By Mistydawn
I'm sitting on a street corner cold and hungry watching people pass me by. The sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingers in the air as the city roars to life. Closing my eyes, I start savoring the delightful smell. Oh, what I'd give for just a taste of the delicious hot treat. It'd be so warm, so refreshing. Last night had been a bitterly cold night, one I barely survived. Raising my old tired bones off the hard ground I stumble towards the crowd.
I shuffle towards a wealthy young lady who's trying hard not to acknowledge my existence.
"Ma 'me, can you please spare a quarter?" Wrapping the mink around herself, she turns up her nose and quickly steps away. I get a staggering whiff of her expensive perfume as she hurries past me. She probably doesn't even know what a quarter is. Chuckling, I turn back around. Seeing a businessman walking towards me, I decided to try again.
"Please kind Sir, can you spare a quarter?"
"Get a job," he replies, pushing me away. Hot tears run down my cold withered face as my arthritic body falls against the concrete wall.
"I know, I don't look like much to them, with my long gray hair, straggly beard, and filthy worn out clothes. If I could only explain what's happened to me, maybe then they'd understand. I'm not the bitter old man they think I am without a life or purpose. I had a home, a loving family until it was ruthlessly snatched away.
My nightmare began on a cold blizzard day sometime in early March. I was sitting in my office enjoying a victory drink when a sloven young man stumbles through the door.
His cheap brown suit fit snugly around his large thick body. The vast amount of wrinkles it housed gave the impression that he'd slept in it for weeks. By the condition of his dark scraggly hair, I inferred that it hadn't seen a brush in some time.
"Hey Larry, how are you?" he asks, scratching his scruffy beard. The moment I saw him I knew that I'd seen his face on America's Most Wanted. Frightened, I carefully slip my hand in the side desk drawer.
"How did you get in here?" I ask, discreetly feeling around for my gun.
"Is that any way to treat an old friend." Stepping inside the room, he closes the door. My stomach stiffens into a large hard knot as it slams too.
"Who are you and what do you want?" I demand, holding the loaded 22 in my hand.
"I'm your old pal Fred from college and I came to collect on a debt that you owe." Seeing him walking towards me, I try to cock the gun. My hand is trembling so badly, it's taking everything I have not to drop it back in the drawer.
"A debt? I think you're sadly mistaken." I feel the gun vibrate out of my hand as he steps closer. Fishing around for the weapon, I nervously continue.
"I'd advise you to get out of my office before I have you thrown out!"
"Have you forgotten about your girlfriend?" he asks. Seeing he's coming towards me, I quickly push my chair away. I see amusement dancing in his eyes as he tauntingly leans over my desk.
Glancing down I see a picture of Debbie Myers lying on a table at the morgue. Memories of the horrendous evening quickly flash through my mind. I picture her lying dead on the carpet, her blood splattered across my bedroom wall. I remember looking down at the loaded twenty-two hanging loosely from my hand. I then recall how I disposed of the body, only to have her half-eaten remains resurface a few weeks later.
"I have proof that will put you away for a very long time." A cold shrewd smirk creeps across his face as I consider my options. I thought that I'd carefully covered my tracks, but anyone who's ever watched any type of crime story knows you can never be too sure. Then again I wouldn't put it past a low life like him to try and bluff me.
"How do I know you're not trying to run a con?"
"You want to see proof, here I'll show you my proof," he yells, reaching into his jacket. Wishing I had my gun, I anxiously look towards the small desk drawer that's now a few feet away. Gathering all the courage I could muster, I lunge for the desk. My body falls against the drawer, causing it to slam too. I see the merriment on his face as he pulls photo's out of his breast pocket. He looks down at my body sprawled across the desk.
"Did you think I was going for a gun or something?" He laughs. Dragging my chair closer to the desk, I sheepishly sit back down. Slamming the photo's down in front of me, he continues.
"Take a look at them and then tell me I'm bluffing." Scooping up the pictures, I start looking through the stack.
"Just so you know, these are copies. The originals are locked up in a safe far away from here." The first picture shows me dragging Debbie's body down my apartment steps. The next photo catches Debbie being loaded in the van. The last two captures me tossing her into the lake.
"W.. Where did you get these?"
"Let's just say big brother is always watching." He laughs. I look at the pictures again, hoping to find something I could use to dispute their authenticity. Not seeing any flaws, I mutter the next logical question.
"W.. what do you want from me?"
"I want you to represent my nephew in his murder trial," he says, snatching the pictures out of my trembling hands.
"If I refuse?" I already know the answer.
"Let's just say a little birdie will drop off a package to a certain DA I know." He smiles. The moment he said that I knew I'd been had. So I did what any other sensible lawyer would do, I agreed to take the case.
"When do you want us to meet?"
"I'll bring him by tomorrow. Just so you know, if this thing goes south for any reason, not only will you end up in prison, your wife and kid will end up just like she did, dead," he says, pointing to the pictures. Bursting into laughter, he steps out of the door.
That my dear friend was the beginning of the end. The start of a long, treacherous, adventure. A heartbreaking journey that took everything away from me.
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.
Julia
My entire body starts screaming in pain as I grudgingly trudge out of bed. My husband, Andy came home early this morning in a fit of rage. This is something he often does after a night of drinking with the boys. I tried to calm him down, but for some reason, my usual tactics only made things worse.
As I stumble to the bathroom, I start reliving the violent events that'd taken place. I then recall how he left me bleeding on the cold tile floor.
"Why did I let my life get to this, why?" I ask, staring at my battered face in the mirror. Seeing our honeymoon picture in the trash I quickly scoop it up. We had such a wonderful time. My mind starts drifting back to that joyous time so long ago.
I remember how we gleefully strolled arm in arm through the tropical paradise. It was a week of total bliss. I then recall all of the hot passionate nights we spent making love in the sand. I thought you were my prince charming my dream come true. That this poor little orphan girl would have her happily ever after. Wiping a tear from my face, I continue to gaze at the picture. What happened to us, to them? Thinking back, I tried to recall when the abuse began. You were out celebrating with the boys, just like you did last night. I remember how you apologized the next morning saying it'd never happen again. Then you nearly killed me when I tried to leave. I remember how he left me to die in that dark, horrid alley. I spent two long months strapped to machines, thanks to your abuse. Angrier than ever, I tear the picture in half, then rip it in half again. A rejuvenating feeling starts coming over me as I continue to shred the photo. It was a take charge, taking back my life, warm, comforting sensation. Something I hadn't felt in a very long time. Two long years of Andy's abuse has left me feeling cold and lonely inside. Grabbing a hold of another large piece, I start tearing it into pieces.
"No more hitting, no more kicking, no more name calling," I mumble, ripping the picture to bits. Seeing the photo is nothing more than tiny fragments, I step out of the bathroom.
"Did you say something in there?" Andy asks.
"Just talking to myself."
"Well stop your gabbing and get me some breakfast, woman!" he orders, pushing past me.
"It'll be done by the time you get in there." Things are going to change after today. I smile, glancing towards his truck.
I'd just put his breakfast on the table when he storms into the kitchen.
"What did you do to my razor?" he demands.
"I didn't do anything to it, Andy," I quickly turn to face him.
"You must have done something to make it cut me like this," he says, pointing to the small pieces of toilet paper, dispersed across his face.
"I didn't touch your razor, I swear."
"Bullshit!" he yells, grabbing a hold of my neck.
"Please, Andy, don't," I sputter, trying to catch my breath.
"What did you do to my razor, Julia, what?" he demands, tightening his grip. Hot salty tears run down the side of my face as I gasp for air.
"I shouldn't have ever married you, you worthless piece of shit," he yells, flinging me across the room. My frail battered body tumbles to the floor.
"Please Andy, don't," I beg. Not wanting to be the brunt of his anger, I scoot under the table. He grabs a hold of my legs and drags me back out. Gripping a handful of my long brown hair, he starts kicking me in the ribs.
"The guys were right about you," he spat, kicking me again. I feel my ribs starting to splinter into tiny bits.
"They said you are a worthless piece of shit that you'd only drag me down," he yells.
"Please Andy, stop," I beg, trying to protect my aching side. He draws back his leg and kicks me in the stomach.
"Please, not the baby," I quickly double over, hoping to protect the frail fetus. He's already made me lose one child and I wasn't about to lose another if I could help it. Grabbing a hold of my head, he starts slamming it against the cold hard floor.
"I've had to put up with your bullshit for the past two fucking years. Two years!" he screams, forcing my head down again.
"Well, I'm not going to deal with your bullshit anymore! Here me? No more!" he spat, slamming my head against the cold hard tile over and over again. My vision blurs and my head starts spinning as I struggle to stay awake.
"Please stop," Looking down I see bright red blood pooling on the floor below me.
"I'm going to get rid of you and the kid once and for all." Jumping up he runs to the porch. Seeing a chance to escape, I grab a hold of the table and try to stand. I only make it a couple of feet before I collapse on the tile floor. I start to try again when he runs into the kitchen. Looking over I see he has two pieces of rope and a gas can in his hands. Afraid of what he's about to do, I try to scurry away. Grabbing my bruised up legs, he starts securing them with the rope. I try to yank free, but my body is so weak, so frail I can barely move.
"Please Andy stop, please stop," I beg.
"Shut the hell up!" he orders. Grabbing my head, he thumps it against the floor. I must have passed out because when I come to I find the front room completely engulfed in flames. I try to move, but soon discover my arms are secured to the table. Pulling the rope down as far as it will go, I start moving it between the leg and the floor.
"Please work, please work," I beg, nervously sawing it back and forth. A small piece of string finally works its way through. Glancing to my right, I see the fire is getting closer. I move the rope faster along the bottom of the leg. My eyes start stinging and my lungs began to burn as dark smoke fills the air. Coughing, I continue to saw the thick rope, hoping I'll make it in time. Looking up I see the fire is directly above me. Panic starts to emerge from the depths of my soul as I watch the flames spread.
"No, you're not going to win, not now, not ever! Do you hear me, Andy? You're never going to win! Never!" Having renewed inner strength, I start sawing faster. With one hard tug, my restraint finally pulls free. Realizing I don't have any time to spare, I start scooting towards the door. Excruciating pain shoots through my entire body as I propel myself to freedom. As I'm scurrying across the porch, I hear a loud bang behind me. Looking back I see flaming timber lying diagonally across the frame. More frightened than ever, I scamper towards the door. I'm halfway across the dust porch when I hear someone moving outside.
"Please, help me!" I beg, trying to make it to the door.
"Please someone, please help me, I'm trapped on the porch," I say, stretching my arm towards the latch. My fingertips barely graze the metal as my arm slides to the floor. I stretch my frail battered arms as high as they will go, but I still can't reach the knob.
"Please someone help me," I beg, trying to reach the latch again. I hear the high-pitched screams of sirens wailing in far the distance. Looking back I see the flames advancing across the old, rotten porch. They're going to be too late. I hear a loud explosion then see pieces of white metal flying through the air. I'm free at last; I smile, laying my head against the door.
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.
