From Rockville to Stockton Chapter 10
The next afternoon Jarrod and Danny were on their way to the San Joaquin, County Courthouse. As they were walking to the courthouse Danny began to retrieve his notes and ask Jarrod questions about what he thought he should expect with the proceedings today.
"Danny, I have learned in my many years as a lawyer to expect the unexpected!"
"Because anything can change right?" Danny said with a gleam in his eye
"Very true young man, very true."
Then Jarrod looked on as Danny placed his notes back inside his briefcase.
"That's a fine briefcase Danny, it even has your initials on it I like that." Jarrod said smiling.
"Thank you, sir. My mother gave me this as an early graduation present."
"Well here we are. After you Danny," Jarrod said as he opened the door to the courthouse. Once inside, Jarrod guided him into the courtroom they would be in. Of course, they were early because Jarrod had told Danny, it is best to have silence before any case so you can try to get a picture of what has been said; then try to visualize how you might want to approach each witness.
"Oh, Danny, one thing I have forgotten to mention."
"And that is?" Danny said, being very attentive.
"Do not be afraid to lose your temper from time to time - just try to remember to control it," Jarrod said with a wink and a smile.
"Yes sir," Danny returned a smile of his own.
Jarrod then looked at his watch, "Well it's almost 2:00 o'clock I think the town might be expecting a hanging," he said in jest.
2:00 o'clock came and the Bailiff George Young called the court into order. Judge Edmond Clements was presiding over the case. The case involved Tyson McMillan, a young man that had been accused stealing horses and killing cattle. Of course, Danny knew already knew that if Mr. McMillan was found guilty of the crimes in question, he would be sentenced to hang for them. However, Jarrod believed his client was innocent, but proving it seemed to be extremely hard, as are many cases, no matter the crime.
"Mr. Barkley you may call your first witness," said the Judge with authority.
"I call Mr. Amos Ghent to the stand your Honor."
Amos Ghent was the owner of the Stockton Meatpacking Company. He knew Young Tyson as well as Tyson's pa.
As Mr. Ghent made his way to the front of the courtroom, Danny watched as the Bailiff swore him in and then told him to take his seat.
Danny slowly turned around; looking behind him he noticed a woman weeping, with a man sitting to her left. It seemed to Danny as if the man was almost smiling. And for some reason that did not sit well with Danny at all.
Danny quickly turned back around so not to be noticed by the man and returned his attention toward the proceedings.
"No more questions your Honor," Jarrod said
"Your witness, Mr. Porter," the Judge said sharply to Jeff Porter, the prosecuting attorney.
After about 2 hours the Judge dismissed the trial for the day and the court would again resume for the next morning at 10:00am.
As the two men left the courtroom Jarrod noticed that Danny did not seem to be in a very good mindset, and he himself started to worry.
"Danny, is something bothering you?"
Danny was scared to look at Jarrod when he noticed the same woman and man leaving the courtroom and the woman's arm was in the man's arm.
"Jarrod, who is the couple standing there talking? The woman is wearing a long blue dress, and the man is wearing a white shirt and jeans."
"They are Tyson McMillan's parents, come on let me introduce you to them."
At that instant Danny felt a huge knot in his stomach, but he knew he would have moments like this, so he swallowed hard and met Mr. and Mrs. McMillan.
"Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. McMillan, I wanted to introduce you to my intern. He will be with me in court for the trial, learning the ropes so to speak.
"Nice to meet you young man," Hassie McMillan said sweetly
"Don't need no kid helping you represent my boy, Mr. Barkley."
"Now Luther stop that the boy is just learnin'!" his wife said, trying to cut the tension
Luther McMillan would not even look at Danny, he just kept his gaze on Jarrod.
"Mr. McMillan, I told you I would do the best I can, and I am trying you've got to believe me," Jarrod said almost pleadingly.
"Well, you keep an eye on him, or you'll be sorry," Luther McMillan said now staring at Danny.
"You have my word, Mr. McMillan."
Jarrod and Danny said their goodbyes then made their way to the Alhambra to have a bite to eat before they went back to the office.