"Have you met anyone without an opinion on his guilt or innocence?"
"There's no such person in this county."
"Can he get a fair trial here?"
"I don't know about that. I do know you can't find twelve people who don't know all about the rape and the shootin'."
"No further questions," Jake said to Noose.
"Is he your last witness?"
"Yes, sir."
"Any cross-examination, Mr. Buckley?"
Buckley remained in his seat and shook his head.
"Good," said His Honor. "Let's take a short recess. I would like to see the attorneys in chambers."
The courtroom erupted in conversation as the attorneys followed Noose and Mr. Pate through the door beside the bench. Noose closed the door to his chambers and removed his robe. Mr. Pate brought him a cup of black coffee.
"Gentlemen, I am considering imposing a gag order from now until the trial is over. I am disturbed by the publicity, and I don't want this case tried by the press. Any comments?"
Buckley looked pale and shaken. He opened his mouth, but nothing happened.
"Good idea, Your Honor," Jake said painfully. "1 had considered requesting such an order."
"Yes, I'm sure you have. I've noticed how you run from publicity. What about you, Mr. Buckley?"
"Uh, who would it apply to?"
"You, Mr. Buckley. You, and Mr. Brigance, would be ordered not to discuss any aspect of the case or the trial with the press. It would apply to everyone, at least everyone under the control of this court. The attorneys, the clerks, the court officials, the sheriff."
"But why?" asked Buckley.
"I don't like the idea of the two of you trying this case through the media. I'm not blind. You've both fought for the spotlight, and I can only imagine what the trial will be like. A circus, that's what it will be. Not a trial, but a three-ring circus." Noose walked to the window and mumbled something to himself. He paused for a moment, then continued mumbling. The attorneys looked at each other, then at the awkward frame standing in the window.
"I'm imposing a gag order, effective immediately, from now until the trial is over. Violation of the order will result in contempt of court proceedings. You are not to discuss any aspect of this case with any member of the press. Any questions?"
"No, sir," Jake said quickly.
Buckley looked at Musgrove and shook his head.
"Now, back to this hearing. Mr. Buckley, you said you have over twenty witnesses. How many do you really need?"
"Five or six."
"That's much better. Who are they?"
"Floyd Loyd."
"Who's he?"
"Supervisor, First District, Ford County."
"What's his testimony?"
"He's lived here for fifty years, been in office ten years or so. In his opinion a fair trial is possible in this county."
"I suppose he's never heard of this case?" Noose said sarcastically.
"I'm not sure."
"Who else?"
"Nathan Baker. Justice of the Peace, Third District, Ford County."
"Same testimony?"
"Well, basically, yes."
"Who else?"
"Edgar Lee Baldwin, former supervisor, Ford County."
"He was indicted a few years back, wasn't he?" Jake asked.
Buckley's face turned redder than Jake had ever seen it. His huge mouth dropped open and his eyes glazed over.
"He was not convicted," shot Musgrove.
"I didn't say he was. I simply said he was indicted. FBI, wasn't it?"
"Enough, enough," said Noose. "What will Mr. Baldwin tell us?"
"He's lived here all his life. He knows the people of Ford County, and thinks Mr. Hailey can receive a fair trial here," Musgrove answered. Buckley remained speechless as he stared at Jake.
"Who else?"
"Sheriff Harry Bryant, Tyler County."
"Sheriff Bryant? What'll he say?"
Musgrove was talking for the State now. "Your Honor, we have two theories we are submitting in opposition to the motion for a change of venue. First, we contend a fair trial is possible here in Ford County. Second, if the court is of the opinion that a fair trial is not possible here, the State contends that the immense publicity has reached every prospective juror in this state. The same prejudices and opinions, for and against, which exist in this county exist in every county. Therefore, nothing will be gained by moving the trial. We have witnesses to support this second theory."
"That's a novel concept, Mr. Musgrove. I don't think I've heard it before."
"Neither have I," added Jake.
"Who else do you have?"
"Robert Kelly Williams, district attorney for the Ninth District."
"Where'sthat?",
"Southwestern tip of the state."
"He drove all the way up here to testify that everyone in his neck of the woods has already prejudged the case?"
"Yes, sir."
"Who else?"
"Grady Listen, district attorney, Fourteenth District."
"Same testimony?"
"Yes, sir."
"Is that all?"
"Well, Your Honor, we have several more. But their testimony will pretty much follow