Hounded Read Online Free PDF Page B

high in their first year. They’re talking about me as newcomer of the year.”
    “Can you make any money doing this?” I ask.
    “It’s not about the money.”
    We talk a bit more and decide to revisit it after Pete’s case is completed, though she says her mind is made up. As I’m leaving, she once more reiterates her desire to do anything she can to help Pete.
    Richard is waiting for me in a back booth at the restaurant, reading through a file. He looks up and smiles when he sees me, and we shake hands.
    “That for me?” I ask, pointing at the file.
    He shakes his head. “No, unlike defense attorneys, we prosecutors can walk and chew gum at the same time. This is another case.”
    “There is no other case,” I say.
    He nods his understanding. “Yeah, this is not going to be fun.”
    The waiter comes over and we order. Once he’s gone, I say, “You can’t think that Pete Stanton is a murderer.”
    “Until two days ago, I would have thought it more likely that I was. I’ve always considered Pete a friend.”
    “So why did you take the case?”
    “First of all, it was explained to me that if I turned it down, people high up would be very upset.”
    “Why?”
    “It’s very high profile; apparently some people are dumb enough to think I will represent the county well.”
    “You could have said he was your friend, and gotten out based on that conflict.”
    He nodded. “Yeah, I probably could have. It would have hurt me internally, but I could have handled it. But I also want to make sure he gets a completely fair shake.”
    “He will.”
    “I know,” he says. “I’m glad you’re on it. But you know I’m always in it to win, and you’ve got an uphill climb.”
    “What have you got?”
    He shakes his head slightly, as if sorry to report the news. “A lot; you’ll start getting discovery this afternoon.”
    “Give me the highlights.”
    He shakes his head. “Let’s not ruin our lunch.”

 
     
    When I get home, I witness a truly frightening sight.
    Ricky and Marcus are in the den, playing some kind of board game. It makes me uncomfortable knowing I’m on the same planet as Marcus, but he and Ricky are yukking it up, and actually smack hands with each other in a high five. It is the first time I have ever seen Marcus hit someone that did not result in hospitalization, or worse.
    Evidently Ricky is that rare kid who takes to everyone, except for me.
    Edna and Laurie are in the kitchen, and Edna is regaling her with all the details of her impressive tournament finish. I get to hear about it as well, and then Laurie says, “Edna has offered to help out around here with Ricky.”
    “Great, Edna. Thanks. Can that start now?”
    I tell them that I want to head back to the murder scene with Laurie, and have arranged with Richard Wallace for access. Edna is fine watching Ricky, so Laurie tells him that Edna will be there. Apparently, Ricky likes Edna as well, because he’s totally okay with it. Between her and his good buddy, Marcus, he’s seems pretty content.
    Laurie and I head back to what used to be Ricky’s house. Actually, it probably still is; I would think he will inherit it. I make a mental note that I need to check into whether Danny left a will. As long as Ricky is in our care, I should be protecting his rights.
    One of the first things Laurie and I always do when we start a case is go to the scene of the crime. It gives us a good feel for the investigation that will follow, much better than just using the photos that have certainly been taken.
    I generally like to wait until I have gone over the discovery, since I would then know what the prosecution alleges took place. But I’m so anxious to get going on this that rather than just wait for the discovery documents to arrive, it seems more productive to begin the process now.
    The scene is quite different from what it was the other night, and not just because it’s daylight. There are no crowds around, no police barricades, no cars