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In the aftermath of Jimmy’s shooting, Judge Prentice granted me a continuance, until the next afternoon. I did not tell Kevin Ahearn about Pat Palmer, because I promised Palmer I wouldn’t. All Ahearn knows is that an anonymous neighbor of Jimmy’s was the one to call 911. Pat Palmer still doesn’t want to testify and I don’t want him to, because Laurel Gates and the rape and the NDA and the money will do my client no good whatsoever.
“You keep telling me you’re going to win this case,” he says.
Now I smile at him over my wineglass. “If I’m lyin’, I’m dyin’.”
When we finish our dinner, he drives me home. The squad car is where it’s supposed to be.
“Very romantic,” Dr. Ben says, “having a cop as a chaperone.”
“It won’t always be this way. This thing is winding down.”
Like me.
“I’m going to hold you to that,” he says.
I lean over and kiss him, not caring whether we’re being watched by the East Hampton Town Police or not.
Dr. Ben says, “I promise not to break any laws if you invite me in.”
“One of these days you’re going to get lucky,” I tell him. “Just not tonight, dear.” I kiss him again. “And not because I’m not in the mood.”
I go inside and collect Rip and walk him up and down the street, and then lock up for the night and set the alarm and get ready for bed. I think Rip might be picking up some speed on these walks. Or maybe it’s that I’m losing a step.
I think about calling Jimmy at the hospital, but I don’t want to wake him if he’s asleep.
Before I shut off the lights, I open up my laptop and check my email one last time.
The last one came in about fifteen minutes ago.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” I say to Rip.
Dr. Ben Kalinsky didn’t get lucky tonight.
But I just did.
Eighty-Nine
MY FIRST WITNESS THEnext afternoon is Chief Mort Laggos of the Southampton Police. He is dressed in full uniform today, maybe to make himself look as official as possible. I don’t know him. Jimmy likes him. And respects him.
“Good morning, Chief,” I say.
“Good morning to you, counselor. Heard what happened to your partner. Glad he’s going to make it.”
“Not nearly as glad as I am, Chief.”
I walk to my table now, reach into the small cardboard box that has been sitting in front of Rob Jacobson and me, come out with a ziplock plastic evidence bag, one that is already labeled.
I walk back over to Chief Laggos.
“Chief, do you recognize the contents of this bag I’m holding?”
“I do. It’s a bullet.” He grins. “As anybody could plainly see.”
“Objection, Your Honor,” Kevin Ahearn says. “If Ms. Smith is going to introduce anything into evidence, I have a right to inspect it first. If not, it’s nothing more than a prop.”
“Hardly,” I say to him. I walk over and place the baggie in front of Judge Prentice. He looks at it and nods as he reads the label.
“I’ll allow this,” Prentice says. “And when Ms. Smith finishes questioning the chief here, and this itemisofficially introduced into evidence, you can inspect it all you want, Mr. Ahearn. Objection overruled. Proceed, Ms. Smith.”
