Tug Of Law (Bernadette Mackenna Cases Book 4)

by D. R. Bailey

  “You don’t know, am I right?” said Justice Nolan with an air of finality.

  “Yes, I will have to look into it.”

  “See that you do, Mr Wilson, see that you do,” she said sounding annoyed.

  “Yes, Judge, I will.”

  “Good, then let’s turn back to you, Ms Stewart.” She furnished Imogen with a smile of approval. It seemed perhaps for the moment, Imogen was at least winning hearts and minds.

  “Judge, I will come back to the charges if I may, but if I can take the first point. Whether the defendant is likely to flee or not. We don’t believe so and he is prepared to surrender his passport and reside at his father’s residence in Dublin. His father will post bail. We have every intention of mounting a vigorous defence of his innocence and he is definitely committed to that.”

  “I see. And who is the father, what does he do?”

  “His name is Rhys Jenkins and he owns Jenkins Haulage. His son Callum is a driver. Mr Jenkins is in court today.”

  Imogen turned and pointed Rhys out to the judge.

  “Right, well, we might want to hear from him shortly, if we need to, but carry on.”

  “Is Callum Jenkins likely to commit a serious offence whilst on bail? I submit not. He is denying the charge and has no other offences against him. Considering the nature of the charge and he will be committed to remaining at home, I would say the likelihood of him doing so is nil,” said Imogen firmly.

  “Alright, hmm, I get your drift so far.” She glanced over to Callum. “Mr Jenkins, if you were to be extradited and prosecuted in the United Kingdom, would you intend to plead not guilty?”

  “Yes, Judge,” he said on being nudged to stand by the official beside him.

  “Good, thank you. What else have you got, Ms Stewart?” said the judge with interest.

  “We do not believe Mr Jenkins will attempt to contact or interfere with witnesses. In any case, the witness is in custody in the United Kingdom, as far as we know.”

  Imogen forbore to mention the main witness was a fuckbuddy of Callum’s. The prosecution might not know this either, or at least they had not given any indication they did.

  “Right, anything else?”

  “In conclusion, Judge, we submit there is no reason for Mr Jenkins to be detained in prison pending his trial. We have no date for the extradition hearing as yet, and it seems unreasonable to keep him there until then. Given he denies any involvement in the offence, we request the court to order his release subject to any bail conditions you may set.”

  Imogen sat down and Bernadette gave her an approving smile. Her submission had been short and to the point. Hopefully, it was good enough to convince the judge.

  Justice Nolan directed her attention to Shane. “Mr Wilson, are you still opposing bail?”

  “Yes, Judge, we are.”

  “On what grounds?”

  “On the grounds, Judge, that this is a serious charge with serious consequences. Mr Jenkins has committed a very serious offence for which he should face justice in the United Kingdom,” said Shane somewhat pompously.

  “I see,” said Justice Nolan in a tone which indicated she did not see at all, “Let me remind you that in this country we operate on the principle of presumption of innocence, as it is in the UK. So, when you say he has committed then I think you mean you allege he has committed, do you not?”

  Shane looked slightly discomposed by this, but he was the one who had slipped up. “Yes, of course, that’s exactly what I meant, I apologise for the slip of the tongue.”

  “Slip of the tongue, is that what you call it?” said the judge with no small amount of acidity. It was clear she was going to pick up on anything and everything which was not done or said correctly. “So, he is accused of a serious offence, I get that, but other than the extradition which in itself is by no means a verdict of guilt against Mr Jenkins were it to be allowed, what objection can you have to the arguments put forward by the defence?”

  Shane bent down to speak to Mason, in a hurried whispered conversation. The judge waited patiently for this to finish.

  “Judge, we would move this hearing is postponed so that further evidence of the seriousness of the offence can be brought to the court, to illustrate… erm…”

  This was clutching at straws and the judge knew it.

