The Wrong Gun

45

Judge Hendrick was experiencing a severe case of deja vu. He had just held up and displayed yet another set of newspaper headlines, and discussed the serving of yet another subpoena on yet another surprise witness. Now, with the jury in place, he turned to the witness stand to see-who else? — ballistics expert, Philip Manning.

Judge Hendrick raised his eyebrows, cocked his head, said dryly, “Well, well, Mr. Manning.”

That remark broke the tension in the courtroom, and was greeted with a burst of laughter. It was brief, and for good reason. After the events of the day before, the expectation was high that this was the day the prosecution was going for the kill.

“Mr. Manning,” Judge Hendrick said. “Once again I must remind you that you are still under oath. When we left off yesterday, Mr. Vaulding had just completed his direct examination. Mr. Winslow. Your witness.”

Steve Winslow stood up. He looked at the witness, paused a moment, then looked up at the judge. “I have no questions, Your Honor.”

That announcement produced a rumble in the courtroom, particularly among members of the press. This was confirming their expectations. As a result, anticipation was high.

“Very well,” Judge Hendrick said. He turned to the witness. “Mr. Manning, this is a bit of an event. You are excused, sir.”

Manning smiled. “Thank you, Your Honor.”

Judge Hendrick turned to Vaulding. “Call your next witness.”

Steve Winslow was still on his feet. “Before he does, Your Honor,” Steve said, “I would like to ask for a brief recess.”

This created another rumble in the courtroom, which Judge Hendrick stifled with his gavel.

Judge Hendrick looked down at Steve Winslow and frowned. “Mr. Winslow,” he said. “I adjourned court yesterday to allow you to decide if you wished to cross-examine the witness. You elected not to do so. You must have known that when you came into court this morning. Therefore, it seems to me you have had adequate opportunity to confer with your client if you wished to do so.”

“Granted, Your Honor,” Steve said. “But I do not need to confer with my client.”

“Then why do you want a recess?”

“I would like a recess, Your Honor,” Steve said, “in order to confer with Mr. Vaulding.”

That opened the floodgates. Before the recess was even declared, the courtroom was abuzz with activity as reporters raced for the phones.