Page 111 of Homecoming

“Yes, Your Honor.”

The judge directed his intimidating gaze at the prosecutor. “Find out where the ex-boyfriend was the night in question.”

“We’re working on that, sir.”

“Work faster.”

“Yes, sir.”

Dan walked out with Cori.

“I suppose it’s too much to ask you to stay out of the press with your commentary about our case.”

“Yes, it is too much to ask. My clients are innocent men charged with the worst possible crime. I’ll do whatever it takes to see them exonerated.”

“Fair enough.”

Dan got into the back seat of Walter’s car. “I need to visit the offices of theMount Desert Islander.”

“That’s right around the corner.”

“I need to do a few things before I go in there.”

“Whatever you need, Boss.”

Dan made notes about his meeting with Keith. He texted Judith and Chuck to let them know he was now officially representing Keith and that the judge had given the prosecution until Thursday to produce compelling evidence, or the charges would be dropped. He wondered who’d break the news to Matt that he’d been replaced and chuckled to himself when he imagined Matt finding out that he’d been replaced by Dan. He hoped it was as humiliating as possible for Matt.

It was funny because rarely in his life would Dan ever have described himself as petty. But mention Kelly or Matt to him, and all his inner pettiness came roaring to the surface.

He sent a text to Kara to update her as well.

That all sounds promising.

To me as well. I’m optimistic it’ll be over soon.

God, I hope so. Are you on the way home?

Not yet. Will be home in an hour or two.

I’ll be here.

Counting on that.

Dan sent a text to Carter.I need video from inside the Barnacle that night. Is that something you can help me get?

He wouldn’t get full discovery info until the case was bound over for trial, so he had to use his own network in the meantime.

On it,Carter replied five minutes later.

Dan next texted Clarissa in his LA office to ask for photos of Tanya’s ex so he could look for him on the video from the bar.

“This shouldn’t take long,” Dan said to Walter when they parked outside theMount Desert Islanderoffices.

“Take your time. I’ll grab a coffee.”

“Sounds good.” Inside, he asked for Elias Young and was shown to his cubicle.

The young reporter’s eyes bugged when he realized who’d come to see him. He jumped up so fast that his desk chair smacked against the wall. “I, um, wasn’t expecting you.”

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