“You do that Phil. Close the door on your way out.”
Phil left the chambers closing the door behind him and went back to the conference room where Mat was writing his third page when Phil walked in. “It’s done Phil announced. You will have to go through allocution on Wednesday at 9:00am. You will be held in custody until Wednesday. I will inform the guards that you will need paper and pencil.”
Mat just looked at Phil and said nothing. Phil walked out the door and gave instruction to Bill.
“I need to talk to Jack and his boys. I think they will be happy.” Phil crossed the hall and entered the court room.
Sitting behind the prosecution table Jack, Chris, and Duff talked quietly. They stopped when they saw Phil walking into the room.
“Jack, the trial is over. Mat is pleading guilty to the UND murders but also 10 others.”
“Ten others? That’s great but what did he get for all of them?” Jack knew how this game was played, you got nothing for free.
“Well that’s the great part. He gets life without parole in a super max. If we catch him in one lie the needle comes back on the table.”
“Great job Phil. Thanks for everything.”
“Wait a minute,” Chris interrupted. “He should die for what he did to Amy and the others and you’re just going to lock him up. I don’t think that is enough.”
Jack laughed, “Chris what you don’t know is that Joel Med is opposed to the death penalty and the best we could hope for was life without parole. He solved 10 more murders without giving up anything.”
Chris looked at Duff then Jack then Phil. “So this is a good thing?”
“It’s a great thing Chris. We are going to put this guy in Walpole for the rest of his life in an 8X10 cell with access to the outdoors once a week. He is going to have a lot of time to think about what he did.”
“Ok, I get it. Thanks Phil, thanks Jack. So I guess we can all go home. Does this mean we won’t have to testify?”
“That’s right Chris it is over.” Jack looked at Chris and Duff and said, “”How about I buy you a celebration lunch?”
“Works for me,” Chris said.
“I’m in,” said Duff
“Mind if I tag along?” Phil asked.
“No problem, how about Hill’s?”
“Perfect,” Chris and Duff said.
Phil just smiled and said, “I’ll meet you there in say one hour?
Everyone agreed and went their own way.
Chapter 29
Hills Steak House served the best steaks in the Boston area. Aged in house and cut to order it was a treat that Chris had enjoyed several times with his dad and mom. Duff had only heard of the place and Chris kept telling him to get a filet with all the trimmings. When they got there Jack already had a booth off to the side. Chris and Duff took their seats and ordered a coke. Jack was nursing a Manhattan. Phil arrived about ten minutes later and plopped down next to Jack.
“What you got there Jack?”
“A nice smooth Manhattan.”
Phil waved to the waitress and said, “I’m going to have one of those also.” The waitress smiled and headed to the bar. “Well did you order yet?”
“Not yet,” Chris said. “We were waiting for you.”
“Well that is nice,” Phil said as he read over the menu. “I don’t know why I bother to open the menu I know what I want. I’m doing the filet rare with a baked potato and salad. How about the rest of you?”
Jack smiled and said, “Me too. It’s the best in the world.”
Duff spoke up and said, “The whole way over Chris was telling me about the filet. I guess I’m in as well.”
“There is nothing else in the world I’d rather have.”
Everyone laughed as the waitress came back with Phil’s drink and asked, “Are you all ready to order?”
“Yes we are,” Jack smiled at the waitress. I think we are all going to have the filet, rare, baked potato, and a house salad.” Everyone shook their head in agreement.
“I’ll have the salads out right away,” she said as she turned and walked to the kitchen.
“Duff you are in for a treat,” Jack smiled
The salads arrived and so did the salad dressing tray. There were six choices and everyone dug in. Just as the salad was done the waitress brought out the steaks. She replaced the salad dressings with the potato toppings. The smell was heavenly. The conversation was light with Phil telling the boys that they did an outstanding job. Phil also mentioned how few cases have this level of evidence.
“You know if I had this much evidence for each case I prosecuted I would never lose.” Phil laughed and told everyone at the table that dealing with Mat was easy.
They took the plates away and ordered coffee all around. Jack looked uncomfortable as he talked to Chris and Duff.
“Listen boys I have a proposition for the both of you. Together you make an amazing team. We need more teams like you two. Now we don’t pay as well as the private sector but the job satisfaction is amazing. What I’m asking is for you to consider going to the farm after you graduate. Phil and I have discussed it and we are both willing to write your letters of reference.” Jack waited for a response from Chris and Duff.
“Wow,” Duff was the first to speak. Are you serious?”
Jack smiled and said, “As a heart attack.”
Chris thought for a moment and said, “So if wanted the j0obs they would be ours?”
Phil took that question. “I think it will not be a problem. It was your work that lead to solving 14 murders. Ya you got the job if you want it. Besides Jack and I approve all hires in the Boston area.”
“This is too much,” Chris said rubbing his hands on his temples. I never expected this in a million years.”
“I just want you two to take a serious look,” Jack said.
Duff was first to respond, “Amy would have liked that Chris.”
“I know. She would have loved the idea of us saving the world,” a smile crept across Chris’s lips. “Jack we’ll give it some thought and get back to you.”
“I couldn’t ask for anything more. I look forward to hearing from both of you.” Jack and Phil left the two alone to discuss their futures.
Prologue
Three years later as Chris and Duff stood in the graduation line Duff poked Chris in the side and asked, “We still on for FBI camp?”
“Absolutely Duff. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.”
They laughed and moved forward to collect their diplomas’. Glancing at the crowed Chris and Duff spotted Mike, Jack, and Phil all sitting together in the fourth row. Both boys waved and the three waved back. Mike had a tear in his eye and wiped it with his massive hand.
“Well at least we have a plan.”
“Ya you needed a plan.”
“Hey now.” The laughed as they took the stage.
###
About the author
Born and raised on Cape Cod MA I moved inland to raise my seven children (North Dakota). Retired CIO (computer super geek) I spend my time now between my grand children and thinking up cool ways to kill the victims in my books and working interesting plot twists. I sail when I can, read when I can't and write daily. It's a cool life if you can get it! Enjoy the reads!
Meet my newest Grandchild Raelianna Shae Battle. She just turned 1 year old last month. This is the best part of life. Thanks to Steve and Jess for doing such a great job.
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