Suspect Passions (17 page)

Judge Chamberlinck motioned for everyone to be seated, then looked at Regan and Bell with what Syd interpreted as a cautionary glare and began. “Counsel is reminded of my earlier warning regarding protocol in this proceeding. I assume you are both willing to stipulate to the events of the case and move directly to arguing aggravating and mitigating factors. Is that correct?”

Regan and Bell answered in the affirmative.

“Mr. Bell, you may begin.”

Bell stood, pulled at his tie, and walked to the small podium in front of the judge. “Your Honor, on the night in question Mr. Lee Nartey, the deceased, was going home from the mall on foot, minding his own business, when he was accosted in a darkened corner of the parking lot. According to his dying declaration, all he saw was someone pointing a gun at him. By North Carolina law we are permitted to defend ourselves against the use of deadly force. Mr. Nartey tried to do so with a weapon that he had purchased for his personal protection. There was no evidence on Mr. Nartey at the time of his shooting to indicate that he had committed a crime, and no reason for the officer to confront him. His death was caused solely by the unwarranted actions of Officer Cabot. These facts are uncontested.”

Syd wanted to yell her objection to the blatant distortion of events. Regan had been taking notes furiously while Bell spoke, but she must have sensed Syd’s growing anxiety. Glancing at her, she mouthed, “It’s okay.” That simple reassurance, along with Regan’s confident smile, settled Syd’s jangled nerves.

“And as for the officer involved, and element two of the claim,” Bell spouted, “the plaintiff contends that Officer Cabot was negligent and should be held strictly liable for the death of Lee Nartey. On this evening, she had just returned to work from a three-day weekend of—”

Regan jumped up so quickly that she startled Syd. But before she could speak Judge Chamberlinck waved her off. “Mr. Bell, I hope you’re not headed where I think you’re headed with this. I’ve made myself clear about straying into this questionable area.”

“Yes, Judge, but I will be addressing the issue of impairment and culpability, not the matter we discussed earlier.”

She gave him a stern look and said, “See that you stay on point.”

“As I was saying, Your Honor, Officer Cabot had been off for three days and we have witnesses who’ve given sworn statements that she was drinking for a large part of that time in a club called the Cop Out. She was even seen there just before going on duty the night in question.”

Syd rolled closer to Regan and gripped her arm. “Are you going to let him get away with this crap? Do something. He’s making it look like I’m an alcoholic incapable of doing my job.”

Regan covered the tightened grip on her arm and stared into Syd’s eyes. “You have to trust me,” she whispered. “I know it’s hard to hear your life trashed like this, but we’ll get our turn soon. Neither I nor Judge Chamberlinck will let this get out of hand.” Her eyes remained on their joined hands for a few seconds before meeting Syd’s. “Trust me?”

Something in her expression made Syd feel less apprehensive. “I think I can do that.”

Bell continued his diatribe. “It is our contention that Officer Cabot was impaired the night of this incident and therefore negligent in the death of Lee Nartey. The surviving members of Mr. Nartey’s family have been denied the pleasure of this young man’s presence in their lives, not to mention the potential income from what could have been a very lucrative career in the retail business. He was only eighteen years old so his earnings could have been substantial. Then there is the matter of medical and funeral compensation for this grieving family, combined with the mental anguish of seeing his young life so brutally and unnecessarily ended. We are also asking for punitive damages against Officer Cabot, as this death was intentionally and maliciously aggravated by alcohol while on duty.”

Bell retrieved a handkerchief from his back pocket and swiped at perspiration that had collected on his forehead. He shoved his summation back into the folder and returned to his seat.

Judge Chamberlinck simply looked at him. After several seconds of silence she asked, “And what, pray tell, Mr. Bell, do you see as reasonable compensation?”

Dean Bell sprang to his feet again like an unsteady jack-in-the-box. His chubby cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he realized that he’d failed to cap off his brilliant summary with a monetary price tag, a major legal faux pas. “The plaintiff respectfully requests monetary compensation in the amount of four million dollars, Your Honor.”

