Chapter 18: Star Witness

Eight months later, People vs. Bottcelli

Outside of the courthouse, Jack arrives with Renee and Grace in one car. Bobby, Myles, Dimitrius arrives in another car. Renee gets out of the car and is about to walk up the steps to the courthouse. All of a sudden, a gunshot is heard. Jack pushes Renee and Grace down on the ground. He yells to them “Stay down. Don’t move until I tell you”.

Jack: There’s a sniper on the roof. He’s not one of ours. We are pinned down. Tara, send back-up to our location pronto.

Bobby: Man, I hate it when we become sitting ducks like this.

Jack: No kidding. I need someone to take Renee and Grace inside the courthouse and alert security. We need access to the rooftop but all other doors must be lockdown.

Myles: How are we supposed to get inside the building without becoming pop up targets?

D: We need a diversion. I’ve got a plan. Get ready to move on my signal. 1-2-3. Move.

Bobby says cover me; he runs to pick Grace up and grabs Renee’s hand. They sprint up the steps of the courthouse and get inside before another bullet hits the door. Mark is walking towards them; he rushes over to check on Renee and Grace. Bobby tells him, “You take care of them, while I go take down a sniper”. Jack, Myles, and Dimitrius are moving into position simultaneously.

Jack takes a shot; he may have hit the sniper in the shoulder. Now they have a chance. Jack, Myles, and Dimitrius run into the courthouse and up to the roof where Bobby is waiting for them. On a count of 3-2-1. They burst through the door with gunshots flying in all directions. They secure the area and prepare to wait out the sniper. He fired his last bullet and now is on the move just as Bobby tackles him to the ground. Myles kicks his gun away. Dimitrius comes over and handcuffs him. Thank goodness no one got hurt. Jack goes back to the lobby of the courthouse to check on Renee and Grace, he spots Mark with them. Mark sees Jack and walks over.

Mark: What happened? Are you alright? (concern smile)

Jack: Yeah. I’m fine. We got the sniper. Aren’t you supposed to be in court? (megawatt smile)

Mark: I’m on my way there. But I wanted to make sure you are okay first. It’s a good thing I prepped Grace and Renee before the chaos outside of the courthouse. (smile)

Jack: I’ll be watching the proceedings. I know you’ll do just fine. (megawatt smile)

Mark: Thanks for the vote of confidence. (smile)

Diane Groves from Metro PD gave her testimony yesterday. Grace was the star witness. She told the judge what she saw and who shot Mr. Brinkman. Grace pointed to the trigger man, Fernando Bottcelli. Next, Renee told the judge what she saw when she went into the candy store to check on Grace and then saw Mr. Brinkman lying on the floor. The end is in sight. Mark finishes his closing arguments.

Now the jury would deliberate on the fate of Fernando Bottcelli. Meanwhile, back at the bullpen, Myles and Dimitrius are interrogating Russell Breaux. Jack is listening on the other side of the one-way glass mirror. He learns why Russell was shooting at them. After searching Russell’s condo, the team found the gun he used to shoot Renee Becky Cabot. It was the night when Jack had come over to her apartment for dinner. Today at the courthouse was Russell’s second attempt to kill Renee. Luckily, he didn’t get the chance.

One week later, Mark gets a call from the bailiff. The jury came back just after 1 pm. The verdict is in; guilty on all counts. Sentencing is next month. Judge Gilmore will do the honors; Bottcelli is not going to see daylight for a very long time. Mark is elated with the news. He can’t wait to share this victory with Renee, Grace, and Jack. Mark calls Jack at the bullpen and invites him and his team out to dinner. Mark says; “Tonight dinner is on me buddy. Meet you guys at Jefferson Restaurant at 8 PM”.

Back at the bullpen in the evening

Jack: Do you all want to go out to dinner with Mark? We’re meeting at Jefferson Restaurant at 8 PM. (megawatt smile)

Bobby: Sounds good to me. Is this dinner on you? I’ll go pick up Darcy now. (smile)

Jack: Actually, Mark said he is going to take care of the bill tonight. He sounds very happy. I suspect he has good news to share with us. (megawatt smile)

Sue: I would like to meet Mark. Find out more about your law school days. (smile)

Lucy: Count me in. This should be a fun night. (smile)

Tara: Do you think Mark would mind if Emma, Jenny, and Stanley join us for dinner?

Jack: I say the more the merrier. I have a sneaking suspicion that Renee and Grace will be there. And I’m going to call Diane and Candice, see if they would like to come to dinner. It will be fun to get everyone together. (megawatt smile)

D: I will meet you all at the restaurant. I’m going to pick up Donna. (smile)

Myles: I’ll go because without my witty conversation, you all won’t have a good time.