"No, Your Honor. Its of a personal nature. I know its out of the ordinary, but I really need to take care of it." Good, better.
"No, Your Honor, it cant," Lon answered almost too quickly. Stay relaxed, he told himself. Take a deep breath.
He cleared his throat. "Mr. Ham九九藏书mond called me this morning and Ive already spoken to my clients. Theyre willing to postpone until Monday."
"Its an unusual request," he said, pondering the situation. "It seems to me the trial could very well end today. Are you saying this urgent matter cant wa99lib•netit until later this evening or tomorrow?
"Thank you, Your Honor," Lon said.
Two minutes later he was leaving the courthouse. He walked to the car he had parked directly across the street, got in, and began the drive to New Bern, his hands shaking.
The judge looked hard at bo九九藏书th of them and thought about it. "I dont like it," he finally said, "not at all. But Mr. Hammond has never made a similar request before, and I assume the matter is very important to him."
"And it has nothing to do with this case?"
Later that morning, three men - two 九九藏书lawyers and the judge - sat in chambers while Lon finished speaking. It was a moment before the judge answered.
"I believe so," he said. "Mr. Hammond has agreed to reopen discussion on a certain matter not covered by this proceeding."
He paused for effect, then looked to some papers o九九藏书n his desk. "Ill agree to adjourn until Monday. Nine oclock sharp."
The judge leaned back in his chair, evaluating him for a moment. "Mr. Bates, how do you feel about this?"
"I see," the judge said. "And do you believe it is in your clients best interests to do this?"