16th Seduction (Women's Murder Club 16)

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Yuki fired off a text to her husband, Homicide lieutenant Jackson Brady, telling him in a few words the twist of events: Grant wants to defend himself. Says he’s best person for the job.

Brady texted back, Huge ego. No legal experience. Good for the white hats.

Yuki hoped Brady was right.

Courtroom 2A was still empty when the prosecution team returned to their table. Moments later Elise Antonelli came in through the side door with the defendant.

Grant wore a very pleased expression and a different jacket. Apparently, Len’s remarks about “cheerful blue sports coat” had prompted his attorney to quickly find him a more subdued replacement. The bailiff opened the door for the twelve jurors and four alternates, who filed in and got settled, putting handbags under seats, coughing politely, crossing legs, and exchanging questioning looks when they realized that the gallery was empty.

They stood when the judge returned and took the bench, then sat again as he addressed the jurors, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, there has been a change to the proceedings that I’m going to tell you about right now. We can deal with any questions before the public comes in.”

Yuki said softly, “Uh-oh.”

Hoffman said, “Here’s the story. The defendant, Mr. Grant, is exercising his legal right to defend himself.”

There was a gasp from some of the jurors, and Yuki felt her heart speed up. She had really thought the judge would convince Grant that he was going to hurt his chances by becoming his own counsel.

Hoffman explained that every defendant had a right to a pro se defense, that pro se meant “on one’s own behalf.” He told the jurors that he had questioned Mr. Grant and that he was convinced that the defendant could do an adequate job of presenting his case to the jury.

The judge went on.

“Ms. Antonelli is acting as Mr. Grant’s standby counsel. She is well versed in this case and will guide Mr. Grant on points of law. Mr. Grant has assured me that he is of sound mind, that he understands what is at stake, and that he will not be given any breaks because of his lack of legal experience.

“Accordingly, the prosecution will treat Mr. Grant as opposing counsel. As for me, I’m going to make sure that this trial stays on track and that you receive the information you need to decide Mr. Grant’s guilt or innocence.

“Are there any questions?”

Mrs. Schumacher, a retired librarian, raised her hand.

“Is there time for me to use the restroom?”

“Yes. Anyone else? No? Bailiff, please escort juror number four to the jury room. Any other questions?”

There were none. When Mrs. Schumacher returned to her seat, the judge asked the court officers to open the front doors. The gallery was filled noisily as people jostled for seats. Once the attendees were reasonably quiet, court officers formed a line at the back of the room, blocking the doors.

Judge Hoffman reprised the explanation that he had given to the jury and announced that court was now in session.

He said to the defendant, “Mr. Grant, if you’re ready, please make your opening statement.”

CHAPTER 32

GRANT PLACED A stack of note cards on the lectern and looked across the room toward the jury. He seemed utterly relaxed, appearing to Yuki every bit the schoolteacher in front of his class. When he spoke, his voice was clear and confident.

“Folks, I’m shocked to be in this courtroom. I’ve been charged with killing twenty-five people, and I had absolutely nothing to do with that terrible tragedy.

“You deserve to hear exactly what happened and I’m going to tell you. On the evening of August 3, I was walking northwest on the Embarcadero and was only a block or so away from Sci-Tron when it blew the hell up.”

He threw his hands into the air by way of description.

“I was stunned, caught completely by surprise. I stood on the sidewalk, a bystander, an accidental witness to this enormous and violent explosion. I was dazed by the sound and the sight of what you have probably seen on television.

“Only, I was right there while it was happening.

“I should introduce myself. My name is Connor Grant and I am a science teacher. I have been a science teacher since graduating from the University of Miami in ’93 and have been with Saint Brendan High School for five years now, teaching ninth-grade science.

“I often go to Sci-Tron. I’ve taken my classes there. It was a beautiful place, and my students and I have always found it inspirational to see the exhibits, hear the lectures, and talk to other teachers and guests.