DOWN TO THE WIRE

During this first session, the two men are elaborately polite to each other. It is the final day of the week, and Judge Ryan calls a halt after an hour. They will go at each other again the following Monday.

In this brief meeting, Stedino comes off as a professional witness who is both glib and likable to the jury. Debus is as good at cross-examination as lawyers get. Out in the hallway, the butcher is waiting for the elevator. "How will it end?" he is asked.

The butcher points to Debus, who is just leaving the courtroom.
"It's all up to Debus," the butcher says. "He gave such a great opening argument. If he can break down Stedino and give a good closing. . . .

"I don't know. It's close. But maybe Debus can pull it off.