Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen

At ten o'clock the next morning, David walked into Joseph King's office.Kim Kai-de was signing some papers, and when David came in, he looked up at him. "Ah. Sit down, David. I'll be through in a minute." David sat down and waited. When Kim finished, he smiled and said, "Okay! You have some good news, I think?" Good news for whom?David thought. "You have a bright future here, David, and I'm sure you don't want to do anything that would compromise your future. The company has a big picture for you." David was silent, trying to find the right words.

Kim said, "So, did you tell Dr. Paterson that you're going to get him another lawyer?" "No. I have decided that I will defend her." Jin Kaide's smile disappeared. "Are you really going to defend that woman, David? She is a vicious, disgusting murderer. Anyone who defends her will be treated like a raccoon." "I did it, not because I wanted to, Joseph. I owe it to Dr. Paterson, and this is the only way I can repay him." Jin Kaide sat there without saying a word.When he finally spoke, he said: "If you do decide to go on, then I suggest that you take a leave of absence. Unpaid, of course."

Goodbye, partnership. "After the trial, naturally, you will return to us, and the partnership qualification will be waiting for you." David nodded. "It's natural." "I'll let Collins take over from you. I'm sure you're going to start concentrating on the trial." ※※※ Thirty minutes later, Kim Kaider-Turner-Ross and the partners at Ripley's international law firm met for a meeting. "We can't involve our firm in a case like that," objected Henry Turner. Joseph King was quick to retort: ​​"We weren't really involved, Henry. We gave the kid a break."

Albert Rose spoke up: "I think we should fire him." "Not yet. That would be short-sighted. Dr. Paterson could be a cash cow for us. He knows everybody, and he'll appreciate us letting him borrow David. Whatever happens at the trial, it's a win-win If the case wins, we get the doctor as a big client and Singer as a partner. If the case loses, we dump Singer and see if we can keep the good doctor. Really There's no harm in that." There was a silence, then John Ripley grinned. "Good idea, Joseph." ※※※ After David left Kim's office, he went to see Steven Paterson.He had called first, so the doctor was waiting for him.

"How is it, David?" My answer is going to change my life, David thought.And it's not even getting better. "I will defend your daughter, Dr. Paterson." Steven Paterson let out a long breath. "I know. I'll bet my life," he hesitated for a moment, "I'll bet my daughter's life." "My firm has put me on leave. I'm going to seek help from one of the best trial attorneys in the country." Dr. Paterson interrupted his work by raising a hand. "David, I think I made it clear to you that I don't want anyone else involved in this case. She's in your hands, and yours alone."

"I understand," said David, "but Jess Queller is a..." Dr. Paterson stood up. "I don't want to hear any more about Jess Queller or any of them. I know the trial lawyers, David. They're interested in money and publicity, but this It's not about money and fame. It's about Ashley." David hesitated to speak, he had nothing more to say.This man is really unreasonable on this point.I could use all the help I could get, David thought, why wouldn't he let me? "Did I make it clear?" Taiwei nodded. "yes." "Of course, I'll take care of your attorney's fees and your other expenses."

"No. I won't take a cent this time." Dr. Paterson studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Equivalent exchange?" "Equivalent exchange." David forced a smile, "Can you drive?" "David, if you're on leave, you're going to need some expense funding to keep yourself functioning well. I insist." "It's up to you," said David. At least we got to eat during the trial. ※※※ Jess is waiting for David at the Rubicon. "how is the situation?" David sighed. "That's to be expected, I'm furloughed and unpaid."

"Those bastards. How could they?" "I can't fault them," David interrupted, "they're a very conservative company." "What are you going to do now?" "What do you mean?" "What do I mean? You're dealing with the most sensational trial of the century. You no longer have an office to work in; you don't have access to research files or case files, criminal law books, or fax machines; and I've seen you and That old computer that Sandra owns. It won't run the legal software you're going to need or get you on the Internet."

"I'll be fine," David said. "You're right, you'll be fine. There's a vacant office in my suite that you can use. You'll find everything you need there." For a moment David was speechless. "Jess, I can't..." "No, you can." Quiller grinned. "You'll find a way to pay me back. You always give back, don't you, St. David?" He picked up the menu. "I'm starving." He Looking up, "By the way, you pay for lunch." ※※※ David goes to the Santa Clara County Jail to see Ashley. "Good morning, Ashley."

