All I Want Is Forever (11 page)

“Mandatory sentencing, like most worthy ideas, started out good. But now we know the unintended negative effects.” Larry kept his tone reasonable despite Barron's fearsome expression.

“Hell I say!” Winn sat forward suddenly. His eyes
narrowed. “Like that crew going before the parole board next month. Look me in the eye and tell me they deserve to get out.”

“So they weren't model citizens.” Larry lifted his hands. “But we've got to use our resources wisely.”

“You've been hanging around liberals too damn long.” He glanced at Derrick, then back at Larry. “I'll tell you one thing, the people agree with me.”

“I'm not the only conservative who has reexamined this issue. Why spend all our time reeling in small fry while the sharks swim away?” Larry sat up straight and looked his mentor in the eye. “It's a matter of working smarter, not harder, when it comes to catching the bad guys. I'd rather use tax dollars to lock up major distributors.”

“You get the big fish using the small ones as bait,” Winn said, jabbing his forefinger in the air at Larry.

“Maybe, but often as not the big fish just let them take the fall and keep swimming,” Larry countered.

“Or scare them into taking the fall,” Derrick put in. “The last couple of years we've had a tough time getting them to take deals. A lot of these guys and women wind up dead. Even in jail.”

“Look at the Vincent case. We sent him to prison for life and shut down the biggest drug network in Avoyelles Parish.” Winn talked to Larry as though Derrick hadn't spoken. “A coordinated effort between the state police and sheriff departments in three parishes.”

“True,” Derrick said before Larry replied. “But Lloyd Vincent operated for six years before we got him. His conviction was the result of a change of focus, the same change that led us to realize mandatory sentencing doesn't help.”

Barron turned to Derrick after a few moments of silence. “You seem to know a lot about the big picture for a part-time investigator.”

“Derrick has a degree in criminal justice. He's gone to special Justice Department training seminars since I hired him.” Larry nodded to Derrick. “And it's paid off for this office. He's looked over the files on those prisoners you called me about.”

“I see.” Barron studied Derrick with a less-than-happy expression. “And what do you think, son?”

Derrick maintained a cool pose despite Winn's intense stare. “The three men have long records, two have previous convictions for assault.”

“Not exactly candidates for leniency,” Larry said with a scowl.

“The other guy had multiple theft convictions, mostly petty stuff.” Derrick looked back at Barron. “I think he was sacrificed by the big guys.”

“He's scum,” Barron shot back.

“The woman had a history of drug offenses, some were dismissed for lack of evidence,” Derrick went on smoothly without mentioning Monette's name. “I understand she's hired Jim Rand to help her.”

“The governor will take care of those law school social engineers,” Barron said with a grim smile of satisfaction. “They blocked the opening of a huge Japanese plastics plant in St. James Parish. He's pissed, and I don't blame him. Rand and his crew cost this state much-needed jobs.”

“So far his efforts to punish Tulane Law Center have backfired,” Larry replied.

“Now these people are working to get drug dealers out of prison. Disgusting!” Barron's cheeks puffed up in outrage.

“Rand doesn't take on lost causes. He has reviewed the case and trial transcripts extensively.” Derrick kept his casual pose. “There are a few points in her favor.”

Barron's beady eyes narrowed to slits. “Such as.”

“Her codefendants testified against her, but their ac
counts conflicted. Plus they had closer ties with the cocaine distributors.” Derrick lifted a shoulder. “Just from what I've read she looks like the classic sacrificial lamb.”

“The deals we made with those bums sickened my stomach, but they'll stand up to scrutiny,” Barron said with an edge to his tone.

“All through the trial she repeatedly denied knowing the details of their operation. From her record she was always a user, not a player on the distribution end,” Derrick went on in an even voice.

Larry rubbed his chin. “One of the guys went back to prison last year. He was on parole when the state police in St. Charles Parish stopped him. They found an automatic weapon in his Jeep Grand Cherokee.”

“He's serving time,” Derrick added. “Andre Louis hit another dealer who tried to stiff him. Because he took weapons and money, they sent him up for robbery.”

