The Black Hearts Murder Read Free Page A

barely been declared in session—people were still reseating themselves—when a studious-looking young black man hurried into the courtroom, flung himself into a chair at the defense table, and whispered urgently to Prentiss Wade. The black lawyer looked appalled.
    The judge was frowning, having noticed that the defendant was not at the defense table. He said to Wade, “Counselor, where is your client?”
    The black attorney jumped to his feet. “Your Honor, the arrangement was for Mr. James to meet me here at a quarter of nine this morning. He didn’t appear. My associate, Mr. Barker here, has just talked on the phone to the two persons closest to my client. Mr. James’s sister, with whom he lives, reports that he did not come home last night and that she has not heard from him. The other person Mr. Barker talked to was LeRoy Rawlings, vice president of the Black Hearts and my client’s most loyal friend. Mr. Rawlings has not heard from Mr. James either, and has no idea where he is. I know my client had every intention of being here, Your Honor, so he can only have been delayed by some unforeseen circumstance. I beg the court’s indulgence for a few more minutes.”
    Judge Graham glanced at the clock. “It is now nearly a quarter past nine, Mr. Wade. I will grant you fifteen minutes for more calls to attempt to learn what has happened to the defendant.” He used his gavel. “Court is recessed until nine-thirty A.M. ”
    â€œAll rise!” the bailiff bellowed.
    The judge headed for his chambers. A uniformed man intercepted him and whispered briefly in his ear. He turned immediately to the attorneys standing behind their tables. “I have a message to contact the chief of police concerning the defendant. I suggest that neither the prosecutor nor defense counsel leaves the courtroom until I determine what this is all about.”
    Ten minutes later Judge Graham reappeared. He seemed angry and puzzled. “Mr. Wade, I have just talked by telephone with Chief of Police Condon. Chief Condon reports to me that some thirty minutes ago he received a call from radio station BOKO. I will not burden you with the details of BOKO’s summary of the situation, because I wish to hear them myself—BOKO intends to give a complete airing of the matter during a special news broadcast at 9:50 A.M. I shall listen to the broadcast on the radio in my chambers, and you gentlemen of both the prosecution and the defense are invited to listen with me. Suffice it to say for the present that I am assured by Chief Condon that the defendant will not appear in this courtroom today, and that his absence is deliberate, an act of naked defiance of this court.”
    The black lawyer said quickly, “I’m sorry, Your Honor. The court has my assurance that I had no idea or warning that my client planned to skip bail. In fact, I find it very difficult to believe, with due apologies to the court and the chief of police.”
    â€œI understand your feelings perfectly, counselor, and you have my sympathy for having been placed in this position. However, from the report I just got, there seems no possible doubt about the fact.” In a very sharp voice Judge Graham then said, “Defendant’s bail is hereby ordered forfeit. Further, I am issuing a bench warrant for his arrest. Court adjourned! Gentlemen?”
    â€œWhat do you think, Mr. McCall?” Maggie Kirkpatrick asked in the confusion and babble of the emptying courtroom.
    â€œMake it Mike and I’ll tell you, Miss Kirkpatrick.”
    â€œIf you’ll make it Maggie.”
    â€œMaggie.”
    â€œMike. Now answer my question.”
    â€œWhat’s to think?” McCall smiled. He was far from smiling inside. “I’m the world’s lousiest guesser.” He glanced at his wristwatch. “That broadcast comes on in eleven minutes.”
    â€œDo you have a radio in your