Page 58 of Desert Loyalties
LaGuerta’s already at the defence table. She nods as I’m walked over and unchained just enough to sit. She doesn’t say anything, just flicks her eyes forward. I follow her lead.
The prosecutor stands. Young. Clean-cut. Looks like a frat boy.
“Your Honor, this is the case of United States v. Drake Lloyd. The defendant was arrested on a sealed indictment issued by a grand jury in the District of Nevada.”
The judge nods once. “Proceed.”
The prosecutor’s voice is sharp. Clipped.
“The defendant is charged with four violations of Title 18 of the United States Code. Count One:Murder, under Section 1111. Count Two:Witness tampering, under Section 1512. Count Three:Conspiracy to commit a federal offense,under Section 371. Count Four:Obstruction of justice, under Section 1505.”
I don’t move. I don’t flinch. But inside, my stomach knots like barbed wire.
The judge turns to me.
“Mr. Lloyd do you understand the charges that have been brought against you?”
Christina speaks before I can.
“Your Honor, the defence acknowledges receipt of the indictment. My client understands the nature of the charges.”
The judge continues.
“You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to be represented by counsel. You have the right to a detention hearing and a preliminary hearing, unless waived. Do you understand these rights?”
Christina nudges my arm under the table.
“Yes, Your Honor,” I say.
The judge looks to the prosecutor. “Government’s position on detention?”
The prosecutor doesn’t even blink.
“We move for detention under 18 U.S.C. § 3142. The defendant is a clear danger to the community and a flight risk. The charges involve violence, conspiracy, and obstruction. The government is seeking pretrial detention without bond.”
LaGuerta stands confidently.
“Your Honor, we request a detention hearing to challenge that. My client is a long-time resident, has no prior federal convictions, and is willing to comply with all pretrial conditions.”
The judge nods again, notes something.
“Very well. Detention hearing set in 3 days. Defendant will remain in federal custody until then. No plea will be entered today.”
He bangs the gavel. “We are adjourned.”
The marshal’s on me before I stand. LaGuerta doesn’t say anything as I’m cuffed again, but she meets my eyes.
“I’ll see you before the hearing,” she says, low. “You don’t talk to anyone but me. Understand?”
I nod. Looking back at the gallery I see Skye giving me a watery smile as I’m led back out, the heavy courtroom doors closing behind me like the lid on my coffin.
Chapter 24
MANDRAKE
They bring me in through the same side door. Same orange jumpsuit. Same cuffs. Same chain digging into my waist like they think I’m about to sprout wings and fly out the damn window.
It’s a different courtroom, same layout but smaller, smellier.
