The Defendants: Crime Fiction & Legal Thriller (Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thriller Series Book 1)

by John Ellsworth

  “Gentlemen,” he said to the two attorneys, “are we ready to proceed?”

  “Yes, your Honor,” said Killen Erwin, Jr. and Thaddeus Murfee almost in unison.

  “Very well, if the clerk will call the case.”

  Clerk of the Court Wilma Smith scrolled to the top of her computer screen and called the case of “In Re Jaime Ransom, a Juvenile.” Killen announced that he was present and representing the State of Illinois. Thaddeus announced that he was present and representing Ermeline Ransom, the mother of the juvenile. At that moment the courtroom door behind them banged open and attorney D.B. Leinager strode noisily up to the bar and entered through the swinging gate.

  “Mister Leinager,” said the judge, “we’ve just called the juvenile case the clerk called you about this morning. Are you able to serve as guardian ad litem for the minor?”

  The 89 year old attorney pulled out the chair next to Ermeline. “I am, your honor. As an officer of the court I take that responsibility very seriously and will do my very best to properly represent the child’s interests.”

  “Good enough,” said the judge. “Counsel,” indicating Killen Erwin, Jr., “it’s your petition. Please call your first witness.”

  “The State calls Naomi Killen.”

  Naomi Killen stood before the clerk of the court and raised her right hand. She took her oath and climbed the step up to the witness chair.

  “State your name for the record.”

  “Naomi Killen.”

  “And Miss Killen, what is your business, occupation or profession?”

  “I am the lead case worker for the Department of Children and Family Services of the State of Illinois for Hickam County, Illinois.”

  “And in that capacity have you come into information concerning the minor named Jaime Ransom?”

  “I have.”

  “And where did that information come from?”

  “Sheriff Altiman called me yesterday.”

  “Christmas day?”

  “Yes, my job is 365/24. I’m on call for dependent juveniles around the clock all year.”

  “And what did you learn in that call?”

  “Objection!” said D.B. Leinager, rising to his feet. “Calls for hearsay.”

  “Sustained. Miss Cooper, please just tell us what you did as a result of that call.”

  “Well, like I said, Sheriff Altiman called me and gave me some information. As a result of that information I paid an afternoon visit at the home of Ermeline Ransom of Orbit.” She nodded at Ermeline who only returned a blank stare. Ermeline almost couldn’t believe this was actually happening and felt like pinching herself. But she didn’t; it was real and it was a horror story and she had nothing to hang onto except Thaddeus Murfee. She said a silent prayer for him and for Jaime.

  “What happened there?”

  “I spoke with Mrs. Georgiana Armentrout at Ermeline’s house. She was babysitting the minor. Evidently the child’s mother had been arrested for First Degree Murder and removed from the home by the Sheriff. The child was therefore dependent as there is no father living in the home and the father cannot be located, from what I learned.”

  “As a result, what did you do?”

  “I determined that it would be in the child’s best interests to leave him with the grandmother, Georgiana Armentrout, pending today’s hearing. He is still with her this morning, as I didn’t feel he was threatened in any way by being with her Christmas day. However, it is my belief he should be removed from that home.”

  “Removed,” said Killen Erwin, Jr., “why is it your opinion that he should be removed from the home?”

  “Georgiana Armentrout is not a fit and proper party to have temporary custody of the minor. She has a criminal record involving violence.”

  Judge Prelate spoke up. “The court takes judicial notice of Ms. Armentrout’s record. This court took the plea in that case and accepted the plea bargain. It is noted that Ms. Armentrout did indeed plead guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter, which is, under our laws, a crime of violence. Thus Ms. Armentrout is unqualified as a person with whom placement of the minor might be made. Please continue.”

  Thaddeus shuffled his feet. He could see Ermeline in his peripheral vision. The color drained from her face as the court took judicial notice of the grandmother’s plight. She pulled a tissue from the box and clutched it hard. Damned if they were going to see her tears, she decided. “Unbelievable,” she whispered, though Thaddeus responded by holding up his hand. “No talking, please,” he whispered back.