Larry
I waltz through the office door, whistling a merry tune. It is such a beautiful day. The sun is shining, birds are singing, and I'm scheduled to meet with three new clients today. Three renowned leaders that'll put my billable hours over the top. The best part of all is I haven't seen the scraggly blackmailer in well over a week. I figure the dozen or so calls I made did a world of good.
"Good morning, Mr. Lawrenson."
"Good morning, Kathy, how's the sexiest secretary in the building doing today?" The little wallflower is filling in while my other secretary is on a much-needed vacation. I don't mind. No, I figure a little fresh meat will do this playboy some good.
"Fine sir," Her pretty young face turns scarlet red as I continue to check her out. Oh, what a sultry young lady. It's such a shame that she hides her exquisite beauty behind all those drab clothes.
Kathy is wearing an ill-fitting turtleneck that's faded to a drab olive green. Her matching tea-length skirt flows freely from her waist. I see her self-consciously adjust her dark rimmed glasses as I walk towards her. I then notice her beautiful baby blues gazing back at me.
"We still have that working lunch date today, right?" She blushes again. You won't be so shy once the larrster gets a hold of you. Smiling, I continue.
"It's important we find those old files." Slapping her cute behind, I casually stroll to the door.
"Do I have any messages?" I ask, posing provocatively in the door. Turning, I see Kathy standing frozen by her desk, mouth agape, staring at my fine physique. Like what you see, don't you babe, all women do. I give her a few more seconds to gawk before asking again.
"The messages, Kathy."
"Oh yes, I'm sorry," I amusingly watch as she trips over herself to get to me.
"You have three messages, Sir," she awkwardly hands me the notes.
"Thank you, Kathy." Taking the paper from her trembling fingers, I begin to read.
"Oh, and your wife called, Sir. She said that you'll be hearing from her attorney real soon."
"Did she now?" I laugh. That woman is a piece of work will stop at nothing to get her way.
"I'll call her, see what's going on."
I hadn't planned on settling down, to begin with, but when Jen announced she was pregnant, my dad forced me to marry her. He said I needed to settle down, get a job, support her and the kid. A child I wasn't too certain was mine.
"Is there anything else?"
"No Sir, that's all."
"Don't forget about our little lunch date." I wink again.
"I... I won't, Sir." I bet you won't. Smiling, I close the office door. I'm still looking through the messages when my boss steps in the room.
"Great win, son."
"Thank you, Mr. Hensley."
"You know that puts you over the top."
"I figured it might."
"Keep that up and you'll be a senior partner in no time."
"I plan to." Looking up I see he's waltzing towards my bookcase.
"You updated your pictures." The family photo is now a picture of my beautiful
four-year-old daughter, Lilly.
"I had it taken when I was visited over the weekend." I was able to snap a few pictures, play a little dress up before Jen through me out of her house. She does when she doesn't get her way.
~~~
"I'm not about to pay you another dime!" I scream. I already paid her four thousand last weekend and the weekend before.
"You either pay me or you won't see Lily for a very long time."
"We'll just see about that," I say storming to the door.
I was sitting at the bar, trying to cool down, when I met a tall thin drink of a woman named Barbie.
I had the sultry young woman so aroused that she threatened bodily harm if I didn't give it up. She even went as far as tearing off my clothes. Smiling I picture how hot Barbie looked lying naked on the bar's bathroom floor. I then recall how she wrapped her long sexy legs around me and the way she sunk her claws into ass forcing me deep inside her.
~~~
"How's your family doing?"
"They're fine, sir. Unfortunately, my wife's mama isn't," I lied again. Her mama is fit as an old hag can be, but I told my boss Jen went down there to take care of her sickly mother.
"Do you have any new clients lined up for us, son?"
"I have three, Sir."
"Three, that's great. Well, I'll let you get back to work. Congratulations, on you on your win, today."
"Thank you, Sir,"
"The guys and I are going to the club this weekend and would love for you to come alone, if you're interested, of course."
"I'd love to, Sir, but I have plans with my daughter this weekend. Going to take her to her first dance recital," That was the original plan, but now Jen's throwing a fit, I doubt if that'll happen. So I'll spend the weekend with another woman I met in Florida instead.
I start to recall the hot passionate session we had on the beach and how she left me wanting more. Me, the philanderer, the one who leaves woman wishing for more had me begging to see her again. Glancing down a see a large bulge starting to protrude from my pants. Looks like we're going to have an early lunch, Kathy. Once I get rid of him. I turn my attention back to my boss who's slowly working his way towards the door.
"Maybe you can join us next time."
"Maybe, Sir." Seeing Mr. Hensley is out of sight, I casually stroll towards Kathy's desk. I was more than ready to go, but I didn't want to seem too eager.
"Ready for our lunch date?"
"I...I guess."
"You still want to help me find the file, right?" I wink.
"Yeah."
"Ok then let's go." I lead her to the only place in the office that doesn't have camera's, the storage room. Locking the door, I walk towards her.
"I know there's a hot passionate woman hiding underneath all of these clothes." Grabbing the bottom of her sweater, I pull it over her head. Slinging the garment on the floor, I start massaging her small perky breasts through the thin lacy material.
"Let's get rid of this too." Pulling the straps off of her shoulders, I start pinching her hardened nipples. Tossing her head back, she begins to moan. I feel Kathy's hand slip inside my pants, then feel her long warm fingers gently stroke my hardening appendage.
"That's the way, baby." I smile. Running my hand down the length of her body, I slowly unfasten her skirt.
"I remembered what you said about not wearing any panties."
"I see that." Licking my lips, I reach for her V.
We'd just finished the second round when someone pounds on the door.
"Sir, I know your busy looking for files, but you have a client here who insists on seeing you."
"I'll be right out." I see the terror on Kathy's face as I scoop up her clothes.
"Go behind those boxes." Shoving clothes in her hands I continue.
"Wait a few minutes before you come out, ok?" She nods.
"I hope it was as good for you as it was for me." Her constant moaning already told me it was. Kissing her on the forehead, I reach for the door. Turning back around, I see she's still frozen in place.
"Go." I tap her on her cute behind. With a deer caught in the headlights look, she mechanically stumbles to the back.
"Remember to wait a few minutes before you come out." I see her nod again.
"I'm giving you two more seconds, Larry." I knew by the sound of the voice who was waiting on the other side. Oh, how I wish I can stay hidden away from this cold, devious man, but with my daughter's life at stake, I know that isn't feasible. Seeing Kathy safely behind the stack of boxes, I step into the hall.
"What can I do for you?" I ask, pulling the door closed behind me.
"I think you should hear this message. It's from your daughter."
"W.. what did you do to my Lilly?" Smiling, the blackmailer walks towards my office.
By Mistydawn
Julia
I wake up to find myself in a cold, sterile hospital room with tubes running out of every orifice of my body. What happened to me? Why am I here? Frightened, I start glancing around. Looking to my right, I see a large clear machine sitting alongside my head. The noisy device whooshes, as the centerpiece slowly moves up and down. I see a plastic hose running from it to a tube dangling out of my mouth. A long slender pole with a bag of fluids is sitting next to it. A clear plastic tube runs from that machine into a port sticking out of my arm.
Turning my head in the other direction, I see a nurse busily working at the counter. I try calling out to her, but my throat is so dry, that I can't seem to make a sound. I try lifting my arms off of the bed, but they're so heavy that I can't even scoot them across the cold sheets. I try raising my legs, and soon discover they don't want to move either. Oh my god, I'm completely paralyzed. I feel warm tears stream down my face as I try to recall the event that left me in this vegetate state.
Wait, I can feel my tears rolling down my cheek. That's a good sign, right? Of course, it is. Feeling a teensy bit hopeful, I try moving my fingers. Please, move; please move I beg glancing down at my hand. I see my fingers twitch then slowly raise off the bed. I try doing the same with the other hand. My fingers quickly jerk away from the sheets. If I still can move my fingers, maybe I can wiggle my toes. I start concentrating real hard, hoping I can get them to move. I feel my breath catch in my throat, as my toes rub against each other. I did it, I did it. Excited, I quickly lift up my right leg and then my left. I'm not paralyzed, after all. I try lifting my arms when I discover they're strapped down to the bed. No wonder I can't move them. With a great sense of accomplishment, I continue to search my surroundings, hoping to figure out what's happened. Glancing towards the glass barrier, I see a police officer standing outside my door. Why is he here? Why am I even here? I try to recall what's happened, but nothing comes to mind. What can't I remember, why? I cry as I continue to rack my brain. Hearing heavy footsteps coming towards me, I glance up. I see a tall rounded woman standing over my bed.
"My name is Mary; I'm going to be your nurse today." I try to reply, but nothing comes out of my mouth. Frustrated, I start crying again. I have so many questions I need answers to, but how can I ask them if I can't make a sound.
"Don't try to talk honey. Just lay there and rest and I'll see if I can answer some of the questions you might have, ok?" I nod.
"You're at Bay Health in Delaware. You're brought here by an ambulance after your neighbor rescued you from a house fire. You have second-degree burns over your entire body and a laceration to the back of your head. The doctors believe you will be able to make a full recovery soon. Is there anything else?" I look towards the intimidating machines.
That's a ventilator to help you breathe. The IV is pumping fluids into your body to help you recuperate. You have a catheter so you won't need to get up to go to the restroom. That'll probably come out once you're strong enough to move around. We've been giving you nutrition through this tube," I see she's holding a small plastic tube that's attached to my stomach.
"Once the ventilator comes off you probably won't need this either." I look towards the door.
"The officer wants to ask you a few questions. I told him I'd call when you're able to talk, but he insists on standing outside your door." I see the officer rush into the room. Mary turns to face him.
"Why didn't you tell me she's awake?"
"She still can't talk."
"She can nod her head, can't she?"
"I suppose so, but..."
"Well, that's good enough." Pushing my nurse out of the way he steps up to the bed.
"You don't have to answer any of his questions without a lawyer present," Mary yells. The officer pivots back around.
"Don't you have something else you should be doing?"
"Yeah, getting Administration," The officer turns towards the bed. Mary storms out of the door.
"Julia Moffitt, you're under arrest for the murder of Andy Moffitt." Picking up my left arm, he handcuffs me to the bed. I'm under arrest for killing my husband? How can that be? I start to recall our argument and waking up to find that I was tied to the table. I then remember how the fire had me completely surrounded on the old dusty porch. Andy tried to kill me. I was the one that was beaten. I was the one who was strapped to the table and left to die, not him. So why do the police believe I killed Andy? I then recall seeing pieces of his truck flying through the air. They think I planted the bomb. Frightened, I glance up at the officer, who is busy reciting me my rights.
"I heard we have a problem in here." Looking over, I see an older, graying gentleman step into the room.
"No problem here, Doctor."
"Then what are you doing to my patient?"
"I'm placing her under arrest for murder."
"Murder?"
"Yes, I'll have her transferred to the state hospital later this afternoon."
"She's in no condition to travel."
"The court believes she is." I see him hand the doctor a piece of paper.
"Court order or not, I'm not releasing Miss. Moffitt from my care."
