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Chapter thirteen

Back to Prison

Reggie didn’t hear about Mark until lunchtime on Thursday. She often worked in the children’s courts, and she knew Judge Roosevelt well. She rushed to his office.

‘I’m not surprised to see you, Reggie,’ he said.

‘I can’t understand why you did this, Harry,’ she said. ‘Mark has done nothing wrong.’

‘I’ve agreed to see him in court this afternoon,’ said the judge, ‘and I’m keeping him safe until then. Wait here. I’ll ask the guards to bring him here to see you now.’

When Mark arrived he smiled at Reggie. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said, ‘I’m okay. But what should I say in court?’

Reggie explained carefully. ‘No one can make you talk,’ she said, ‘but the judge can keep you in custody if you don’t.’

‘But I’ve done nothing wrong.’

‘No,’ said Reggie, ‘but if the judge asks you questions and you don’t answer, then that would be wrong. The law is very clear on this. If you know something that will help a murder case, you can’t keep quiet, even if you think you’re in danger.’

‘It’s a stupid law,’ said Mark.

‘Maybe,’ said Reggie, ‘but we can’t change it today.’

‘I could tell them I don’t know anything,’ said Mark.

Reggie wanted to say yes, but she kept silent. At last she said firmly, ‘You can’t he in court, Mark.’

Slick Moeller was waiting outside the courtroom. He saw Mark go in with two guards. He saw Reggie go in next, and then the FBI men, with Foltrigg. He smiled to himself. In the children’s court there could be no cameras and no reporters. He knew Foltrigg wouldn’t like that!

The courtroom door was locked and Slick waited patiently. When it was unlocked again he walked quickly into the men’s toilets and waited there. Soon one of the guards joined him.

‘What happened?’ asked Slick. ‘Be quick.’

‘The kid wouldn’t talk,’ said the guard, ‘so he’s going back to prison.’

‘What does he know?’

‘The judge asked him if he knew where the senator’s body is, but he wouldn’t answer.’

‘What next?’ asked Slick.

‘The judge wants to see him again tomorrow. He’s given him one night to change his mind.’

Slick passed the guard one hundred dollars.

‘You didn’t hear it from me,’ said the guard.

‘Trust me,’ said Slick.

Foltrigg was shouting again. ‘That no-good judge,’ he said again and again. ‘That no-good judge. He’s too soft. I’m going back to New Orleans. This murder case is a New Orleans job. I can get Mark called to the courts in New Orleans. Then we can really make him talk.’

But the FBI had other ideas. When Foltrigg had left they asked for another meeting with the judge and Reggie. They wanted to explain how the government could protect Mark and his family if he gave evidence against the Mafia.

‘It’s called the witness protection programme,’ said McThune.

‘I’ve heard of it, Mr McThune,’ said the judge. ‘Tell us more about it.’

‘It’s quite simple. We move the family to another city. We give them new names. We find a good job for the mother, and get them a nice place to live. We make sure the boys are in a good school. We give them some money. And we stay close by.’

‘Well, Reggie?’ said the judge. ‘It sounds good.’

It certainly did. At the moment the Sways had no home. Dianne had a poor job. They had no relations in Memphis.

‘They can’t move just now,’ she said. ‘Ricky must stay in hospital.’

‘We’ve found a children’s hospital in Phoenix that can take him right away,’ said McThune. ‘It’s a private hospital, and of course we’ll pay for it.’

‘What do you think, Reggie?’ asked Judge Roosevelt.

‘I’ll talk to Dianne about it,’ said Reggie.

‘Good,’ said the judge. ‘And see if she can come to court tomorrow. I’d like her to be there.’

‘I’ll try,’ said Reggie.

Mark was also thinking about how to save his family. Doreen was surprised to see him back at the prison.

‘How long are you back for?’ she asked.

‘The judge didn’t say. I have to go to court again tomorrow.’

‘How’s your little brother?’

Mark put on a very sad face. ‘He’s probably going to die,’ he said. ‘No!’

‘Yes,’ said Mark in a small voice. ‘He doesn’t talk. He makes terrible noises. And he doesn’t eat.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘It’s bad. I don’t feel so good myself.’

‘Poor kid. Anything I can get you?’

‘No, I just need to lie down.’

Poor kid,’ she said again. ‘I’ll keep an eye on you.’