Beyond A Reasonable Doubt (14 page)

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Jenna typed the affidavit of probable cause for both Elkinses, putting in everything she could remember Jordan telling her, as well as the things she herself knew. Harry and Jake would be back soon with the warrants, and she still had a lot to do. Pulling up another document, she typed in the list of beatings Jordan had outlined for her, printed both documents, and picked up her phone. She’d have to tell David what she was doing; otherwise, she wouldn’t have a job long enough to get them to arraignment. She’d almost finished dialing the number when a strange feeling washed over her. If she did it by phone, he could call them after she hung up. If she went to his house and told him in person, then Harry and Jake could be serving the warrant at the same time. “Damn it, Jordan, I was never paranoid until I met you.”

She hung up, walked to her closet, and rummaged for something halfway decent to wear. Pulling out a blue pair of dress pants, she chose a light-blue blouse and dressed quickly.

She picked up the paperwork and headed downstairs just as the front door opened and Harry and Jake walked in. “Did you get it?”

Jake held up the paperwork. “Search warrant and arrest warrant. All we have to do is fill in the information and get the judge’s signature.”

Jenna held up the affidavits and the list. “I’ve got everything else ready to go.” She glanced at the clock. “If we’re lucky, we can put them in jail tonight. Since it’s Sunday, Dade won’t have a chance to get an arraignment until morning, so they’ll spend at least one night. Anyone want coffee?”

They both shook their heads but sat down at the table to fill out the warrants. “The search warrant has to be explicit. Do we have any clue what we’re looking for?” Jake asked.

“Tickets, phone records, pictures, tapes, videos, anything that would prove they were in Kentucky and anything to prove Elkins beat his wife.”

Jake jotted down those items on the warrant. “It might be better if we served the arrest warrants first then went back and did the search warrant.”

Jenna nodded. “That would probably work better if Dade doesn’t intervene. If he does, then we’ll have to wait.”

Harry passed the paperwork he’d been reading to Jake. “You did a hell of a job on these affidavits, Jenna. I hope we can get enough people to talk to prove it.”

“I need to go to see David. Dade will demand an arraignment and bail first thing in the morning. I want to be the one to handle that. Otherwise, the judge may just dismiss the charges. If that happens, we’ll all be looking for a place to hide.”

“I don’t think you should go alone,” Harry said. “One of us needs to drive you.”

Jenna shook her head. “I have two very huge bodyguards outside. I’m sure they’d be more than happy to take me. I need you two to go to Judge Clinton’s and get the warrants signed. As soon as I call you, you can serve them. I want those bastards in jail tonight.”

“Give the judge a call, and we’ll be on our way,” Jake said.

Jenna dialed the number Clifford Beaumont had given her. He answered on the second ring.

“Hello.”

“Judge Clinton, this is Jenna James. I’d like to send a couple of officers around to get your signature on some arrest warrants. Would now be okay?”

“Have them come through the side door next to the garden. I’ll be waiting for them.”

Jenna hit the End button on her phone. “He’s all set and waiting for you. He said to come through the side door next to the garden.”

Jake picked up the paperwork and glanced at Jenna. “You know how long I’ve waited to arrest this bastard?”

Jenna met his gaze and nodded. “Now, all we have to do is make it stick.”

Harry walked around the table and pulled her into his arms. “We’re gonna get them, Jenna. Both of them.”

She liked the feel of his arms around her. She felt safe and warm, but she had work to do. Extricating herself, she picked up her purse, grabbed her keys from the table, and gave them both a thumbs-up. “You two get them; I’ll make sure we have enough evidence by trial to keep them.”

Jenna settled into the backseat of the car and gave Geno and Marko directions to David’s house. She’d wondered about the names when they’d first introduced themselves but realized they weren’t important. If any of them lived through this, she’d probably never see them again.

Her thoughts turned to David. Was it possible he was involved with Dade and Elkins? She’d been to his house only once, for a Christmas party. At the time, she’d wondered how a district attorney had been able to afford such a luxury home. She’d even asked him. He’d laughed and chalked it up to good planning and lucky investments.

Jenna closed her eyes, pulling up images of the house he had so proudly shown off that night. If she remembered correctly, it was a Tuscan style with four bedrooms and five baths. “Damn,” she mumbled, remembering it had a five-car garage, executive study, and large theater. Not only was the house outside the means of a district attorney, but also the furnishings were straight off the pages of
Celebrity Glamour
. Why the hell hadn’t she questioned that earlier?

Opening her eyes, she rummaged in her purse and found the derringer Harry had given her. He’d told her it was fully loaded and had no safety. All she had to do was point and shoot.

The car pulled into the circular drive, stopped, and parked. Geno exited and opened her door. “You want us to go in with you, Miss James?”

Jenna climbed out. “Not yet. Stay here, though; I may need you.”

He nodded. “Just shout out, and we’ll be there.”

