Page 35 of Homecoming

“Thanks.”

Inside, he went through security, then asked where he might be able to meet with his client before the proceeding.

“You’ll see him in there,” an officer said.

“Okay, then.”

Dan went into the courtroom to await the defendants’ arrival.

When Kirby was led into the room, hands and feet in shackles, the first thing Dan noticed was the huge bruise on the side of his face. “What the hell happened?” he asked when Kirby was seated next to him at the defense table.

“Nothing.”

“Kirby, come on. What happened?”

“I had words with my brother in the bathroom. He didn’t like what I had to say.”

A rustling behind them was the only warning they got that Chuck and Judith had arrived, bringing the scent of expensive perfume and cologne with them.

Judith gasped when she saw Kirby’s face. “What happened?”

“Don’t worry about it, Mom. It’s nothing.”

Keith was led in next and seated at the other end of the table.

Matt came to sit next to him. He looked over and nodded to Dan, who ignored him. He had nothing to say to the man who’d broken Kara’s heart. Maybe he should take this opportunity to thank Matt for being a lying, cheating son of a bitch. Because of what Matt had done, Dan and Kara were happily married.

But first things first.

“All rise and come to order. The Honorable Judge Morton Collins presiding.”

Collins had white hair and a ruddy complexion that indicated time spent outdoors. He took a quick look around the courtroom, stopping his gaze for a long second on Dan before moving on to the others.

Dan loved when his reputation preceded him.

“Who is representing these men?”

“Matt Gallagher for Keith Ballard.”

“Please stand when you address the court, Counselor.”

Matt shot up, nearly falling over the table in his haste. “My apologies.”

“Your Honor.”

“My apologies, Your Honor.”

It was all Dan could do not to laugh out loud as he stood. “Daniel Torrington for Kirby Ballard, Your Honor. We call your attention to the motion to dismiss submitted last night. Kirby Ballard was simply providing a ride for his brother and had no contact whatsoever with the victim. We request the dismissal of all charges and his immediate release.”

The judge looked to the prosecutor.

“We have an eyewitness that puts both brothers with the victim shortly before she was found dead. The state is opposed to releasing either defendant at this time.”

“Motion for dismissal and release is denied. Both will be held without bail until a probable cause hearing next Thursday at eleven. By then, the state will need to produce additional evidence tying both men to this murder, or the charges will be dismissed.”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Dan said.

“I can’t stay in jail for another week,” Kirby said softly, so only Dan could hear him.

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