The Defendant by Chris Taylor

Author:Chris Taylor
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Chris Taylor
Published: 2015-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Josie leaned back against the counter in the staff tea room and took a long, slow sip of her morning coffee, savoring the rich aromatic taste. She closed her eyes to enjoy one last moment of the morning’s solitude. She was due in court at ten and although she’d cleared her schedule, after leaving Daniel at the courthouse with his lawyer and dropping Jason off at school, she’d stopped by her office in order to once again go over her evidence. The prosecutor expected her report would be tendered to the court without objection, but then the cross examination would begin.

Blake Harton Junior was a man whose reputation preceded him. Coming from a long line of lawyers and a couple of Supreme Court judges, Harton had cut his teeth defending small-time crooks and drug dealers in the Local Court. Eventually, he’d graduated to the District Court where his clients ranged from murderers, hard core criminals engaged in drug importation and distribution and worse. He was a tough defense lawyer who had a reputation for carving up a witness like a moist Thanksgiving turkey. While Josie was relieved to discover someone had secured excellent legal defense for Daniel, she was dreading the cross examination by his lawyer.

With coffee in hand, she read the first page of her report again and sighed.

“It’s a bit early in the morning to be looking so glum, isn’t it? Surely things aren’t as bad as that?”

Doctor Rohan Wheeler’s teasing smile displayed his perfect white teeth. His brown eyes sparkled with humor. Josie couldn’t help but smile back at him.

“Sorry, I’m just going over my report on Daniel Logan. His competency hearing begins today in the District Court. I’m squaring off with Blake Harton Jr. He’s been engaged on behalf of Daniel.”

The doctor let out a whistle. “I’m impressed. Someone must have plenty of money. A barrister of Harton’s quality doesn’t come cheap.”

“Yes. I’m not sure who’s footing the bill, but I’m pleased Daniel’s getting competent counsel. Besides, if the matter proceeds to trial, it will be heard in the Supreme Court.”

“So, what’s happening today?”

“I’ve been told by the prosecutor that I’ll be on the stand right after the investigating officers. My report’s instrumental to the prosecution’s argument that Daniel’s competent to stand trial.”

Rohan compressed his lips and nodded. “Good luck with it. With Harton on the attack, you’re going to need it.”

Josie grimaced and then took another sip of coffee. “Yes, I’m afraid you’re probably right.”

“How about we meet at The Bullet later? You’ll probably need a stiff drink or two by the time you get through on the stand.”

Josie nodded and smiled. “I’d hazard a guess that you’ll be right again, Doctor Wheeler.” Her thoughts landed fleetingly on Chase and the last time she’d been to The Bullet. She determinably pushed them away. “Sounds like a plan. Court finishes at four. What time can you get away?”

* * *

Chase stepped down from the witness box after undergoing a rigorous cross examination from Blake Harton Jr, of the evidence tendered in Chase’s statement.

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