Caleb kept his eyes straight ahead and his mouth shut. Linda was waiting at the courthouse entrance, looking furious. I told them not to camp the steps. she muttered. Judge is going to have security clear them out.
Inside the courtroom was smaller than Caleb expected, but packed with people. Dalton sat at the defense table in an orange jumpsuit, looking older and harder than Caleb remembered. His eyes found Caleb immediately, and the hatred in them was a physical thing. Caleb's hands started shaking. Arthur noticed and leaned close.
He can't touch you. He's in chains. You're free. Remember that. The judge, a stern woman named Martinez, called the court to order.
The jury filed in, 12 ordinary people who would decide Dalton's fate. Some look curious, others bored, one woman openly hostile. The state may call its first witness, Judge Martinez said. The state calls Agent Arthur Caldwell. Arthur took the stand, was sworn in, and spent 90 minutes walking the jury through his undercover operation.
How he'd infiltrated the cartel's network. How Dalton had facilitated drug shipments through his county in exchange for massive payoffs. How Arthur had documented everything.
Dalton's lawyer Richardson was everything Linda had warned about. Slick, aggressive, relentless. Agent Caldwell, isn't it true you violated protocol by not informing your superior officers of your activities? I informed the appropriate people. Yes or no, agent.
Did you follow standard DEA procedure? Arthur's jaw tightened. The situation was fluid. Standard procedure would have compromised the operation. So, you broke the rules.
Richardson smiled like a shark. And in breaking those rules, you fabricated evidence to frame my client. I fabricated nothing. Every document, every photo, every transaction is real and verified. By whom?
Your biker friends. Richardson gestured dismissively at the gallery where the Hells Angels sat. Hardly credible witnesses. By federal forensic accountants, by digital analysis experts, by testimony from three separate cartel members. Who were offered deals in exchange for their testimony.
They say anything to save themselves. The back-and-forth went on for hours. Richardson tried every angle to discredit Arthur, to make his evidence seem tainted or manufactured. But Arthur held firm, his answers clear and consistent.
During recess, Caleb found Arthur in the hallway looking exhausted. You did great, Caleb said. I felt like I was wrestling an eel. Slippery bastard. Arthur drank from a water fountain.
Your turn's tomorrow. You ready? No. Good. Fear keeps you sharp.
Just remember, tell the truth, stay calm, don't let Richardson bait you into anger. Arthur gripped his shoulder. You've got this, kid.