William Bernhardt - Capitol Murder

Glancy was nearly in tears. He thanked the jury, then tried to hug Christina and shake Ben’s hand, both at once. He looked silly and confused, clearly so overwhelmed he hardly knew what he was doing. Judge Herndon slammed his gavel several times, making a mostly futile effort to quiet the courtroom. When the tumult had finally subsided sufficiently that the judge could be heard, he thanked the jury, gave them a few more final instructions-including reminding them that they were not required to speak to the press and that he personally advised against it-and discharged them. Then he turned his gavel to the main attraction in the courtroom.

“Mr. Glancy,” he said sonorously, “you are free to go.”

There was more cheering now, less mixed than before. The opposition was leaving the courtroom-Ben had seen both Steve Melanfield and Brad Tidwell depart with shocked expressions on their faces-and Todd’s friends and staff were gathering around him, embracing him, congratulating.

“Thank you,” he said graciously, “but the accolades should go to Ben and Christina. They’re the ones who made this happen.”

There was more jubilation, slapping of backs, and aggressive hand-shaking. Marie Glancy stepped up to Ben and quietly whispered in his ear. “Thank you,” she said, and she kissed him lightly on the cheek. “You’ve pulled off a miracle.”

“That’s why I get paid the big money,” he replied.

Christina gave him a wry expression.

“I feel as if I’ve gotten my whole life back,” Glancy said. He still seemed stunned, utterly amazed. “All the anxiety, the turmoil, all these months. And now, it’s finally over.”

Of course, Ben knew it wasn’t. There was still a possibility of statutory rape charges. If Padolino could figure out a way to pursue them that didn’t make him look like a poor loser spitefully determined to put Glancy away on any charge he could scrape up. And the only way Glancy could avoid being censured in the Senate would be if he resigned first.

The celebration continued. Ben was surprised to feel a hand tugging on his back. It was Joe Padolino.

“Kudos, counselor,” Padolino said graciously. “You tried a fine case. Hell of a closing. I think that’s where you won it.”

Ben brushed the compliment away. “The evidence won it. The jury knew Beatrice Taylor was telling the truth.”

“Yes, but on cross, I-” He stopped himself. “Aren’t we lawyers pathetic? We never know when to quit.” He smiled, then passed Ben a scrap of paper. “When all the celebrating is over, would you give this to Christina?”

“What is it?”

“My phone number.”

“Um-oh.”

“I just thought now that the trial was over, she might have more time for… you know. Socializing.”

Ben nodded slowly. “I’ll see that she gets it.”

“Great.” He slapped Ben’s shoulder. “And congratulations again.”

Ben returned to the frenzied activity surrounding his client. Hazel had her steno pad out, taking notes. Amanda was doing some scribbling as well. Glancy was firing off one assignment after another. Apparently, now that the trial was over, he wasn’t wasting a minute before taking charge again.

“-and I want the Blue Beetle replaced once and for all, even if it has to come out of my own pocket. Next time I’m caught in a national crisis, I don’t want my interns running to Kinko’s to get the press releases copied.”

Everyone laughed. Tears were in many eyes.

“What about a press conference?” Amanda said. “I think we need a press conference.”

“No,” Glancy said. “We’ve had a wonderful result, but that doesn’t change the fact that a tragedy occurred. We don’t want to appear to be taking political advantage of that poor girl’s death-or any of the other deaths.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Amanda scribbled a few notes onto her legal pad. “We’ll let a day pass, then put out a press release.”

Glancy rolled his eyes. “And finally- Marshall?”

His executive assistant wheeled to the forefront. “Yes, sir?”

“Toss me your cell phone.”

“Sorry, Boss-I misplaced my briefcase somewhere this morning and my phone was in it.”

“Well, when you find it, call that damned overpriced appeals expert we bought-and tell him he’s fired. We don’t need him anymore!” Another round of cheers filled the courtroom. “All right, you clowns, get me back to the office. I want to see what a mess you’ve made of it in my absence. And I have a bottle of Dom Pérignon 1963 I’ve been saving for a special occasion. I don’t think they’re going to get any more special than this.”

*

B en and Loving split off from the rest of the group. They had another stop they needed to make before they joined the party back at the senator’s office.

Loving knelt beside the hospital bed in Room 342 at Bethesda. He wasn’t surprised to see that Shalimar was also there, watching over the patient. He placed his hand on the pale blonde’s forehead. “How ya feelin’, sweetheart?”

Beatrice looked up at him, a faint smile on her pale, barely red lips. “Doing okay.”

Loving jerked his thumb toward Ben. “Didn’t I tell you my man would take care of you in the courtroom?”

“Did he ever. Have you heard what they’ve been saying about him on the radio?”

Ben raised an eyebrow. “About me?”

“Everyone’s falling over themselves praising Ben’s defense work. Even Glancy’s political enemies, people who still think he’s guilty, are complimenting him. Did you hear what the governor said?”

Ben’s eyes widened. “The governor?”

“Of Oklahoma, yeah. I don’t remember the exact words. But basically it was, It’s a shame our trusted senator brought us so much embarrassment-but at least we had Ben Kincaid up there to show the world what it really means to be an Oklahoman.”

Ben gaped. He couldn’t believe it.

Beatrice grinned, her lips chapped and cracking. “So yeah, I’d say he did okay.” She pulled Loving’s hand closer and laid it against her cheek. “But you’re my hero.”

“Mine, too,” Shalimar said, jumping in.

Loving turned a bright shade of crimson. “Aw shucks,” he said, sounding for all the world as if he had just stepped out of a Goofy cartoon. “I’m no hero. You’re the one who pulled my fat outta the fire after I got myself caught.”

“After you got yourself caught trying to save my sister’s life. You are a hero, Loving. And I’ll never forget what you did for us.”

“But testifying was so… draining,” Beatrice added. “They’re giving me drugs to ease the withdrawal symptoms, but it’s still… hard. The docs say I have to stay here at least another week so they can monitor my recovery.”

“That’s okay,” Loving said sheepishly. “We’re not going anywhere soon. I’ll keep you company.”

“Would you really?” her eyes brightened immediately. “That would be wonderful!” She squeezed his hand tighter. “I feel so much safer when you’re around.”

“Aw, sweetie, you got nothin’ to worry about now.” Ben noticed that Loving’s eyes were almost as moist as Beatrice’s. “The Sire is locked up. The Inner Circle has been dissolved. Nothing can harm you.”

“I suppose you’re right.” She paused. “Did they ever find the knife that was used on poor Veronica?”

“No,” Loving answered. “I imagine the Sire hid it someplace after he left the Capitol building. Doesn’t matter. What matters is-”