“What does it matter? The point is she knew about his operation,” Barron said.

“Knowing about it and being an integral part of the business are two very different things,” Derrick said. His words caused Barron's cheeks to turn red.

“Listen to me, young man.” Barron leaned forward and stabbed a thick forefinger at Derrick. “You've got one helluva nerve suggesting that I put together a sloppy prosecution!”

“Hey, Winn, cool off here.” Larry shot from his chair and came around his desk. “Derrick isn't suggesting any such thing.”

“Damn right he is!” Barron spat. “I was reciting criminal procedure while you were still in diapers.”

“No one is questioning the fine work you did as district attorney. Right, Derrick? Certainly no one in this office.” Larry glanced at Derrick with a frown.

“I'm identifying the likely points I think Rand will make.” Derrick wondered at the man's fiery reaction.

“I assigned Derrick to review the files after you called,” Larry said in an even voice. “That's what you wanted. We have to know what our opponent will do to counter his claims.”

Barron huffed in silence for a few moments before he spoke. “My political enemies would like nothing better than to attack my record, Larry. You know that.”

“Then we'll fight back with your excellent conviction rate. Derrick, tell us about the evidence against her.” Larry raised one dark eyebrow as a subtle signal to smooth things over.

Derrick cleared his throat. “Ms. Victor was a known associate of the men involved. She traveled with them to Florida several times, and Jamaica.”

“See?” Barron said loudly. “We tracked her running with Landry and another guy, can't remember his name. Doesn't matter he took off.”

“I didn't see any other guy mentioned except the three that testified against her and Devon Landry.” Derrick's gut tightened. Could he be talking about Earl?

“Some lowlife street dealer. These people are transients.” Barron waved a hand. “I'm surprised we didn't get him. He hung out with the rest.”

“The point is we think Rand has an uphill battle.” Larry nodded to Derrick to go on.

“It won't be easy for sure. She's been denied every year because of her record,” Derrick said.

“Of course,” Winn said with grim satisfaction. “Once we gave them the facts they had to.”

“This isn't the first time you've contacted the parole board about this case? I thought you needed to refresh your memory on the facts.” Larry wore a puzzled expression.

“It's been years, man. Of course I don't remember every detail of every case.” Winn stood and slapped Larry on the shoulder. “Good seeing you. You're doing a fine job.”

“Thanks, Winn. You and Barbara should join Marilyn and me for dinner at the Ox Bow Friday night.”

“Let me take a rain check on that one. I'll be down at my camp this weekend. I'll give you a call.” Barron smiled at him.

“Sure thing,” Larry said.

“You'll get me a report in say another week? Not that I'm rushing. I just like to be prepared.”

“No problem, Winn,” Larry replied.

“Good man. Look, Larry, there are no small cases to me.” Barron stood tall and closed the one button of his dark brown suit jacket. “Even though I'm dealing with larger issues, public safety is still my number one concern.”

“Which is why you would make an excellent governor or United States Attorney, whichever comes first.” Larry faced him with a wide smile. “I know you're ready to move on. Being appointed U.S. Attorney would be a nice stepping-stone to national office.”

“We'll see, we'll see.” Barron flashed a smile back at him, then became serious again. “Right now I'm working hard as attorney general of this great state,” he boomed as though giving a fund-raising speech.

“And you've done an outstanding job, too,” Larry replied. “Good seeing you. Now you call me real soon.”

Barron started to walk out ahead of him but stopped. He turned to Derrick. “Anybody who believes a word Monette Victor says is either incredibly stupid or naive. She's a pathological liar.”

Larry and Barron went out together, exchanging small talk. Derrick sat deep in thought, going over his
observations of the man. Winn Barron held no surprises. He was the pompous, quick-tempered autocrat he appeared to be from a distance. Although he respected Larry, Derrick found he had a distinct dislike for Barron. Another curious thing was his reaction to the mention of Monette's name. His animosity seemed to border on being personal. Larry's voice broke into his thoughts.

