At the plaintiffs’ table, Jesse sat between the Pettigrews. On the other side, packed around the defense table, were at least a dozen well-tailored Jackson boys with associates and secretaries seated behind them in the front row. Somewhere in the pack were insurance executives.
Oliphant said, “Mr. Rudy, you may proceed.”
Jesse stood and addressed the court. “Thank you, Your Honor. I’ve filed several motions for a hearing today, but I would first like to address the issue of some trial dates. I have at least ten cases ready for trial, or I guess I should say I’m ready for trial.” He waved an arm at the defense lawyers and said, “Looks like these guys’ll never be ready. Today is February the third. May I suggest that we set some cases for trial next month?”
Oliphant looked at the defense squad and at least four of them stood. Before they could speak he said, “Wait a minute. I’m not going to listen to all you guys say the same thing. What’s your first case, Mr. Rudy?”
“Luna versus Action Risk Underwriters.”
“Okay. I believe Mr. Webb is lead counsel for ARU. Mr. Webb, you may respond.”
Simmons Webb stood and took a few steps forward. “Thank you, Your Honor,” he said properly. “I appreciate the opportunity to be here in your court today. My client certainly understands the wishes of the plaintiffs to hurry things up and have a trial, but we are entitled to complete the discovery process. I’m sure Mr. Rudy understands this.”
Jesse, still standing, said, “Your Honor, we’ve finished discovery and we’re ready for trial.”
“Well, Your Honor, we haven’t finished. He’s only taken two depositions.”
“I’ll handle my case, Mr. Webb. You handle yours. I don’t need any more depositions.”
The judge cleared his throat and said, “I must say, Mr. Webb, you have been rather slow at pursuing discovery. It appears to me that your client, ARU, is in no hurry at all to go to trial.”
“I disagree, Your Honor. These are complicated cases.”
“But Mr. Rudy filed them, didn’t he? If he’s ready, why aren’t you?”
“There’s a lot to be done, Your Honor.”
“Well get it done, and now. I’m setting this case for trial on Monday, March the second, right here. We’ll pick a jury and let it decide the case.”
Webb feigned disbelief and leaned down to huddle with another dark suit. He looked up and said, “We respectfully object to such short notice, Your Honor.”
“And you are respectfully overruled. What’s the next case, Mr. Rudy?”
“Lansky versus ARU.”
“Mr. Webb?”
“Well, again, Your Honor, we’re simply not ready for trial.”
“Then get ready. You’ve had plenty of time, and God knows you’ve got plenty of talented legal help on your side.”
“We object, Your Honor.”
“Overruled. Here’s the plan, Mr. Webb, and the rest of defense counsel. I’m setting aside the first two weeks in March to try as many of these cases as possible. I don’t see these as long trials. Based on the discovery, there are not that many witnesses. These plaintiffs have the right to be heard and we’re going to hear them.”
At least five of the defense lawyers jumped to their feet and started talking.
“Please, please, gentlemen,” His Honor said. “Sit down. You are free to file written objections. Go ahead and do so and I’ll overrule them later.”
The others sat down and Webb tried to control his frustration. “Your Honor, this is rather heavy-handed, and it is a clear example of why my client is worried about getting a fair trial in Harrison County.”