Outlaw Road (A Hunter Kincaid Novel) - Page 68
“Well, I wouldn’t let this little trial get in the way. It’ll only decide your future employment and whether you can keep any of the money you’re gonna earn for the next fifty years.”
“All right. I’ll pay more attention.”
“Good, then did you hear who I said their next witness was?”
“I guess not.”
“Here he comes now.”
Hunter turned and watched Sheriff Wayne Rockman come down the aisle and take his place on the witness stand. After swearing he would tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help him God, Wayne settled back in the chair to get comfortable as Ronald started the questions.
“Sheriff Rockman, how long have you known Agent Kincaid?”
“About twelve years. Since she came to Marfa.”
“Twelve years. That’s when she entered on duty as a United States Border Patrol Agent?”
“Yes.”
“Sheriff, how would you characterize Agent Kincaid’s performance as an officer of the law?”
Truman popped to his feet, “Objection, your Honor. Agent Kincaid’s annual performance appraisals are already in evidence and show she has been
rated excellent or outstanding every year since entering on duty.”
Judge Pelham looked at Ronald, who said, “I only wish the Sheriff’s personal opinion as a fellow officer.”
Judge Pelham said, “Overruled. You may proceed.”
Wayne didn’t wait for a repeat of the question. “I have observed Agent Kincaid at work, off and on, for the years she’s been with the Border Patrol. I’ve also worked closely with her on five task force operations.” He looked at Hunter, then back at Ronald, “Hunter Kincaid is a good Agent, but…”
Hunter felt her face grow hot in the silence.
Ronald said, “But what, Sheriff?”
“She can be overzealous, obsessed, in certain instances.”
“Can you give us an example?”
Wayne rubbed his chin and said, “There have been three times in the last year and a half that stand out. The first was about five or six months before the killing of El Lobo...excuse me, Julian Garcia. Agent Kincaid was involved in a shooting incident at the Marfa elementary school.”
“Didn’t this occur during recess, while children were on the playground?”
“Yes.”
“Please tell us what happened.”
“Well,” Wayne shifted in the chair, “Agent Kincaid shot at a fleeing vehicle that was at the school grounds. She hit the tire, but lord knows what would have happened if she’d missed.”
Ronald posed a moment, portraying a man in deep thought, “Approximately how many children were on the playground when Agent Kincaid discharged her weapon?”
“Probably eighty or ninety. All the kids from first through fourth grade.”
“What about the second incident?”
“That was at Santa Elena Canyon, the Garcia shooting. Agent Kincaid was highly agitated when I arrived at the scene. She insisted that Mr. Garcia drew a pistol before she shot.”
“Did you find a pistol, or weapon of any kind?”
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