  “No, absolutely not. If you had the evidence you should have brought it here today, and since you can’t even supply the defence with the evidence they requested then I can see no reason to keep Mr Jenkins in custody while you dig up some more evidence, as you put it. Furthermore, it’s not this court’s business to hear the evidence other than to hear something which might jeopardise the conditions of bail,” she said firmly.

  “Right,” said Shane not looking happy, “If I may…”

  The judge nodded and he sat down to have a further conversation with his counsel. At length, he stood up.

  “Even based upon the arguments put forward we still consider Mr Jenkins is a flight risk.”

  “And that is because?”

  “Well… he…. We feel he may abscond in spite of his assurances,” Shane shot back.

  “Abscond where?”

  “I… well…”

  “Without his passport...” The judge added giving him a very hard stare.

  “Ah yes, well, he could cross the border to Northern Ireland.”

  “Which is UK territory and where he can be arrested by the UK police thus negating any necessity to extradite him, it’s hardly likely, don’t you think?” said Justice Nolan smiling at him sweetly.

  “When you put it like that, then no, I imagine not.”

  “And by the same token he couldn’t go to the UK, could he? So, his only option is Europe or further abroad and he won’t get very far without his passport.” Once more the fateful eyebrow was raised. Bernadette mused he was probably hating it by now.

  “I suppose,” said Shane in a tone which very much signalled resignation.

  “So, do you have any further cogent objections to bail?” the judge asked. She was trying now to give him an out, otherwise, he would just appear completely stubborn in the face of reasonable argument.

  Shane once more consulted with his colleague and stood up again.

  “Judge, we register our continued position opposing bail.”

  “Right, I see,” said Justice Nolan unimpressed, “Well, since the prosecution has failed to convince me of any reason why your client should not be granted bail, then I am minded to allow it on the condition he remains at home, he surrenders his passport, he reports to the Garda once a week, and a bond of ten thousand Euro is lodged with the court.”

  “Thank you, Judge,” said Imogen smiling.

  “Any questions?” The judge smiled back.

  “No, Judge,” said Imogen.

  “No, Judge,” said Shane looking deflated, as well he might.

  “Once the order is issued, which I will do directly, and the bond is lodged, Mr Jenkins can be released.”

  She stood up with an air of finality and the Tipster, caught slightly off guard, hurried in and adjourned the court.

  Rhys rushed over to see his son before they took him away. Bernadette squeezed Imogen’s hand.

  “Well done.”

  “So, Ms Stewart two, Mr Wilson nil, a clean sheet so far, well played,” said Shane walking up to offer his hand once more.

  “Thanks.” Imogen gave him a tight smile.

  “I shall come about, just you wait, and I forgot to say congratulations on your impending nuptials.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’ll be expecting an invitation,” he teased.

  Imogen said nothing to this, she knew he was trying to goad her.

  “Anyway,” said Shane, “See you around, no doubt.”

  With that, he re-joined his colleague and left the courtroom. Imogen’s eyes were flashing but she had no chance to say anything as Rhys came up to thank her.
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  “That was great, so good. Thank you again,” he said.

  “This is just the start,” Imogen replied, “We’ve got to get through the hearing next, but in the meantime, we will be examining and gathering evidence.”

  “Yes, I know, but at least I’ve got him home until then.”

  “We are going to do our best to keep him home,” said Bernadette, “In this country, where he belongs.”

  “Yes, thanks,” said Rhys again.

  “You are welcome, we are going to need to talk to you again, I’m sure, and probably Callum,” said Bernadette.

  “Sure, just call me, you can come round anytime, and I promise you Callum will keep to his bail conditions.”

  “He better had.” Bernadette smiled.

  “He will, I’ll go and sort out the bail money.”

  “Yes, do that, we’ll get the order shortly and then it should be all systems go, we’ll have it sent around to your office,” Imogen told him.

  “OK, thanks. See you later then.”

  “Bye.”

  “Bye, Rhys,” said Bernadette.

  They watched him go.

  “So, what now?” said Imogen.

  “Firstly, let me give you a hug,” Bernadette giggled.

