Free Grass Roots by Stuart Woods Page A

come to Greenville?”
    “Because he was real good at his work excellent, you might say and because he was always absolutely reliable.”
    “Do you pay him well?”
    “He’s the best-paid employee we’ve got.”
    “Mr. Morgan, you told me you were willing to put up substantial bail for Larry Moody. Why are you willing to do that?”
    “Because I believe in Larry. He’s a fine young man, and I’d trust him with my life.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Morgan. No further questions.”
    Again the Judge looked at Elton Hunter, and he declined to question the witness.
    “All right, Mr. Hunter,” the Judge said.
    “Sum up for me.”
    Elton Hunter rose.
    “Your Honor, you’ve heard the testimony of the sheriff, an experienced law-enforcement officer who has explained his case. The prosecution wishes the accused bound over for the grand jury.” Hunter sat down.
    “Mr. Lee?” the judge said.
    Will stood.
    “Your Honor, you have heard the sheriff say that his witness did not actually see my client’s face, and that his physical evidence has not been exclusively connected to Mr. Moody’s van. You’ve heard a reliable witness say that Mr. Moody was at home with her for the entire evening. You’ve also noted that, even though this was clearly a rape and murder, my client has not been charged with rape, which indicates to me a shaky case for the prosecution. Your Honor, I move that, in view of lack of substantive evidence, the charge against Larry Eugene Moody be dismissed.” This was form; Will had no expectation that the charge would be dismissed.
    “Denied,” the Judge said.
    “Do you have a request for bail?”
    “Yes, Your Honor. I would ask you to consider that the evidence against my client so far presented here is, to put it politely, inconclusive. My client has corroboration of his whereabouts at the time of the crime; he has shown himself to be a stable person with roots in the community;
    he is gainfully employed and has an excellent employment record, as you have heard. Although employed, he has no savings and has many financial obligations to meet, so it is important to him that he resume work immediately.
    There is no reason whatever to fear that he might flee the jurisdiction. I request that bail be set in the amount of ten thousand dollars.”
    The Judge looked at Elton Hunter and raised his eye brows.
    Hunter half-stood.
    “Your Honor, the prosecution opposes bail” “Oh, come on!” Will said, standing up.
    “We’re willing to offer substantial bond, if necessary, but surely there is no reason to deny bail in this case.”
    The Judge looked at Will.
    “Sit, Mr. Lee,” he commanded
    “You’ve had your say.”
    Reluctantly, Will sat down.
    “Your Honor,” Elton Hunter continued, “Mr. Moody is charged with a capital crime the brutal murder of an outstanding citizen that has shocked this community. He cannot be let loose on the streets.”
    The Judge hardly paused.
    “Bail is denied. The accused is bound over for the grand jury, which” he looked inquiringly at Hunter “is in session this week?”
    “Correct, Your Honor,” Hunter replied.
    “I intend to present the case on Thursday, when copies of the autopsy and lab reports are available.” “Good,” the Judge said.
    “Mr. Lee, if the prosecution’s case is so shaky, I’m sure the grand jury will decline to indict, and your client will be free before the week is out.” The Judge stood.
    “This hearing is concluded.”
    “All rise!”
    When the Judge had gone, Will sat down next to his client again.
    “I’m sorry, Larry, but our chances were never good for bail—not in a case like this.”
    “But you heard the Judge say that the grand jury might not indict me,” Moody said hopefully.
    Will shook his head.
    “I won’t be able to plead for you there. A prosecution can get just about anything he wants from a grand jury. I’m afraid you’re going to be in jail until your trial. We’ll see that you’re made as comfortable as