Body of Evidence (Marcus Douglas 2)

“Both are voluntary manslaughter. But it’s different from the immediate rage in finding a loved one in bed with another and killing them before the passion cools. Usually that limits the charge to voluntary manslaughter and not murder, but prior violent acts could convince a jury that the killing was not totally spontaneous.”

“I plan to go for second degree murder or maybe even malice in the second degree as the killing was done without premeditation, as in the heat of passion or in a sudden quarrel or fight,” Tiffanie offered.

“No, malice in second degree murder may only be implied from a death due to the reckless lack of concern for the life of others,” Marcus concluded.

“Sounds good,” Tiffanie said and was about to gather her things when Janise came into the room.

“Marcus, I have Panthea Daniels on line two. She says she’s been arrested.”

Marcus jumped up and grabbed for the phone. “Panthea, what’s going on?”

“I’ve been arrested,” Panthea cried. “They say I killed Scott's mistress,” Panthea said through her tears.

“Where are you being held?”

“I don’t know. Somewhere downtown.”

“Don’t worry, Panthea, I’ll find you,” Marcus said and dashed out of the conference room.

As Marcus passed, Janise said to Tiffanie, “He sure can pick them.”

When Marcus arrived at the police station where Panthea was being held, he went straight to the desk sergeant. “Can I help you?” the man asked.

“My name is Marcus Douglas. I’m the attorney for Panthea Daniels. I believe she is being held here on a murder charge?”

While the sergeant checked his records, a man walked up behind Marcus. “Excuse me. Did I just hear you say that you were Panthea Daniels’ attorney?”

“That’s correct.”

“Well, I’m her husband, and I didn’t hire you. I already have an attorney, and he is on his way.”

“With all due respect, sir, Mrs. Daniels called me at the time of her arrest and asked me to represent her in this matter. So until such time as Mrs. Daniels informs me that she has engaged other council, I have no choice but to operate under the assumption that I am her lawyer.”

Scott Daniels looked angrily at Marcus, and then at the desk sergeant in kind of a silent appeal. “He’s right, sir. If your wife hired him, she’s gotta fire him,” the sergeant said.

“Well, we’ll just see about that,” Scott said and started to walk away.

Once Scott went and sat down, Marcus was escorted to an interrogation room to wait for Panthea. As he sat waiting for the deputy to bring Panthea in, he was curious as to how the crime was committed. Marcus couldn’t help but wonder if Panthea had done it or not. Could a woman he wanted as much as he wanted her kill somebody? He thought that maybe because of the way he was starting to feel for her, that he should tell her she should get another lawyer. Marcus wouldn’t want those feelings to interfere with his objectivity with the case.

When the door opened, the officer brought Panthea in wearing handcuffs and an orange jumpsuit. Marcus stood up, but didn’t say anything as the officer removed the handcuffs from Panthea’s wrists.

Once the officer left the room, Panthea rubbed her wrists and sat down. “Hello, Marcus.”

“How are you doing?”

“Look at me.” Panthea held out her arms. “I think this says it all.”

“Yes, you do look nice in orange. I think it highlights your beautiful brown skin.”

Panthea smiled. “You say the sweetest things to me.”

“So tell me; why are we here?”

“The police say I killed Scott’s mistress.”

“Tell me what happened.”

Marcus opened his briefcase and took out his pad, but he never took his eyes off Panthea. Even dressed in that orange prison issue jumpsuit she still looked beautiful.