"We'll just see about that." I start sobbing as the officer storms out of the door.
"There, there honey, it'll be alright." Seeing that I'm trying to tell her something, Mary hands me a pen and paper. Scribbling a message, I hand it back to the nurse.
"They think you planted the explosives?" I nod my head.
"Don't worry honey; you're not going anywhere. So lay back and try to get some rest." Patting my hand, the doctor continues.
"I'll see you in a little while, alright?" I nod again.
"I'll call my lawyer friend, see what he can do to help you, Julia?" I write thank you on the paper.
"You're very welcome, sweetie. You should try and get some rest like the doctor said, ok?" Straightening my bedsheets she continues.
"I'll be back in a few minutes."
I woozily wake up in the wee morning hours to find myself being rolled down the hospital's long bright hallway. Frightened, I quickly glance up. I see an orderly dressed in dark blue scrubs staring down at me. He looks somewhat familiar, but I couldn't be too certain with the surgical mask covering half of his face. I then realize that I've been disconnected from the ventilator. When did that happen? Feeling like I couldn't catch my breath I start gasping for much-needed air. Oh, god please don't let me die, please don't let me die. I think as I continue to inhale deeply.
I feel a cold wind whip across my cheeks as he pushes the metal door open. Glancing around, I see that we're heading towards the parking lot.
"W... Where are you taking me?" I breathlessly ask.
"We're going on a little road trip." Horrible memories start flashing through my mind the moment I hear his voice.
"No!" I yell, trying to sit up. The restraints pull me back down on the bed.
"You're not going anywhere, this time, Julia." He laughs.
"Please, someone help me!" I scream as he continues to push me down the sidewalk. Glancing around I see the cold, dark parking lot is completely deserted. I then notice a few dawdlers on the other side of the lot. Looking ahead, I notice the cars are just a few feet away. More panicked than ever, I continue to scream.
"Please someone help me, please help me, I'm being kidnapped."
"That's enough, Julia!" Forcing air deep into my lungs, I yell again.
"Someone please call the police, I'm being kidnapped!"
"I said that's enough!" Lifting up his right hand, he punches me in the mouth.
"Please don't hurt me, Andy, please, don't," I cry. Scooping me off of the gurney, he places me in the car.
"No, please don't hurt me. I promise to be good this time, I swear, I will!"
"It's a little late for that now, don't you think?" I see an evil smile creep across his face. Frightened, I try to get away. I'm so weak, so bruised, so battered that I don't have the strength to fight him.
"I'm going to get rid of you once and for all," he states, slamming the car door closed. I reach for the handle only to discover it has been removed.
"Please someone, please help me," I beg, pounding as hard as I can on the glass.
"You're not getting away from me this time, bitch." Andy laughs, as we drive away.
By Mistydawn
Larry
Horrifying thoughts start running through my head as I follow the broad man to my office. I first imagine Lilly crying, as she huddles down in the corner. I see the blood flowing out of her small, frail body, as the man continues to beat her. I then picture her calling for me, in her final breath.
I.. I'll kill him if he did something to my daughter. I furiously clench and unclench my fingers, as I storm down the hall. I'll make him wish he was never born. I feel my jaw tighten, and my body starts to shake, as I continue to stomp down the corridor. Life without parole will be well worth what I'm about to do to this dude. Shoving him in my office, I slam the door closed behind me.
"You better not have harmed one single hair on my daughter's head, you hear me, not one little wisp!" Picking up the phone, I dial Jen's number.
"Relax pal, your beautiful wife and daughter are safe and sound at your in-laws."
"You won't mind if I find out for myself, will you?"
"Jen, hi, it's Larry. Are you and Lilly alright? He did what?" I ask, glaring at the dude.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure that it won't happen again." Slamming the phone down on my desk, I stomp over to my visitor.
"See, they're safe and sound, just like I said."
"I don't know who you think you are, Pal. Coming in here like some bad ass, demanding my services." I'm telling you right now to leave my family alone or you'll have hell to pay."I don't know who you think you are, "pal," coming in here like some bad-ass, demanding my services. but I'm telling you right now, you better leave my family alone, or you'll have hell to pay. You got that, "pal!" I say, poking him in the chest. Straightening himself up, he sticks out his broad chest. That would scare me half to death on a normal day, but with my testosterone level running high, his threatening act didn't scare me a bit. Just another bully in the playground of life, I think, shoving my chest against his.
"No, you listen here you, you, pipsqueak, and listen up good, because I'm only going to tell you this once." Shoving me back, he continues.
"I will kill your wife, daughter and everyone else you love if my nephew spends a single night in jail. Do I make myself clear, pal?" He shoves me again, I stumble backward, landing on the expensive leather sofa. Hovering over me, he continues.
"If you ever, ever get an attitude with me again, you'll find yourself confined to a wheelchair, permanently. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal clear."
"Good. Enjoy the message from your daughter. Tossing me an old cassette player, he continues.
"I'll see you this afternoon, and don't make me have to hunt you down again." I watch as he exchanges pleasantries with the staff. What did I get myself into? Pushing play on the antique recorder, I listen intently for my daughter's voice. After a few minutes of shuffling, I hear a gruff voice say;
"Just talk normally. No, no, you don't have to be that close." I hear more noise, then a sweet voice say;
"Daddy, this is Lilly." There's a long pause.
"Go ahead honey, talk to your Daddy."
"Daddy, Uncle Marty says you're helping him and that he'll make sure we see you if you win. So please win, Daddy, please. I love you and miss you," she cries.
"I miss you too, baby." I wipe a tear out of my eye. Lilly is my little angel, my pride, and joy. She stole my heart the second I laid eyes on her. With her big blue eyes and beautiful smile, how could I not fall in love?
"Hear that Larry, your daughter wants to see you again. So do as I say and no one will get hurt." A deep voice blares over the machine.
"Please do as he says, Larry, please," Jen begs before the recording clicks off. I'm letting the tape play through when my boss walks in the room.
"I just saw your new client. He seems like a very nice guy."
"Yeah, real nice." Not sure what else might be on the recorder, I quickly click off the machine.
"I haven't seen one of those things in years," my boss says, eyeing the antique device.
"My client brought it to me, said there's something on it I need to hear."
"You can't beat a client who collects his own evidence." Mr. Hensley laughs.
"No Sir, you can't."
"Larry, your wife is on line two, she says it's urgent." Looking over, I see Kathy standing in the doorway, looking sexy as ever. That was one hot lunch date. Don't worry babe, there's plenty more where that came from. I see her nervously fidget with her clothes. You're getting hot just thinking about it, aren't you, Kathy? I smile.
"Your wife, Sir."
"I better get that." Rushing over, I scoop up the phone.
"Is everything alright, Jen? You want to talk to me about this weekend?"
"I'll give you a little privacy." Winking, Mr. Hensley pulls the door closed behind him.
"Lilly honey, stop crying. I promise I'll come see you soon, ok? I hear the phone being shuffled, then Jen's voice on the line. I can't, Jen, I have to work this weekend. I know Lilly does, and I miss her too, but I have to prepare Marty's case otherwise... We had a long talk about that and I don't think he'll be back to bother you anytime soon. I know he is, that's why it's so important for me to win. If it's worrying you that much, why don't you stay at your sister's for a while? Did he? We'll have a little talk about that too. I won't piss him off, I promise. Yes, Jen, I know," I say, plopping down in my chair.
***
I'm returning a few calls when two disheveled gentlemen step into my office. I immediately recognize one from this morning's visit, so I figure the second is the nephew.
"Let me get back to you on that," I say into the phone. The two men plop down on the couch as I disconnect the call.
"This is Vinnie. He's the one I've been telling you about. I told him you'll take good care of him."
"Well, gentleman, I wish I could give you some better news, but I'm afraid the police have a solid case against you."
"There's nothing you can do?" Vinnie exclaims, turning towards Marty.
"Sure he can, right, pal?" I see the ominous look on his face as he wiggles his phone in front of my face. Remembering what's on it, I nervously continue.
"I.. I'll see what I can do, but like I was saying..."
"Vinnie, can you wait for me outside?"
"Sure." He obediently walks towards the door. Marty waits until he's in the hallway before he continues.
"Maybe I didn't make myself clear this morning. You either win this case or else."
"I'd love to win this case for you, but I..."
"Let me put it to you another way. If you don't win this case, everyone you've ever cared about will die a slow, painful death."
"But I..."
"And I will frame you for their murders on top of the murder already hanging over your head." Showing me his phone, Marty continues.
"My associates knows about our little deal and they're instructed to deliver the package if anything happens to me."
"I'll try to come up with something."
"Good." Marty storms out of the door. A few seconds later, he returns with his nephew.
"I'll let you two get to work. Remember what I said, Larry."
"I will." Smiling, he closes the door behind him.
"Looks like you and I have a lot of ground to cover." Pulling a file from my desk drawer, I quickly scan through my notes.
"Do you have an alibi?"
"An alibi?"
"Yeah, you know, someone that will say they saw you around the time the murder occurred. One is good, but two or three indisputable alibis is even better."
"I'm sure my Uncle can find someone."
"Tell Marty to make sure they're air tight, alright?" Seeing him nod I continue.
"The police found bloody clothes, shoes and a gun at your apartment, correct?"
"Yes."
"Did they find anything else?"
"Not that I know of."
"Did they hand you a search warrant?"
"I wasn't home at the time."
"Who let them in?"
"My roommate."
"Does your roommate live there?"
"That's what roommate means."
"Is his name on the lease?"
"No, only mine and my ex's name."
"Your ex, does she live there too?"
"She's my ex, so what do you think?"
"Look bud, I'm trying to help you out here, so knock off the attitude, alright?"
"No, she doesn't."
"Does your roommate get mail there?"
"Yeah."
"Talk to your roommate, see if the cops gave him a search warrant, and find someone who'll say you were somewhere else when the victim was killed." Grabbing my coat, I continue.
"Meet me back here in an hour." I run for the door.
"Sir, your client asked me to give you this," Kathy says, handing me a piece of paper. Glancing up, I see Marty strolling out of the door. Opening the paper, I start to read;
"Final warning, no!" Panicking, I race down the hallway after him. Throwing the door open, I start looking around. I see my father running towards me.
"What's wrong, Dad?"
"Your mom is in the hospital," he bawls, collapsing in my arms.
By Mistydawn
Julia
I'm startled awake by the annoying alarm beeping beside my head. Looking over, I see my second husband Bill, sleeping peacefully beside me. I'm so lucky to have him, I think, trying to shake the horrible dream from my mind. Turning off the alarm, I reluctantly throw my feet out of the covers. I'm more tired now than when I went to bed. Glancing in the mirror, I see dark circles have taken up residency under my red, swollen eyes. I'd give just about anything for a good night's sleep. Pulling concealer out of the top drawer, I quickly get to work.
Oh, why did the night terrors start now, ten years later? Dabbing the miracle cream on my pale face, I start searching for answers. I have everything that I've ever wanted. A loving husband, two adorable kids, a beautiful home, and a successful career. So why is my past haunting me now? Why now? Sobbing, I plop down on the toilet. I wish they'd just stop. Oh, why can't I get them to stop, why? Hearing a knock on the bathroom door, I quickly dry my tears.