Jenna scouted the area as she walked to the front door. She saw a slight movement behind the curtains; he knew she was here. The door opened just as she raised her hand.

“Hello, Jenna. Come on in, I’ve been expecting you.” He opened the door wider and led her to the living room. “Please, have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?”

Jenna studied the man she’d idolized for years, the man she’d thought could do no wrong. He appeared shorter and thinner than the last time she’d seen him. His cancer was eating at him, leaving nothing more than an empty husk. “Why, David?”

He sat across from her, the worry lines on his face creasing noticeably. “I had my reasons.”

Jenna pulled a copy of the warrant and affidavit from her purse. “There are two officers on their way to Judge Clinton’s to get these signed. They’re waiting on a call from me to serve them and arrest both the Elkinses.”

He glanced over the paperwork. “They’ll both be represented by Marcus Dade and on the street in hours.”

“Not if you help me, David. We can get the proof. We can get the Elkinses, and with your help, we can get Dade too.”

He rose, walked to the bar, and poured a drink. “I was like you once, Jenna. I believed in the system. If you go after Dade, the only thing you’ll get is a ready-made coffin.”

“We took an oath, David. We swore to uphold the law, administer justice, deter crime, and ensure the safety of the community. I’d rather be killed in the line of duty than sell my soul to the devil.”

“Dade got you out of the mess with Travello.”

“What?” Jenna scooted forward on her seat. Surely, she hadn’t heard him right.

David turned and met her gaze. “The PSIR was changed. Someone used your credentials to change it. That’s why Conrad Mercer did the closing arguments. We hoped, with the severity of the crime, he’d get the death penalty and no one would be the wiser.” David shrugged. “It didn’t turn out that way.”

Jenna sat back. “So that’s what you meant when you said, ‘We fixed it.’”

David nodded. “Dade pulled a few strings and had the real file created with a different social security number, making it appear there was a glitch in the system, exonerating you from any wrongdoing.”

“Why? Why would Dade do that?”

David picked up his drink and stared out the patio window. “Because I asked him to. I was going to retire next year. I was hoping you could take my place. You would have had my backing all the way—and the backing of my supporters.” He turned to face her. “There are worse things than Marcus Dade, Jenna. He wants you on his team. He can help you.”

Jenna rose and joined him at the bar. She reached for a glass and picked up a scotch decanter. “Why don’t you call Dade, tell him what I’m doing, and see what he says?”

He turned to her, his jaws slack, eyes piercing. “You know how that will go in court. Dade will tear you apart.”

Jenna walked back to her seat and set her glass down on the table, conscious of the coasters sitting a few inches away. “I don’t give a damn what Dade does, David. For reasons we’re both aware of, I can’t prosecute Michael for the rape, but he killed Ben Andrews or had him killed, and
that
I’m going to prove… and I’m going to prosecute him for it. I also know he helped his father transport a dead body across state lines.
That
I’m going to prosecute him for. He tampered with evidence. That son of a bitch is going to jail, with or without your blessing. Now, pick up the phone and call Dade. He’ll either give you his blessing, or he’ll have me killed before the night is over.”

David walked to the phone, picked it up, and dialed a number. “Do you want me to put it on speaker?”

“Yes.”

He hit the speaker button and listened to the rings. It rang five times before an irritated voice answered. “Hello?”

“Mr. Dade, it’s David Garcia. Miss James is here in my home. She has warrants for the arrest of both William Elkins and Michael Elkins.”

“For what?” Dade asked.

“She has an informant that believes William killed his wife and that Michael helped to cover up that murder.”

“I assume Miss James is still there and listening?”

David glanced at Jenna, raised an eyebrow, and shrugged. “Yes.”

“And you have proof of these allegations, Miss James?” Dade asked.

“We have probable cause.”

Dade laughed. “And when do you plan on making these arrests?”

“There are officers standing by now,” she answered.

Jenna heard the sounds of ice clinking and a drink being poured. “And I presume you don’t want me to get them released tonight?”

“You presume right. I believe the officers would like some time to interrogate the suspects.”

Dade laughed again. “David, I have a trial starting in the morning, and I believe we’ll need a special judge for the arraignment. Perhaps you could arrange that, say, for Tuesday morning. Would that be acceptable to you, Miss James?”

“That would be very acceptable, Mr. Dade.” Jenna took a sip of scotch and stood.

“Good, then it’s done. Is there anything else you need, David?”

“No, sir. I’ll take care of the judge first thing in the morning.”

The sound of a dial tone filled the room, and David replaced the receiver. Jenna picked up her purse and moved toward the front door. “I’ll see you tomorrow, David.”

He didn’t answer, and she opened the door, closing it softly behind her. Listening and talking to Dade had taken its toll. She felt sick to her stomach—knowing he knew. Not only knew but had sat and listened to her being raped. She pulled out her cell phone and called Harry.

“Hello?”

“Go get them.”

