“Yes’m. My boat.”
Judge Howell smiled. “Of course. Your boat is released from impoundment without payment of any storage fees. Remove it from the lot within seven days.”
Judge Howell rose and left the room. Ms. Smith turned to Zach and me. “I’m glad we could work this out. Trying cases like this gives the public the impression we don’t have anything important to do.”
“Thanks for your cooperation,” Zach said.
Smith shook Zach’s hand and smiled sweetly. “I know you don’t do criminal work, but I hope to see you around.”
The assistant DA left the room. The deputy handed Moses two plastic bags.
“Keep catching those big croakers,” he said. “You’ve been the best worker we’ve had on trash detail for a long time, but I hope we don’t see you again.”
“Thank you, boss man,” Moses answered.
I took Moses by the arm to guide him out of the courtroom behind the deputy.
“Tami!” Mr. Carpenter called out. “Just a minute.”
Moses and I kept moving toward the side door of the courtroom. The senior partner walked over and blocked our way. He faced Moses.
“My name is Joe Carpenter.”
“I know who you be,” Moses said, staring at the floor.
“And Mr. Jones is leaving now,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ll see you when I get back to the office.”
Mr. Carpenter didn’t budge. “It’s not you I want to talk to,” he answered. “I have business with Mr. Jones.”
I knew there was no use appealing to Zach. I frantically looked to Vince for help. He stepped back and didn’t say anything.
“Sit down on that bench,” Mr. Carpenter commanded Moses.
The old man complied. Mr. Carpenter turned to me. “Ms. Taylor, your business here is finished. Go back to the office. I’ll meet with you later this afternoon before you leave.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I responded, planting my feet as if guarding a basketball goal.
Mr. Carpenter’s head jerked back. “What did you say?”
“I’m staying here with my client,” I said more bravely than I felt.
Mr. Carpenter’s eyes narrowed. “What I have to discuss with Mr. Jones has nothing to do with you.”
I nodded my head toward Moses. “That’s for him to decide. Moses, do you want me to stay with you?”
“Yes, missy.”
I looked Mr. Carpenter in the eyes. “And that’s what I’m going to do.”
“I’m going to ask this man some—”
“Mr. Jones doesn’t have to talk to you or answer any questions,” I interrupted.
Mr. Carpenter turned toward Zach and Vince. “Go!”
The two young men stared at each other for a second.
“I want them to stay,” I said.
“Why?” Mr. Carpenter asked, his face getting red. “They have no more business here.”
“So they can witness what you’re about to do.”
“What I’m about to do is fire you and tell you to get out of my sight,” Mr. Carpenter exploded. “Now move aside!”
Zach and Vince stepped back at the sound of Mr. Carpenter’s voice. I held my ground. The river had been crossed. All that mattered was protecting Moses.
“Do whatever you want to do about my job, but I’m not going to abandon my client.”
Mr. Carpenter turned to Moses. “Mr. Jones, has Ms. Taylor told you she’s a lawyer?”
“No sir, she always be saying she’s not a real lawyer, but she sure enough got the grit to be one.”
“I’d say she has grit where she should have brains,” Mr. Carpenter replied sarcastically.
“You can insult me, Mr. Carpenter,” I replied, my own eyes flashing. “And you can fire me. But Judge Cannon signed an order authorizing me to represent Mr. Jones, and that’s what I intend to do.”
Mr. Carpenter glared hard at me for several seconds until a sneer turned up the corners of his mouth. “Ms. Taylor, I want to be totally clear about this situation. Are you refusing to let Mr. Jones talk to me unless you are present?”
“Yes sir. And I’m telling him that he doesn’t have to talk to you at all if he doesn’t want to.” I looked down at Moses. “In fact, I’m advising him not to answer any questions or provide information about recent or past events now or at any time in the future.”
“That’s quite comprehensive,” Mr. Carpenter replied.
“Yes sir. That’s what I intend.”
Mr. Carpenter nodded his head. “Very well, I have a few things to say to you.”
I stood up straight. I had no intention of slouching in the face of the firing squad.