Free JO01 - Guilty or Else by Jeff Sherratt Page A

cowboy shtick, but mostly lawyer shtick.”
    The hostess called my name and showed us to our table.
    Bobbi ordered a small salad with blue-cheese dressing, no Roquefort. I had the barbecued beef sandwich that came with about a pound and a half of French fries.
    While we waited for our food to arrive, we talked about the implications of granting interviews to the press. “It’d be a circus,” I agreed. I figured if the D.A.’s office wouldn’t release information favorable to their case, then I wouldn’t counter. Handling the media took special skills I knew I didn’t possess, at least not yet. Famed lawyers, such as Melvin Belli, were masters at manipulating reporters. But even for them, it could backfire, and when the media turned on you it could be brutal. Belli, late in his career, after ranting continuously about several of his ex-wives, became known as Melvin Bellicose. Yeah, it would be best if Bobbi and I agreed to avoid the spotlight as much as possible. One less thing to worry about.
    “So it’s a deal? We both offer no comment to the media hounds,” I said, shooting my hand across the table.
    “Deal,” Bobbi said with a smile, taking my hand in hers. Our eyes locked for a moment. “Jimmy, you seem like a nice guy. I want you to understand something.”
    “Oh?”
    She removed her hand and continued: “I just want you to know I play by the rules, no tricks or fancy footwork. I’m a professional and take my responsibility seriously. I won’t be underhanded with you. I want the system to work and justice to be served, that’s all.”
    “That’s all I can ask.”
    The food arrived. Bobbi silently picked at her salad. I took a few bites of my sandwich, grabbed a napkin from the stack on the table, and wiped my hands. “There’s something else on your mind,” I said. “Want to tell me about it?”
    “My superior says that she’d still be willing to accept a plea. One last chance.”
    “We’ll pass on the offer. I want to make myself clear. Rodriguez did not kill her.”
    “They all say that.” She shook her head. “The prisons are full of innocent people.”
    “In this case it’s true.”
    “This is your first murder case. I’ll give you some advice—”
    “Forget it. I’m not going to see an innocent man go to prison.”
    “I’m sorry to say this, but with you as his lawyer he’s lucky the Supreme Court put a hold on the death penalty last July.”
    “That’s a crummy thing to say.”
    “No offense, Jimmy, but you are inexperienced.”
    “I’m experienced enough to know an innocent man when I see one.”
    “Have it your way.”
    Bobbi took a sip of iced tea, stirred her fork slowly around in her salad. “You should think it over. He could be out in twenty-five years if he accepts.”
    “Twenty-five years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. I don’t think so.”
    I took a sip of coffee and stared at Bobbi over the rim of my cup.
    “What? Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked.
    I debated whether I should tell Bobbi the information I had about Welch sleeping with Gloria Graham. As a matter of pure tactics, I was better off keeping my knowledge of the affair to myself. Surprise was one of the most effective trial strategies, and I knew enough to understand that most criminal lawyers would never tip their hand in a situation like this. But, I had no evidence to take to trial, no defense whatsoever, just rumors and innuendos, which wouldn’t be admitted. I needed proof. I needed the police to do a full investigation of Welch. Maybe the authorities could somehow break his alibi, and If Bobbi reopened the case—with her powers of subpoena and full investigative staff—at least I’d know if I were on the right track. But could I trust her? I had to be sure that she was more concerned about justice than victories in the courtroom.
    I wouldn’t mention being tailed and what Johnson had said about heavyweights being involved. I needed more information about