Syd could’ve sworn the judge rolled her eyes before diverting her gaze to some papers on the bench in front of her. Without raising her head, she said, “Ms. Desanto.”

Regan moved to the podium with the air of confidence Syd had glimpsed before. She was so elegant and self-assured that for a moment Syd forgot where they were and wanted simply to be alone in her arms, kissing her again. She scolded herself for the thought. Her professional future rested in this woman’s hands. Now was not the time to fantasize about those same capable hands cradling her body.

“Your Honor,” Regan began, “I’ll be brief. On the evening in question, Officer Cabot received a robbery call at Bradford Jewelers in Oak Hollow Mall. Witnesses working at the store identified Lee Nartey as the robber because he had worked there one day. He exited the mall after the robbery, dumping the items he’d taken into a trash receptacle on the way out because he was being pursued by mall security. These items were later recovered with his fingerprints on them. The gun he drew on Officer Cabot was purchased from an undercover officer working a sting operation for illegal weapons. Warrants were pending at the conclusion of the operation. Officer Cabot identified herself as a police officer and ordered Mr. Nartey to drop his weapon. He refused. It wasn’t until he raised the gun toward her, and Officer Cabot feared for her life, that she fired on him.

“Training records from the High Point Police Department document Cabot’s excellent firearms qualifications. Their standards exceed mandated state requirements and Cabot has never had any difficulty meeting those standards. Her use-of-force file is exemplary for a twelve-year officer. This is the only instance during her career. She prefers peaceful resolution to conflict. She followed the use-of-force continuum that night as events escalated.”

Syd sat a little straighter in her seat. Not only did the facts ring true this time, but the conviction with which Regan relayed them made Syd feel vindicated. She hadn’t really believed in her own innocence in a long time. Too much avoidance, denial, women, and booze had clouded her thinking and prevented her from reconsidering her actions with detachment. Hearing Regan so vehemently argue on her behalf made her heart swell with pride and relief.

“As to any impairment on Officer Cabot’s part, there was no indication that any existed. The fact that she had had a three-day weekend and whether or not she consumed some alcohol during that time is irrelevant. On the day of this incident, Officer Cabot stopped by the Cop Out on her way to work, as she did almost every day. It is her habit to drop by for a cup of coffee with the owner before reporting to duty. I have sworn testimony to this fact.”

Syd stared openly at Regan, amazed that she had conducted such a thorough investigation into her background and habits. It concerned her that Regan knew so much about her without Syd having provided that information. How much more did she know that could prove detrimental later in their relationship.

What relationship?
Right now the only thing that should concern her was that Regan had done her homework and it seemed to be helping her case.

“Now the issue of compensation, Your Honor. I have the utmost sympathy for the loss of any human life. My condolences go out to the Nartey family. However, I must contest monetary compensation when there is no earnings history on which to base a projection of future income. A financial review indicates that this family spent money on Mr. Nartey that might have better served the household and the minor children. The City of High Point does not object to covering the medical and funeral costs of the family, with the stipulation that neither the city nor Officer Cabot assume any liability.” Regan gathered her notes. “Thank you for your attention, Your Honor.”

Judge Chamberlinck thanked both sides and said, “I’ll need a while to review my notes, the reports, and your statements. You’ll be notified of my decision before close of business today.”

The bailiff adjourned court and everyone except the Nartey family moved toward the exits. Syd waited while Regan filled her briefcase and shook hands with Bell. As they headed down the aisle, Lee Nartey’s mother stepped in front of her. “Mrs. Nartey, I’m so sorry about your son. Please—”

“You killed my boy for no reason. Why, I’d like to—” The woman drew back her hand and was bringing it forward to slap Syd’s face when Regan grabbed her wrist.

“No. This is not the way to deal with your grief.”