  Erwin continued. “Do you have an opinion regarding proper placement at this time?”

  Naomi Killen nodded. “The child’s legal custody should be vested in the DCFS and I will locate an appropriate foster home for him. This should happen immediately so we can remove him from the home.”

  Ermeline gasped. “No, please,” she said weakly.

  Judge Prelate smiled down. “You’ll get your chance, Ermeline. All right, Mister Erwin, anything further?”

  “No, your honor.”

  “Gentlemen?”

  D.B. Leinager shook his head and Thaddeus said, “Not right now, subject to recall, please.”

  “Then you may call your next witness, Mister Erwin.”

  “Your Honor, the State rests.”

  “Gentlemen?” said Judge Prelate, indicating the men on either side of Ermeline. “Witnesses—either of you?”

  “I have one,” Thaddeus said. “Respondent Ermeline Ransom calls Christine Susmann as her first witness.”

  The bailiff went into the hallway asked Christine to join them. Up until then she hadn’t been allowed in the courtroom as all juvenile hearings and records are sealed.

  Christine stood before Clerk Smith and was sworn. She stepped up to the witness stand and took a seat.

  Thaddeus started in. “State your name.”

  “Christine Susmann.”

  “What is your occupation, for the record?” Everyone in the courtroom knew she worked for Thaddeus as his paralegal. Still, a record had to be made in case of an appeal by either side.

  “I am a paralegal. I work for Thaddeus Murfee in Orbit, Hickam County, Illinois.”

  “Are you a mother?”

  “I have two children, a boy and a girl.”

  “Names and ages, please.”

  She related their ages, that they were in perfect health, and that they were normal, happy children.

  “You’re married to Buddy Susmann?”

  “I am. Ten years now.”

  “What does Buddy do?”

  “He works—worked—for Victor Harrow of Harrow and Sons. Since Victor’s death we’re not sure. So far so good.”

  “Meaning he still has his job.”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you and your husband able to provide proper support and care for your children?”

  “We like to think so. We work hard and play with the kids every chance we get. Everyone gets along.”

  “And prior to working as a paralegal for me, what other jobs have you held?”

  “I left high school, turned eighteen, and enlisted in the Army. They sent me to Basic Training then to Military Police School. Following that I was sent to Iraq where I served two tours.”

  “Doing what?”

  “Working as an MP.”

  “Where?”

  “Baghdad.”

  “I see. What happened after those two tours?”

  “The Army wanted me to re-up for another four years, so they offered me a school.”

  “Did you re-up and go to school?”

  “I did. I went to Military Justice School. They trained me as a paralegal.”

  “Then what?”

  “Then I was stationed in Germany with a JAG unit. I was one of three paralegals for seven very busy prosecutors.”

  “What were your duties?”

  “The usual—witness statement review, deposition summaries, research and briefs, correspondence, filing, plus I ran the cale
ndar for all seven, which was huge by itself.”

  “Everybody got to where they needed to be on time?” Thaddeus smiled.

  “They did while I was there.”

  “And why are you here today? Do you have any relationship to the minor child known as Jaime Ransom?”

  “I do. My husband and Jaime’s father Hector are second cousins. So that makes me a relative.”

  “Objection,” said District Attorney Erwin. “She’s offering a legal conclusion.”

  “Oh, I think she can say she’s a relative, in a general way,” said Judge Prelate. “Overruled. You may continue.”

  “As a relative, do you have an opinion regarding the appropriate temporary custody of Jaime Ransom?”

  “I do,” Christine said. “He should be placed with me and Buddy.”

  Ermeline gasped and Killen Erwin, Jr. rose up out of his chair. “Your Honor, while that’s a nice offer and certainly good of Chris and Buddy, I don’t think that legally she is of the correct degree of family to qualify her and Buddy for foster placement.”

