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“What else could they have against me?”
I push on. I don’t want to linger over this.
“You employ more than one former gang member. They’re going to say you exploited and extorted them to place the bomb.”
“Hiring men who have been jumped out and repaid their debt to society doesn’t mean they’re willing to commit crimes again.”
“And we have them on our side. They’ve all become model citizens, and their parole officers have nothing negative to say against them. They’ve all been on the stand before, so they know what to expect during cross examination. I’m not worried about that, so they’ll need minimal coaching. My hope is it won’t get that far. I’ll take it whether it’s voluntary or involuntary for the DA’s office. I think there’s enough lack of evidence to get this dismissed during the pretrial conference. I’m just not convinced we should play that hand yet.”
“You mean a motion for dismissal?”
“Yeah. Let’s not rush that until we’re sure it’ll be granted.”
We spend another thirty minutes reviewing photos and security footage. I’m feeling more confident than I when I walked in.
We continue to work through lunch, her admin assistant grabbing us Chinese food from around the corner. We discuss all the situations that could arise during the conference. She’s pushing me not to go, which is what I would tell a client. The only reason I might attend is because I’m a lawyer, too.
“Gabriele, the judge probably won’t allow you into the conference.”
“Then I’ll wait outside.”
I infuse authority into my voice. We both know I’ll get what I want simply because she has no way to stop me.
“No. The reporters are bound to harass you.”
“Will you protect me?”
I smile at her wolfishly.
“I’ve already proven I can.”
Her smirk is sexy as hell.
“We should get going.”
We walk out together, and I lead her to one of our SUVs. I think that surprises her. It’s one of the biggest on the road, seating seven and still having enough trunk space for us to store gear and seven high-powered rifles. It’s Giuseppe today, so he opens the door. Once we’re underway, I can tell she wants silence. I don’t know how, but it’s just a sense. She’s looking out the window, but I can tell she’s not taking in the sights. She’s considering all her options during the upcoming conference. We’ve been driving for ten minutes before she turns to me.
“Gabriele, I don’t think we’re ready to file a two-ten-twenty after all, but if we can, I will.”
“If you file a Motion to Dismiss or Reduce Indictment, which are you going for?”
I’m very familiar with the New York Section 210.20 of the Criminal Procedures. I’ve filed that motion more times than I can count since I became an attorney. It’s a criminal motion that’s gotten most Mancinelli Mafia men off the hook. Except, in my case, there’s no witness to intimidate or bribe. It works so much better when there is.
“The dismissal. Nothing less. I won’t back down if this gets forced into trial. But I know we’d both rather if not get that far.”
It’s not long before we show up at the courthouse. There are no buzzards circling outside, but I don’t know what to expect when we get inside. We make it through security without issue, and we’re on our way up to the third floor. It’s quiet here too. Maybe, just maybe, we can get through this without there being a spectacle.
“Sinead.”
I watch a tall, sandy-haired guy approaching us as Sinead turns around. He’s definitely good looking. I can see how she would be attracted to him, but he looks like a smug dick. He’s got a muscular build a lot like the other guys in my family. Thank God the Mancinellis treat me like family because I’d be screwed every which way from Sunday if I was doing this alone.
I recognize this guy. He was the Assistant DA during my first trial where I was the lead attorney. He’s good, but he’s pompous. I’m glad Sinead knows him even though I want to crush his head against the wall. I’m certain she can use that to her advantage. The level of possessiveness I feel is completely irrational and unjustified.
“Hello, Tyler. This is my client, Mr. Scotto.”
I extend my hand. He glances at it for a second before he takes it. When we release each other, I half expect him to pull out a bottle of hand sanitizer since he looks like he just stuck his hand in shit.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Yaeger.”
