Her Deadly Game

The following week, Keera sips her Monday morning coffee and studies her chess game. Last Friday, Ambrose charged Vince and had him arrested at Anne’s funeral, a move designed to shape public perception of Vince, as well as leave him in jail over the weekend. Today is the arraignment, and Keera is happy that Judge Valle is presiding, as he is fair and impartial, but it’s also unfortunate because it means that Valle won’t be presiding over the trial.

As she thinks, she plays against the Dark Knight, surprised to see him taking a new strategy. She knows that Ambrose’s strategy will be to “scare and intimidate her” (122), but Keera has plans of her own. She dresses as the jury consultant recommended; the consultant also reaffirmed that Keera is the best choice to represent Vince—because she is young and female, the jury will see her as approachable. Keera knows that because of this reasoning, Ella would be a good choice for second chair, but she isn’t a strong trial lawyer. Keera needs Patsy but worries about whether he’ll maintain his sobriety for the trial’s duration.

Keera knows that Valle will deny bail—Vince is wealthy and unattached and owns a private jet, making him a flight risk—but she will argue for it anyway.