Trial Junkies

— 22 -

"Mind if we join you? Or is this table pro-defense only?"

Hutch looked up, surprised to see Monica Clawson and Tom Brandt approaching their booth. He, Matt and Andy had taken one that faced the entrance of a crowded bar and grill called The Jury Box, which was located about a block from the courthouse. Matt had suggested the place, and Hutch figured it would be a nice change from his usual vending machine sandwich.

Over the last several days he had been reluctant to venture outside the courthouse at lunchtime, for fear he'd be hounded by aggressive reporters and their video cameras. But to his surprise-and relief-their interest in him seemed to have waned. He wasn't sure why, but figured there must be some other poor fool, much higher on the celebrity food chain than him, who had gotten himself in trouble and would be dominating the news tonight.

Probably some human train wreck vying for a reality show.

The Jury Box was nothing more than a glorified hamburger joint, but its close proximity to the courthouse-and its name, no doubt-made it the lunchtime hotspot for attorneys, trial watchers, jurors and even judges. With their booth facing the door, Hutch saw several people from the courtroom wander in, searching for a place to sit, but had somehow missed Tom and Monica.

"We promise not to bite," Monica continued, then smiled. "Unless you want us to."

"Speak for yourself," Tom said.

Andy, who was staring openly at Monica's chest, patted the spot next to him. "I've got no problem with it. Have a seat."

Matt didn't seemed too thrilled by this intrusion, but they had plenty of room and he said nothing as Monica slid in next to Andy, and Tom took the spot next to Hutch.

"When did you guys get here?" Hutch asked. "I didn't see you in the courtroom."

"We couldn't find a seat," Monica said. "Place was packed."

Andy's eyebrows went up. "And you stuck around anyway?"

"We hit a couple museums to kill some time. Figured we might be able to squeeze in after lunch." She looked at Hutch. "So is it true? You're back on Ronnie's team?"

"How did you know?"

Tom said, "We saw the three of you coming out of the courthouse together, so we figured you'd had a change of heart."

Hutch nodded.

"Mind telling us why?"

"Mostly because of Matt here," Hutch said. "He's seen the police reports first hand and the evidence is largely circumstantial and doesn't really hold up. But I think what really sealed the deal is when I realized how much of what the prosecution has been doing over the last four months is nothing but crass PR."

"What do you mean?" Monica asked.

"Think about it. It's as if they've been running a political campaign rather than looking for justice. Leaking just enough information to pique our interest, but always in control of the message. They painted the picture of Ronnie they wanted us to see and the media gobbled it whole like the careless bastards they are." He looked at Matt. "No offense."

Matt shook his head. "None taken."

"So," Hutch went on, "I had to step past all that and realize that, at her core, Ronnie will always be Ronnie and she just isn't capable of doing what was done to Jenny."

Andy nodded agreement. "She may be nuts, but she isn't that nuts."

They all looked at him.

"What? I can't say something nice once in a while?"

Hutch just shook his head. "Anyway, it's been a bit of a roller coaster, but I'm finally on steady ground."

Tom smiled. "It's funny, but you aren't the only one riding that roller coaster. You've pretty much summed up exactly the way we've been feeling."

Matt looked surprised. "Seriously?"

Monica said, "Do you know how many meals we've shared with Ronnie. How many times we've laughed together? Cried? So what if we haven't seen each other in a few years? She's still Ronnie and God knows she's never judged me." She paused. "I'm ashamed I ever doubted her."

They sat in silence a moment, then Hutch said, "So we're all in agreement now? That she didn't kill Jenny?"

Nods around the table.

"So then the question remains," he said. "Who the hell did?"