Anyplace But Here (Oklahoma Lovers 4)

Jesse rose, pushed the flaps of his jacket back, and stuck his thumbs into his vest pockets. “Good morning, Officer.”

Mallory nodded.

“You testified that Mr. Henderson visited with you at the police station and made some significant charges against the deceased.”

“That’s right.”

“Now in my experience with law enforcement, for whom I have a great deal of respect, they generally don’t dismiss murder charges so lightly.”

The officer stiffened and glanced at the District Attorney, whose face remained impassive.

Jesse braced his foot on the witness platform and leaned in, as if having a social chat. “So why, Officer Mallory, did you reject Mr. Henderson’s claims?”

“The man had no proof, except his word, and it happened in another state eighteen years ago.” He grinned as he looked at the jury, apparently waiting for a chuckle. He got nothing but a few jurors shifting in their seats. One juror nudged another who appeared to be asleep.

Jesse walked away. “So, in your estimation, murder charges—which have no statute of limitations—are not worth the time and attention of the Galveston police?”

“I didn’t say that.” Mallory waved in Hunter’s direction. “He made these statements against the most prominent citizen of Galveston.”

Jesse tapped his lips, giving Mallory time to squirm. “I see. So then what you are telling me is, if an upstanding member of the Galveston community were to commit a serious criminal offense, say, this afternoon—the police would most likely ignore it?”

Mallory fumbled, trying to get the words out. “No. Of course not.”

“Mr. Cochran,” the judge said, “is there a purpose to this line of questioning?”

“Yes, Your Honor. Officer Mallory has testified that Mr. Henderson allegedly threatened the deceased as he left the police station. I am merely trying to establish that my client uttered no such threat, but was merely frustrated at the lack of cooperation by law enforcement.”

“Go on.”

“Now, Officer Mallory, when you refused to do your duty—”

“Objection.”

“Sustained. Watch your wording, Mr. Cochran.”

Jesse nodded. “When you did not file a police report after my client reported a murder, what exactly did Mr. Henderson say? Now I know you’ve already testified to this under your examination by the district attorney, but I’d like you to repeat it.”

“He said he would take care of it himself.”

“Were those his exact words?”

Mallory shrugged. “Something like that.”

“In fact, officer, didn’t Mr. Henderson say he would see justice done?”

Mallory studied Jesse for a minute. “Yeah. That might be what he said.”

“And to you, seeing that ‘justice would be done’ is tantamount to a threat?”

“It sure sounded like one to me.”

“I see.” Jesse walked in a circle in front of the witness. “Tell me, Officer Mallory. How long had you known the defendant before he appeared at the police station?”

“Hadn’t met him at all before then.”

“Yet, you feel as though you knew what he meant by those words?” Without waiting for an answer, Jesse returned to his seat. “No further questions.”

Emily watched the proceedings, the knot in her stomach growing stronger with every word. Hours had passed since Jesse had taken some of the steam out of the police officer’s testimony, but since she had no experience with trials, it was hard for her to assess what the jury thought. The twelve men in the jury box had sat stoned faced throughout the day.