Read A Deadly Judgment for Free Online Page A

bother you, either.”
    “Are you allowing the camera crew into your home, Malcolm?”
    “Had to. No choice.”
    I looked at my nails and smiled. No doubt about it. Malcolm McLoon had treaded upon my dubious fame to help entice Court TV to cover the Brannigan trial.
    I felt distinctly used.
    I thought of walking out of the office.
    On the other hand, I was using him. I agreed to become a jury consultant only to learn how a murder trial works to accommodate Vaughan Buckley.
    “There’ll be cameras following us everywhere, Jessica. Hanging outside the courtroom three deep. But I know you’re a trouper, an old pro when it comes to media attention.”
    “I’ll manage,” I said.
    “Damn, it’s coming up on ten-fifteen,” he said, getting up from his chair. “Must run, dear lady. Have an appointment to get fitted for a couple of new suits. Georgia says this outfit has to go.”
    I silently agreed with her.
    “Know where Seaside Restaurant is, Jessica? In Faneiul Hall?”
    “No, but I certainly know how to get to Faneuil Hall.’
    “I’ll have Georgia contact your driver to meet you downstairs at quarter of twelve.”
    “That’s not necessary, Malcolm. It’s only five minutes from here, and it’s a beautiful day.”
    “Seaside’s a fine little eating establishment. Good food, not a media hangout. Meet you there at noon. In the meantime, stay right here. Here’s a list of the names of the prospective jurors we’ll be questioning tomorrow. All two-hundred twenty-five of them.”
    He handed me a neon-orange folder. “Get a feel for them, Jess. Willie, you come with me. I need your advice on buying suits. Relax, Jessica. And welcome to Boston. You have the town at your disposal. Whatever you want. Name the restaurant to Georgia and she’ll make the reservation. Of course, a car will be at your disposal. How was your ride over here this morning?”
    “Fine,” I said.
    “Courteous driver?”
    “Very.”
    “Remember his name?”
    “Yes. Her name is Cathie. Can’t remember her last name, but I’ll bet it’s Irish. Pretty girl.”
    Into the intercom: “GEORGIA! Call the limo company. Tell them we want Cathie what’s-her-name to drive Mrs. Fletcher for the duration.”
    “During the day,” I said.
    “What?”
    “Cathie told me I have a daytime driver, and a nighttime driver.”
    “That’s right. Nothing too good for my favorite jury consultant.” He kissed me on the cheek. “Glad to have you on board, Jessica. Damn, you look good. I’d propose if I didn’t already have a few former wives on the payroll.”
    To Brannigan: “Don’t you worry about a thing, Willie. With Malcolm McLoon and Jessica Fletcher on your side, it won’t be long before the world knows that you are an innocent man. Till lunch, Jessica.
    “Till lunch, Malcolm.”

Chapter Five
    I left McLoon’s office a few minutes before noon and rode the elevator to the lobby. Waiting there were two TV camera crews and a few print reporters. My initial reaction was that they were standing by for the arrival of some big-shot political or business leader. Then ,I realized they were waiting for me.
    “Mrs. Fletcher,” they said in unison, encircling me. I suppose my puzzled expression made the point that I didn’t know why they wanted to talk to me.
    “Mrs. Fletcher, Hap Gormley from the Herald. Ready to begin jury selection tomorrow?”
    I started to reply, then realized not only would it be inappropriate to comment about a murder case, I didn’t know enough to say anything intelligent.
    “Regina Wells, Court TV, Mrs. Fletcher. Can I set up an interview with you later today?”
    “Well, I—”
    “Peg Johnson, the Globe. Why did Mr. McLoon ask you to be one of his jury consultants? You’re a writer. Have you ever taken part in jury selection before?”
    I thought of what Malcolm had told me: I created good characters because I was intuitive about people.
    But I kept that to myself. “Excuse me,” I said, heading for the