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“We accept this juror, Your Honor.”
Jack started to walk back to his chair.
“Mr. Battle?” Ambrose said, as the lawyer started to rise.
DuBose exclaimed, “Judge, the commonwealth has already had the opportunity to question this juror.”
Ambrose said, “Come on now, Miss DuBose, we haven’t even started the trial yet. Let’s try to get along and let this play out fair and square. I am doing all I can to accommodate your every request.”
Caught off guard by this, DuBose turned and looked at the reporters scribbling furiously in their notebooks; several shot DuBose unfriendly looks.
Battle said, “Thank you. Commonwealth moves to strike this juror for cause.”
“On what basis?” asked a clearly surprised Ambrose.
“He’s in the same occupation as defense counsel’s father, and there might be a natural bias because of that. He might even know the man.”
“Wait, do you know the defense counsel’s father?” asked Ambrose.
“I... I might’ve met him at a union event. Don’t know for sure.”
“You should have acknowledged that when I questioned you, sir.”
Runnel now looked unnerved. “I’m sorry, Judge.”
Ambrose looked sternly at DuBose and Jack. “In the future, any possible connections between potential jurors and parties, attorneys, and their families to this case must be disclosed,” he said in an admonishing tone. “Motion to strike for cause granted.”
Hours later, after many disputes and sidebar conferences with the judge, and the proceedings twice being interrupted by protestors invading the courtroom before being forced back out by a contingent of law enforcement, the jury was finally seated. Jack and DuBose had asked for cause strikes on nine potential jurors. Ambrose had rejected seven of their challenges, but he had disallowed several of Battle’s challenges as well.
Court was adjourned for the day.
At the counsel table Jerome shook his head. “We ain’t got no chance now.”
“Listen here, Jerome, we got Miss Desiree and Mr. Jack,” said his wife firmly. “You let ’em do their job. I believe in ’em and you should, too.”
They were then escorted away by a pair of deputies.
Jack looked at DuBose. “Well, we have a jury. Just not one of our clients’ peers.”
She said, “We only have one way through this. We have to prove they didn’t do it. Because that’s what it’s going to take with this damn jury.”
CHAPTER 63
JACK DROPPED OFF DUBOSE AT his parents’ house and then immediately left for Norfolk to speak to Craig Baker, the divorce lawyer for Anne Randolph.
Meanwhile, DuBose again called Janice Evans in New York, and this time she answered.
DuBose explained who she was and what she wanted. “With your testimony we can show that Pearl could not have been at the Randolphs’ when they say she was.”
“I understand that, Miss DuBose. But if I come back to Virginia and testify, can you guarantee that I won’t be arrested and charged with a crime?”
“No, I’m afraid I cannot.”
“Then I can’t possibly do as you ask. I’m terribly sorry about the Washingtons, but women need my services and I can’t perform them if I’m in prison.”
“But would you at least be willing to provide an affidavit?”
“No, I’m sorry. I can’t be involved in this.”