"Is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine, Bill."
"Then why did you lock the bathroom door?"
"Oh, I'm sorry." I run over and open it. Seeing makeup streaming down my face, he asks;
"What's wrong, honey?"
"I had another nightmare," I cry, collapsing against him.
"Oh, honey." Feeling his strong arms wrap around me, I snuggle in closer. I wish we could stay like this forever. I think, scooting in closer.
"They're getting worse, Bill, a lot worse, and I don't know how much longer I can take it," I cry.
"It'll be alright, honey," he says, gently stroking my hair.
"I can't eat, I can't sleep and I'm starting to look like a withered up hag," I sob, glancing in the mirror.
"You're the most beautiful old hag I've ever seen." Feeling his finger strum gently across my wet cheek, I smile.
"That's better, now come over here so I can wash your face." He leads me towards the vanity.
"I don't know what I'd do without you, Bill."
"You'd run around looking like a clown, that's what you'd do." Bill laughs, as he continues to wipe makeup off of my face. I chuckle.
"You finish getting ready and I'll take care of the kids."
"Thanks, Bill."
Walking to the door, he turns back around.
"Honey, I really think you should see someone about your nightmares."
"I probably should." I haven't told him about my past. I'm afraid he'll think less of me if I do. I planned on telling him in the beginning, but it was such an amazing relationship from the moment we first met, I didn't want to lose him.
Our relationship began when he walked into the law firm. We fell in love, the second our eyes met. We dated for a little over a month then ran off to Jamaica to be married. Ethan was born nine months later and Ashley soon after. Our love, our marriage is everything I could ever hope for, and I didn't want to ruin the magic by telling him about my seedy past. I start thinking about Bill's advice as I apply my makeup.
I should talk to someone, but who can I trust? I know that psychiatrists are bound to secrecy, but obligated by law to report criminal activities. I start going through a list of friends in my head. I don't know if I can trust any of them. I conclude, finishing my makeup. Walking in the kitchen, I find the kids waiting for me by the door.
"They're ready to go," Bill announces proudly.
"Did you feed them?"
"Yep."
"Oh Bill, you're the greatest," I run over and kiss him.
"Come on mom, I don't want to be late for school." Ethan protests. He's my little bookworm. Like his dad, he takes education very seriously.
"You go on out, and I'll be there in a second after I thank your father properly." I lean in to kiss him again.
"Thank me tonight, now scoot," he orders, turning me towards the door.
"Love you," I yell over my shoulder.
"You too," he says.
I start to pull out of the driveway when a man darts in front of me. Slamming on my brakes, I come to a screeching halt. Looking up, I notice the bloke is slowly walking across the drive, oblivious to the sudden noise. Looking closer, I realize the gentleman looks identical to my first husband, Andy. No, it can't be, it just can't be, he's dead. I start thinking back to that dreadful time, so many years ago.
~~~~
I frighteningly watch as the city lights disappear behind us. Looking over, I see Andy grinning. It's the same terrifying smile I see, right before he beats me.
"W..where are we going?"
"You'll see."
"You don't want to do this, Andy, you really don't."
"Do what?" He chuckles.
"Whatever your planning. L... let's just go our separate ways and be done with it, ok?"
"And let you get away with murder? I don't think so."
"How can it be murder when you're still alive?"
"So, you did try to kill me, after all."
"No Andy, that wasn't me, I swear it wasn't."
"You lying whore!" Lifting up his fist, he punches me in the face. My head flies back, smacking the glass.
"Please Andy, please don't do this."
"And miss my well-deserved revenge, I don't think so." I see his fist coming towards me, then feel my head hit the glass again.
When I wake up, I find myself lying naked on the cold, hardwood floor. Looking around, I realize that I'm in his rundown shack on the outskirts of town. Glancing up, I see rays of light shining through the large cracks in the ceiling. How did I get here? I start to recall everything that's happened.
I have to get out of here before Andy comes back. Lifting my aching body off of the floor, I hobble to the door. I feel something warm trickling down my leg, as I reach for the knob. Looking down, I see fresh blood starting to pool below me. I have to get help before it's too late. I start to walk out of the door when another thought occurs to me. How am I going to defend myself? I scan the cabin, hoping to find something that'll suffice as a weapon. Grabbing the fire poker from the dusty hearth, I shuffle out the door. Every inch of my body throbs in pain as I stumble down the path. I have to keep going, I think, pushing myself forward. Seeing a car parked off in the distance, I cautiously plod towards it. Just a little farther, I think, trudging towards the vehicle.
I'd just made it to the car when I hear someone moving around inside. Peeking in the window, I see Andy and his lover, naked on the back seat. When I look closer, I notice bruises running up and down her thin, frail body. I then see a butcher knife protruding from her neck. Oh my god, he's killed her, Andy killed that woman. I think, sliding to the ground. I need to get out of here before he kills me too. I start to stand up when a sobering thought comes to mind. What's the use of running, when I know he'll only find me again? Oh Lord, please take me, please, please take me home. I don't have the strength to fight him anymore, I don't, I just don't. I sob, laying my head on my knees.
"Look who's come to join the party," Andy slurs, stumbling towards me.
"Just when I'm fresh out of knives. I'm sure Kimberly won't mind if we borrow hers." Glancing up, I see a bloody knife in his hand.
"G.. Get away from me Andy," I say, scooting away from him.
"That's no way to treat your husband."
"I mean it, Andy, get away." I see that same evil look as he steps closer.
"You're never going to hurt anyone, ever again!" Scooping up the poker, I plunge it into his chest.
~~~~
"We're going to be late, Mom," Ethan announces from the backseat.
"I'm going, I'm going." Not seeing the strange man anywhere, I pull out of the drive.
***
I decide to buy Bill a birthday gift before I go into work. Not finding what I'm looking for, I head back towards my car. I'll try a few more places tonight. I start to unlock the door when I see a grubby man walking towards me. I nervously fumble with the keys, as he gets closer.
"Hey lady, I heard you're looking for a knife."
"How do you know that?" I ask, quickly unlocking the car.
"I overheard you talking to the antique dealer."
"So, what if I am?"
"I have a beautiful knife I'll sell you, dirt cheap," he says, reaching for his backpack. I nervously step away.
"I tried to sell it to the pawn shop, but they won't give me anything for it," he explains, handing me the weapon.
"My Grandpa bought it over fifty years ago, isn't it pretty?"
"It's very nice."
"See the blade? It's so big that you can chop up things, but small enough for delicate jobs too. The handle is made from an expensive wood called Cocobolo. It's curved to fit your hand."
"How much are you asking?"
"I was hoping for seventy, but I'll take fifty."
"Fifty bucks?"
"I know your husband will love it." I'm sure he will, I think, eyeing the gorgeous antique.
"Ok, I'll take it."
I start to pull out of the parking space when I notice the patrol car behind me. What did I do? I see the cop draw his weapon, as he climbs out of the car. Oh my god, they know!
"Step out of the vehicle nice and slow, keep your hands where I can see them," he instructs, opening the car door.
"Be advised; your suspect has a warrant out of Kent County Delaware," the dispatcher announces over the radio.
"Turn around, face the car, hands on your head." Thousands of thoughts run through my mind as my body plows into the hot metal. Turning, I see more cops pulling in beside him, I then notice his revolver a few feet from my head. Spinning around, I grab the gun out of his hands. I start to tremble as I fumble with the device.
"Put the gun down, now!" The officer warns, reaching for another weapon. Looking around, I see the cops are quickly closing in.
By Mistydawn
Julia
Glancing behind me, I see the cops are quickly closing in. I know I have to do something before it's too late, but I'm not exactly sure what. Watching the scene unfold, I realize that I have three choices; I can spend the rest of my life behind bars, shoot them, or run like hell. I play out the scenarios in my mind. Shooting them will definitely get me killed, and I've come too far to give up now. Looking back one last time, I take off across the lot.
I imagine being gunned down in the parking lot. I then picture my family crying over my grave. I'm not going down like that. Not now, not ever, if I can help it, I think, picking up my pace. My stomach starts churning in fury as I push myself further.
"Stop, or I'll shoot." The officer screams as I turn the corner. Seeing the dark parking garage, I quickly duck inside. Glancing around, I see a distraught gentleman climbing in his car. Opening the passenger door, I plop down inside.
"What the...?" The gentleman begins, as I slide to the floorboard.
"Go! Go!" I scream, trying to situate my body within the limited space. Reaching for the lever, I quickly retract the seat. Much better, I think, repositioning myself again.
"I ah I..." he begins.
"Just do it, now!" I yell, cocking my gun. Seeing the weapon pointing towards his face, he nervously starts the car.
"W... where do you want to go?" he asks, pulling up to the exit.
"Take me somewhere safe and no funny stuff either, got it!"
***
Rachel
I'm trying to finish up a stack of paperwork at my desk when I see the Captain running towards me. I glance over at the detectives, they shrug in response.
I've been with the police force for fifteen years. My career began after I helped the captain and his partner, Jerry, solve the widowmaker case. I loved police work so much, that I decided to join the academy. I made Detective in a little under four years and a Sergeant in eight, after Jerry's health issues forced him to step down.
"Sergeant, we have a situation on the square."
"A situation, Sir?"
"Yes, a criminal fled as she was being detained for a felony warrant out of Delaware."
"How do you want to handle this, Captain?"
"I want you three to go back to the square try to retrace her steps. Get camera footage, eyewitness statements, anything that'll help us find her."
"We're on it, Captain," Jerry says. He's been a part of the force for nearly thirty years. His goal was to become Chief of Police, but health issues got in the way.
***
Larry
"I don't know what's going on lady, but running from the law is only going to make things worse," I say, driving through town.
"I don't need your lectures right now, I need to figure out a way to get out of this mess."
"I'm an attorney and I might be able to help if I knew what this is."
"You're a lawyer?"
"Yes. So let's go back to my office where we can discuss your case, figure out your legal options." I see her contemplating the idea in her head.
"Not your office, your home."
"My home?"
"I'll feel a lot safer there."
I'll feel safer once I get a hold of that gun, I conclude, watching her swing the weapon around.
"Home it is."
***
Rachel
I see a couple of cops interviewing potential witnesses, as we pull up to the scene.
"Someone must have seen something," I say, scanning the busy parking lot.
"You'd think so." Jerry agrees, shutting off the car.
"Jerry, I want you and Kirk to check security cameras. I'll see if the officer's found anything."
"Sounds like a plan, Sergeant," Kirk says, climbing out of the car. He's been at the station for thirteen years, ten years of that was spent in the lab.
Walking over to the first officer I see, I tap him on the shoulder. "What have you found out so far?"
"The ones I've talked to said they arrived after the incident occurred."
"Didn't the arresting officer detain any of the witnesses?" I ask, scanning the growing crowd.
"He was chasing the suspect."
"Keep looking, maybe someone saw something." Looking around, I continue.
"Has anyone talked to the shop owners, yet?"
