‘But pre-trial confinement is not supposed to be punitive. It’s supposed to be no more rigorous than is required to ensure the accused’s presence at trial. That’s what the regulation says.’
‘Are you a lawyer? Your name doesn’t ring a bell.’
‘I was an MP. Actually, I
‘Really? In the same way a plumber understands the science behind fluid mechanics and thermodynamics?’
‘Don’t flatter yourself, colonel. It’s not brain surgery.’
‘So enlighten me, by all means.’
‘Major Turner’s situation doesn’t require confinement. She’s a commissioned officer in the United States Army. She’s not going to run.’
‘Is that a personal guarantee?’
‘Almost. She’s the commander of the 110th MP. As was I. I wouldn’t have run. She won’t, either.’
‘There are elements of treason here.’
‘Here, maybe, but not in the real world. No one is thinking treason. Or they wouldn’t have brought her here to Dyer. She’d be in the Caribbean by now.’
‘Nevertheless, it’s not a speeding ticket.’
‘She won’t run.’
‘Again, is that a personal guarantee?’
‘It’s a considered assessment.’
‘Do you even know her?’
‘Not really.’
‘So butt out, major.’
‘Why did she instruct you to prevent me from visiting?’
‘She didn’t, technically. That instruction was passed on by the duty lawyer. At some unspecified time in the late afternoon. Therefore the restriction was already in place before I took over her case, which was the next morning. Which was yesterday.’
‘I want you to ask her to reconsider.’
Moorcroft didn’t answer. Sullivan leaned into the conversation and looked at Reacher and said, ‘Captain Edmonds told me she’d met with you. About the Candice Dayton matter. She said she advised you to take proactive steps. Have you yet?’
Reacher said, ‘I’ll get to it.’
‘It should be your first priority. Nuances count, in a thing like this.’
‘I’ll get to it,’ Reacher said again.
‘This is your daughter we’re talking about here. She’s living in a car. That’s more important than a theoretical worry about Major Turner’s human rights.’
‘The kid is nearly fifteen years old in Los Angeles. No doubt she’s slept in cars before. And if she’s my kid she can take a day or two more of it.’
Moorcroft said, ‘I think Major Sullivan and Captain Edmonds are trying to make the point you might not have a day or two more. Depending on what the prosecutors decide to do about the Rodriguez issue, I mean. I imagine they’re rubbing their hands with glee. Because it’s a perfect storm. Clear evidence, plus a disastrous PR angle.’
‘The clear evidence is clear bullshit.’
Moorcroft smiled, practised and indulgent. ‘You’re not the first defendant ever to say that, you know.’
‘The guy is dead. But I’m supposed to be able to confront the witnesses against me. So how is this even legal?’
‘It’s an unfortunate anomaly. The affidavit speaks from beyond the grave. It is what it is. It can’t be cross- examined.’
Reacher looked at Sullivan. She was his lawyer, after all. She said, ‘The colonel is right. I told you, I can get you a deal. You should take it.’
And then she left. She drained her cup, and stood up, and said goodbye, and walked away. Reacher watched her go, and then he turned back to Moorcroft.
He asked, ‘Are you going to appeal Major Turner’s confinement?’
‘Yes,’ Moorcroft said. ‘As a matter of fact I am. I’m going to ask for confinement to the D.C. military district, and I expect to be successful. She’ll be out and about before long.’
‘When will you start the process?’
‘I’ll put in the paperwork as soon as you let me finish my breakfast.’
‘When will you get a decision?’
‘By the middle of the day, I should think.’
