The Puzzle Lady vs. the Sudoku Lady (20 page)

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Authors: Parnell Hall

BOOK: The Puzzle Lady vs. the Sudoku Lady
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Henry Firth had a thin mustache and a twitchy little nose, which always reminded Cora of a rat. Of course, the fact that the Bakerhaven prosecutor was usually on the other side didn't help; nor did the fact that he was often thoroughly exasperated with her.
“So,” he said ironically to Chief Harper, “let me be sure I've got this straight. You brought the two husbands here in order to accuse them of killing each other's wives in front of the defendant and her attorney, just in case she needed a good theory to argue in front of the jury during the trial. When that didn't pan out—and lord knows I can't imagine why it didn't—you proposed bringing in the other suspect in the case, who in your infinite wisdom you managed to arrest just in case convicting the defendant was going to be a little too easy. You only thought to bring me in when the defense attorney herself dug in her heels at
this rather bizarre suggestion, which surpasseth the bounds of human understanding.”
“You're really good when you're angry,” Cora said. “You're not too keen at presenting facts, but you can do elaborate sarcasm along with the best of them.”
“I'd advise you to hold your tongue,” Henry Firth said. “You're not an attorney, so this isn't your fault. But I would imagine that is the
only
reason this isn't your fault. This whole thing just smacks of Cora Felton.”
Cora grimaced. “You're better with sarcasm. Direct accusation is tougher to pull off. You need to work on your delivery.”
Firth turned to Chief Harper. “Can you keep her quiet?”
“How?”
“Good point. Ms. Baldwin, this is to a large part your fault. As attorney for the defendant, you should never have agreed to this arrangement.”
“I don't see why not,” Becky said. “We were having fun until you showed up.”
“I wouldn't take this lightly, young lady. There is some question as to the eligibility of your representation. The arrest of Mr. Pride has complicated the situation significantly. You are the attorney handling his probation, thus his attorney of record. His interests in this case are in direct conflict with those of the defendant. If you wish to continue to represent him, then you cannot represent her. It's a direct conflict of interest.”
“I disagree.”
“It's not your place to disagree. It's your place to obey the law.”
“Oh, that sounds good,” Cora said. “It's meaningless, of course, but it
sounds
good.”
“We'll see how meaningless it is. Now, let's apologize to these
two gentlemen for putting them through this charade and send them on their way.”
“You mean they're not going to see Dennis Pride?” Cora said.
“No, they're not going to see Dennis Pride. They're going home, the defendant's going back to jail, Chief Harper's going back to work. By which I mean his actual work and not this type of tomfoolery. And Ms. Baldwin's going before Judge Hobbs to show cause why she should not be removed as counsel due to a conflict of interest.” Henry Firth's ratty nose twitched. “How does
that
sound?”
Cora smiled. “Sounds like fun.”
Judge Hobbs cleared his throat. “This is the time scheduled for the hearing to show cause why Ms. Baldwin should not be removed from representation of her client due to a conflict of interest.” The elderly jurist looked around the courtroom. “This is not a public proceeding. I was not aware there would be spectators.”
Henry Firth was on his feet, his nose twitching. “They are not spectators, Your Honor. They are interested parties.”
“I see,” Judge Hobbs said dryly. “That would include the camera crew from Channel 8 News?”
“They're interested, Your Honor.”
“I'll bet they are,” the judge muttered. He picked up a paper from the bench. “Ms. Baldwin, it is alleged that you are representing two clients, Minami and Dennis Pride, with conflicting interests in
the murder case of Thelma Wilson and that of Sheila Preston. Are you prepared to show that they are not?”
“I am not the one making the claim, Your Honor. If the district attorney has that theory, he's certainly free to voice it.”
Judge Hobbs digested that. Didn't like it. He turned to Henry Firth. “What's the basis of this conflict of interest?”
“What's the basis? Three people have been killed. Her client, Minami, is charged with at least one of their deaths. Her other client, Dennis Pride, was sent a blackmail note by that very decedent. We have two people with strong, separate motives for killing the victim, and she's representing both of them.”
Becky smiled. “Is it the prosecutor's contention that either client is equally likely to have committed the crime?”
Judge Hobbs banged the gavel. “That will do. We're not here for verbal sparring. As for you, young lady, I'm not at all happy to have you speak in your own behalf. You're already representing two clients. It would seem your workload was rather full.”
