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I rose, even though I felt a little numb around the edges. I forced myself back into my body. This was it. I had to be sharp.
“The defendant, Andrea Marino, pleads not guilty to all charges, Your Honor.” The court recorder’s fingers clacked against his keyboard.
“Very well. This court will now allow for opening statements. Prosecution, take the floor.”
“Thank you, Your Honor,” the other attorney said as he stood. I sat down, taking a deep breath. The prosecution’s attorney was a bulldog, a hell of a first opponent to go up against, but I reminded myself that I was prepared. We had an ironclad case.
The prosecution’s opening statement was exactly what I had expected. Massive amounts of heroin had been found in Mr. Marino’s shipment, which he had trafficked from Venezuela via cargo shipping. He had taken the initiative to carefully hide this heroin, indicating significant premeditation and attempt to evade the law, and could not be allowed to dodge justice simply because of his wealth and power in the city. He didn’t mention finances, which indicated that he hadn’t found any direct link, just like I’d known he wouldn’t, and only mentioned the anonymous tip briefly and vaguely. Perfect.
“This court has heard your statement, Counsellor. Defense, your opening statement, please.”
I breathed deep, steeled myself, and stood. Show time.
“Your Honor, today’s defense will prove that Andrea Marino is a philanthropic businessman who has been routinely targeted by law enforcement despite a lack of any evidence of criminal history. Furthermore, we will prove that the recovered narcotics were planted in Mr. Marino’s shipment and that the Chicago PD was already aware of this when they arrested my client in front of his employees and his own son.”
I couldn’t believe my voice sounded so strong. I didn’t dare to look anywhere but at the judge.
“It is true that my client’s reputation in this town precedes him. There are many people who whisper about his alleged illegal activity, and it is the duty of the Chicago PD to investigate these claims. However, their dogged attempts to arrest my client rely on nothing but rumors and hearsay, and no one can point at any of Mr. Marino’s holdings, businesses, or actions and show proof of these crimes.
Yet the law enforcement of Chicago continues to waste time and resources attacking a man they know is innocent rather than pursuing actual criminals. With this arrest, Chicago PD has finally crossed the line, using planted evidence to ensure a conviction because they know there is no natural evidence to be found.”
There were gasps in the benches behind the prosecution’s table, little murmurs that sounded loud in my ears. I was asserting a serious accusation, one that could lead to internal turnover within the police department and even, possibly, backlash from the general public if found to be true. It was only natural for them to be stunned, especially when we all knew Mr. Marino was guilty.
It didn’t matter as long as they couldn’t prove it. And I was going to make sure they didn’t.
“Those who are meant to be Chicago’s finest have harassed my client for nearly thirty years, blatantly misusing their power, and have finally resorted to outright evidence tampering to make their arrest. As proud Chicagoans, it is our duty to expose their actions and clear Mr. Marino’s name of these false allegations, which we will be doing by preponderance of evidence before this court today.”
I sat but didn’t dare to look at the prosecution’s side of the courtroom. I knew there were several police officers in attendance, including the arresting lieutenant, who would be taking the stand momentarily, and I could feel their enraged glares burning into the side of my head. Even my opponent was looking at me with aggravated disbelief.
I’d submitted all of my evidence for review, but clearly, they hadn’t been expecting this angle. This went past proving that someone else could have done it, I was saying that someone else did and that I knew who.
Richard’s plan better fucking work.
Mr. Marino must have sensed my hidden anxiety because he leaned forward in his chair to catch my eye and smiled encouragingly. Proudly, even. He didn’t say anything, but I could tell he was letting me know I’d done well and he had faith in me. I smiled back. Just that little bit of recognition released me from the crushing vice around my ribcage, warming me gently and allowing me to sit a little straighter, breathe a little deeper.
I hated how much I needed external validation, but I couldn’t deny that I felt far surer of myself now that Mr. Marino showed me his approval. Maybe once I won this case, I could afford a few therapy sessions about that, but for now, I put it out of my mind. I had more important things to deal with.
“This court has heard your statement. Prosecution, you may call your first witness.”
“Prosecution calls Lieutenant Andrew Jameson to the stand.”
Of course, I’d known they would call the arresting officer to the stand. Not just because it’s what I would do but because I’d read his name on the witness list. I watched quietly as he was sworn in, hand on a Bible, and took his seat. Round one, begin.
“Lieutenant Jameson, you were at the drug bust and arrested the accused, correct?” the prosecution asked.
“Correct,” Jameson said.
“Tell me about the events of that day.”
“We received a tip on an anonymous line regarding a shipment of illegal drugs early that morning and immediately started to mobilize. As your colleague said—” he looked at me with restrained disgust— “Marino has a long history with law enforcement, so any tips we get regarding his activities are taken very seriously. We were able to obtain an emergency warrant so that we could search the cargo container and gathered a team to intercept the shipment.”
“Were you aware that the defendant would be at the cargo dock?”
“No, we were only informed when the drugs would be delivered, not when they would be retrieved.”
“So you were not expecting the defendant to be there.”
“That is correct.” I made a quick note on my notepad—that was one point easily disproved, and it came with the added bonus of catching Jameson lying on the stand. That would only help our case.