"Good morning." She looked paler than usual. "Father was here this morning. He told me you're going to get me out of here." I wish I was that optimistic, David thought.He said cautiously, "I'm going to do my best, Ashley. The problem is, not many people are familiar with what's wrong with you. We're going to let them know about it, and we're going to bring the best doctors in the world here to treat you. testify." "It scares me," Ashley whispered. "What scares you?" "It's like there are two different people living in my body, and I don't even know about them." Her voice was trembling. "They can take over me whenever they want, and I don't know them There was no control. I was terrified." Tears welled up in her eyes.

David said quietly, "They're not people, Ashley, they're in your head. They're a part of you. With the right treatment, you'll be fine." When David came home that night, Sandra hugged him and said, "Did I ever tell you how proud I was of you?" "Because I quit?" David asked. "That's one reason too. By the way, that realtor, Mr. Crowther, called. He said the deeds were ready for signing. They want that sixty thousand dollar deposit. I'm afraid we're going to have to tell We can't afford him..." "Wait! I still have that much money in the company's retirement fund. With Dr. Paterson giving us some expense funds, we might still be able to handle it." "It's all right, David. Anyway, we don't want to spoil the baby with a duplex penthouse." "Uh, I have good news. Jess is going to let me..." "I see. I spoke to Emily. We're moving into Jess's office." David said, "Us?" "You forgot, you're married to a paralegal. No kidding, honey, I'll be very useful. I'll work with you until..." She touched her belly, "Jeffrey was born, Then we'll see what happens." "Mrs. Singer, do you know how much I love you?" "I don't know. But don't worry. Dinner won't be ready in an hour." "An hour isn't enough time," David told her. She wrapped her arms around him and whispered, "Why don't you take off your clothes, Tiger?" "What?" He leaned back and looked at her worriedly. "How is the baby? What did Dr. Bailey say?" "The doctor said if you don't take off your clothes quickly, I should rape you." David grinned, "His words are enough." ※※※ The next morning, David moved into the office at the back of Jess Queller's office suite.This is one of those five-room suites, still available. "We've expanded a bit since you left here," Jess explained to David. "I'm sure you'll find everything. The law library is next door; fax machines, computers, everything. If you need more Whatever, go ahead." "Thanks," David said, "I...I can't tell you how grateful I am for that, Jess." Jess smiled slightly, "You will repay me in the future, remember?" Sandra arrived a few minutes later. "I'm ready," she said, "where do we start?" "We'll start by looking at every single case we can find about multiple trials. There's probably a ton of stuff on Intel. We'll try 'California Criminal Law Observer', Court TV sites and others Criminal Law Links, we'll also gather whatever useful information we can find from 'Western Law' and 'Vocabulary Centre.' Next, we get hold of doctors who specialize in multiple personality issues and we engage with them , invite them as possible expert witnesses. We need to interview them to see if we can use their testimony to strengthen our case. We will also have to go over the criminal court process and prepare for pre-examination. We Got to have the district attorney's witness list, and witness statements. I want his entire package." "And we've got to give him ours. Are you going to put Ashley on the witness stand?" David shook his head. "She's so fragile. The whole prosecution will break her." He looked up at Sandra. "It's going to be hard to win this case." Sandra smiled slightly, "But you will win the case, I know you will." ※※※ David called Harvey Udall, an accountant at Kim Kard Turner Ross & Ripley International. "Harvey, I'm David Singer." "Hi, David. I hear you're leaving us for a while." "yes." "You've got an interesting case. There's a lot about it in the papers. What can I do for you?" David said, "I've got $60,000 in my retirement fund, Harvey. I wasn't going to take it out so early, but Sandra and I just bought a duplex penthouse, so I need it Money as a deposit." "A duplex penthouse. Hey, congratulations." "Thank you. How soon will I get the money?" A brief hesitation. "Can I call you back?" "Of course." David gave his own phone number. "I'll call you right away." "Thank you." Harvey Udale put the receiver back, then picked it up again. "Tell Mr. Kim Kaid that I want to see him." ※※※ Thirty minutes later, he came to Joseph King's office. "What's the matter, Harvey?" "I got a call from David Singer, Mr. Kim Kard. He bought a duplex penthouse, so he needs sixty thousand dollars in his retirement fund as a down payment. It seems to me , we're not obliged to give him that money now. He's on leave, and he's not..." "I guess he knows how expensive it is to keep a duplex penthouse?" "Probably not. Then I'll tell him we can't..." "Give him the money." Harvey looked at him in surprise. "But we don't have to..." Kim leaned forward in his chair. "We'll help him dig a hole for himself, Harvey. Once he pays the deposit on that duplex penthouse... we'll