Capital Offense

“There usually is.” Carolyn remarked softly. Her stomach tightened in anticipation of the roller coaster ride through hell these cases induced in her. Not only did they trigger her back to her own childhood, but they kicked into overdrive her nurturing and protective instincts. If she’d been able to, she would have adopted each child from every case she’d ever prosecuted.

Randy shifted his weight from one foot to the other, but remained standing in front of Carolyn’s desk.

“How old is he?”

“Fifteen.”

Carolyn nodded. “Where’s Mark now?”

“In his office.”

“Tell him I’ll be down this afternoon to discuss the case. Say three-thirty. If there’s a problem with the time, call me.”

“If you take this case, can I help? I’d really appreciate an opportunity to work with you.”

She turned her attention back to the papers on her desk. “Have you handled any case work like this before?”

“No.”

“Have you litigated anything before?”

“No.”

Carolyn looked up. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but this is a kid’s life we’re talking about. Everything this child has in the world just got tossed into the air like a handful of dust. So don’t take this personally when I say that no one should learn on a case like this, no one. Get some experience and then we’ll talk.”

“Mark told me you’d say that.”

Carolyn raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“Yeah. But I had to try anyway.” He smiled.

“Well, you get an A for effort.”

McCabe walked to the door, then paused briefly. “May I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure.”

“Does being a senator’s wife ever factor into your decision to take these types of cases?”

“Ouch. You’re a bit young for such cynicism.”

He shrugged. “It’s the world we live in.”

She eyed him thoughtfully. “I suppose that’s true. Well, believe it or not, this is a battle I began to wage long before I met my husband.” This admission made her feel ancient.

“Really?”

“Really.” Carolyn said and waved him out the door. She softened her dismissal with a faint smile.

***

Carolyn made her way down the corridor to Mark Dailey’s office. Mark was a unique man – intriguing, really, she thought. He was a senior assistant district attorney, like her, and he projected a strong moral image. He’d been with the county prosecutor’s office for eleven years and was an excellent litigator.

Mark had tight relationships with all of the “big boys.” having grown up in Missouri as the beneficiary of old family money. Edmund had taught her to evaluate all relationships based on how he or she could help or hinder. In Mark’s case she figured it was help. Carolyn cringed at the self-serving nature of her thoughts. Edmund had taught her so many things, long before she ever met Warner. His brutal influence still remained. His agenda disgusted her, but his street smarts had carried her far. She silently cursed the man, then relegated him to the mental closet where she kept the rest of her demons.

She needed Mark’s help now. He just didn’t know it yet.

Carolyn walked into Mark’s office without knocking. The room was furnished with built-in bookcases, two leather chairs, and an imposing oak desk that dominated the room. “How’s Saint Mark today?” she teased.

“Fine, and knock it off.” The kindness in his hazel eyes belied the serious note in his voice.

“Why? It suits you. And why not enjoy the status of your celestial reputation?”

Mark laughed. “I – Oh, forget it. I know better than to get into parries and jabs with you. Let’s discuss this case.”

“Chicken.” She sank into one of the leather chairs facing him, kicked off her shoes, and crossed her legs. “All right, let’s discuss the case.”

“Have you considered the time element? It could tie you up from the outset. I know you’ve been concerned about Warner’s campaign.” He leaned back in his chair: his soft smile focused on her.

She nodded. “Your point is sound, and yes, I’ve considered it.”

His gaze held hers. She wondered if the great Mark Dailey had a crush on her. It was flattering. His attention felt like a delicious ray of sun on a cold winter day.

“What about the emotional toll?” he asked. “I know what these cases do to you.”

Carolyn hesitated touched by his sensitivity, then her automatic defenses took over. “I have a job to do. And I know you wouldn’t have brought this case to my attention if you didn’t think I could handle it.” She uncrossed her legs, and slid her feet back into her shoes.

“You don’t need to be tough with me. I know your record. I’m worried about the personal impact on you.”

“You’re wrong. I do have to be tough, in this office and everywhere else, for that matter. I can’t let down, because if I do the bad guys will win. The only way to stay undefeated is to push everything but the facts, aside.”

“If you had all of this figured out, why the visit?”

“I couldn’t resist the opportunity to bask in your saintly glow.” Carolyn laughed. “Actually, I have a favor to ask.”

“Sure.”

“Is your wife going to the reception tonight?”

“Yes, she is. Would you like to sit with us?”