“I have no problem with representing myself, Your Honor.”
“Well, I do. You know the old adage about a lawyer serving in that capacity having a fool for a client. We have enough problems with conflict of interest without interjecting your own.”
“I think I can remain impartial, Your Honor.”
“Well, I'm going to relieve you of that responsibility. Please obtain outside counsel.”
“Very well, Your Honor. In that case, I am going to ask Miss Cora Felton to represent me.”
The Puzzle Lady, decked out in a full-length tweed overcoat, rose from the second row of the gallery and came forward.
Henry Firth's mouth fell open. “Your Honor, I object. She's not an attorney.”
“No, Your Honor,” Becky said. “Miss Felton is here as amicus
curiae. As a friend of the court, she has agreed to act in my behalf.”
“Well, she's not going to,” Judge Hobbs ruled. “She's not an attorney.”
“No, but I am, Your Honor.”
“That doesn't matter,” Henry Firth sputtered.
“Oh, pooh.” Cora dismissed the prosecutor with a wave of her hand and made her way to Becky's table. “This isn't a trial, for goodness' sake. I'm not representing the defendant. Though, I must say, I'd certainly like to. The issue right now is whether this young woman has a right to practice law. Granted, the judicial system tends to be seen as an old boy's club, and it's only lately that women have managed to gain any foothold at all. I find it sad that the minute the brightest and the best begins to make a name for herself, the old boys in charge endeavor to strip her of her clients.”
Judge Hobbs banged the gavel. “How dare you!”
“I apologize for the word ‘old,' Your Honor. I don't like it much myself. But look what's happening here. You all gang up on this gal, say she can't have her client. When she objects, you tell her she's not allowed to speak for herself, she has to get an outside attorney. There don't happen to be any in this town, so she's going to have to go to New York, which is going to take some time. Are you willing to give her a continuance until next week to allow her to obtain outside counsel? During which time, of course, she would retain both clients.”
District Attorney Henry Firth almost fell over himself spouting objections.
Judge Hobbs again banged the gavel. “Sit down, Mr. Firth. The court takes note of your unwillingness to stipulate.”
“You see, Your Honor,” Cora said, “we are sort of at an impasse.
This is something that should be cleared up now. I would think that you, as a long-time proponent of equal rights, would want to see that women have every opportunity to have the same advantages as the men in the community.” She stole a look at the TV cameras. “Because, if there is one thing we are in Bakerhaven, Connecticut, it is modern, progressive, and fairminded. We're not some bigoted, close-minded, small town community, clinging to antiquated perceptions and hopelessly behind the times. Are we, Your Honor?”
Judge Hobbs opened his mouth. Closed it again. Looked at the TV cameras. Wondered what he could possibly say that wouldn't leave him looking like a moron. It didn't help his disposition to realize that his taking so long to answer was creating exactly that impression. “There is no cause for speeches. Nor is there cause for any theatrics. We have a simple situation here, easily resolved. If you want to speak for Ms. Baldwin, feel free. Though I hope you won't expect special treatment in light of your lack of courtroom experience.”
“Of course not. In Your Honor's courtroom, I would expect simple logic to prevail.”
“Good. You can start by removing that coat.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You are wearing an overcoat in my courtroom. It is not proper attire. Take it off.”
“Really, Your Honor, this is just what I was talking about. Would you object to the way a
male
attorney was dressed?”
“I would if he was wearing a trench coat. Take it off.”
“I'd rather not, Your Honor.”
“Why? It's not cold. Do you contend that you are cold in my courtroom?”
“No, Your Honor.”
“Then there's no reason for that overcoat.”
“Actually, there is, Your Honor.”
“Oh? And what is that?”
“I would prefer not to say. I have personal reasons for wearing this coat. I do not wish to state them in open court. Commanding me to do so is invading my privacy.”
Judge Hobbs stared at her, stymied.
“Oh, Your Honor,” Henry Firth said. “We are getting far afield. This is a simple matter of conflict of interest. The facts are indisputable. I would suggest that these theatrics are merely a distraction to keep us from our purpose.”
“Well, that's not going to happen. Miss Felton, we shall address the matter of your attire later in my chambers. At which time I will decide whether your refusal to comply with my simple request should not be construed as contempt of court.”
Cora smiled. “Thank you, Your Honor.”
There was a ripple of laughter in the courtroom. Judge Hobbs silenced it with his gavel. “Mr. Firth, make your case.”
