Page 18 of Dirty Deeds

“So you left.”

“I left, but I’m not so sure that was the right choice. I mean, I just keep running away. The man is sitting in a jail cell right now and I’m here. I should be giving a statement to the police. I should be telling them Enzo intervened because Brent was attacking me. I should be telling them that Brent swung at him first. Oh my God… do you think I should’ve called Wolf? Maybe I should’ve hired a lawyer for him.”

“They’re an outlaw motorcycle club, I’m pretty sure they’ve got a handle on criminal defense attorneys. You need to calm down and lay low, because if you think Brent is just going to let this slide, you’re crazy. We need a plan.”

“A plan?”

“Yeah, Dan. You made a deal with your ex-husband and that shit went up in smoke. You’ve got a motorcycle club threatening Derek and a one-night stand in jail for defending you. We need a fucking plan.”

CHAPTERSEVEN

ENZO SCOTTO

My knee bouncesas the judge takes his place on the bench. I don’t know why I’m so fucking nervous. I’d say it’s the lack of sleep, but I know better. The district attorney has a hard on for me. I wouldn’t be all that shocked to learn he’s in Matthews’ pocket.

“Appearances, please,” the honorable Judge Forest says.

I glance at Finley, wondering if that’s her cue, but the dickbag prosecutor at the table next to us clears his throat and begins to speak, introducing himself as Jonathan Waters.

Finley smiles warmly at the judge.

“Attorney Finley Banks appears on behalf of Mr. Scotto, who appears in person and in custody. Good morning, Your Honor.”

Unsure if I’m supposed to greet him too, I glance at Finley, but she keeps her head straight and her eyes on the judge, so I keep my mouth shut.

“Good morning, counselors. We’re here for an arraignment, Mr. Waters?”

I suppose that’s just the polite way of asking if we’re all gathered here to fuck me in the ass. I hope someone brought the lube.

“Your Honor, the defendant is charged with one count of assault in the first degree, in New York Penal Code section 120.10.”

I tune him out as he rambles on, but when he requests my bail be set at ten thousand dollars I perk up. Ten thousand dollars. Do you know how many inappropriate tape measures I can order for that kind of money?

“Mr. Scotto assaulted a congressional candidate and beat him so severely that he may have to have reconstructive surgery on a shattered orbital socket. He was still present at the scene when the police arrived. This is a very violent crime, Your Honor. Mr. Scotto poses a danger to the community, and therefore, a substantive cash bond is warranted.”

For fuck’s sake the guy makes it sound like I go around beating the shit out of helpless little old ladies.

“Thank you, Mr. Waters,” the judge says, turning his attention to Finley. “Ms. Banks?”

“Thank you, Your Honor. Mr. Scotto is twenty-eight years old, has lived in the greater New York City area for his entire life, and has not had any police contacts prior to this incident. He has not exhibited any sort of violent behavior or in any way demonstrated that he poses a threat to the community. The state paints a very rosy picture of the alleged victim in this case and the facts surrounding it that they believe support their version of events, but I can assure this court that Mr. Scotto in no way poses a danger to anyone. As the court is aware, the purpose of bond is to ensure compliance and appearance in court and to protect the public. Mr. Scotto has a full-time job, numerous connections to the community, and there is no reason to believe he won’t make all court appearances and cooperate with his defense. Therefore, we are asking for a five-thousand dollar cash bond.”

I’m not going to pretend like I have any idea what she just said, but man did she sound like she knew what the fuck she was talking about. Move over, David Schwartz.

Suddenly the judge’s eyes flit to me and I straighten my shoulders under his scrutiny.

“Mr. Scotto, these are very serious charges. You understand that?”

“I do, Your Honor.”

“You understand that if you’re released on bond, you must make all your court appearances and will not have any contact with the alleged victim or any of the witnesses in this case. If you do, that could result in additional felony charges?”

I bite the inside of my cheek and nod.

“I do, Your Honor.”

He looks away and hands the clerk something.

“Given Mr. Scotto’s ties to the community, his lack of a prior record, and statement of his attorney regarding his cooperation with her, I’m going to set a five thousand dollar cash bond. Standard conditions including no contact with victims or witnesses.”

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