"No, Your Honor, it cant," Lon answered almost too quickly. Stay relaxed, he told himself. Take a deep breath.
"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 wait until laterthis evening or tomorrow?
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.
He paused for effect, then looked to some papers on his desk. "Ill agree to adjourn until Monday. Nine oclock sharp."
He cleared his throat."Mr. Hammond called me this morning and Ive already spoken to my clients. Theyre willing to postpone until Monday."
"I see," thejudge said. "And do you believe it is in your clients best interests to do this?"
The judge looked hard at both 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."
"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.
Later that morning, three men - two lawyers and the judge - sat in chambers while Lon finished speaking. It was a moment before the judge answered.
"And it has nothing to do with this case?"
"Thank you, Your Honor," Lon said.
The judge leaned back in his chair, evaluating him for a moment. "Mr. Bates, how do you feel about this?"
"I believe so," he said. "Mr. Hammond has agreed to reopen discussion on a certain matter not covered by this proceeding."
