confidence buoy me. I hadn’t, until this conversation with Dad, realized just how much the thought of going up against Justin had subconsciously been niggling at me
.
Chapter Seven
Jodi and I meet up early the next morning to revisit our strategy for the Cordi arraignments, which are scheduled to start at ten-thirty. Silvio’s is first, followed by Enzo’s and, finally, Joseph’s.
The hearings for Silvio and Enzo go as expected when they’re remanded into custody. Enzo appeared nervous throughout. Silvio’s demeanor, however, could only be described as disdainful. The arrogance of the man, given the weight of evidence we have against him, is astounding, but hardly surprising. He did, at only twenty-one, wrest control of his family’s criminal empire from his father’s lieutenants.
With thirty minutes before the start of Joseph’s hearing, Jodi and I separate to return missed calls. The first person I ring is Jon.
"I've traced her," he announces once we’ve exchanged greetings. "She lives in Southie, a nice enough place but hardly where I'd have expected someone with her income to be living."
"Angelique Bain?" I ask, excitement rising.
"The very same," he returns smugly.
"How soon can you bring her in?"
"I’ve got someone on it now. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear back, but keep this evening and tomorrow free just in case."
"I'd like everything you've got on her beforehand."
"It’s not much, but I’ll drop it off at your office," he promises. "How’re things going there?"
"As expected. We have Joseph in just over twenty minutes."
"I’ll let you go," he says.
"Thanks, Jon. I'll call you when I get out of here."
Travis Jones, Joseph’s attorney, is a senior partner in Owen Bryce’s firm. Bryce is acting as second-chair. Both are seated at the defense table when Joseph’s led in. He stops as he and his escorts draw abreast with our table. "I never thought I'd see you again. You've certainly come a long way, Adam ," he sneers before being forced forward. I stare after him, wondering what the hell he meant by that cryptic remark.
I can't see what Jones says to his client as he takes his seat, but I can clearly read Joseph’s response. "The prosecutor and I go back a long way," he says. Court is called to order before I can ponder the matter further.
After the charges are read and the presence of relevant parties confirmed. Judge Myer asks whether the Commonwealth has any notices to file because, at an arraignment, the prosecutor may table certain notices about the types of evidence that might exist. In most instances, the requirement is that they be filed within fifteen days of the arraignment.
"We do not, Your Honor," I reply, not wanting to unnecessarily take up the time of this court. He then invites me to make a statement in respect of bail.
"The Commonwealth strongly advocates against the granting of bail. Mr. Cordi stands accused of serious crimes and is under investigation for others. We believe that, if released, the defendant could potentially seek to threaten or adversely influence key witnesses. There is also the very real possibility that he, a man of considerable wealth, could flee the jurisdiction of this court, even the country."
Jones is asked to respond, and he takes to his feet.
"Your Honor, we reject the Commonwealth’s assessment," he declares. "My client is a respected businessman and philanthropist. He has no previous criminal record, is a long-time resident of this state and his family lives in the community. Mr. Cordi is innocent of the charges brought against him and intends to clear his name. He has no intention of absconding."
Judge Myer takes a few moments to read through a document before him and then turns his gaze from Jones to Joseph, who appears unaffected by the situation. "Bail is denied. The defendant will be remanded in custody until the conclusion of his trial," he rules.
Court rises as Judge Myer exits. Joseph’s escorts arrive to lead him
.
Chapter Seven
Jodi and I meet up early the next morning to revisit our strategy for the Cordi arraignments, which are scheduled to start at ten-thirty. Silvio’s is first, followed by Enzo’s and, finally, Joseph’s.
The hearings for Silvio and Enzo go as expected when they’re remanded into custody. Enzo appeared nervous throughout. Silvio’s demeanor, however, could only be described as disdainful. The arrogance of the man, given the weight of evidence we have against him, is astounding, but hardly surprising. He did, at only twenty-one, wrest control of his family’s criminal empire from his father’s lieutenants.
With thirty minutes before the start of Joseph’s hearing, Jodi and I separate to return missed calls. The first person I ring is Jon.
"I've traced her," he announces once we’ve exchanged greetings. "She lives in Southie, a nice enough place but hardly where I'd have expected someone with her income to be living."
"Angelique Bain?" I ask, excitement rising.
"The very same," he returns smugly.
"How soon can you bring her in?"
"I’ve got someone on it now. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear back, but keep this evening and tomorrow free just in case."
"I'd like everything you've got on her beforehand."
"It’s not much, but I’ll drop it off at your office," he promises. "How’re things going there?"
"As expected. We have Joseph in just over twenty minutes."
"I’ll let you go," he says.
"Thanks, Jon. I'll call you when I get out of here."
Travis Jones, Joseph’s attorney, is a senior partner in Owen Bryce’s firm. Bryce is acting as second-chair. Both are seated at the defense table when Joseph’s led in. He stops as he and his escorts draw abreast with our table. "I never thought I'd see you again. You've certainly come a long way, Adam ," he sneers before being forced forward. I stare after him, wondering what the hell he meant by that cryptic remark.
I can't see what Jones says to his client as he takes his seat, but I can clearly read Joseph’s response. "The prosecutor and I go back a long way," he says. Court is called to order before I can ponder the matter further.
After the charges are read and the presence of relevant parties confirmed. Judge Myer asks whether the Commonwealth has any notices to file because, at an arraignment, the prosecutor may table certain notices about the types of evidence that might exist. In most instances, the requirement is that they be filed within fifteen days of the arraignment.
"We do not, Your Honor," I reply, not wanting to unnecessarily take up the time of this court. He then invites me to make a statement in respect of bail.
"The Commonwealth strongly advocates against the granting of bail. Mr. Cordi stands accused of serious crimes and is under investigation for others. We believe that, if released, the defendant could potentially seek to threaten or adversely influence key witnesses. There is also the very real possibility that he, a man of considerable wealth, could flee the jurisdiction of this court, even the country."
Jones is asked to respond, and he takes to his feet.
"Your Honor, we reject the Commonwealth’s assessment," he declares. "My client is a respected businessman and philanthropist. He has no previous criminal record, is a long-time resident of this state and his family lives in the community. Mr. Cordi is innocent of the charges brought against him and intends to clear his name. He has no intention of absconding."
Judge Myer takes a few moments to read through a document before him and then turns his gaze from Jones to Joseph, who appears unaffected by the situation. "Bail is denied. The defendant will be remanded in custody until the conclusion of his trial," he rules.
Court rises as Judge Myer exits. Joseph’s escorts arrive to lead him
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