“Winn hasn't changed one bit. Same old bulldog.” Larry walked around his desk and sat down in the leather captain's chair.

“Yeah, bad-tempered bulldog,” Derrick said evenly.

“Don't take it personally,” Larry said with a wave of one hand. “Winn is a little touchy. He's taken a lot of heat for years.”

“Like his family position got him where he is?” Derrick looked at his boss.

Larry nodded. “His opponents always bring that up. Winn didn't get this far just because of family connections.”

Derrick bit back a rejoinder about how his family's money
and
connections helped him. “Right.”

“Let's talk about this Terrio rape case.” Larry flipped open a folder on his desk.

While he talked Derrick continued to turn over his view of Barron and Monette's case in his mind.

Hours later he was at his mother's small garden home. Derrick rang the doorbell twice, then opened the door with his key. Ruthann Guillory sat in a wheelchair in a small living room staring at a color television set. Her expression was flat, as though her thoughts were miles away. Derrick sighed, then put on a cheerful face.

“Hello, my favorite woman in the world.” Derrick leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“Hi, baby.” She patted his face with a bony hand. A light came on in her eyes when she smiled at him.

“Stop watching that trash. Look at those fools.” Derrick waved at the television screen. A couple engaged in hand-to-hand combat while a stocky man tried to break it up.

“What? Oh yeah, she just confessed she had an affair with a nephew or uncle, maybe both.” Ruthann laughed. “These things are educational, son.”

“Yeah,” Derrick said with a grunt. “You look gorgeous.” He sat down in the chair that matched her small floral sofa.

“Oh stop, you.” She waved a hand at him. “I'll show you my latest trick.” She grabbed a metal cane with a rubber tip on its three-pronged end.

“Hey, don't do that!” Derrick started to get up.

“Sit down. My physical therapist is like a drill sergeant. I've got to walk at least three times a day now. She'll know if I'm not doing it, too.”

With great effort, Ruthann rose from the wheelchair by balancing her weight on the cane. Once she was up, she straightened with a soft gasp. Derrick had to restrain himself from rushing to her.

“Mama, that's fantastic. Now you rest.” He watched her with a wary expression.

“You want a glass of sweet tea? I made a pitcher at lunch.” She walked slowly toward the small kitchen adjacent to her living room.

“I'll get it.” Derrick jumped up. “You rest.”

“Stop babying me, son. I've done this twice today already.” Ruthann spoke as she made slow but steady progress.

Derrick walked beside her, feeling like a bundle of nerves. “That's wonderful, babe. But really I don't need a glass of tea.”

“Nobody
needs
sweet tea, sugar. It's a treat. My next goal is to bake one of my pound cakes.”

“Now don't do too much.” Derrick couldn't resist. He went to the refrigerator. He found the yellow plastic pitcher, then took two tumblers from a cabinet.

Ruthann got a tray and placed it on the countertop. “Put them on here. My new home health aide brought me some of her special muffins. Low in sugar and fat. Ah, here they are!” She found napkins and placed several on the tray.

“Mama, you sit at the table and let me get those.” Derrick put down the tray.

“Nonsense, I feel better when I move around. Might as well since I'm stuck in here all day.” She took two muffins out of a plastic container with daisies all over it.

“You need your rest.” Derrick tried to keep the insistent edge from his voice.

“Let's go back in the living room, have our treat, and talk.” Ruthann put the muffins on the tray and walked ahead of him.

Derrick followed her. He put the tray on a cocktail table in front of the sofa. Ruthann sat next to him. She sighed as she got settled against a large pillow.

“See? You've tired yourself out.” Derrick poured tea in the two glasses and handed her one.

“Quit fretting over me.”

“I just don't want you to do too much,” Derrick said. He smiled as he patted her hand.

“The Lord will take care of me, sugar. Plus I've got a nurse and that nice Keitha coming over.”

“I know.”

“I had a surprise visitor the other day. Your father dropped by,” she said.

Derrick froze in the act of taking another sip from his glass. “What did he want?”