Just Take My Heart - Mary Higgins Clark [42]
“The verdict in this case hinges on the testimony of a crook,” retired judge Bernard Reilly reminded the panel. “Find some reason?able explanation as to how Jimmy Easton could have learned about that squeaky drawer and this jury will have reasonable doubt. All of the other evidence involving Easton comes down to his word against Aldrich's.”
Judge Reilly smiled. “I've batted the breeze with a guy in a bar any number of times, and if one of them showed up saying that I told him I wanted to kill my wife, it would be his word against mine. And I have to tell all of you, I found Aldrich's explanation of the phone call to Easton quite possible and plausible.”
Michael Gordon suddenly felt a welling of emotion, and he real?ized that a part of him still expected his friend to be vindicated.
“I'm putting something on the table,” Gordon heard himself say?ing. “When Jimmy Easton came out of the woodwork, I honestly believed that he was probably telling the truth, that Gregg Aldrich had committed this crime. I was an eyewitness on many occasions to how crazy Gregg was about Natalie and how upset he was at their breakup. I really thought that he had just snapped and killed her.”
Gordon looked around at the questioning faces of his panel. “I know this is a first for me. It's been my policy to be neutral during a trial, and, if anything, I've overdone it in this case. As I disclosed on day one, Gregg and Natalie were my close friends. I have intention?ally stayed away from Gregg since he was indicted and, hearing him on the witness stand and looking at all of the rest of the evidence, I now intensely regret that I doubted him. I believe that Gregg is tell?ing the truth. I believe he is innocent and that this accusation against him is a great tragedy.”
“Then who do you think shot Natalie Raines?” Reilly asked. “She could have walked in on a burglary,” Gordon suggested. “Even though nothing was taken, the intruder could have panicked and fled after killing her. Or it could have been a crazed fan. Any number of people have those fake rocks with hide-a-keys in their backyards. An experienced crook would know to look for one of them.”
“Maybe they should ask Jimmy Easton if he ever looked for one,” Brett Long, the criminal psychologist, suggested.
As they all laughed, Michael Gordon reminded the viewers that on Monday, Emily Wallace, the beautiful young prosecutor, would begin the cross-examination of Gregg Aldrich. “He is going to be the final defense witness. Then, after the attorneys present their summa?tions and the judge instructs the jury on the law, the case will go to the jury. When they start deliberating, we will conduct another poll on our Web site. Be sure to weigh the evidence and cast your vote. Many thanks for watching Courtside. Good night.”
It was ten o'clock. After a few words with the departing panelists, Michael went to his office and dialed the number that he had not dialed for seven months. When Gregg answered, he said, “By any chance were you watching?”
Gregg Aldrich's voice was husky. “Yes, I was. Thanks, Mike.”
“Have you had dinner yet?”
“I wasn't hungry.”
“Where's Katie?”
“At a movie with one of her girlfriends.”
“Jimmy Neary doesn't close the kitchen until late. No one will bother you there. How about it?”
“Sounds good, Mike.”
As Michael Gordon replaced the receiver, he realized his eyes were moist.
I should have been there for him all along, he thought. He sounds so alone.
Just Take My Heart
27
As Emily watched Courtside in her living room, she sipped a glass of wine. I agree, she thought, as she listened to the comments of the retired judge. My case depends on the testimony of a witness who is as glib as any human being I've ever encountered.
She realized how deflated and down she felt. I know why, she explained to herself. I was so psyched to get at Aldrich. Then Rich?ard managed to drag out the testimony of the neighbor from Jersey City,