But he'd never felt more alive. Monday brought the first witness prep session with Linda Chen. Her office was in a downtown high-rise with a view of the city. She sat Caleb down in a conference room and didn't waste time with pleasantries. Let's start with the hardest question you'll face.
Did Arthur Caldwell promise you anything in exchange for hiding that evidence? No, he just asked me to keep it from Dalton. Did he threaten you? He was dying. He could barely talk.
Defense is going to say he coerced you with implied threats. That you were afraid of the Hells Angels. I was afraid, but not of Arthur. I was afraid of letting a man bleed out on the highway. Caleb met her eyes.
That's the truth. Truth is a starting point, but in court it's about how you present truth. Linda pulled out a legal pad. We're going to run through this a hundred times until you can answer these questions in your sleep. Because Dalton's lawyer, a man named Richardson, who makes sharks look cuddly, he's going to try to break you.
Make you angry, make you contradict yourself, make you look unreliable.
For 3 hours Linda grilled him. Same questions, different angles, relentless. By the end Caleb's head was pounding and his throat was raw. That's enough for today. Linda said finally showing mercy.
You did well, better than most first-timers. Didn't feel like it. You stayed calm, didn't get defensive. That's half the battle. She walked him to the elevator.
Grand jury is in 2 weeks. Between now and then we meet three more times. And Caleb, don't talk to anyone about your testimony. Not friends, not co-workers, nobody. Defense will claim witness tampering if they can prove coordination.
What about Arthur? Arthur's a federal agent, different rules. Linda's smile was thin. But to be safe, keep conversations general. How's the weather?
How's the bike? Nothing about the case.
Caleb rode back to the shop feeling wrung out and anxious. Jack took one look at him and sent him home early. You look like hell. Go sleep. We'll manage without you for one afternoon.
That night Caleb's phone rang again. Unknown number, but this time local. Caleb Hayes. A man's voice rough and unfriendly. Who's this?
Someone who knows what you did. Who knows you're the reason good men are in jail. The voice was careful, controlled. You should have minded your business, kid. Caleb's blood went cold.
How'd you get this number? How do you think you're not as protected as you believe? A pause. You got a choice to make. Drop the testimony, tell the D A you were mistaken or Caleb hung up and immediately called Arthur.