  Judge Prelate nodded and sat back in his Judge’s chair. He looked up at the ceiling. He pressed his fingertips together and finally leaned forward. “Tell you what, Mister Erwin. I’m going to ask you to brief the law on that issue. Get me a written brief by oh—let’s see, today’s December 26. Can you have something to me by February 1?”

  Erwin said, “Really? You really want a brief?”

  “Really. I do. Right now the court is leaning in favor of the place of the child with Chris and Buddy Susmann. While the Court isn’t one hundred percent positive on the degree of relationship required to create a priority for placement by family relationship, it is an issue worthy of no small amount of research. I think you’re just the man for that job, Mister Erwin.”

  Killen Erwin, Jr. took his seat. He couldn’t help but smile.

  Judge Prelate pointed at the lawyers. “Anything further?”

  D.B. Leinager raised his hand. He had questions. “Miss Susmann, you say you worked in Baghdad as an MP?”

  “I did.”

  “Isn’t it true you were actually working with the CIA doing black ops?”

  Thaddeus was quickly on his feet. “Objection. Relevance, materiality.”

  “Oh, it’s relevant,” said D.B., “it goes to whether she has ever been engaged in violence of any nature herself. My suspicion is that she has been, knowing what went on in Baghdad at those prisons.”

  “She may answer,” said Judge Prelate, “as long as the service isn’t classified.”

  Christine looked up at the Judge. “It is classified. I am under lifetime orders not to disclose my role in Iraq.”

  “Your Honor,” said D.B., “she’s claiming to be a fit and proper person. Her history is very relevant.”

  “But it is classified, Mister Leinager,” responded Thaddeus. “You are swatting at gnats.”

  “CIA agents and torture prisons aren’t gnats, Sir, I can assure you,” D.B. spat at Thaddeus. “I represent this little boy and I just want to know what kind of people are going to be watching over him. That’s my job to find out.”

  “You’re correct, Mister Leinager,” said Judge Prelate. “But at this point I’m afraid I’m going to have to draw the line and make a ruling. The court specifically finds that Miss Susmann’s duty details while on active duty in Iraq are neither relevant nor material. Mister Murfee’s objection is sustained.”

  “Very well,” said D.B. Leinager. “I have nothing further.”

  “Anyone else?” asked the judge.

  They all shook their heads. “Very well,” the judge began, “I have known Christine and Buddy Susmann since they were children themselves. When she got older Christine babysat one summer with my own girls while Ginny was playing Golda in Fiddler on the Roof at the Hickam Players Theater. Christine did a great job, my girls loved her, and we thought the world of her. We were very happy with her work and I have nothing but the greatest respect for her ability to care for children. It is the order of the court that temporary placement of Jaime Ransom be with Christine and Buddy Susmann until further order of the Court. Mister Erwin, I will expect your brief by five p.m. on the first of February. Anything further?”

  All three attorneys shook their heads. Christine came down off the stand and stopped. She leaned across counsel table and gave Ermeline a hug. Ermeline thanked her and patted her back. Thaddeus turned away and watched as Deputy Harshman watched the transaction between the two women, as he was required to do. Killen Erwin, Jr. walked up to Thaddeus, leaned close, and whispered, “Don’t that beat all? You’re writing this bullcrap brief, Thaddeus. You owe me one.”

  Thaddeus smiled. “Done.” He breathed a huge sigh of relief. Catastrophe had been averted. At least for a while. But at any time the State could renew the motion for the most minor reason and throw mother and son into uproar again. Thaddeus was determined not to let that happen.

  “Later. Good luck with her initial appearance.”

  “Thanks.”

  16

  As Hector Ransom was headed north on I-55 toward Chicago, he was passed by a black Ford Interceptor headed southbound. Of course there were four lanes and a median separating the two vehicles; not that any of the drivers would have known each other or even been looking for each other anyway. At this point, there was no reason. Behind the wheel of the Interceptor was Special Agent Pauline Pepper, who worked out of the Dirksen Building in Chicago. Riding shotgun was Special Agent Giovanni Henrici—“Gio”—who shared the same windowless office with her.

