Bear Bones by Charles Cutter

Author:Charles Cutter [Cutter, Charles]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781950659562
Published: 2020-06-17T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

A week later, Burr pulled down the cuffs of his baby blue pinpoint oxford that didn’t need pulling down and straightened his red silk tie with the tiny black diamonds, which, of course, didn’t need straightening.

Here he stood in the windowless courtroom of Judge Mary Fisher, ivory walls with the pictures of her predecessors, illustrious and otherwise, a church pew gallery, varnished oak turning black. Matching jury box, witness stand, and the judge’s rostrum with a single rose in a bud vase perched on the corner.

Just like in her office.

Judge Fisher looked down her nose at him but didn’t say anything.

“Your Honor, we are here today because the prosecution has refused to allow the defense access to what might be vital evidence located on the late Helen Lockwood’s boat, Achilles.”

Peter Brooks stood. “Your Honor, that is not true. Mr. Lafayette was corrupting evidence at a crime scene.”

“That is patently false,” Burr said. He turned to the judge. “Your Honor, that boat sat abandoned in a shed in Northport for over a year. The prosecutor had absolutely no interest in that boat until the defense looked it over.”

“You didn’t look it over,” Brooks said. “You tore it apart.”

“I did nothing of the sort.”

Judge Fisher slammed her gavel. “Stop it. Both of you. We’re all Michigan grads here, and we’re going to have a civil discourse.”

I doubt it.

She looked at the prosecutor. “Mr. Brooks, do not say another word until Mr. Lafayette is finished. Then you can have your turn.” She looked at Burr. “And then you will be quiet. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Your Honor,” both lawyers said.

“We’re going to do it just like we learned in kindergarten. It’s called taking turns.” She put her gavel down and folded her hands. “Mr. Lafayette, it’s your turn.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Burr paused. “As I was saying, the defense was conducting an examination of the deceased’s boat in the shed at Craker’s Boatyard in Northport. Over a year earlier, the sheriff’s department searched the boat in connection with the disappearance of Helen Lockwood. After their investigation, they released the boat to the deceased’s husband, Thomas Lockwood, who had the boat stored at Craker’s. Approximately two weeks ago, my partner and I were examining the boat in connection with our defense of Thomas Lockwood when we were summarily removed from the boat and threatened with arrest. Since that date, the prosecutor has denied all access to the boat. Your Honor, we believe there may be important evidence on board that will be vital to the defense of my client. Mr. Brooks’ continued refusal to allow me access to the boat under the ruse that it is a crime scene is not only prejudicing my client, it is a clear violation of the evidentiary rules laid down in case after case, namely…”

“Stop right there, Mr. Lafayette,” the judge said. “I have read the able brief of your associate, who I believe is sitting next to you.”

Jacob nodded.

“Is there anything you’d like to add, Mr. Wertheim?”

Burr looked back at Jacob, who was turning a whiter shade of pale.

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