Love Story: In The Web of Life Ken Renshaw (the best novels to read TXT) 📖

fundamentalist ideas. It would be good to get him tolaunch into a Bible-thumping tirade.

"We should also try to eliminate anyone withfundamentalist beliefs from the jury. I will study the panel as youprobe prospective jurors on the subject of devils and witches.Also, you should probe for people with strong beliefs about thevalidity of logic and science: ask whether anybody has degrees inscience and find out if anyone subscribes to technical journals orscientific magazines such as Scientific American. One of thesecountry people might be a retired rocket scientist. We don't need ajuror who will decide to provide scientific leadership in thedeliberations."

When Elizabeth first saw downtown Rocky Butteshe said, "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas, anymore."

I pointed out the nightlife spots andopportunities for fine dining. Elizabeth replied, "I would say thatthis is about as far off the end of Melrose that one canget."

As we parked our car in the courthouse parkinglot, I noticed Buster and another rough looking character sittingin his pickup.

As we walked alone up the empty steps of thecourthouse, Elizabeth admired the building and said, "Stick withDave Willard and you can end up in the big time! You go ahead, I'llhandle the all the reporters"

The courtroom looked as though it had not beenmodified since the courthouse was built in 1922. The walls hadwaist–high, dark wood wainscoting below beige walls that led to aceiling of pressed tin patterned squares. Two windows and fourhanging shaded light fixtures provided the light. The room hadseating for about a hundred, and the usual jury box, tables, andjudge's bench. At the front, under a portrait of George Washingtonand the County Seal, awaited the witness box, and court reporter'sdesk, flanked by American and California State flags.

The jury pool was sitting in the first few rowsof the spectator area, being instructed by the Bailiff.

I greeted the Sodastroms as they sat at ourtable and introduced Elizabeth. Then, we introduced ourselves toDean Buttress, the defense attorney who was there alone.

Ann and Ed Sodastrom looked quite distraught. Istood between them and Elizabeth as I explained how I regrettedhaving to put them through all this again, but it should be over ina few days.

Elizabeth observed after we sat down, "DeanButtress looks like a typical third–string attorney assigned to acase in the boonies that nobody else wanted. The insurance companymust reckon that their liability is very small and the Rocky Buttejury will think a few hundred thousand dollars is a lot of money.His eye movements look like those of an alcoholic in a hung-overcondition."

Judge Cartright appeared and after theformalities we began jury selection. During the questioning of thejury, I noticed Buster in the back row and his associate sitting inthe middle.

Midway through the jury selection, Elizabethwhispered in my ear, "A lady just came in who looks like areporter. It must be the San Jose Times reporter that will besending trial summaries to Dore."

Jury selection was routine. At 12:30 after thejury was seated and instructed, Judge Cartright declared aforty-five-minute recess for lunch after which he would hearopening statements. Elizabeth and I retired to a conference roomwith our sack lunches brought from the ranch.

"Really the big-time," said Elizabeth as sheunwrapped her sandwich and opened her canned drink. "Other courtsgive you an hour and a half for lunch."

"Stick with me," I smiled. "In one of ourprevious meetings, the judge indicated his desire for long courtdays. He said a short trial was in the best interests of theparticipants and the community.

"I think the jury selection went well, thanksto you, Elizabeth."

She replied, "I think we have a good jury.Family values, no fundamentalists, no amateur scientists, and allseemingly rule-based. I don't think there are any wild cards inthere. Jurors number five and nine, the older ladies, were lookingat Buttress disdainfully, maybe recognizing and disapproving of hisalcoholism. Those two well-dressed men with untanned faces that wedismissed must be the local clergy."

"Thanks for your expert observation and helpwith that, Elizabeth. Now, I think I will have some quiet time toget ready for my opening statement."

At 1:15, Judge Cartright reconvened the courtand we made our opening statements. I then presented witnesses toestablish the dry fundamentals–that Lucy had died of exposure,where and when she was found, and what attempts were made toresuscitate her. At just before five-thirty, Judge Cartrightadjourned for the day.

On the way home Elizabeth observed, "JudgeCartright helps us generate a lot of billable hours in a singlecourt-day."

At the old Williams' place, we gave our car toCody, who was dressed in slacks, tie, and blue dress shirt, lookinglike me.

As we joined Buster in his pickup, Elizabethwhispered to me, "I am now really in the big-time."

As we entered the parking lot at the ranch Inoticed a big blue Ford SUV, inside the lodge, Tina who had beentalking to Candice, enthusiastically greeted me. Peter Gallagherhad also flown in.

Over wine and cheese, elegantly served bySofia, I related the trial proceedings today.

I said I would start the day tomorrow with EdSodastrom's tragic account of the evening to stet a tragic tone forthe trial.

I would put on a retired deputy sheriff next,followed by two members of the search and rescue team to establishthat the search effort was not well–organized, and establish thatSheriff Bogend was not doing the best possible job. Then, I wouldput on Sheriff Bogend and try to reveal how his personal biasesinterfered with his professional judgment. If there were time left,I would put on Candice, and then show the movie, followed by PhilGallagher. I said I didn't expect that we could get to Candice andPhil tomorrow. They could stay around the ranch, and we would callthem to court if needed. I said Steve Manteo would arrive tomorrowmorning and stay over as required.

Buster added that he had a SUV outside, and adriver would be here tomorrow for everyone to use when they neededto get to court.

Everyone went back to conversation.

I said I was going upstairs to freshen upbefore dinner. Tina joined me.

After a dinner of good conversation, Elizabeth,Candice, Phil, and I went to the study to go over testimony.Elizabeth produced her laptop and showed us the reporter's dispatchto Dore reporting on the day’s events.