Vigilare by James Brooklyn

Author:James, Brooklyn [James, Brooklyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Where One System Fails, Another Never Gives Up
Publisher: Arena Books
Published: 2011-10-14T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

“YOU MAY STEP down, Ms. DeLuca,” Judge Carter dismisses her. “Your next witness, Counselor.”

Aubrey Raines looks to the judge, a humble grin on her face, showing understanding that she is referring to the prosecution. Gina takes her seat next to Aubrey.

“The prosecution calls Dr. Patricia Ryan.”

Dr. Ryan makes her way hastily to the witness stand, as if she has something to say that can barely wait to be heard. If attractive and precise were ever to mesh into one definition, she would be that word in the dictionary.

“Please clarify where you work, and in what position,” Mr. McVain directs.

“Vanguard Police Department. Doctor of Psychology.”

“What is your relationship to the fifteen victims?”

“They were all in my care at some point in time for the city’s rehabilitation program. Three years ago, the city mandated any man or woman, convicted of rape or sexual assault of a child or an adult, must undergo psychological rehabilitative counseling for the duration of their probation, quite possibly even longer.”

“What is the purpose of such a program?”

“To prepare them to be better citizens once they return to society.”

An audible huff is heard from William Truly, garnering a disciplinary glance from Judge Carter, her head cocked, hand positioned over her gavel should he feel the need to continue. His daughter pats his arm, quieting him.

“In your opinion, does the program work?” Mr. McVain continues.

“For some,” she keeps it short, without elaborating, refusing to make eye contact with William Truly. She can feel his eyes burning through her.

Mr. McVain holds up several notable psychological journals. “You’re quite the celebrity in your field, Dr. Ryan.”

She neither confirms nor denies the statement, allowing her work to speak for itself.

Mr. McVain addresses the jury, “If anyone has doubts as to the qualifications of Dr. Patricia Ryan, her numerous studies and innovations within the professional psychological realm speak for themselves. She’s quite the trailblazer, especially in the topic of rehabilitation, as it pertains to sexual misconduct among criminal populations.” He stacks the journals neatly on top of many other journals, providing a visual tower of Dr. Ryan’s work. “We’re not here to talk about your involvement with the deceased, however.” He runs his hand across the railing in front of the witness stand, making a circle until he stands between Dr. Ryan and Gina. “What is your relationship to Ms. DeLuca?”

“As a psychologist for Vanguard PD, I was asked to monitor her case and mental well-being after the discovery that she fancies herself the Vigilare.”

Gina nudges Aubrey. “Objection,” Aubrey blurts out. “My client has never fancied herself the Vigilare.”

“Sustained,” Judge Carter advises.

“Is it accurate to assume you worked with Ms. DeLuca and her partner, Detective Gronkowski, in their assignment to the case?”

“Yes. I had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with them both.”

Gina and Tony roll their eyes at the same time, both of them crossing their arms over their chest and sitting back, unimpressed.

“What is your personal opinion of Ms. DeLuca?”

She crosses her hands, one over the other, her expression and her body language softening.

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