“I already did.”
“What?”
“Minami. Dennis Pride. They have conflicting interests in the murder of Thelma Wilson, and she represents them both.”
“Thank you. That's concise, to the point, and would seem to be definitive. Miss Felton, what do you say to that?”
“I would have to agree, Your Honor. I think the prosecutor put it very well.”
“Is he correct?”
“Very rarely, Your Honor. In Vegas you could probably make a living asking his opinion and betting the other way.”
“There is no cause for levity. People are dead.”
“Exactly. Which is why people are suspected and Becky Baldwin is defending them.”
“I think we all understand the situation. How do you resolve the conflict of interest?”
“I don't think it exists.”
Henry Firth lunged to his feet.
“I know the district attorney thinks that it does, but he can't prove it. In fact, the minute he examines the case with any reasonable degree of scrutiny, I think he will see that the interests of the two clients in question are identical and complement each other, rather than raising any conflict.”
“That is your contention?” Henry Firth said.
“Absolutely,” Cora told him.
The prosecutor smiled. “Well, Your Honor. It would seem to me that the burden of proof has been shifted onto her.”
“I think so, too,” Judge Hobbs said. He added dryly, “Though I must say, I am not as thrilled about it as you are. Miss Felton, you claim the interests of Dennis Pride and Minami are identical?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Do you have any evidence to back up that assertion?”
“Of course.”
Judge Hobbs nodded in weary resignation. “Very well. Make your case.”
Cora Felton strode to the middle of the courtroom. She was quite a striking figure in the long tweed coat. “I take it you will not be persuaded by my own assurance?”
“I most certainly will not.”
“Then I will have to call witnesses. Let's start with Chief Harper. He's certainly an interested party.”
Surprised and none too pleased, Chief Harper took the stand.
“You want to swear him in, Your Honor, or can we assume he's going to tell the truth?”
“Do you intend to call other witnesses?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Can the same be said of them?”
“You mean can I vouch for their veracity? Not in every case.”
“Then I'm not going to let you single out which ones to believe. Swear him in.”
“Suits me, Your Honor.”
Cora waited while the chief was sworn in, then began her questioning. “Chief Harper, you've just sworn to tell the truth.”
“Yes, I have.”
“Were you going to tell it anyway?”
“Objection,” Henry Firth said. “What is the point of this inquiry?”
“I was willing to take him at his word,” Cora said. “Since that didn't happen, I think he should be allowed to clear his good name.”
“Oh, Your Honor. Could we put an end to these manipulative theatrics?”
“We can. It is hereby directed that we do. Miss Felton, you are trying the patience of the court. Please get to the point.”
“Chief Harper, you arrested the suspect, Minami, the Sudoku Lady, on suspicion of murder?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Did you arrest her on more than one occasion?”
“Yes.”
“For the same crime?”
“No. For two separate crimes. The murder of Sheila Preston and the murder of Thelma Wilson.”
“How did that come to happen?”
“I arrested her for the murder of Sheila Preston on the testimony of the eyewitness, Thelma Wilson.”
“Was that the only evidence against her?”
“Objection! Miss Felton is a friend of the defense counsel. This is a blatant attempt to get the prosecution to reveal its case.”
“So what?”
“What do you mean, ‘So what?' It's improper.”
“Why? Does your whole case revolve around surprising the defendant? Are you afraid you can't convict her on the facts alone?”
Judge Hobbs banged the gavel. “That will do. Miss Felton, I am aware that you have a facility with words. But that does not allow you to circumvent proper legal procedure. It is not proper to ask a police officer to outline the prosecutor's case.”
“Surely I'm allowed to ask what evidence he arrested her on.”
“Go ahead. But don't overstep your bounds.”
“Chief Harper, did you arrest Minami solely on the testimony of Thelma Wilson?”
“I arrested her on the grounds that she left the murder scene and then returned to it. And by the fact that a sudoku was found on the body. She is, after all, the Sudoku Lady.”
“And why did you arrest her for the murder of Thelma Wilson?”
“Thelma Wilson was the chief witness against her. No sooner was she released from jail than Thelma Wilson was killed. Once again, a sudoku was found next to the body.”
“Thank you, Chief. That's all.”
“Would the prosecutor care to cross-examine?”
“There's no need, Your Honor. Miss Felton is making my case for me. She's just proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that the defendant is in need of counsel.”

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