"Not yet."
"That's where I'll be if anyone needs me."
"Yes, ma 'am." I'd just stepped out of the coffee shop when I see Kirk walking towards me.
"Did you find something, Kirk?"
"I checked the security tapes from the bank. It shows her running into the parking garage but doesn't show her coming out. So I'm going to check the garage cameras see what I can find."
"Keep me posted."
"I will, Serg."
***
Larry
"You ran because you were stopped for speeding?" I ask, glancing up from my notes.
"No, no, I ran because the floozy I stole the ID from has a warrant for her arrest."
"What floozy are you talking about?" I ask, trying to understand what she's telling me.
"My first husband's mistress. See, I stole her car, her Id and came to Arkansas."
"Your first husband?" I ask, more confused than ever.
"I've been married twice. The first time to Andy and then under a false name to Bill."
"So what is your real name?"
"Julia Moffit." Writing her name at the top of my legal pad I continue.
"Where's this other woman and your husband now?"
"Dead. Andy killed her, then I killed him."
"Whoa, wait a minute. You killed your husband, then fled to Arkansas?"
"That's what I've been trying to tell you. It was self-defense, really it was, but the police aren't going to believe me."
"They might."
"The cops didn't believe me when it happened and they won't believe me now." Jumping up, she checks the window. Seeing nothing has changed, she starts pacing across my faded green carpet.
"Wait, what do you mean it was self-defense?"
"Andy tried to kill me in a house fire. When he found out I survived, he took me out in the woods to kill me once and for all." I start remembering the case, as she continues to explain. According to national news, she supposedly set fire to her husband's car with him and the mistress inside.
"Do the police know that he tried to kill you?" I ask. Looking up, I see she's checking the window again.
"Yes, but they're more concerned about his truck blowing up than what he did to me."
"How did his truck blow up?" I wistfully glance towards the bar.
"I rigged up an explosive to ignite when he started the truck."
"So let me get this straight, you planned on killing him and nearly died yourself. When he found out you were alive, he tried to kill you again. This time, you killed him and then stole his mistress's identity?"
"That pretty much sums it up."
"You are in a mess."
"Do you think you can help me?"
"I don't know if anyone can help you at this point."
"Oh, please Larry, you have to help me. You just have to," she begs, grabbing a hold of my hands. Looking over, I see her big baby blues tearing up. As you well know, I have a thing for helpless women. Especially when it comes to blond hair, blue eyed beauties like her. Dirty thoughts start creeping in my head as I gaze into her eyes. Down Larry, I tell myself. tearing my eyes away from hers.
"Why didn't you just leave?"
"I tried to, believe me, I did, but he'd find me and beat me worse than before. I had to kill him, Larry, otherwise I'd end up dead. Oh, what am I going to do? What am I going to do?" she sobs.
"We're going to need tangible proof if we want your story to hold up in court."
"I overheard the two of them talking about how they're going to kill me."
"Did you tape it?"
"No."
"That won't hold up in court. Did you report the abuse to the police?"
"Once, but they didn't believe me."
"What do you mean, they didn't believe you?"
"Andy and his friends told the cops I'm making the whole thing up. Since there weren't any marks to prove different, the cops believed them over me."
"Did you ever visit the hospital?"
"Yeah, but he'd force me to make up excuses like running into doors, falling down the stairs, things like that."
"If I can get my hands on your medical records, we just might have a case."
"You think so?"
"It's worth a shot. Do you remember which hospital you went to?"
"Bayside Medical."
"I want you to call and have them fax all of your records to this number."
****
Rachel
I'm finishing up with a shop owner when I see Kirk running towards me.
"Sergeant, Sergeant, I have great news," he says, as he closes the distance.
"What is it, Kirk?"
"A camera shows her and a man driving away in a Black Cascade. When I ran the license plate number it came back to a Larry Wilson. I have his address right here."
"Let's get a team together and head over there."
****
Larry
"The hospital should be getting the release form, any minute now," I say, glancing towards the machine. As if on cue, my fax machine roars to life.
"Here comes something now." Hearing pounding coming from the front of the house, we both turn towards the noise.
A deep commanding voice blares through the door."Berryville PD, open up!" A deep voice reply. Turning, I see Julia running for the back door.
"Don't do it!" I warn. My door bursts open, followed by an army of cops trampling through my house. I hear a loud bang, then watch in horror, as Julia's frail body crumbles to the floor.
"No!" I scream, running to her side.
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of sexual content.
Larry
Seeing Julia fall to the floor, I start to run to her side. A heavy-set cop steps in my way when I'm just a few feet from her body.
"She'll be alright, in a minute," he says. Looking around his large frame, I see Julia lying on the tile. I then see wires coming from her body to a device in the cop's hands.
"We only tased her," the officer explains, as another slaps cuffs on her wrist.
"Kimberly, you're under arrest for murder."
"B...but I'm not Kimberly," Julia mutters.
"Officer, can I have a minute with my client, please?"
"You can have all the time you like when we get down to the station."
"I need to talk to her, now!" I say, trying to shove past him. The officer pushes me aside.
"Don't say anything until I get there, alright," I warn.
"I... I won't," she tearfully replies.
"Larry Wilson, you're under arrest for harboring a fugitive." I feel the cold metal slap against my wrists, as I'm being escorted out the door.
"He didn't know I was a fugitive," Julia yells.
"We'll sort it out at the station," the officer says, pushing me through the house.
~~~
That was the beginning of a very long night, but after a lot of explaining and a little truth-stretching, they finally let me go. Julia, on the other hand, is supposed to be arraigned this morning.
My cell phone starts ringing as I stumble towards the coffee pot. Seeing it's an unknown number, I quickly push it aside. I'm not ready to face anyone, just yet. I start pouring liquid energy into a mug when the phone rings again. Thinking it might be Julia, I scoop up the device.
"Hello." Putting it on speaker, I lay it back on the counter.
"Larry Wilson, this is Jack from over at Scheele."
"Hi Jack, how are you doing this morning?" Pouring coffee into my mug, I take a quick sip.
"Not well, I'm afraid."
"What's wrong, Sir?"
"Can I talk to Kimberly, please?"
"She's not here right now, but I'll be glad to give her a message." I wanted to correct him on the name but decided I didn't want to get into how she switched identities again. Not after spending half the night explaining it to the cops.
"Tell her not to bother coming in today, or any other day for that matter."
"You're firing her, Sir?"
"I'm afraid I have to."
"Why?"
"I just received a disturbing call from her husband, Bill. He said she was arrested for murder yesterday."
"There was a little misunderstanding, but I plan to clear it up first thing this morning."
"So it is true, she was arrested for murder."
"See Sir, she bought a knife from someone not realizing...."
"Bill already explained her version to me. He also said you two are shacking up."
"I hardly call it shacking up, Sir. She was in trouble, so I helped her out."
"She was arrested at your house, correct?"
"Yes, Sir, but see..." noticing the coffee running down on the counter, I replace the pot in the machine. Grabbing a huge wad of paper towels, I start sopping up the mess.
"I'll have my secretary send her last check to your house, later this afternoon."
"But, Sir you don't..." The line goes dead. How am I going to break this to her? Looking down, I see a small coffee stain on my shirt. Just wonderful, I think, running up the stairs.
***
Rachel
"You're here early, Jerry," I say, checking my watch.
"I wanted to finish the case we started yesterday."
"Are you talking about the Kimberly, Julia case?"
"Yes, forensics only found one set of prints on the knife, hers. The small speck of blood matches the victim's and the stab wounds are consistent with the blade."
"It sounds like it's an open and shut case, then," I say, plopping my stuff on the desk.
"What I don't understand, Sergeant is how someone her size could plunge a knife into someone that deep twenty times."
"Adrenaline can give us strength, we normally wouldn't have," I recall a similar case where a petite woman mutilated her husband.
"Why did she choose that particular victim?"
"You still can't find a connection?"
"No."
"Maybe he just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?"
"I don't see her going off on somebody for no reason. Besides, the killer would have to have a lot of built up rage to inflict that many wounds."
"She doesn't fit the pattern, that's for sure. Tell you what, I'll dig into the victim's life and you dig into hers, see what we can find."
***
Larry
I rush into the courtroom with my coat, and briefcase dangling down by my side.
"Sorry, I'm late, your Honor," I say, pushing through the small gate. I see Vinnie and Marty are impatiently waiting for me Throwing my stuff on the table, I anxiously glance up at the judge. I've heard terrifying rumors about what happens to attorneys who show up late.
"Are you ready to proceed, counselor?"
"Yes, your Honor."
"Prosecutor, call your first witness, please."
"Sir, if I may, I'd like to ask for a continuance."
"What seems to be the trouble, counselor?"
"I was asked to represent my client late yesterday evening, so I haven't had time to review the case."
"You show up fifteen minutes late, and then expect me to grant you a continuance when you've had all night to prepare?"
"Yes, your Honor," I solemnly reply.
"I'd advise you to get your priorities in order if you want to continue in the court of law."
"Yes, your Honor." Glancing over at the defense table, he continues.
"In light of justice, I will postpone the trial until tomorrow morning. I expect you to be prepared and on time."
"Yes, your Honor, I will, thank you, Sir."
"Mr. Wilson, I will not tolerate any of your shenanigans in my courtroom, is that understood?"
"Yes, your Honor."
"Court is dismissed," he orders, banging the gavel against the desk.
"I need to talk to you later today, Vinnie," I say, running out the door.
I see Julia nervously standing in front of the judge when I rush into the next courtroom.
"He should be here any minute, your Honor," she replies, glancing towards the door.
"I'm right here, your Honor," I yell, rushing towards them.
"Sorry, I'm late I had..."
"How does your client plead?"
"Not guilty, your Honor."
"Since the crime is so heinous in nature, we ask the court to deny her bail," the prosecutor states.
"This is her first offense, your Honor. She has a husband, two children, and works in the community." I quickly rebut.
"She tried to flee from the police."
"I'm setting bail at fifty thousand."
"Thank you, your Honor."
"I don't have anywhere to go," Julia whispers.
"You can stay with me until the trial is over."
"With you, but...."
"What other choice do you have?" Bill told her not to come home as she was escorted to processing.
"I suppose you're right," she says, plopping down in her chair.
***
Rachel
I look up from my desk, shaking my head.
"What's wrong, Sergeant?"
"You're right, Jerry, there isn't one single thing that puts these two together."
"I tried to tell you that."
"Yeah, I know."
"I talked to the antique dealer a few minutes ago. He remembers her asking about a knife for her husband's birthday, but doesn't remember anyone trying to sell him a weapon."
"What time did he say she came in?"
"He said it was a little after eight. She couldn't find anything so she left."
"That would put her in the area around the time the murder occurred."
"I still don't think she did it, Sergeant." Jerry's been with the police force for over thirty years, so when he has a gut feeling about something, I know he's probably right.
"Kirk, I want you to re-canvass the area. See if you can find someone that'll put her anywhere but the crime scene. Jerry, check the security cameras in the area."
