A Criminal Defense Read Online Free PDF Page B

testify that it hadn’t been altered.
    Donnally looked back at Jackson.
    â€œIf I get you immunity,” Donnally said, “you’ll have to answer every question I ask. Every single one. That’s how immunity agreements read. It’s a contract. A trade. And it’s absolute.”
    Jackson’s eyes widened and her jaw clenched. “Then I’ll take the Fifth on everything.”
    â€œI know you think that sounds like something Mark would’ve said, but in the real world you can’t do that since not every answer will implicate you in a crime. Some may only implicate others. I’ll have Goldhagen put you in front of a grand jury, you’ll pull your stunt, and Judge McMullin will hold you in contempt and lock you up.”
    Donnally paused and let a picture of San Francisco’s crowded, gang-ridden county jail form in her mind.
    â€œYou sure you want to be brushing shoulders with Hamlin’s old clients? Them all looking at you funny, wondering when you’re gonna crack and spill everything in order to get yourself sprung.”
    Jackson’s finger started tapping again. It seemed to Donnally like a private sign language for spelling out her fears.
    Donnally heard the door open. Navarro signaled him to come outside.
    â€œAnd you will crack,” Donnally said, rising to his feet. “You know it and I know it. You’re not going to throw your life away living out Hamlin’s fantasy all the way to the end.”
    He walked outside and swung the door closed behind him.
    As the latch clicked into place, Donnally flashed on her face and her fidgeting hands and realized he was seeing more than just fear of potential accusations. He was seeing terror at her failing resistance against dissolving self-deceptions that were once held firm by Hamlin’s force of will.
    The immunity she wanted was more than just strategic, it was existential, and there was no way to give it to her.
    â€œThree things,” Navarro whispered. “One, beat cops found Hamlin’s car parked along Ocean Beach.”
    â€œThey towing it in?”
    Navarro nodded.
    â€œAnd two?”
    â€œHamlin’s cell phone was on the pavement next to it. Smashed. Nothing recoverable in it.”
    â€œAnd three is . . .”
    â€œThe news radio station is reporting Hamlin did a David Carradine right out there at Fort Point.”
    Donnally felt a rush of anger.
    Navarro raised his hands. “It wasn’t me. I haven’t talked to the press—and I’m not that stupid. Autoerotic asphyxiation means do-it-yourself. And you can’t do it yourself with your hands tied behind your back. The damn reporter should’ve figured that out himself.”
    â€œGo down to the station and make sure Hamlin’s car stays sealed until I get there.” Donnally tilted his head toward the conference room. “I’ve got to work out some kind of deal with her.”
    Navarro headed toward the hallway and the elevators beyond.
    Donnally opened the door. He spotted Jackson standing next to an open file cabinet drawer, her hand under her suit jacket. He jabbed a forefinger at her.
    â€œPut it back.”

Chapter 5
    I got nothing,” Donnally said to Navarro as he walked up to Hamlin’s Porsche in the police garage. “Jackson claims Hamlin didn’t tell her who he was afraid of, or why.”
    â€œYou have to give up anything to get her talking?” Navarro asked.
    â€œShe wanted immunity, but I explained to her why that wasn’t a possibility.” He smiled. “I caught her trying to sneak off with a file. It showed Hamlin had been paying part of her salary under the table out of cash retainers he’d received from clients. He wasn’t reporting the fees to the IRS and she wasn’t reporting the income.”
    â€œTax fraud and money laundering.” Navarro smiled back. “I see why you took immunity off the table. There’s