  “More than anything else,” Pepper was saying to Gio, “I wanna move out further west. Maybe out near Schaumburg or Arlington Heights. But it takes money.”

  “You can get a nice four bedroom in Schaumburg for around four hundred grand,” replied Gio. “We’re talking four bedrooms, den, family room, granite in the kitchen, hot tub in the master. I know ‘cause I’ve looked too.”

  “I thought you liked the loft gig downtown. Don’t tell me you want out of the city?”

  Gio frowned. “Not while I’m single. But I won’t always be single. Then I’ll want the ‘burbs.”

  “That’s me,” Pepper said. “I’ve got Maria and Adam. I want them in Catholic school—none of that public school crap.”

  “All it takes is money,” Gio sighed.

  “That’s what I’m telling you. That’s why I gotta make my next GS grade like yesterday. Then I can finance.”

  “Well you’re never gonna make it by working some nothing case out of—where was it again?”

  “Orbit. If you can believe it. Orbit.” She said it as if the word left a bad taste on her tongue. She said it again and scowled. “Orbit.”

  “What’s the connection to Spandex?” He was referring to Operation Spandex, so named because it was rumored the governor wore Spandex athletic wear under his suits to hide his bulging waistline. Pepper and Gio were assigned exclusively to Spandex. The operation itself was a net that had been cast over the governor’s dealings with known mobsters, henchmen, bagmen, and crooks, both petty and white collar. He used those people and the FBI knew it. They knew the governor kept close company with them, and was constantly chatting them up. The FBI knew this because every phone the governor had ever used or ever would use was tapped, along with his office in Chicago, his office in Springfield, and every room in his house, including his sauna in Chicago, all tapped, thanks to a FISA court order which was general enough that the Governor’s grade school report card would have come within its purview. The FISA court had agreed to jurisdiction (FISA was a court designed to sniff out foreign terrorist threats) because several of the men the Governor kept company with were Sicilian by birth and by citizenship. Weren’t even U.S. citizens and he was doing business with them like they were Mr. Smith, the manager down at the Safeway store. The Attorney General’s phones and calls were likewise tapped and analyzed and parsed and saved to the Chicago DELL servers. The AG had made the happy list because, based on the
Governor’s talks with him, the same keywords-of-interest were being traded in those conversations. First order of business every day when Pepper and Gio arrived for work was to read over the previous night’s phone calls and private conversations. Same thing at the end of each day. They were all summarized, of course, and critical components highlighted in yellow. They were also entered into the FBI computers in whole, because they could be broken apart word by word and sliced and diced and jammed into databases that would have made the NSA blush. Pepper and Gio had complete and exclusive access to the databases thus created and maintained by the FBI out of Chicago, and could even call them up on their iPads. Just login and bam! search everything the governor or AG ever had to say about this or that topic. In this case they had searched on “Victor” and “Vic” and “Harrow” and “Orbit” after Pepper’s talk with the County Clerk McKenna. They had come away with a ton of hits—bits and quarks of conversations where the governor or his AG had mentioned the keywords. Which was why they were headed to Orbit. Evidently the Attorney General himself had spoken by phone to some nobody lawyer in Orbit—Franey—and had mentioned Victor Harrow no less than four times. It was just a hunch, but it was Pepper’s hunch, and Pepper’s hunches always got followed up. That’s why she was once again up for promotion and that’s why she was on her way to Orbit. Franey was about to get Peppered, as they said around the halls in the Dirksen Building.

  They entered Franey’s office just after ten a.m., at the same time Judge Prelate was presiding over Ermeline Ransom’s initial appearance across the street in the Silver Domed Hickam County Courthouse. They entered Franey’s office with badges out and flipped open. Franey was found alone in the office, feet up on desk, drinking cold coffee from his favorite mug and wondering when, if ever, he was going to master the art of pipe smoking. He nearly choked on the pipe stem when he saw the embossed gold badges glistening across his desk.