Syd had seen the blow coming and hadn’t tried to avoid it, perhaps out of disbelief. Or perhaps she thought she deserved it in some way. She was surprised that Regan had defended her at all. It was her job to represent her in court, not to protect her person or her honor.

“Why did you do that?” Syd had to ask as Regan steered her out another exit.

No one other than her fellow officers had ever taken up for her. Other women usually assumed she was the strong one because she was a cop, and she’d played along. It was easier to live up to a stereotype than to expose her vulnerability by asking for what she really wanted. Having Regan defend her was a huge turn-on, emotionally and physically.

Regan smiled at her as if reading her mind. “I’m not about to stand by and let anyone hit you, especially when you don’t appear inclined to defend yourself.” She edged closer to Syd as they walked back to her office. “It’s not your fault that young man died. He made a series of bad decisions that left you no other choice. And when the judge gives her ruling, you’ll be completely vindicated.”

When they arrived at Regan’s office, Syd closed the door behind them. “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. I know I haven’t made it easy for you.”

“You’re welcome. It’s my job.”

“Having said that, I hate to ask, but I need one more favor.”

Regan eyed her. “Name it.”

Syd bowed her head and studied a staple stuck in the carpet. “I’d like to see the women you brought in as witnesses before they leave. Could I speak with them in the conference room for a few minutes?”

Regan looked as if she wanted to object, her blue eyes turning from sparkling azure to deep sapphire. “Of course. I’ll make it happen. Give me ten minutes.” She started toward the door, hesitated like she thought Syd might reconsider, then she was gone.

Confronting the women she’d used was not something Syd relished, particularly on the day of her trial and especially not en masse, but they had come forward to help her, according to Regan. That deserved at least a personal thank-you.

A light tap on Regan’s office door was followed by her assistant peeking around the corner. “Ms. Desanto said they’re ready in the conference room.”

“Thanks.” As Syd walked down the hallway, for the second time today she felt like she was marching toward a firing squad. She’d barely had the courage to face these women one-on-one after bedding them. Now she was going to face them all at once. Pausing outside the conference-room door, she wondered if she’d lost her mind.

*

Regan tried not to make eye contact with any of the women seated around the conference table. She’d formed a mental image of what each would look like from her phone conversations with them: gorgeous, sexy, and oozing with desire. Having her images confirmed in the flesh and finding herself lacking in all three areas was not her idea of a fun way to pass the time. Instead she looked at Syd.

She was still wearing her dress uniform, and Regan could barely contain herself. The trousers and shirt still fit Syd well, but she had obviously lost weight. There was just enough slack in her outfit that a carefully placed hand could easily fit inside the pants or shirt front. That thought sent a trickle of excitement scurrying down Regan’s tense body. But what was even more compelling about Syd’s appearance was a subtle softening between person and profession.

Regan’s earlier recollections of Syd featured a harsh contrast between the woman and the job, an almost tangible struggle for balance. Now Syd’s personal presence seemed to overshadow the rigid formality of her uniform. Regan could look beyond the outer veneer to a poignantly vulnerable creature. More than anything, she longed to reassure Syd that her world could be safe again. Winning this case would go far toward proving that point, and Syd would be able to return to her normal life. Soon they would know the judge’s decision.

The moment Syd closed the door behind her a young shapely redhead rushed over and wrapped her arms around her. Several other women flinched as if suppressing an urge to gather around her and offer comfort as well. Regan clenched her fists at her sides, realizing that she’d stifled exactly the same impulse.

“Oh, my God, Syd, I had no idea you were in so much trouble. You should’ve called. I would’ve been there instantly.” The redhead clung to Syd as the other women looked on.

Syd’s face blanched. “Tina.” She removed the woman’s arms from her waist and stepped back. “Please have a seat.”

The redhead’s gushing smile turned into a pouty frown. Syd moved to the head of the table, and Regan watched a cascade of emotions wash over her face as she regarded each of her discarded lovers with a sort of reverence.