Adverse Possession (The Anna Albertini Files #3) - Rebecca Zanetti Page 0,100
date with Kurt Stockwood.”
“Kurt is still in town?” Wait a minute. He was moving to LA. What was he still doing in town?
She nodded. “Yeah. Why wouldn’t he be here?”
Okay. Kelsey needed to stop flirting and start talking to the men in her life. She didn’t seem to know anything about them. “What about Teddy?” This shuffling of dates was interesting, although I didn’t have the energy for it. Plus, nobody compared to Aiden. If I had extra time, I wanted it with him.
She grimaced. “I’m not sure. I was supposed to meet Kurt at the restaurant later, but I think I saw him in the park outside. He hangs out there a lot, it seems. I think he likes the peace, although he had an umbrella this time.”
The storm destroyed any sense of peace out there right now. Even the lake had looked gray and angry.
I was saved from having to answer when Orrin walked inside and took his seat. He looked professionally casual on this Friday in a mint-green suit with brown leather shoes. The shoes were Italian.
The full-bearded bailiff walked through the door to the left of the bench. “The judge will be right in,” he said, walking toward us. “I’ve met Orrin but haven’t officially met you. I’m Pete Feliz.”
“Anna Albertini.” We shook hands. The name fit him.
Kelsey held out her hand. “I’m Kelsey.”
Pete grinned. “It’s nice to meet you. You’re definitely the prettiest defendant we’ve had in here all month.”
She laughed.
I barely kept from shaking my head. Maybe she excreted some special pheromone that men couldn’t resist. It was impressive, really. Considering the summer she’d had, it was great to hear her laugh.
The judge’s door opened and Pete hustled over to the judge’s side. “All rise.”
Since we were all standing, only Teddy had to stand. He did so.
Judge Williams took her seat, and her assistant and the court reporter did the same. “All right,” the judge said, opening her first case file, all business today. “We’re on the record in Elk County v Kelsey Walker for an arraignment.”
“Your honor?” I asked. “The defense would like to make a motion to dismiss based on new evidence.” I handed the paperwork to the bailiff and then gave a copy to Orrin. “Krissy Walker recanted her testimony and took full responsibility for the murder of Danny Pucci.”
Orrin sputtered. “You can’t drop new evidence on me like this. Your honor, the state has had no warning about the affidavit.”
“The affidavit came in earlier today,” I said, having also handed over the fax receipt. “It’s all legitimate. Without Krissy’s testimony, the state doesn’t have enough to go to trial. My client is innocent, and this is enough.” I turned to Orrin. “You don’t even have circumstantial evidence. The fact that witnesses can’t place Kelsey at the park at all times doesn’t mean anything. They can’t place you there, either.”
Judge Williams finished reading the documents and looked at Orrin. “It’s up to the state how to proceed. Since this was just offered, I’ll postpone a hearing to argue dismissal, if you want. But the evidence is pretty clear.” In other words, don’t waste the court’s time and make us come back.
I barely kept from smiling.
Orrin slammed the papers down. “All right. The state will dismiss all charges against Kelsey Walker.” He turned and looked at us. “For now.”
Kelsey squealed and hugged me, nearly knocking me over. Teddy hurried up, excitement on his cute face. She released me to hug him with the short railing providing no barrier for her excitement.
The judge closed her file folder. “All right. Everyone, have a great Friday. Court is adjourned.” She slammed the gavel down.
Almost in unison, an explosion blew the doors in. Fire swished inside.
The force knocked both Kelsey and me into our table while Orrin flew over his. Teddy fell over the railing and his head hit my calf. Pain flashed through me along with an alarming heat.
“Everybody out,” Pete yelled, opening the judge’s door and motioning for all of us. Panic mixed with the smoke in my throat, and I grabbed Kelsey’s arm, shoving us both up off the floor. Teddy rolled to his knees and then his feet, holding his injured arm to his ribs.
An alarm blared loudly.
My shoes slid across papers and I fell, but Kelsey helped me up.
Teddy grabbed her and all but carried her to where the judge, assistant, and clerk reporter had run. Orrin was still down, bleeding from the head and looking dazed.