‘They also didn’t buy into his conspiracy theory or his ineffective assistance of counsel. They said Rubio was more than adequate, and his decision to testify or not testify was clearly reflected on the record as his own.
‘And finally, on the most important issue, they didn’t go for his newly discovered evidence argument either. I highlighted that for you, too. They said Judge Chaskel heard that argument on Bantling’s Motion for New Trial last spring, and that they, too, found no merit in it. Chambers’s assault on you, in and of itself, with nothing more, does not constitute newly discovered evidence. They also noted that the jury in his trial last summer also didn’t buy that argument and convicted him of murder ten times over. Period. End of sentence. That’s all she wrote. You can breathe again, C.J.’
‘What’s next?’ Her heart was beating a mile a minute.
‘The Florida Supremes, but I wouldn’t worry. I think the Third DCA wrote a really strong opinion. After that, well, he can then start making his way through the federal system until he hits the U.S. Supreme Court.’
She nodded thoughtfully, absorbing everything he said and all that it implied. She was surprised that she felt no guilt, no remorse. Just a sense of calm.
‘It’ll still be about eight or ten years before they execute him, with the way justice works in Florida. Maybe longer. We probably won’t even be around to see it happen.’
‘I will,’ she said, her voice flat.
‘Well good luck to you. I’ll be enjoying my measly state retirement out on my boat off the Keys. Six years and counting. Just me and the fish. I’m not even inviting my wife. I’ve got to run, C.J. I’ll drop a copy off on your
desk later on today. Are you going out of town for Thanksgiving?’
‘Yes, actually. My flight leaves late this afternoon. I’m going to visit my parents in California for a few days.’ That was a relationship she hoped could be repaired. That she thought she wanted back.
Well, this news should make your vacation even better. Have a nice trip.’ He took off down the hall, making his way through the restless crowd toward the elevator, happy thoughts of retirement and turkey probably dancing in his head at that very moment.
Oh, I’ll be there, Paul. If and when it ever comes to pass. Just as I promised. I’ll be there to watch it happen. To make sure justice gets done.
She watched him get on the elevator and waved as the doors closed. Then she glanced at her watch. It was almost noon, and she still had to go home and pack. She took the elevators down to the first floor, and walked past the Pickle Barrel. Because of the holiday it was not as full as usual, as most of the defense attorneys and prosecutors and judges had jump-started their weekend right after morning calendar.
C.J. pushed open the glass doors and walked down the cement steps. The back doors of the courthouse led out to Thirteenth Street and DCJ. For security reasons, it was blocked to all traffic except police vehicles. She recognized the state car right away.
Dominick sat in his Grand Prix, right in front of the steps, just waiting for her. He lowered the passenger-side window as she approached. ‘Hey, pretty lady,’ he called out, ‘want a ride?’
‘My mom taught me not to talk to strange men in cars,’ she replied, smiling. What are you doing here?
I thought you were going to meet me at my house.’
‘I was. But I wanted to rescue you early from this place. Get a head start on those canned airline Bloody Marys, maybe.’
She opened the door and climbed in next to him. He reached across the seat, his hand on the back of her neck, gently pulling her toward him, his warm lips meeting hers.
‘Well,’ she said, when their kiss had finally ended, What a welcome. I’m glad you did. I could go for something cold and tropical right about now. A “we’re on vacation” drink. Are you packed?’
‘Yup. It’s all in the back. Are you?’
‘Of course not,’ she replied, ‘but maybe you can help me. It shouldn’t take too long.’
‘Let’s get going then. Drop off those nasty files. I’ll follow you back home. And then it’s just you and me, baby.’
‘And my parents. Don’t forget, you get to meet them.’
‘I can’t wait,’ he said, meaning it.
She smiled, kissed him softly again, and hopped out of the car to drop off those nasty files and jump-start her own vacation. Their flight to San Francisco left at 5:30, and she didn’t want to miss it.
Acknowledgments
A necessary thank you is due the following individuals for their assistance on this project, all of whom provided their invaluable knowledge without reservation or hesitation, and for that I am especially grateful: Dr Reinhard Motte and Dr Lee Hearn of the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office; Special Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, particularly Special Agent Eddie Royal; Domestic Violence Division Chief Esther Jacobo of the State Attorney’s Office, Miami-Dade County; Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Julie Hogan and Marie Perikles of the Office of Statewide Prosecution; pharmacist Liz Chasko; and, finally, Mr Dean Mynks.
A special thank you is also due Marie Ryan, Esq., Leslie Thomas, Penny Weber, Thea Sieban, and John Pellman, Sr., for their precious time, as well as their insight, and to my friends and family for their support, and my mother for her gift.