“Let the record show that Mr. Rodriguez is pointing to the two defendants, Roberto and Chico Rivera.” Miller turned back to Trini. “Did the organization you worked for make a loan to the Rivera brothers?”
“Yes, we did.”
“In what amount?”
“Two million dollars.”
“And what were the funds intended for?”
“To bribe public officials in New Mexico to pave the way for their getting a license to build the racetrack.”
“Did you ever learn if they were successful in bribing public officials in New Mexico?”
“Yes. We learned that they had been successful.”
“Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez.” He turned to the defense table. “Your witness.”
The defense attorney stood up and began to bombard Trini with questions.
Holly leaned over to Stone and whispered, “How long do you think this is going to go on?”
“My guess would be not long. Let’s go outside.”
They got up and went out into the hallway.
“We could take him when he leaves the courthouse,” Holly said.
“Not on federal property,” Stone replied. “Your warrant has no force here, unless you get a federal judge to sign off on it.”
“Then I’ll go to the judge in this case where he’s just testified,” Holly said.
Stone shrugged. “You can try.”
They went back into the courtroom.
“Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez,” the judge said. “We’ll take a fifteen-minute recess before continuing with the next witness.” He stood up and left the courtroom.
“Let’s go,” Holly said. She approached the bailiff and flashed her badge. “I’d like to see the judge, please.”
“On what business?”
Holly produced her paperwork. “I have a fugitive warrant for a witness in this case.”
“Just a minute.” The bailiff took the warrant and disappeared through a door. Five minutes passed, then the bailiff came back, approached the prosecutor’s table, and spoke with Byron Miller, who rose and followed him toward the judge’s chambers. The bailiff beckoned Holly and Stone to follow.
The judge was sitting at his desk eating a sandwich, his robe thrown over a chair. “You’re Chief Barker?” he said to Holly.
“Yes, Your Honor, and this is my associate, Stone Barrington.”
“This is the United States Attorney, Mr. Byron Miller,” the judge said, nodding toward Miller. “Everybody sit down.”
They sat.
“Mr. Miller, this police officer has presented me with what seems to be a properly executed fugitive warrant for your witness, Mr. Rodriguez, on charges of murder.”
“That’s twelve murders, Judge,” Holly said.
“Are you all done with Mr. Rodriguez?” the judge asked Miller.