Elliot wasn’t appeased. A deep furrow had settled into the center of his brow. He knew something was up. I turned and looked back into the gallery. Julie Favreau was sitting three rows back with Lorna. I gave them a wink and Lorna sent back a thumbs-up. I swept the rest of the gallery and noticed that behind the prosecution table, there was a gap in the shoulder-to-shoulder spectators. No Germans. I was about to ask Golantz where Rilz’s family members were, when a uniformed sheriff’s deputy walked up to the rail behind the prosecutor.

“Excuse me.”

Golantz turned and the deputy beckoned him with a document he was holding.

“Are you the prosecutor?” the deputy said. “Who do I talk to about this?”

Golantz got up and walked over to the rail. He took a quick look at the document and handed it back.

“It’s a defense subpoena. Are you Deputy Stallworth?”

“That’s right.”

“Then you’re in the right spot.”

“No, I’m not. I didn’t have anything to do with this case.”

Golantz took the subpoena back and studied it. I could see the wheels begin turning, but it was going to be too late when he figured things out.

“You weren’t on the scene at the house? What about the perimeter or traffic control?”

“I was home asleep, man. I work midnight shift.”

“Hold it a second.”

Golantz went back to his desk and opened a file. I saw him check the final witness list I had submitted two weeks before.

“What is this, Haller?”

“What’s what? He’s on there.”

“This is bullshit.”

“No, it’s not. He’s been on there for two weeks.”

I got up and went to the rail. I held out my hand.

“Deputy Stallworth, I’m Michael Haller.”

Stallworth refused to shake my hand. Embarrassed in front of the whole gallery, I pressed on.

“I’m the one who summoned you. If you wait out in the hall, I’ll try to get you in and out as soon as court starts. There’s some sort of delay with the judge. But sit tight and I’ll get to you.”

“No, this is wrong. I didn’t have anything to do with this case. I just got off duty and I’m going home.”

“Deputy Stallworth, there is no mistake here and even if there were, you can’t walk out on a subpoena. Only the judge can release you at my request. You go home and you’re going to make him mad. I don’t think you want him mad at you.”

The deputy huffed like he was being put out in a big way. He looked over at Golantz for help but the prosecutor was holding a cell phone to his ear and whispering into it. I had a feeling it was an emergency call.