He left and went to his car. He got in and punched in the number. “Shireen?”

“Puller? How’s it going?” Shireen Kirk had formerly been a JAG, or Judge

Advocate General’s, lawyer representing those in uniform. She had recently left

the military and gone into private practice in northern Virginia.

 

She had the rep of being a scorched-earth lawyer. And that’s exactly what Puller

required. “I need a lawyer.” “Okay, so I guess it’s not going too well.” “Well,

my father needs one.” “I thought he was in a care facility with Alzheimer’s?”

“Dementia, but yes, he is.” “If he did something that someone found out of

bounds I think he’d have a pretty solid diminished capacity defense.” “It’s not

like that. This is from about thirty years ago when he was still in the

military.” “Okay, what happened?” Puller filled her in on the situation and the

letter that Demirjian had sent to CID. “That really sucks. You say they want to

interview your father?” “Yes.” “If he’s been diagnosed with dementia he should

have counsel there with him. I could even make a case that they can’t question

him because of his condition. He’s liable to say anything and we don’t want him

to inadvertently incriminate himself.” “No, we don’t.” “I can take the case.”

“That’s great, Shireen. But can they even charge him if he’s not competent?”

“They can charge anybody, Puller. Competency is a matter for a court to

determine. And even if he’s not competent to stand trial they can hold the

prosecution in abeyance until he becomes competent, if that ever happens. But

that may be worse than him being tried for the crime.” “How do you mean?” “At

least if he’s tried he can defend himself and maybe be acquitted.” Puller slowly

nodded. “But if he’s not tried because he’s incompetent, people may assume he’s