have him." ※※※ Harvey Udale called David. "I have good news for you, David. The money you have in the retirement fund, even though you have withdrawn it early, is all right. Mr. King said that he will give you what you want." ※※※ "Mr. Crother. I'm David Singer." "I have been waiting for news from you, Mr. Singer." "The deposit is being made for the duplex penthouse. You can have it tomorrow." "Excellent. As I told you, there are a few others among us who are anxious to have it, but I think you and your wife are best suited to have it. You will be very happy there." All that was needed, David thought, were a few dozen miracles. ※※※ Ashley Paterson's trial will take place at the Santa Clara County Superior Court on North First Street in San Jose.Legal wrangling over jurisdiction has been raging for weeks.The case is complicated because the homicides took place in two countries and two different states.A meeting was held in San Francisco with Officer Guy Fontey of the Quebec Police Department, Sheriff Dowling of Santa Clara County, Detective Egan of Bedford, Pennsylvania, and the San Francisco Police Department Rudford, Deputy Inspector, and San Jose Police Chief Roger Tallander. "We want to try her in Quebec because we have solid evidence to prove her guilt. There is no way for her to win the case there," Fangtai said. Detective Egan said, "As for that, so do we, Officer Fontey. The Jim Cleary case was her first homicide, and I think that should take precedence over the rest." Deputy Inspector Rudford from the San Francisco Police Department said: "Gentlemen, there is no doubt that we can all prove her guilt. But three of these homicides occurred in California, so she should be here for all homicides. The case goes to trial. That makes us a bit more convincing." "I agree," said Sheriff Dowling, "and two of them happened in Santa Clara County, so that's where the trial should be." For the next two hours, they argued their merits, and in the end, it was decided that the homicide trial of Dennis Tibble, Richard Melton, and Sheriff Sam Blake would take place in a San Jose courthouse.It was agreed that the two homicides in Bedford and Quebec were put on hold. ※※※ On the day of the arraignment, David stood by Ashley's side. "How do you argue?" said the judge. "Not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity." The judge nodded and said, "Very well." "Your Honor, we now request bail." The prosecutor in the public prosecutor's box rushed to say, "Your Honor, we strongly disagree. The accused is charged with three brutal murders and faces the death penalty. If she is given the opportunity, she will flee the country." "That's not true," said David, "there isn't any..." The judge interrupted him: "I have reviewed the case file and the prosecutor's written statement in support of no bail. Bail is denied. The case is effectively referred to Judge Williams. Defendants will be held in the Santa Clara County Jail until trial. start." David sighed. "Yes, Your Honor." He turned to Ashley. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. Remember...you are innocent." ※※※ When David came back to the office, Sandra said, "Did you see the headlines? The tabloids were calling Ashley a 'half.' It was all over the TV." "We knew it was going to be bad," David said, "and this is just the beginning. Let's get to work." A trial is scheduled for eight weeks. ※※※ The next eight weeks were filled with frenetic activity.David and Sandra worked day and night to unearth transcripts of the trial of the accused with multiple personality disorder.There are dozens of cases.Various defendants were tried for murder, rape, robbery, drug dealing, arson, and more.Some were found guilty, some were found not guilty. "We're going to acquit Ashley," David told Sandra. ※※※ Sandra gathered the names of potential witnesses and called them. "Dr. Nakamoto, I'm working with David Singer. I think you testified in Oregon v. Pohanan. Mr. Singer is representing Ashley Paterson... oh Yes? Yes. Well, we want you to come to San Jose and testify on her behalf..." "Dr. Booth, I am calling you from David Singer's office. He is defending Ashley Paterson. You testified in the Dixon case. Our expert testimony on your Interested... We would like to have you come to San Jose to testify on behalf of Ashley Paterson. We need your expert opinion..." "Dr. Jameson, this is Sandra Singer. We need you to come..." And so on, from early morning till midnight.In the end, a list of a dozen witnesses was drawn up.David looked at it and said, "Pretty impressive. Physicians, hospital deans . . . law school deans." He looked up at Sandra and smiled. "I think we're in good shape." ※※※ Every now and then, Jess Queller walked into the office David was using. "How's it going?" he asked. "Is there anything I can do to help?" "I'm very good." Quiller looked around the office. "Is everything you need ready?" David smiled and said, "Everything, including my best friend." ※※※ One Monday morning, David received a list from the prosecutor's office listing the prosecutor's evidence.As David watched, his mood sank. Sandra was watching him concerned. "What's wrong?" "Look at this. He's got a lot of heavyweight medical experts to testify against Multiple Personality Disorder." "How are you going to handle