Page 110 of Homecoming

“You know what I’ve found to be true when you’re dealing with innocent people improperly charged with crimes?”

“I’m sure you’re going to enlighten me whether I want you to or not.”

“The common denominator is that innocent people have nothing to hide. If you want to know about Keith’s prior relationship with Tanya, we could get you in the room with him to clear up any remaining questions.”

Cosgrove thought that over. “I’d be interested in talking to him, but not today. I’ve got other things to take care of.”

“I hope your other things are related to this case as my clients are innocent and being held on serious charges. They’re going to have one hell of a civil case when all is said and done.”

Cosgrove frowned. “Unfortunately, theirs is not my only case, and while I’m sure you’re used to dealing with much bigger departments, we’re stretched thin here.”

“Understood. Well, I’ll let you get back to work. All of this will come out in court if not before.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just what I said. We’re under no obligation to refrain from sharing what we know before the hearing. You have a good day, Detective.”

Chapter

Twenty-Three

Walter droveDan to Ellsworth for the meeting the judge had called in his chambers.

In the outer office, Dan met an attorney who handed him her card. “Assistant Attorney General Cori Brooks for the state.” She was tall, with brown skin and long, braided hair. Her handshake was firm and her expression no-nonsense. She wore a sharp-looking red suit and sky-high black heels.

He handed her his card. “Daniel Torrington for the defense.”

“Duh.”

“Just being polite.”

Cori smiled. “Despite being on opposite sides of this one, I’ve admired your career.”

“Thank you.”

An admin ushered them into the judge’s chambers.

Judge Collins sat behind a desk covered in a stack of files, other papers and a half-eaten salad. He had his shirtsleeves rolled up and reading glasses propped on the end of his nose. He stood to shake hands with both of them. “Thanks for coming in.”

“No problem,” Dan said.

They sat in his visitor chairs.

“I have signed conflict-of-interest waivers from both Ballard brothers, who wish to be represented jointly.”

The judge took the forms from him and added them to the pile on his desk. “I’ve thoroughly reviewed the reports on this case, and you have a problem, Counselor.” This was directed toward the prosecutor. “Your case is weak.”

Dan wanted to stand up and cheer.

“I’m aware of that, Your Honor, and the police are working to gather more information.”

“As are we, Your Honor,” Dan said. “So far, we’ve learned that the eyewitness is locked in a wrongful-termination lawsuit with Ballard Boat Works, which he’s probably going to lose because he was fired for cause after failing numerous drug tests. In addition, Keith Ballard had known Tanya Sorenson for months before the night in question and had a relationship with her over the summer. She reached out to let him know she’d be in town and wanted to see him. They had a fun evening together that included sex in the ladies’ room. She thought she spotted her ex-boyfriend in the crowd at the Barnacle, so when the bar closed, she asked Keith to walk her down the hill, away from the bar. She said she was sure she was seeing things at the bar and was fine to walk the rest of the way home.”

The judge frowned at Cori. “If it wasn’t for the seriousness of this crime and Keith’s criminal record, I’d immediately order the charges dropped.”

“Kirby Ballard never met Tanya or ever had anything to do with her. You have my motion to immediately dismiss the charges against Kirby or at least release him on bail.”

Collins sighed deeply. To Cori, he said, “I’m giving you until Thursday’s hearing to produce evidence that ties these men to this murder, or they’ll be released with the charges dropped.”

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