***
Larry
I see Julia walking down the steps, wearing a skimpy robe. She looks so much hotter in that than my wife ever did, I think, licking my lips. I feel my appendage come to life as I continue to stare.
"I hope you don't mind if I borrow this?" Stopping a few feet in front of me she unfastens the belt.
"Oops." She giggles. The robe flies open, exposing her hot naked flesh.
I have to have that woman, I think, becoming uncomfortably hard.
I see a provocative smile creep across her face as she drops the robe to the floor.
"I hope you know you're waking a vicious beast," I say, running my hands up her body.
"I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself." She smiles, moving my hand further south.
"Nice," I say exploring the new terrain. I see the hunger in her eyes as I continue to roam.
"Are you ready for the best experience of your life?" I ask pulling her to the couch.
"Yes, oh yes," she cries, pulling me on top of her.
Our thoughts are interrupted by the ringing cell.
"Hello?" I say, putting it on speaker.
"I wanted to emphasize the importance of winning this case." Hearing Lilly crying in the background, I jump off of the couch.
"No, please, don't hurt my daughter!" I hear two gunshots, and then silence.
"Why did you kill her, why?" I scream into the phone.
"We haven't yet, but we will if you don't win this case." I feel the phone slip out of my fingers as I stand frozen in place.
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of sexual content.
Julia
I see Larry stumble across the bedroom towards me. The music continues to play in the background, as the candle's flame dances in the wind. Both are subtle reminders, of what could've been the best experience of my life.
Laying his head against my chest, Larry starts crying like a baby.
"They threatened to kill my daughter, they threatened to kill Lilly," he blubbers. I feel his muscular body tremble against me, as he continues to sob.
Oh, you poor, poor thing, I think, wrapping my arms around him.
He snuggles in closer.
Larry seems so helpless, childlike as he lies bawling in my arms.
"Who threatened to kill her?"
"My client did, they said if I don't win the case, they're going to kill my daughter. I don't want Lilly to die; I don't want her to die."
***
Rachel
Looking up from my computer, I see Jerry weaving his way across the busy precinct?towards my desk. We really need a bigger space, I think, glancing at the slew of desks strung haphazardly across the floor.
"Did you handle the situation over on Adam-street?"
"I have for now, but I'm afraid they'll be back as soon as everyone leaves."
"What's going on?"
"A bunch of people are protesting Julia's release saying they don't want a murderer, running around their neighborhood. I told Bill it might be a good idea to take the kids out of the city."
"Did he agree?" I yell, over the noise.
"No, but his kids are trying to talk him into it."
"Those poor kids must be going through hell." Turning, I see all eyes are on me. I then realize my screaming must've gotten their attention.
"Carry on," I say, walking towards Jerry. The deafening noise resumes within a matter of seconds.
"They are, Ethan said he was teased at school, and Ashley said no one would play with her at recess."
"I'm sure the riot outside their house didn't help matters."
"Probably not, I wish I could find something that'd prove her innocence."
"I've checked all the security footage around the square, and can't find Julia on any of the cameras," Kirk says.
"That's just what I need, more bad news." Jerry plops down in his chair.
"That could be good news."
"How do you figure, Sergeant?"
"If we can't find her walking around, that means she wasn't in the area when the stabbing occurred."
"I didn't think about it that way." Hopping up from his chair, Jerry runs for the door.
"Where are you going, now?"
"I'm going to see if one of the deli workers will collaborate her story."
***
Julia
I've never seen a man so vulnerable in my life. This raw emotion uncovers feelings that I've never had before. It's a hunger, a lust, driven by pure untamed desire, burning deep inside my soul. I feel the heat from his naked body as he lies against me. His appendage gently moves across my inner thigh, as he continues to cry. The soft music, dimmed lights only heightens the aching desire, burning between my legs.
"Take me, please take me, I beg," pulling him on top of me. I feel the passion in his kiss as he thrusts inside of me.
~~~
Julia
After recovering from our steamy encounter, we look through the files again.
"Maybe a fresh pair of eyes will catch something I've missed," Larry says, handing me the folder.
"The police claim my client shot Brian Logan in the woods, late Friday evening. When they searched his house, they found bloody clothes, shoes, and the murder weapon. They also have a surveillance tape from Stubbs Grocery showing the two of them
leaving together, twenty minutes before the shooting occurred."
"Was he wearing the same clothes in the video that the police found in the house?"
"His coat covered his clothes."
"Was he wearing the same shoes?"
"I didn't look."
"You look into that, and I'll see what else I can come up with." I start scanning the papers, as Larry pops the tape into the machine.
"There's the two of them leaving together." I glance over at the screen.
"I can't tell, can you?" he asks, glancing at me.
"It might be them. The blood the cops found on the shoes and clothes is the victim's, right?"
"Yeah."
"Are there any fingerprints on the weapon?"
"No, and he didn't have gunpowder residue on his hands. The police claim he's wearing gloves when the crime occurred."
"Were the gloves ever located?"
"No."
I continue to read through the file. Looking over, I see Larry reviewing his notes.
"According to this, the police didn't have a warrant when they searched the house."
"They claim, that they saw the bloody clothes in the trash can when they were talking to his roommate, and that gave them probable cause, to search the apartment."
"How did the police see the clothes, if they were in the trash?"
"I imagine they were lying on top."
"What if they weren't?"
"I'll call my client and find out."
"Ask him where the cops found the gun and shoes, too." Picking up his phone, Larry dials a number.
"Vinnie, this is Larry Wilson, I have a couple of questions concerning your case. Where was the trash sitting when the police found the clothes? I see. Were the shoes in there too? Where was the gun? One last thing, do you remember what shoes you were wearing that day? I need to see those as soon as possible. Ok, see you in a few."
"I think we might win this case, after all."
"Then you'll get your family back safe and sound."
"To be honest with you, I don't care what happens to my wife, but Lilly, she's my little angel."
"I can tell," I say, glancing at the pictures, hanging around the room. I notice the room's colors consists of red, green, and blue. I then realize everything is outdated, including the faded sofa, drapes, and the lime green carpet.
"Photography is my hobby," he quickly explains.
"Lilly must be your favorite subject." I laugh.
"She is. Why don't we work on your case while we're waiting for Vinnie?"
"Alright."
"I've talked to everyone you put down on the list, and the only one who remembers seeing you is the antique dealer. He said you came in a little after eight and left about twenty minutes later. The defense is going to argue, that gave you enough time to walk down the alley, and stab the victim."
"But, I was at the deli when it happened."
"I'm afraid Keisha doesn't remember waiting on you that day."
"She has to, she just has to," I jump off the worn sofa, and start pacing the floor.
"Don't worry, we'll find someone who remembers seeing you in the deli."
"I hope so."
"The case with your husband is pending, so they shouldn't be able to bring it up in this proceeding. It'll be prejudicial, bias the jury's opinion. I still want to get the facts straight in case the defense finds a loophole I'm not aware of."
"Do you think they will?"
"They might. According to your neighbor's testimony and your hospital records, I can show the constant abuse."
"That's good, right?"
"Yeah, but I still need to know what happened to you, leading up to the day you disappeared." Grabbing his notepad, he glances up.
"He beat the crap out of me, tied me to a table, then set the house on fire."
"The neighbor found you and called an ambulance, correct?"
"Right, then a week later, he comes into the hospital, dressed up as a technician. He told everyone he's taking me for more tests, but he ended up taking me out to an old shack in the woods."
"Where he beat you and raped you."
"And he tied me up. I got loose and ran out of the cabin. That's when I saw him and that bimbo, Kimberly, in the car."
"She's already dead?"
"Right, not wanting to end up like her, I killed him and ran." I see him scribbling a bunch of notes in the margin.
"Then you assumed Kimberly's identity?"
"Right."
"You said you overheard the two making plans?"
"Yes, but I didn't record it."
"The evidence supports your story about you being beaten and raped in the cabin, but how did his car catch on fire?"
"I honestly don't know." Seeing the suspicious look on his face, I continue.
"The car was idling when I left."
"Maybe there was a short in the wiring or something. I'll call my buddy; see if he can tell me more." I see him write that at the top of the page.
"I was able to retrieve a message he left on Kimberly's phone an hour before this occurred."
"What did it say?" I ask, turning towards him.
"He said he's going to take care of you once and for all."
"So that proves intent, right?"
"If I can convince the jury that's what he meant, it will."
"Now we have that case solved, we need to figure out how to prove my innocence here."
"Don't worry, I will." Hearing the doorbell ring, we both turn towards the entranceway."
"I bet that's Vinnie," Larry says, checking his watch.
"I'll go make us some coffee because I have a feeling it's going to be a very long night."
"You and me both," he says, playfully pinching my butt.
"Is that all you men think about?"
"Says the woman who seduced me just a few hours ago." He chuckles, walking towards the door.
"I didn't hear you complain."
"My only complaint is that we didn't go another round."
Laughing, I walk into the kitchen. I start to grab the coffee off the shelf when I hear Larry scream.
| Author Notes | I want to thank the reviewers for all of your helpful suggestions. Because of you, my writing skills continue to improve. |
By Mistydawn
Julia
The coffee container slips out of my fingers when Larry screams. Looking down, I see broken glass scattered across the floor. Hearing Larry yell again, I run through the house.
I find him standing motionless in the entryway. His handsome tan face is white as a ghost, horror filled his eyes.
Glancing down to where he's staring, I see a bloody figure lying on the porch. Getting a little bit closer, I realize who it is.
"Not my daughter," I scream, dropping to my knees.
Running to my side, Larry squats down beside me.
"They did it, they killed my daughter," I say, falling against him. I feel his muscular arms pull me in closer as I continue to cry.
"Why Larry, why did they have to kill my poor innocent baby?" I sob.
***
Rachel
Half convinced that Julia isn't our killer, I decided to investigate on my own. I'll use a method laughingly known as the old Rachel way.
Joe says my methods are very unorthodox, and he'd rather I not use them. Although they're not standard protocol, they get the job done when my partners fail.
Wearing the dirtiest rags I can find, I head to the streets. Looking around, I see a few people huddling near a fire. It is a little chilly tonight, I think. Pulling the coat around myself, I start walking towards them.
"Hey, I'm looking for a guy."
"There are plenty of them around here, honey." The old lady laughs, gesturing towards the large crowd. I see dozens of people snuggling around burning cans. Looking closer, I see small fires down the entire alley. I didn't realize we have such a problem, I think, scanning the growing crowd. I wonder if Joe knows about this. Maybe I should mention it to him, just in case.
"I'm sure any of them would be glad to help you out, including myself." A toothless man winks. I shudder at the thought.
"No, no, I'm looking for a specific guy. He's about 5'8; he has dark hair, scrawny build and he carries an old army backpack."
"You don't want to mess with him, honey," the old lady warns.
"Why do you say that?"
"He's loco in the cabeza," she says, twirling her finger around in a circle, near her head.
"He's crazy?"
"He slices people for the fun of it, and then brags about what he's done." She runs her filthy finger across her neck. Seeing the horror in my eyes, she smiles.
"I heard he escaped from a mental institution," the man adds.
"He was in a mental institution?"
