Page 79 of In This Moment
But still he had to drive home one final point. The reason the jury could feel good about the legalities of deciding in favor of Wendell Quinn. The point Tommy had first brought up after the musical that night. Luke wasn’t sure if it would help, but it couldn’t hurt. Not at this point. And both Wendell and Tommy were right—whether it was a proven defense in a case like this or not.
Wendell really was just doing his job.
Luke stepped in front of the jury and looked at them. Each one of them. “First, thank you again for your time. I told you it would take a while, and it has. But freedom is always worth the time. Always.”
Luke came closer to the jury box. These were no longer Landsford’s friends. They were Luke’s. “I want you to take two truths with you into that deliberation room. Two truths that will make your decision that much easier.” Luke paused. “First, there was nothing in the school district handbook prohibiting Principal Quinn from leading a voluntary after-school Bible study. You heard James Black testify to that on the first day of trial.”
Luke smiled at the jurors and then he turned and looked at Wendell. Looked at him long enough that every one of the jurors could do nothing but follow his lead. After several seconds, Luke turned his attention back to the jury. “Second, Wendell Quinn started the Raise the Bar club for one reason.” Luke nodded. “Yes, because it was his job.”
One more trip back to his table and Luke picked up a piece of paper. “When Wendell Quinn signed his contract as principal of Hamilton High he promised this: To establish a schoolwide vision of commitment to high standards... and ensure the success of all students.”
Luke set the piece of paper down and smiled at the jury. “Friends, when a man like Wendell Quinn does whatever it takes... when he risks his reputation and his job to carry out the duties of his position on behalf of his students, we don’t find him guilty. We drop the charges and we give him a standing ovation.”
The sentiment hung in the air for a long moment, and then Luke thanked the jury one more time and returned to his seat.
He’d done all he could. He had prayed and so had his family. Now the decision was in the hands of the jury. And of God Almighty, who had brought them this far.
An hour later it was no surprise to anyone in the room when the jury returned with a verdict of not guilty. After the foreman read their decision he did something Luke had never seen, not in all his years of practicing law.
The man began to clap.
His fellow jurors joined in and all of them rose to their feet. So that Wendell Quinn finally had what he deserved.
A standing ovation.
23
The jury’s verdict, their applause, was still fresh in Wendell’s heart when Judge Wells lit into him.
“Mr. Quinn, you need to know that the verdict today does not mean your troubles are over.”
Next to him, Luke whispered. “Just hear her out. You’re fine, Wendell.”
He kept his eyes on the judge, respectful. Listening. “Yes, Your Honor.”
“What I’m saying is anyone, anytime could bring a lawsuit much like the one Mr. Nelson brought. As long as you run your Bible study club, you’re placing yourself and your school in jeopardy.”
Wendell nodded.
“Ultimately, the landscape of religious freedom is changing in this nation.” Judge Wells raised her brow. “A person has to be either very brave or very foolish to continue such a club.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Wendell smiled. “I’m probably a little of both.”
Wendell heard Luke chuckle quietly. “Thank you, Judge Wells. If Your Honor is finished, my client has places to be.”
She gave Luke a wary look. “Very well.” She waved her hand like she’d done before. “I expect I’ll see you again. But for now, you may go. Both of you.”
Wendell and Luke stood at the same time and as Luke moved to shake his hand, Wendell went straight for the hug. “I had the best lawyer in the business.”
“I couldn’t have planned half of what happened here.” Luke patted Wendell on the back. “God alone gave us this victory. Never should’ve happened.”
Alicia walked up to them. She hugged Wendell and then shook Luke’s hand. “Thank you. Wendell was right about you.”
“He tell you I cry easy at sad videos?” Luke grinned at Wendell and shook his head. “Twice, in this case.”
“No.” Alicia’s eyes were soft. Full of gratitude. “He told me there was no lawyer better. That jury loved you.”
Wendell watched as Luke looked across the room to the place where his father was still waiting for him. A kind expression filled Luke’s face. “My dad told me a long time ago that the best way to win an argument was with gentle words and honesty. Worked as a kid. Still works now.”
