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Harry shook his head. “I hope you’re really thought about what you’re prepared to do, Stephanie. You’re a wonderful attorney. I don’t want to see your reputation ruined completely.”
“Neither do I, but this is what I must do. For my conscience and for my future.”
He thought about what I’d said. “I can’t interfere at this point, but if you provide evidence that Alexei Kozlov is innocent, I stand by what I said. However, that does not mean that formal charges will not be filed, and another officer assigned to handle it. It doesn’t happen often but given the pressure we’ve been under with regard to organized crime, I wouldn’t put it past the mayor or the governor to bring in outside sources.”
“I’m not worried about the mayor, Harry. You’ll see what I mean. If it’s alright with you, I’m taking this file. It might help in locating Sergei Politoff.”
“You should let the police handle that.”
“Yes, I should, but when you can’t trust the police to keep the animal behind bars, then I take exception. Do you mind? I will return it for your files.”
“If you think it will help, then by all means. As I said, just be careful.”
“I have an entire army to keep me safe,” I mused, shifting my gaze toward the door.
He shook his head as he stood, holding out his hand. “Ms. Morgan, it has truly been a pleasure working with you. I hope whatever decisions you make in the future will bring you joy and fulfillment. You deserve happiness.”
“We all do, Harry. We all do.”
* * *
“What are you doing here?” Bradley huffed as I took the seat behind his table in the courtroom. The press had surrounded the building, reporters hoping for their fifteen minutes of fame. I’d forced Cassian to wait outside, the other soldier ready to drag me away from the melee. I’d never been asked so many questions nor had so many microphones in front of my face. By the six o’clock news, I’d be just another fallen star in the world of law enforcement. I’d even heard the word ‘harlot’ from someone in the crowd. While my skin was thick, I was incensed that they’d dare question my reputation as an attorney.
“You’re going to call me as a witness.”
“That’s not protocol, and you know it.”
“Well, we’re going to make it one today. I have something I need to say to the court.”
Bradley grumbled. “This is the last thing Alexei needs.”
“Just. Do. It.”
“I can’t promise anything. This is just a damn pleading and bail hearing.”
“Yeah?” I barked as I shot him a look. “Well, this is also about his life. The judge will allow me a few words. Trust me, I’ll be succinct.”
He chuckled. “You do have balls, lady. I’ll give you that.”
“You have no idea.” I fell into a haze as Alexei was brought into the courtroom. While his face was expressionless, he narrowed his eyes when he noticed me. He took his seat beside Bradley then turned to face me, giving me one of his dominant looks.
“All rise,” the bailiff commanded.
As Judge Markham walked in from his chambers, he quickly noticed me, lifting a single eyebrow.
While there’d been no spectators allowed in the courtroom, some of what I had to say would be handled in private. Unless the judge refused.
As the judge began speaking, his gaze shifted from Alexei back to me. “Alexei Kozlov. Please stand. You’ve heard the charges placed against you. How do you plead?”
“Not guilty, Your Honor.”
“We are requesting minimal bail for Mr. Kozlov. He is an upstanding citizen of this community with family ties here and certainly not a flight risk.” Bradley did his best to sound authoritative.
“Mr. Templeton, what is the prosecution’s stand on bail?” Judge Markham asked.
“Given the heinous nature of the crime as well as the fact the defendant owns several private planes, family in other countries, the prosecution requests that bail be denied.”
“Judge Markham, Stephanie Morgan has asked that she address the court,” Bradley said between clenched teeth.
