Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 105868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
He’d spent the morning helping townspeople with odd jobs, figuring he might as well be useful as long as he could be. Of course, he’d had to apologize profusely for missing the bridge game. Apparently being arrested for murder wasn’t a good enough excuse.
“You’re going to let me talk.” Daisy smoothed down her skirt.
“Not a problem.” Ace agreed, settling his bulk in the chair instead of pacing. The wood creaked under his weight.
The monitor blinked once, then twice, and the feed from Fairbanks came into focus. The camera angle was off at first, tilted toward the ceiling, before someone adjusted it and centered the frame. A standard courtroom filled the screen, evenly lit by fluorescent panels. The judge’s bench dominated the front of the room, with two counsel tables positioned below it and a few empty rows of seating behind.
Assistant District Attorney Samantha Kincaid sat at the state’s table.
Ace had read her name on the notice. She looked to be around thirty and much more put together than the ADA he’d dealt with during the bail hearing. Kincaid wore a navy suit and held herself upright without stiffness. Her hair was brown and her eyes green. A legal file rested open in front of her, one hand placed lightly on top of it.
Daisy stood when the clerk announced the case. She introduced herself and noted that Ace was present for the record.
Kincaid stood. “Samantha Kincaid for the State.”
Judge Ralph Talbot adjusted his glasses and looked straight into the camera. He looked to be in his early forties with thin blond hair. “We’re here for a preliminary hearing and also for a motion from the state regarding bail. Let’s tackle the motion first because it’ll affect the prelim.”
Kincaid didn’t waste time as she stood in what looked like a nice office. “Your Honor, the State moves to revoke bail. The defendant is a former fighter pilot with extensive aviation training. He has the ability to leave this jurisdiction quickly and effectively.”
Daisy stepped in before the silence could turn against them. “Your Honor, Ace is a longtime resident of Knife’s Edge. He has significant ties to the community, including three brothers living here, and he has no intention of going anywhere. In addition, there’s no evidence against him in this matter. Not a bit.”
Kincaid’s eyes flicked briefly toward the camera. “Capability is the issue. The defendant has the means to disappear.”
Judge Talbot folded his hands. “What new evidence has the State developed tying Mr. Osprey to the alleged crimes?”
Kincaid didn’t hesitate. “Circumstantial evidence remains strong. He had prior personal interactions with one of the victims. He was in proximity to the second victim the evening of her death, and in fact, was the last person to see her.”
“Except for the killer,” Daisy said.
Kincaid’s pen stopped mid-note.
The judge lowered his chin and looked over the rim of his glasses at Daisy. “That’s enough, counsel.”
Daisy inclined her head once and folded her hands.
Ace kept his expression neutral, but he thought she had made the point cleanly.
The judge shifted his attention to the ADA. He tapped the edge of the bench lightly with his pen. “Forensics?”
Kincaid straightened a page in her file. “Not at this time, Your Honor.”
“DNA?” he asked.
She didn’t look down this time. “No.”
The judge reached for a pen. “Any witness placing the defendant at either scene?”
Kincaid paused for a brief moment. “No.”
The judge leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking softly. He stared at the ceiling for a moment and then returned his gaze to the camera. His expression remained unreadable.
Daisy cleared her throat. “Your Honor, speculation about what someone could do is not evidence of what they have done. Mr. Osprey surrendered voluntarily when questioned. He’s not going anywhere.”
Kincaid jerked her chin. “Your Honor, the seriousness of the charges must be weighed. Two counts of homicide. If convicted, the incentive to flee increases significantly.”
The judge looked back at Ace. “Mr. Osprey, are you planning to leave the state of Alaska?”
Ace stood. “No, Your Honor.”
“I’m not persuaded that revocation is warranted,” the judge said finally. “Bail remains under the same conditions as before.”
Daisy straightened. “Thank you, Your Honor.”
The judge looked down at his file before focusing back on the camera. “The preliminary hearing will now proceed as scheduled.”
Daisy pulled out her chair and sat, motioning for Ace to do the same.
He did, settling in next to her.
Daisy tapped her pen on the table, turning to whisper. “Now the State will put on a few witnesses, all by Zoom, about the crimes. We’ll get the autopsy results as well as any forensic information, and then I’ll make a motion to dismiss based on lack of evidence.”
He looked at her. “So this could be over today?”
Her lip twisted. “No. They have enough to go to trial, I think. Settle in. It’s going to be a long couple of hours.”