~ ~ ~

Harry placed his cell phone over the visor and started the car. “That was Jenna, and we’re good to go. You can have the judge, but Michael Elkins is mine.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Marcus poured another drink and glanced at Gregory. “Thanks to Miss James, we have a little over thirty-six hours to find that evidence and set the stage. The house should be empty except for the maid. Don’t kill her unless you have to.”

Gregory sipped his scotch. “What about James and those two cops? They could be a problem if they connect you to Elkins.”

Marcus smiled and lifted his glass. “They’ve already made that connection, but they don’t have any proof. If all goes as planned, thirty-six hours from now, I won’t have to worry about either of the Elkinses again, and there won’t ever be any evidence of my connection to them. Except as their lawyer, of course.” He downed the bourbon and wiped his lips on his sleeve. “Don’t look so disappointed. I do have a job for you. I believe David Garcia is soft where Miss James is concerned. He needs a little lesson on where his loyalty lies.”

Gregory grinned. “Leg or arm? Or both?”

“I think an arm will be fine. He needs to be able to walk tomorrow.”

~ ~ ~

Harry parked in front of the Elkinses’ house, picked up the arrest warrant for Michael Elkins, and handed Jake the one for William. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and they’ll resist arrest.”

Jake tossed his cigarette out the window. “JJ might be upset if she doesn’t get to take these bastards to trial.” He opened his door and stepped out. “Of course, if there’s nobody else here, who’s gonna know they didn’t resist?”

Harry joined him on the sidewalk. “I’ve got scratches, and you’ve got a busted nose. Looks like the bastards resisted to me.”

Jake shook his head. “I know you want to kill the guy for what he did to JJ, but he had a heart attack recently. We want him alive long enough to enjoy the fruits of being behind bars. He’s cute, remember. Cute guys are always popular.”

Harry’s lips compressed into a tight line. “All right, but I get one punch.”

Jake slapped him on the back. “One punch it is, partner.”

Harry knocked loudly on the front door, which was opened by the maid. Her eyes widened and her hands immediately started fluttering. “Can I help you?”

“We have a warrant for the arrest of William Elkins and Michael Elkins. Where are they?” Harry asked.

The hands fluttered even more wildly. “I do not understand. You’re going to arrest Mr. Elkins?”

Jake gave her his best smile. “That’s the plan, honey. Where is he?”

“The judge is in his study. Mr. Michael is upstairs in the shower.”

Jake tapped Harry on the shoulder. “We’ll do the judge first.” He turned to the maid. “Why don’t you show us where the study is, then you can go get Michael and bring him down.”

“Yes, sir. Please follow me.”

They followed her down the hallway to huge oak doors. She knocked and waited.

“Come in.”

Jake grabbed her arm as she reached for the door. “Go get Michael. We’ll take it from here.”

Harry drew his gun as Jake opened the door and stepped into the room. Elkins glared at them from behind a huge mahogany desk. “What the hell are you doing here? Get out of my house.”

Jake moved slowly. “William Elkins, you’re under arrest for the murder of Olivia Elkins. You have the right to remain silent.”

When Elkins reached for his drawer, Jake drew his gun and pointed it directly at the judge’s chest. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. I don’t need much of a reason to pull this trigger.”

Elkins let his hand fall away, and Jake grinned. “As I said, you have a right to remain silent. If you give up that right, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” He rounded the desk, holstered his gun, and jerked the judge to his feet. He pulled an arm behind the judge’s back and slapped on a cuff. “You have the right to an attorney.” Grabbing the other arm, he wrenched it around and cuffed it. “If you can’t afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.” He turned the judge to face him. “Do you understand your rights, sir?”

Elkins spat on him before bellowing, “You’re dead, you son of a bitch.”

Jake wiped off the spittle and glanced at Harry. “I do believe the judge just threatened me, Harry. What do you think?”

Harry leaned against the wall, never taking his eyes from the open door. “Sounded like a threat to me.”

Jake eyed the old man. He wanted to hit him—maybe break a few bones. Instead he smiled maliciously and pulled him in close. “I’ve waited twenty-eight years to get you, so you know what I’m gonna do, Judge? I’m gonna spread the word around the jail that you’re a former judge. Prisoners don’t like judges. With that information making the rounds, even an old ass like yours is gonna see some real action. You’ve spent your whole life fucking people. Let’s see how you like it.” He pushed him toward the door just as Michael Elkins came sauntering through it.

“Don’t worry, Dad, I called Marcus and left a message. He’ll have you out before they even finish the paperwork.”

Harry stepped forward and handed Michael his warrant. “Michael Elkins, you’re under arrest for conspiracy, tampering with evidence, and transporting a dead body across state lines.”

Michael glanced at the warrant. “That little whore put you up to this?” He smiled at Harry. “She’s pretty good in bed, isn’t she?”

Harry’s right fist came up hard and fast, slamming into Michael’s lips and teeth. He grabbed him before he could fall, pulled his arms behind his back, and cuffed him. “You have the right to remain silent. If you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will result in me beating the shit out you.”