  She did so and then Imogen put away the papers, after which they left the court.

  “We’ll get onto Olivia next,” said Bernadette, as they made their way to the car. “Why don’t we invite her to lunch?”

  “Are you joking?” Imogen said looking at her alarmed.

  “No, we’ve got to sweeten her up, if we want her cooperation.”

  “OK, sure, sorry, I shouldn’t be so jumpy, after all, she’s going with Carole now. As far as I can tell she hasn’t got any more designs on me.”

  “You shouldn’t, you are right. I am sure she would never try to come between you and D’Arcy.”

  “She better had not.”

  “What are you like? Come on, let’s go, we’ll ring her from the car,” said Bernadette laughing.

  ✽✽✽

  Bernadette, Imogen and Olivia sat around a table at Mamma Mia’s. She had had no hesitation in accepting their invitation.

  “Mmm,” said Olivia perusing the menu at length.

  Both Bernadette and Imogen were used to her by now and so refrained from ordering until she was ready.

  “I think I’d like the Pizza Piccante,” she said finally. This was a pizza with spicy salami.

  “Good choice,” said Imogen and called the waiter over, she ordered Pasta Boscaiola for both her and Bernadette, and mineral water for all of them.

  “Are you twins?” Olivia said amused.

  “What?” Bernadette looked puzzled.

  “Just that you both ordered the same thing.”

  “Oh,” Bernadette laughed, “We’ve been here a lot, I suppose we both know what we like.”

  “Hmm, I’m definitely in the wrong job. Detectives don’t get an expense account.”

  “It is my firm. So I can sort of do what I want, but I do have a finance manager to reign me in.”

  “So, do we, we’ve got a finance unit, strict guidelines, etcetera.” Olivia rolled her eyes.

  “Is this better than our tea?” Imogen enquired.

  “Hmm, now that’s quite a question, I love your tea, and of course the ambience of your offices. But I do very much appreciate being asked to lunch.”

  “It’s our pleasure,” said Bernadette.

  “The least we could do,” Imogen added.

  “OK, now I’m suspicious,” said Olivia looking from one to the other, “What are you two after?”

  “I would say just your company,” Bernadette laughed, “But you wouldn’t believe me, although to be fair, your company is nice too.”

  “Kind of you to say so,” said Olivia smiling, “As it goes you two are very good company.”

  “Really?” Imogen said in disbelieving tones. She could not imagine Olivia kept very good company at work, if that was the case.

  “You are gay for a start, so there’s that,” said Olivia lightly, “And so you get me. Plus, I like you, both. So…”

  “That’s nice to know,” Bernadette replied, and thinking it was enough platitudes decided to cut to the chase, “The thing is we do want something or rather to tell you something.”

  “Let me guess, it’s about the transport depot, am I right?”

  “Yes, we went there, and well…”

  “Dodgy?” Olivia raised an eyebrow.

  “Very.”

  “I expected this.”

  “You did,” said Bernadette surprised.

  “Yes, indeed, I did a little digging myself…”

  Just then the food arrived, and so a few minutes were taken up with eating before she resumed where she left off.

  “I think they are dodgy too, delicious pizza by the way. I never figured this place would be that good. Driven past a few times.”

  “One of the best,” Bernadette said taking another bite of her panini.

  “What did you find out, anyway?” Olivia asked them.

  “So, we went there, slightly mob handed,” Imogen said.

  “Yes, we took Eve as our bodyguard,” Bernadette put in.

  “Good choice,” Olivia replied, having witnessed at first-hand what Eve was capable of before.

  “Anyway, we didn’t get a very good reception,” Imogen continued. She related the events at Balik Transport, and what had happened with Omer Dermici and his thugs. Olivia laughed when she heard about what Eve had done and voiced her approval. “He also made a slip up and mentioned Callum when we hadn’t said anything about Callum to him.”