this?" Sandra asked. "We're ready to admit that Ashley was there when the murders happened, but that the murders were actually committed by one of them." Can I convince the jury of that? ※※※ Five days before the trial began, David got a call that Judge Williams wanted to meet with him. David walks into Jess Queller's office. "Jess, can you tell me about Judge Williams?" Jess Queller leaned back in her chair, crossing her fingers on the back of her head. "Tessa Williams...were you ever a Boy Scout, David?" "yes……" "Do you remember the Boy Scout motto 'Always be ready'?" "Remember." "When you walk into Tessa Williams' court, you have to be ready. She's brilliant. She went to college on a scholarship, and people in her hometown are so proud of her that they're raising money for her. Finished law school. Rumor has it that she turned down a very important appointment in Washington because she liked her current position. She's a legend." "Interesting," said David. "Will the trial be in Santa Clara County?" "yes." "Then you'll have my old friend Mitch Blynan as prosecutor." "Tell me about him." "He was a bad-ass Irishman, with a irascible temper and a rough exterior. The Brannons were intellectual: his father ran a huge publishing business; his mother was a doctor; his sister was a university professor. Blaine Was a football star in college, and his law program was top of his class." Jess leaned forward. Suddenly using the killer mirror. He likes to surprise them by attacking their weak points...why would Judge Williams want to see you?" "I don't know at all. All she said on the phone was that she wanted to talk to me about the Paterson case." Jess Queller frowned. "It's extraordinary. When will you meet her?" "Wednesday morning." "Be careful." "Thanks, Jess. I will." ※※※ The Santa Clara County Superior Courthouse is a white, four-story building on North First Street, behind a desk at the courthouse entrance.There is a guard standing guard, and a metal detector is installed nearby.There is fencing along the way and an elevator.There are seven courtrooms in the building, each presided over by a judge and his staff. At ten o'clock on Wednesday morning David Singer was ushered into the office of Judge Tessa Williams.With her in the room was Mitch Branham.The lead prosecutor, who came to a district attorney's office, was a stocky man in his fifties with an Irish accent.Tessa Williams was in her late forties, a slim, attractive African-American woman who spoke with a clean, authoritative air. "Good morning, Mr. Singer. This is Judge Williams. This is Mr. Branham." The two men shook hands. "Sit down, Mr. Singer. I would like to speak to the two of you about the Paterson case. On the record, you entered a plea of ​​not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity." "Yes, Your Honor." Judge Williams said: "I have brought the two together because I think we can save a lot of time and a lot of money for the state. Normally I am against plea bargaining, but in this case I think it can be considered is justified." David listened, puzzled. The judge turned to Branen. "I've read the pre-trial dossier and I see no reason for this case to go to trial. I hope the state attorney waives the death penalty and accepts the defendant's guilty plea without bail." David said, "Wait a minute. That's impossible!" They both turned to look at him. "Mr Singer..." "My client is not guilty. Ashley Paterson passed a polygraph test and it turned out..." "That proves nothing, and you fully understand that's not acceptable in court. It's going to be a long, tricky trial because of all the publicity." "I am sure……" "I've been practicing law for a long time, Mr. Singer. I've heard the whole package of legal pleas. I've heard pleas of self-defense—an admissible plea; caused by temporary insanity. Murder plea--that's a reasonable plea; and mentally impaired cause...but I'll tell you what I don't believe, lawyer. 'Not guilty because I didn't commit the crime, it was my alter ego'.' with One you may not find in Blackstone's writings That's 'bullshit', the term you came across. Your client either committed a crime or she didn't. If you changed the plea to a guilty plea, we could save a ton of money..." "No, Your Honor, I will not change it." Judge Williams studied David for a moment. "You're stubborn. Many people find that an admirable quality." She leaned forward in her chair. "I don't think so." "Your Honor……" "You're forcing us into a trial that's going to last at least three months ... possibly longer." Blaine nodded, "I agree." "I'm sorry you feel..." "I'm here to do you a favor, Mr. Singer. If we try your client, she's dead." "Wait a minute! You're biased against the case, without—" "Prejudiced? Have you seen the evidence?" "yes, I……" "For God's sake, attorney, Ashley Paterson's DNA and fingerprints are left at every murder scene. I've never seen a more unmistakable guilt than this. If you insist on keeping this case Go down, it's going to be a circus. Look, I don't want that to happen. I don't like a circus in my court. Let's close this case here and now. I'm going to ask you again, Are you willing to plead your client's immunity from the death penalty and never on bail?" Davy said stubbornly, "No." She glared at him. "Okay. See you next week." He has made an enemy.