Before the court hearing Tuesday, Mike Easley and prosecutor William Kenerly met for the first time.

Kenerly would not disclose specifics, but said that Easley said he knew Kenerly had a job to do. Easley also flashed the sense of humor that had won him fans over the years: After shaking hands, Kenerly said he had to warn Easley.

"You might want to wash that hand - I have a head cold," Kenerly said he told the former governor. He said Easley replied: "Gosh, you guys never quit do you?"