"Yeah, they put him in there after he slaughtered his family," another one states.
"He killed his family?" Julia is lucky to be alive.
"Butchered them into tiny pieces, then fed them to the hogs. The police claim, there was blood and guts strung from the house all the way to the barn. They say..."
My stomach starts to churn as he describes the horrific site. I then feel vomit rise in my throat.
"Oh my God," I say, ducking behind some trees.
"I think you've said enough, Clyde," she scolds, sympathetically glancing my way.
Vomit continues to spew from my mouth, despite the eerie silence. Why did I react like that? I question, trying to settle my stomach. The last time gory details made me sick, I was pregnant with Joe Jr. Again, I ask, feeling my flabby stomach.
Joe and I want more children when our son gets older, but right now the active toddler is quite a handful.
"What do you want Luigi for, anyhow?" The old lady asks.
"He has my grandpa's knife and I want to get it back."
"I bet that's the knife he sold to that rich bitch a few days ago," Clyde says.
"He sold my grandpa's knife?"
"He bragged about it too, said he's going to do some traveling."
"Did he say where he's going?"
"He didn't go into specifics with me."
"Would one of his friends know?"
"He really doesn't have any friends," the old lady says, bringing her finger across her neck again.
***
Larry
"They killed her, they killed my baby girl," Julia sobs in my arms.
"We're going to get the bastard who did this to your daughter, I promise you that." I'm calling the police when Vinnie walks up the stairs.
"Nice doll, Larry." He picks up the grotesque figure.
"I actually thought it was real for a minute." He chuckles.
"It's a doll?" Looking at Vinnie, I see him cradling it in his arms.
"Did you do this?" he asks, inspecting the fine craftsmanship.
"Berryville PD, what is your emergency?" I hear a pleasant voice say through the phone.
"It's a false alarm." Hanging up, I grab the doll from his hands.
"Look, Julia, it's not real, see," I say, holding it beside us.
She slowly turns her head towards the figure.
"It's a doll." She laughs, through teary eyes.
"There's a note attached," Vinnie says. Pulling a piece of paper from the dolls dress, he quickly begins to read.
"Oh my God, Larry, they're threatening to kill her family."
"Let me see that," I say, snatching the paper from his hand, I read the message in the center.
You and your family better get out of town, while you still can.
"I think the police need to know about this," I say, pushing the redial button on my phone.
***
Rachel
Seeing more homeless lying in the dark alley, I walk over to them. They scramble to their feet when they hear footsteps heading their way. I see each has a weapon in hand when I look around.
Seeing a petite figure walking towards them, they start to relax.
"I'm looking for Luigi, have you seen him, lately?"
"I haven't seen him in days."
"He told me he's going to Florida," another one says.
"Florida?" I ask.
"That's what he said. He claims that things are a lot better down there."
"The winters may be better, but I don't know if I could stand that tropical heat," the second one adds.
"Me either," the others agree.
"When did he leave?"
"The same day he sold the knife, I believe."
"Did he say how he's getting there?"
"He didn't say."
"Thank you." I see Jerry wandering the streets when I walk into town. Not wanting to be teased about my appearance, I quickly duck out of sight.
"You, behind the bushes, come out nice and slow, with your hands above your head," Jerry yells.
Why do you have to be so damn good at your job, Jerry? I imagine all of the torment I'll get from my partners, and the harsh tongue lashing I'll get from Joe.
"Do it now," Jerry orders.
"Don't shoot, it's me, Rachel," I say, lifting my hands in the air.
"Sergeant?" he asks, cautiously moving a little closer.
"Yes Jerry, it's me." I pull the hot scratchy wig off my head. Much better, I think, removing the bobby pins from my hair.
"Why are you in that fancy getup, anyhow?" He chuckles.
"I was doing a little undercover work, hoping to find something on Julia's case."
"Did it work?"
"Yeah, Julia is telling us the truth. The real killer is a nut case and he's heading to Florida. Now I have to figure out who this Luigi is and stop him before it's too late."
"I better get that," he says, pulling the phone out of his pocket.
"Jerry here, they threatened Julia and her family's life?" he asks, glancing towards me.
"The sergeant and I will meet you there."
~~~
Rachel
Larry is waiting for us on the porch when we pull into the drive. I notice him taking a second glance at my straggly appearance.
I guess I do look a little grubby, I smile.
"Nice get up, Sergeant," Larry chuckles.
"I was doing some undercover work, when we got your call," I explain, self-consciously adjusting my baggy clothes.
"So tell me what happened tonight, Larry," Jerry says, pulling his notebook from his pocket.
"We found a bloody doll lying by the front door with a note attached to its dress." He hands me the evidence.
"Did you see who left it?"
"They were gone by the time I answered the door."
"Did you see any cars?"
"I was so shaken, that I didn't think to look."
"I imagine it would be quite a surprise to find this lying on your porch," Jerry says, inspecting the doll closer.
"Where's Julia now?"
"She's in the house."
"Can I talk to her, please?"
I see the house is decorated in several bright colors when he opens the door.
Guess he's trying to bring the 70's back too, I laugh. Joe's apartment was done in neon colors when I first moved in. It still has a bright glow, but it's not as blinding.
"Julia, the police are here, and they want to talk to you."
"I still can't get a hold of Bill," she says, stepping on the porch.
"We've already sent someone to check on him."
"I appreciate that. Sergeant, is that you?" she questions, giving me a strange look.
"She was doing undercover work." Larry laughs.
"Oh."
"Do you know anyone who wants to harm you or your family, Julia?" I ask.
"I can't think of a soul."
"So who touched the doll and the note?"
"Me and Vinnie."
"We need to get your fingerprints, so we can eliminate them, from the ones we find on the doll."
Sticking his head back in the door, Larry yells again.
"Vinnie, the cops need your prints."
"Again," he protests.
I see a scraggly character step out on the porch.
"It's so they can eliminate them from what they find on the evidence."
"Since your prints are already in the system, I won't need yours, Vinnie, but I still need Larry's."
"Lucky me," Larry says.
"Let me get the kit out of the car," Jerry says.
"I need to take this," I say. Turning towards the street, I answer my phone.
"Sergeant Bower, he did, I'll let Julia know, thank you."
"Julia, Bill took the kids out of the city, late yesterday evening. He told his neighbors that he's selling the house, and moving to the East Coast."
"The East Coast, no, he can't do that to me, he just can't," she cries, falling into Larry's arms.
| Author Notes | I want to thank all of the reviewers who's helped me learn and grow as a writer. I will be forever grateful. |
By Mistydawn
Larry
"Good morning love," Julia says, rolling on her side. I feel her hot naked body press against me as she drapes her long leg around mine.
"Good morning, Angel," I reply, gazing hungrily into her soft blue eyes.
"My, my, I think my little mister has a problem."
I see an ornery smile creep across her face as her fingers travel down my body.
My stomach quivers from her gentle touch.
"A big problem," she says, gently stroking my hardened appendage.
"Keep that up and we'll both have a problem."
"Is that a threat, counselor?" she asks, nibbling on my ear.
"No, that's a promise," I say, flipping her on her back.
~~~
I've got to get her out of my head, I think, pushing through the chamber doors.
"You're right on time, Mr. Wilson," the judge states, glancing at his watch.
"Yes, your Honor."
"So you're claiming the evidence was illegally obtained?"
"Yes, your Honor. The officers didn't have a warrant at the time of discovery making the clothes inadmissible and that makes the rest of the evidence fruit of the poisonous tree."
"I can explain your Honor," the DA interjects.
"Go ahead."
"The officers were on official police business when they saw the clothes in the trash. The first discovery gave them probable cause to search the entire apartment."
"What official business are you referring to, counselor?"
"The officers were trying to locate a possible suspect, your Honor. The assumption of his guilt is based on a video the police found of the victim and suspect leaving together minutes before the crime occurred."
"I'd like to question the authenticity of the tape, your Honor."
"The tape is clearly time-stamped and the chain of command followed."
"It doesn't look like you've proven your claim, Mr. Wilson. I find that the evidence and tape are both admissible."
"Thank you, your Honor," the DA says, rushing towards the door.
Feeling completely defeated, I slowly trudge behind.
"I'd like to speak to you for a moment please, counselor." Expecting a lecture, I hesitantly turn around.
"A second-year law student knows better than to try and pull the little smoke screen you tried in this court today."
"Yes, your Honor." I thought about mentioning the pending threat, but stopped when I considered the outcome.
"I won't tolerate any more of your half-baked shenanigans, understand?"
"It won't happen again."
"Good, I'll see you in my courtroom in one hour, and don't be late."
***
Rachel
I see Jerry staring intently at the computer when I step into the precinct. He's really concentrating on something, I think, walking towards him.
"What are you doing, Jerry?"
"I'm looking over the footage from the deli. Everyone I talked to yesterday doesn't remember seeing her, so I'm trying to find someone else who was there around the same time she was."
"Are you having any luck?"
"Using the facial recognition software, I was able to identify ten people."
"That's great Jerry. Wait a minute; did you say you're using the facial recognition software?"
"Shocking, right?" He chuckles.
"Well, yeah. I mean it took Joe and me nearly four months to show you the basics of a computer."
I recall how he has a fit everytime we show him something new. Jerry is a damn good cop, but he doesn't take change very well, especially when it comes to the latest technology.
"Guess you can teach old dog new tricks, after all."
"And you learned how to do all of this in one afternoon?"
"I have a good teacher."
"Who, Jerry?"
"Me, Sergeant," Kirk says, smiling proudly.
"I should've known that the Wiz Kid could accomplish the impossible." We've been calling him the wiz kid since he's aced all of his exams.
Kirk smiles.
"Since you're doing so well, it'll be your responsibility to teach him the latest technology."
"Does that come with a raise?"
"Nice try, Kirk," I laugh.
"I really deserve a raise, you know, because teaching him isn't easy."
"Don't I know it?" I laugh. I think back to the day I tried to show him how to work the tablet. I thought I had a better chance of getting hell to freeze over than making him understand.
"Hey, I'm not that bad," Jerry protests.
"Up until yesterday, you thought geometric is a type of math kids learn in school." Kirk laughs.
"It kind of is."
Kirk laughs again.
***
Larry
I'm sitting in the courtroom, nervously planning a new strategy. I hope this works, I think, quickly reviewing my scribbles.
"You look a little tense there pal," Marty whispers, leaning in closer.
"I didn't get much sleep last night." After convincing Julia the kids are safer out of the city, we pulled an all-nighter working on Vinnie's case.
"I can understand why with that little bombshell you have at your house."
"I've got this," I say, half-convinced myself.
"I hope so, for Lilly's sake," he says, showing me a picture.
I see him sitting in my in-law's recliner holding Lilly on his lap. The idea of him even touching my daughter makes my skin crawl.
Someday you're going to regret meeting me, I think, squeezing my pencil, the object snaps in half.
"You need to calm down before you give yourself a coronary," Marty laughs.
I give him an evil stare.
Taking the hint, he backs away.
"Would you care to cross-examine, counselor?"
"Yes, your Honor," Grabbing my notes, I walk over to the witness stand.
