulders. He could hear his mother in the gallery, sobbing in relief.
"On the charge of accessory to armed robbery, the Jury finds the Defendant … not guilty," the Clerk added.
"Mr. Foreman, have your findings been correctly reported?" asked Palsson.
"Yes, Your Honor."
Palsson looked at Bennett and North. "Counsel, would you like to poll the jury?"
"Yes, Your Honor," said Josh Bennett.
Each member of the jury was asked to affirm the verdict, and did so.
"Charles Cooper," Palsson said. "At this time, you are free to go about your business. Make every effort to benefit from the grace you have been granted this day."
"Yes, Sir."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, at this time, your service is concluded, and all restrictions about discussing the case are lifted. If you require proof-of-service for your employer, please stop by the jury assembly room," Palsson said. "Court stands adjourned."
Alex extended his hand towards Josh Bennett; the prosecutor declined to shake hands.
Bennett said. "I think I'll start an office pool on how quickly your client ends up in jail."
"I'll overlook that comment, Counselor," Alex said. "Have a good evening."
Deb Cooper rushed to greet her son, wrapping him in a hug.
"Mom, please," Charles said.
"Mr. North … Alex, thank you. Oh, my God, thank you so much," Deb said. "I … obviously, I don't have a lot of mo—"
"You don't owe me anything, Mrs. Cooper," Alex told her.
"—ney. Nothing? I can't …"
"Charles," Alex said. "You've got a second chance. It's up to you how much that means. But, come on. Let me take you and your mom out to dinner."
The dinner was small – most of Deb's family was still in North Carolina, and Doug's family had made it clear that the divorce was All Her Fault. That she should have done more or tried harder. She was about to tuck her phone into her purse when it pinged, probably a reporter looking for further comment.
It was Saul, her brother.
Heard it on the grapevine, Charles found not guilty, congrats! At home? Would like to stop by.
She answered by inviting him to stop by and join them for a bite. Alex North had deferred to Charles' choice for food, a local burger joint.
"Three squares in jail, but it's kinda bland," Charles said, taking a bite of a Double Cowboy Burger on Texas Toast.
"Is learning to cook – other than just to have something to eat – something you're interested in?" Alex asked.
"You mean like Food Network kinda stuff?" Charles asked. "I suppose. I guess. I mean, I heard Bobby Flay was a high-school dropout and a bit of a punk, but now he's got, like, five restaurants in Vegas alone."
"Lot of hard work, I know the owner of the Soul Food Diner, if you want to talk about the business," Alex told him. "Might have to start by bussing tables and chopping onions, but it'd be a chance to learn on the job and make some cash."
"You sound like my Uncle Saul, actually. He suggested I get a JD at Vegas Community, then go to the Academy," Charles laughed. "That'd blow the DA's mind, right?"
"I've met Saul. He's a good man."
"He might drop by," Deb said. "He heard about the verdict, but he's working the night shift."
(Meanwhile at the Furies apartment...)
"With all the stress that's going on right now and the way the holidays are hitting everyone, you know what I think we need to do?" Lya asks Toxic as she opens a beer and steps back to look at the tree that Klepto and Orithia have finished putting up in the corner of apartment they all now share.
"Other than drink you mean?" Toxic laughs as Lya rolls her eyes and hands her a beer.
"We should have a Saturnalia... you know... like the good old days," Lya replies as Klepto looks at Lya with a raised eyebrow. "Well... without the sacrifices, I mean."
"Something tells me you're not just talking about a week of partying in the apartment," Orithia chuckles as she starts digging through a box marked Decorations.
"Wouldn't be a party if we didn't invite everyone now, would it?" Lya laughs as she sets down the beer and goes over to the box to pull out a string of purple and silver lights. "But seriously... we could have a big block party with a concert and a Christmas dinner for everybody with nowhere to go for the holidays, take donations for the Three Corners Food Bank, that kind of thing. What do you think?"
"I think you're a softie with a big heart who likes to hide behind leather and alcohol," Phoebe quietly replies as she squeezes Lya's shoulder. "And it's a great idea."
The others nod in agreement as Lya blushes and coughs. "Ok then... I'll... I'll talk to Alex and see if he can help me get the permits we need, and make some calls to Three Corners and local restaurants in the area to see if they want some good tax deductible PR this holiday season. And hey... you never know... if the party is big enough, maybe..." Lya stops and takes a deep breath as she turns from the others.
"Gods... it's so silly... I barely even know the guy..." she mutters quietly.
"Hey... it's ok to miss your family," Orithia soothes as she puts a hand on Lya's shoulder.
Lya sniffs and turns around with a half smile. "You guys are my family, you know? It'd just be nice to get... I don't know... some kind of thumbs up or pat on the head from him letting me know that I'm doing a good job... that I'm on the right track."
Lya flops down on a couch between Toxic and Phoebe and sighs. "It's not like I know what I'm doing or anything... you and the others are the warriors who fight evil with your kick-ass selves. Me... I just..."
"Care about people?" Phoebe suggests.
"Look out for everyone caught in the crossfire?" adds Toxic.
"Fight apathy on a daily basis?" finishes Klepto as she hands Lya another beer. "When you're not drinking anyway," she winks.
"Thanks guys... you're all the best of the best... and I'm not just talking about Amazon warriors," Lya replies with a smile as she holds up her beer for a toast. "Merry Christmas, everybody."
"Merry Christmas," they all reply with a clink of their bottles.