A Time for Mercy (Jake Brigance #3) - John Grisham Page 0,181

the exploration of the reputation of the deceased, especially in a factual setting like this. Therefore, I will allow it, to a point. If I believe that the witnesses are exaggerating, as you say, Mr. Dyer, then you can always object and we’ll revisit the issue. We’ll take it slow. We have plenty of time and there is no hurry.”

“Then the State rests, Your Honor. We’ve proven our case beyond a reasonable doubt. The intoxication of the deceased does not alter the fact that he was murdered by Drew Gamble, whether on duty or not.”

Jake mumbled, “What a ridiculous law.”

“It’s on the books, Jake. We can’t change it.”

“Gentlemen.” Noose grimaced in pain and tried to stretch. “It’s going on four o’clock. I have an appointment with a physical therapist at five-thirty. I’m not whining but my lower lumbar needs some work. It is difficult to sit for more than two or three hours at a time. Let’s dismiss the jury, take an early recess, and reconvene in the morning at nine sharp.”

Jake was pleased. The jurors would go home with Kofer’s blackout drinking fresh on their minds.

45

Dinner at Jake’s office was another round of sandwiches, though far tastier. Carla rushed home from the trial, gathered Hanna, and together they grilled chicken and put together gourmet-style paninis. They delivered them to the office and ate with Libby, Josie, and Kiera. Portia was at home checking on her mother and would rejoin the team for another late session. Harry Rex was at his office, putting out fires, while Lucien begged off and needed a drink.

As they ate, they replayed the day’s events, from the prosecutor’s opening statement through all the testimony. As upcoming witnesses, Josie and Kiera were still banned from the courtroom and were eager to hear what had transpired. Jake assured them that Drew was holding up just fine and being taken care of. They worried about his safety but Jake said he was well guarded. The courtroom was full of Kofers and their friends and it was undoubtedly a painful spectacle for them to endure, but, so far, no one had misbehaved.

They talked about the jurors as if they were old friends. Libby thought number seven, Mrs. Fife, was particularly disgusted by Kofer’s drinking. Number two, Mr. Poole, a deacon in the First Baptist Church and strict teetotaler, seemed bothered by it too.

Jake said, “Wait till they hear the rest of the story. The drinking will seem like child’s play.”

They covered all twelve. Carla didn’t like number eleven, Miss Twitchell, age twenty-four, the youngest and the only one not married. She had a sneer that never went away, and she continually glared at Drew.

At eight, Hanna was bored with whatever the adults were doing in the big room and wanted to go home. Carla left to put her to bed. Despite the boredom, she was thoroughly enjoying the trial itself because the long days were being spent with Jake’s parents.

Portia returned and went to the library for some research. Jake said, “Okay, Josie, you’re the first one up tomorrow. We’re going to talk through your testimony again, word for word. Libby will play the role of the prosecutor and fire away whenever she wants.”

“Again?” Josie asked, already tired.

“Yes, again and again. And Kiera, you’re next. Keep in mind, Josie, that after you testify, you will be released and you can stay in the courtroom. Kiera will be called next, so I want you to listen and observe everything she says and does as we go through it again.”

“Got it. Let’s have it.”

* * *

—

ANOTHER STORM AT daybreak knocked out the electricity. An automatic generator in the courthouse failed to kick on, and by 7:30 the elderly janitorial crew was scrambling to fix the problems. When Judge Noose arrived at 8:15 the lights were at least flickering, a hopeful sign. He called the power company and raised hell, and half an hour later the lights came on for good. The window units sputtered to life and began straining to combat the thick humidity in the courtroom. When he assumed the bench at 9:00, his robe was already wet around the collar.

“Good morning,” he said loudly into his mike, which was working at full volume. “Seems as though we lost power in a storm a few hours ago. It has been restored but I’m afraid the heat will be with us for a few hours.”

Jake cursed him for selecting that badly designed and dilapidated old building for a trial in