Is that who Doc Cams was communicating with? If so, the VP’s chief of staff was spreading dirt about the First Couple. Sounds like that’s where this is leading.

“And you should know this, too,” says Daryna. “The files in the Suzanne Bonanno case weren’t misplaced. Somebody in the federal government confiscated them three years ago. There were leads in this case that they did not want followed. It looks like they’re covering for the Providence Mob or in collusion with it.”

Leo Amalfi. Tony Romero. The Mob connections keep coming up.

“Daryna, I need more information on this. Can you help?”

“I’ll keep searching,” the hacker says. “I’ll do it for you. And for Garrett.”

CHAPTER
120

A TV camera is set up on the courthouse steps and a reporter is broadcasting live. “It’s not every day that the spouse of the president of the United States gets called to the witness stand to defend himself in a murder trial,” the reporter says. “In fact, it’s never happened before in American history.”

Courthouse security is the tightest it’s been yet.

Outside, demonstrators are acting out the conflict of the trial. A couple of state troopers are called in to break up a fight between members of the pro-Cole and anti-Cole camps.

As I pass through the security checkpoints, I’m thinking about what Daryna told me. Who authorized the removal of the case files? Why is the Mob involved? Could there really be a covert movement to use Cole Wright as a tool to oust his wife from the White House?

I don’t know when I’ll next hear from Daryna, but I hope it’s soon.

After Judge Dow calls the court to order, he turns to the defense table. “Ms. Hardy, is the defense ready to proceed?”

Hardy stands up. “Yes, Your Honor.”

It’s happening. I can feel the electricity crackle all around me.

“The defense calls Cole Wright.”

The defendant walks to the witness stand. The First Gentleman is wearing a navy-blue suit, well tailored to ensure that no bulge from his ankle monitor is visible.

Cole stands in front of the clerk, raises his right hand, and swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Will he?

He takes his seat and smooths his tie.

Tess Hardy walks over to the lectern. She’s wearing a red skirt suit and a white blouse. Together, she and Cole present a unified vision in red, white, and blue.

Can’t be coincidental.

“Good morning, Mr. Wright.”

“Good morning.”

Confident. Polite.

Hardy has drawn the toughest legal assignment there is. A celebrity client and murder suspect testifying on his own behalf.

“Mr. Wright, twenty years ago, you became a professional football player, is that correct?”

“Yes. I played tight end for the New England Patriots.”