A Far Justice by Richard Herman Page A

stared at each other, locked in a contest of wills. The phone on the wall rang breaking the hard silence. Gus picked it up. “Yeah?” He listened for a moment. “Send them in.” He banged the phone down. “I’ve got visitors.”
    “You are only allowed visitors with my approval,” she replied. She stood and took a step toward the phone.
    Gus stared at her. “They’re from the American Embassy.”
    “They have no status here,” Denise said.
    “Justice Landis is concerned about visitation privileges,” Melwin said. It was enough to make her hesitate. “And the registrar did approve contacting the US Embassy.” Denise gave the Irishman a look of total contempt.
    “Alex,” Gus said, “you just might make a lawyer yet.”
    The door lock clicked and a guard opened the door. A fussy, potbellied, immaculately dressed little man walked in carrying a slim black briefcase. Hank Sutherland followed immediately behind. The man reached into his breast coat pocket and whipped out his identification. “Winslow James, United States Embassy.” He held up a gold embossed black leather ID holder for examination.
    Denise didn’t bother with it. “You are?”
    “The deputy charge of mission, Madam Prosecutor.”
    Denise quickly re-evaluated the situation. After the ambassador, the elegant little man was the most important US diplomat in the Netherlands. He was definitely not someone to trifle with and chance angering the ICC’s Dutch hosts. But something about him suggested he could be manipulated. “Monsieur James, while the court acknowledges your country’s interest in this criminal, you are lacking jurisdiction.”
    James lived up to her suspicions. “Madam Du Milan, we are fully aware of the court’s position; however, we beg your indulgence …”
    Hank interrupted him. “The same statement is true for the court. It has an interest, but no jurisdiction.”
    Denise and Melwin turned as one towards Hank. “You are?” she asked.
    “May I present Professor Henry Sutherland,” James said, trying to defuse the tension. “Professor Sutherland is Professor of International Law at Boalt Hall, the University of California.”
    “Professor Sutherland, I’m honored,” Melwin said. He extended his hand and was relieved when Hank shook it. He turned to Denise. “Professor Sutherland is the United States’ preeminent authority on the court.”
    “I’m aware of his reputation,” Denise said. “Your purpose here?”
    “To represent Colonel Tyler,” Hank replied. “If he so desires.”
    “He so desires,” Gus said.
    “But the court does not recognize Monsieur Sutherland as being qualified,” Denise said. “Further, the president of the court has reviewed Colonel Tyler’s petition for a change in counsel and has rejected it. That decision is final and Monsieur Melwin will remain the attorney of record.”
    “As I understand the court’s procedures,” Hank replied, “Colonel Tyler’s counsel may be assisted by others, including professors of law with relevant experience. No certification is required and Melwin here only has to file a letter of notification with the registrar. Or has that changed in the last twenty minutes?”
    Denise stared at Melwin. The Irishman got the message and gulped. “I … ah … at this point in time … I have no need of assistance.” Denise smiled at him.
    “Well then,” James said. “As I am satisfied as to Mr. Tyler’s well being …”
    Hank interrupted. “It’s Colonel Tyler.”
    “Of course,” James replied. “We have no further business here.” He buzzed for security central to open the door. The lock clicked and the door swung open. James minced out but Hank didn’t move.
    “You’re excused, Monsieur Sutherland,” Denise said. Hank hesitated for a moment and considered his options. He nodded and followed James. “Monsieur Tyler,” Denise said as she stood, “may I suggest you listen to your attorney?” She cocked her head and gave him an inquisitive