“We can try to find evidence that proves Chesterfield sent the candy to Moser. If we don’t, he’s going to walk.”
“There’s something I don’t understand,” Dillon said.
“What’s that?”
“Ragland is obviously incompetent, so why is he handling major cases?”
“Politics, my boy. You saw the pictures on Ragland’s wall. Daddy was one of the most respected prosecutors this state ever produced and one of its most influential politicians. He’s retired now, but he still pulls a lot of strings, and people, like the district attorney, owe him big-time. As long as Jasper Ragland wants Peter in the DA’s office, he’ll remain in the DA’s office.”
Lily Dowd waited in the courtroom with one of Regina’s associates until Regina came out of the judge’s chambers and told her what she would have to do to obtain her husband’s release. As soon asLily left with the associate, Regina spoke with the reporters. Then she crossed the street to the Justice Center, where Robert Chesterfield had been taken while the lawyers and the judge decided on his release conditions.
“Your wife is posting bail, so you should be out by this afternoon,” Regina said as soon as she and Chesterfield were alone in the contact visiting room.
“That’s great. I can’t thank you enough. Can you make a guess on how the judge’s ruling will impact my case?”
“It might kill it. If Ragland were smart, he would have held off on the indictments. After I read the discovery, it was obvious that he didn’t have enough evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. I’m guessing that he’ll dismiss both cases and hold off on new indictments until he has stronger evidence implicating you.”
“Which he will never have, since I am completely innocent.”
“I’m thinking of making a motion for a speedy trial to force Ragland’s hand. Of course, he can stall by appealing Judge Beathard’s ruling to the Court of Appeals. That could keep the case on hold for a year or more.”
“The law is not something I’m schooled in, so I’ll leave the legal decisions in your capable hands. You’ve been spot-on so far. But I would like to discuss the case with you when I’m back in civilization.” Chesterfield looked into Regina’s eyes and smiled. “Perhaps we could have dinner together sometime next week.”
“I’d love to have dinner with you and Lily,” Regina answered.
“I don’t want to trouble Lily. My arrest and incarceration have been a big strain for her. She should rest in our house at the coast.”
Regina was certain she knew what her client was up to. “If you really want to discuss legal matters, it would be better if we met at my office, Mr. Chesterfield.”
“Robert, please. I feel we’ve gotten to the point in our relationship where we can be on a first-name basis.”
Regina looked directly at her client. “If you’re talking aboutthe attorney-client relationship, I’d be glad to call you Robert. If you’re thinking of any other type of relationship, you should stop.”
Again, Chesterfield smiled. “I think you might enjoy an extralegal relationship with me, Regina. You’re a beautiful woman, and I’m guessing that you have… appetites.”
Regina stared at Chesterfield for a few seconds more. Then she burst out laughing.
“Knock it off, will you. I’ll make this as plain as I can: There is no chance whatsoever that I’m going to jump in the sack with you. Is that clear?”
Chesterfield smiled once more. “You can’t blame a chap for trying.”
“Fair enough. You gave it the old college try. Now, put your pecker back in your pants and let’s talk about the law.”
When Regina and Lily walked into the jail reception area, Regina noticed a man sitting off to the side. He was well dressed and well groomed, unlike the other people waiting for an inmate to be released. Regina thought that she might have seen him in the courtroom during the hearing, but she couldn’t be sure. She was trying to remember when Robert Chesterfield stepped out of the jail elevator, looking dapper in his suit and showing no sign that his incarceration or the charges against him had made any psychological impact. When Lily and Regina stood up to walk to Chesterfield, so did the well-dressed man.
“Robert!” he shouted.
Chesterfield turned and stared. “Horace! What are you doing here?”
“I flew over from London yesterday. We need to talk.”
“Ladies,” Chesterfield said, “this is Horace Dobson, my theatrical agent. He represented me when I performed my magic act in London.”
“And I’m here with great news. Your case has gotten a lot ofpublicity, and you can use it to your advantage. I’ve been on the phone to casinos in Las Vegas. They’re interested in having you perform. Your career could get a big boost.”
“I don’t have a career, my dear boy. I left it behind when I married Lily,” he said, casting a radiant smile in his wife’s direction.
Regina stifled an urge to throw up.