  After Imogen had finished, Olivia addressed herself to her food. Consuming each piece with great relish and seemingly lost in thought. Knowing this was her way, the other two finished their own food, and waited politely for Olivia to complete her deliberations.

  “What do you think?” Imogen said when at last Olivia had eaten her final slice.

  “Hmm, well…” Olivia began, “It certainly seems as if Mr Dermici has something to hide. I find it suspicious he tried to tell you they don’t load trucks from there, because we know for a fact they do.”

  “You do?”

  “Oh yes, you see, there has been some surveillance of his place in the past due to the fact that he was suspected of drug smuggling.” Olivia took a drink of her diet coke which she had asked the waiter for saying she preferred it to mineral water.

  “And was he?” Bernadette wondered.

  “We couldn’t prove it and we didn’t have enough for a warrant. That’s always the problem, getting a warrant.”

  “Right, so what about now?”

  “Hmm, people trafficking is different, I mean, it’s certainly upping the ante. Based on your report to me, I think we can attempt some initial investigations, surveillance perhaps, but for sure I’m going to try and persuade my super to let me open an investigation. I have a nose for these things, and I would put money on those people having been trafficked in from there, put on the lorry.”

  “We could find out, perhaps, something which might help,” said Bernadette thinking aloud, “We are going to London next week to try and interview some of those girls. They might tell us something about where they were put onboard.”

  “Good, although I’m sure the British cops will have asked them already,” said Olivia.

  “Yes, but maybe they won’t tell, they might be in fear of their lives,” Imogen ventured.

  “That might be true too. There will be members of the gang over there, so be careful.”

  “We intend to.”

  “Would you like a dessert?” Imogen asked Olivia.

  “Don’t mind if I do.”

  Tiramisu was chosen by all, along with two coffees and tea for Olivia.

  “Delicious, this,” Olivia said after having eaten half of hers, “Your tea is so much better though.”


  “Good to know.” Bernadette’s eyes twinkled.

  “I gather congratulations are in order, from what I’ve seen in the press,” Olivia said to Imogen.

  “Yes, thanks, in fact, I’m surprised I’m not being followed around by paparazzi,” said Imogen laughing.

  “That certainly could become a problem. One thing I’m pleased about,” Olivia continued, “I got my lunch date with you after all.”

  Imogen laughed.

  “You win some, you lose some.” Olivia shrugged. It was no secret she fancied Imogen and had done from first meeting. However, Imogen had never felt the same.

  “So, what’s with you and Carole?” Bernadette enquired deftly changing the subject.

  “She’s young, erm… new to the scene, and in a way, I’m kind of one her first, so I’m not sure she won’t want to play the field a little rather than settle for the best,” Olivia sighed.

  “I’m sorry, I thought she’d be good for you.” Bernadette took a sip of her coffee.

  “Don’t apologise, she’s great, I love her to bits…” she paused, “Yep, there it is, the L word. I wasn’t going to say it but…”

  “She doesn’t feel the same?” Bernadette said sympathetically.

  “I don’t know, and to be honest, I’m afraid to ask.”

  “Because you don’t want to get hurt.”

  “Yes. I have been, you might not think it to look at me, but I’m not all the tough act people think I am. Cut me and I bleed, profusely as it goes.” Olivia gave a light laugh.

  “You’ve been hurt before,” said Imogen perceptively.

  “Yes, I have, badly too. You see banter is my way of concealing how I really feel.”

  There was a sudden seriousness in her tone, as if a layer had been peeled off for them to see. There was a hint of moistness in her eyes. There was real emotion behind those words.

  “I know what it’s like to be hurt,” Bernadette told her.

  “Well then, you know…”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be, it’s in the past. I was young, she was older. One of my seniors actually. She initiated me into, let’s say bedroom activities. I fell for her hard. I thought, unwisely it turns out, she felt the same, but she didn’t. One day she requested a transfer down south and, in a week, she was gone, without a note, nothing, not a fucking thing. I didn’t know I could cry that much.” A solitary tear tracked down Olivia’s cheek.