"You claim you saw my client pull a handgun out of his pocket and shoot the victim, correct?"
"Yes."
"Which pocket was it?"
"I think it was his right jacket pocket."
"You assume it was his right because he's right handed, correct?"
"I guess so."
"Well, your assumption is wrong, because my client is left handed."
"Maybe it was his left pocket. Everything happened so fast, I can't be sure."
"Was it that it happened so fast, or that you'd been drinking all afternoon?"
"I only had a couple of beers," he says, nervously shifting in his seat.
"Do you do this every afternoon?" I ask, stepping closer.
"I object your Honor, Mr. Connor's drinking habits aren't on trial here," the district attorney states, rising to his feet.
"I plan to show the court that he was inebriated at the time of the shooting."
"Get on with it then."
"Are you sure it was only a couple of beers?"
"Yes, I'm positive."
"Isn't it also true that you were arrested a few minutes later for public intoxication?"
He looks towards the DA.
"Isn't it true, Sir?" I demand.
The witness anxiously glances at the judge.
"You need to answer the question."
"Yes, but I had three more beers after I saw the shooting."
"Three beers in ten minutes, you must have guzzled those puppies." Laughter spreads across the courtroom.
Aggravated by the outburst, the judge bangs his gavel. The courtroom quickly grows still.
"So, if you had two beers before and three after, that's five beers, correct?"
"If you say so."
"Simple math, Mr. Kersley, three plus two is five," I say, holding up my fingers.
The spectators laugh again.
"Your Honor," the DA protests over the ruckus.
"Order in the court, order in the court," the judge says, smacking his gavel again.
"I have a point, your Honor."
"Please get to it."
"Yes, Sir."
"So if you only drank five beers, why did the police find twelve empties on the floorboard of your car?"
"They were from another night."
"The product code is identical on all twelve cans, which means that they came from the same case. A case you bought at the liquor store earlier that day." Seeing the dumbfounded look on his face, I continue.
"Isn't it also true, this is your third DWI?"
"He isn't on trial, your Honor."
"Move along, counselor."
"Yes, your Honor. So, if you were intoxicated at the time of the shooting wouldn't it be safe to assume that you couldn't see the shooter clearly?"
"I saw what happened just fine," he defensively replies.
"Is that why you mistakenly thought the arresting officer was your brother?"
"It was so foggy; I couldn't make out his face."
"My point exactly."
***
Rachel
I'm looking over Julia's case when a dispatcher walks over to my desk.
"Sergeant, this gentleman says he remembers seeing Julia at the deli the day she was arrested."
"Please take a seat," I say, motioning to the plastic chair sitting in front of my desk.
"You claim you saw Julia at the restaurant three mornings ago?" I begin.
"Not at the deli, I saw her walking past it."
"What time was this?"
"It was a little before 8:30."
"Did you see where she went?"
"She was headed down the alley when I left."
"Are you sure it's her?" I ask, handing him a picture. I watch as he carefully studies the photo.
"Yeah, that's her, that's the one I saw," he says, handing it back.
"You'd be willing to testify to this in court?"
"Yes, of course."
***
Larry
"Your witness counselor," The DA says, strutting past me.
You think you've scored points with the jury? Well, we'll just see about that.
Glancing at my notes one last time, I walk to the podium.
"You said you found the clothes in the trash, is that correct?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Were they on top of the trash, at the bottom, in the middle?"
"They were somewhere in the middle."
"You could see blood on the clothes through the trash bag?"
"Yes."
Running over to the table, I grab a bag and bring it to the front of the room.
"This is the same type of trash bag the suspect uses, filled as full as the one you found the clothes in, correct?"
"I believe so."
"Can you tell me where the bloody clothes are in this bag?"
Picking up the bag, Kirk twirls it around. He sees a lot of clothes in the sack, but couldn't tell which one has the blood on it.
"I'm not sure," he says, handing it back.
Ripping the top open, I pull out a bloody t-shirt from the middle. "It's exactly where the shirt you found was located. So tell me again how you saw the shirt through the bag?"
He glances towards the DA.
"Ok then, tell me this. Did you find any fingerprints on the weapon?"
"No, but..."
"Did you find gunpowder residue on the suspect's hands?"
"No, but..."
"Where was the 22 found, Detective?"
"It was lying on the top shelf of the hall closet."
"A closet both men have access to?"
"I suppose so."
"Whose DNA did you find on the clothes?"
"The suspect's and the roommate's DNA."
"You said the roommate has an alibi, correct?"
"Yes."
"Did you check the credibility of the supposed alibi?" I ask, air quoting supposed alibi.
"No, but..."
"Well, I did. Mr. Connors has been arrested several times for possession of a controlled substance and burglary. In fact, I believe he's a resident at the county jail as we speak." Seeing the detective's face turn pale, I smile.
"I have no further questions, your Honor."
***
Julia
I'm walking aimlessly around the house trying to find something to pass the time. I've already cleaned the place top to bottom. Some places I scrubbed twice.
I start watching TV and soon discover the only thing on is soaps. Who needs to watch drama, when I have so much in my life as it is? Throwing the remote onto the couch, I start looking for something to read.
I notice a sedan parked in front of the house as I walk by the window. Uncertain about what I just saw, I slowly turn around. That's the same car that's been following me through town, I think, staring out the window.
A vague memory of the same car flashes through my mind. I know I've seen that vehicle somewhere else, but where? I start racking my brain, trying to picture the surrounds.
No, it can't be, it just can't be the same one. I think, glancing at the SUV again. The memory starts becoming clearer as I continue to stare. How can that possibly be?
I recall trying to get away when the SUV blocks me in. I then see the driver climb out of the car with a large weapon in his hands.
He found me, he finally found me, I think, collapsing on the floor.
| Author Notes | I want to thank everyone on fan story for your continuous help and support. |
By Mistydawn
Julia
I hear someone pounding on the front door, as I slowly come to. looking around, I realize that, I'm lying on the dining room floor.
Why am I down here? I ask, trying to recall what happened. I then remember seeing the black SUV sitting in front of the house.
Oh, my God, he found me, he finally found me, I think, quickly sitting up. Millions of ideas run through my head as I try to figure out what to do. My thoughts are interrupted by someone banging on the door.
"I know you're in there, so you better open this door before I break it down."
I need to get out of here. Scrambling to my feet, I race to the back of the house. I'm halfway across the dining room when I notice a group of people standing on the porch.
Now, what am I going to do? I think, quickly scanning my surroundings. I hear something hard bang against the front door as I try to come up with a plan. Turning, I see the flimsy frame vibrating from the impact. He's trying to break it down. I then recall Larry's revolver in the study.
Running into the room, I yank the desk drawer open. Items scatter across the bottom from the sudden jolt. Grabbing the 32 and box of shells, I toss them on the desk.
"You can do this, Julia," I say, anxiously scooping up the weapon. How did Larry do this? I ask, trying to recall what he'd shown me, a few short hours ago.
I hear a loud crash and then a set of footsteps stomping through the house. I have to hurry. I try to load the chamber, but my hands are trembling so badly that I'm having trouble getting the bullets into the hole. I can do this, I think, grabbing another bullet from the box. I hear the heavy footsteps getting closer as the shell drops to the floor. Scooping up the last bullet, I try again. Dropping the metal object into the compartment, I snap the cylinder in place.
"Remember Julia, aim, and shoot." I hear Larry's voice echo in my head.
"Aim and shoot, aim and shoot," I nervously repeat.
"Hold it right there," a deep voice orders.
I look up to see a brawny figure standing at the door.
"Aim and shoot," I say. My arms start quivering as I raise the weapon towards the man. Aim and shoot I repeat, pulling back on the trigger.
I watch as his large body falls to the floor. Looking down, I see he's lying motionless on the neon carpet. I then notice the blood seeping from a hole in his shoulder. I've got to get out of here. Jumping over his crumpled body, I dash through the house. I see a large crowd gathering on the lawn when I step on the front porch.
"Look, it's the killer, and she's got a gun," a lady screams, racing to her car.
***
Larry
"Would you care to cross-examine, counselor?"
"Yes, your honor," I say, rising from my seat. glancing at my notes, I walk towards the wooden podium.
"According to your statement you invited the police in, is that correct?"
"Yes, they said they're looking for my roommate. I told them he wasn't home yet, but he should be here soon."
"So they decided to wait inside for him?"
"Yes."
"You were present when they found the evidence, is that correct?"
"Yes, they found the clothes in the trash, the shoes and gun in the closet."
"Who owns the weapon?"
"I do, Sir. I used to take it target practicing every weekend, but I haven't done that in a while."
"I have a witness that claims you were bragging about your flawless shoot two weekends ago."
"That sounds about right."
"Flawless shooting is very impressive, you must have great marksmanship."
"I've been practicing a lot." He smiles proudly.
"I see, so explain to me how your DNA ended up on the bloody clothes?"
"Vinnie and I wear each other's clothes a lot. It's what roommates do, right?"
"Do you wear the other's shoes too?"
"Sometimes we do," he says, shifting around.
"You told the police that you were at work when the murder occurred, correct?"
"That's right; my time card will prove I was there."
"Couldn't one of your coworkers clock you in without you being there?"
"I suppose so, but I doubt if any of them would."
"Your friend Bart claims that he saw you at work that day."
"Yeah, we talked a few minutes before I went to the shed."
"How do we know he wouldn't do you a favor and lie to the police? Especially considering his extensive criminal history and his lack of respect for the law?" Seeing the DA stand, I turn towards the judge.
"I withdraw my question, your Honor."
The jury will keep my statement in mind regardless of his ruling, I think, turning towards the group. Seeing they're hanging on my every word, I continue.
"I've talked to your other co-workers and Bart seems to be the only one who remembers seeing you that day."
"I was doing inventory in the shed the entire shift."
"You expect us to believe that he was the only one out of the two dozen employees that saw you?"
"I guess," he replies, nervously fidgeting in his seat.
"You didn't talk to anyone at lunch, or when you took a bathroom break?"
"I never left the shed."
"Not even to use the restroom?"
"There are plenty of trees around back."
"So you did leave the shed."
"Just to take a leak," he meekly replies, turning towards the DA.
"If you did inventory that day, then why is the list dated for the day before?"
"I started working on it the day before but finished it up the next day. That's why I came in early, so I could finish it up."
"Your boss claims that you finished the inventory on the ninth, not the tenth."
"I told him I was finished with it, so I wouldn't get into trouble."
"Do you lie to your boss a lot, Mr. Murphy?"
"I object your honor, his work habits aren't on trial here."
That's what I've been waiting for. Smiling, I turn towards the jury.
"Since Mr. Murphy has access to the murder weapon, has perfect aim, could've hidden the clothes in the trash just as easily as my client, and is known to be dishonest, maybe he should be on trial." I see the DA drag his hefty body out of the chair, a concerned look on his face. Smiling, I add the finishing touch.
"I have no further questions for this fraudulent witness, your honor."
***
Rachel
My two detectives and I are skimming through the evidence we have on Julia. All three of us were convinced that she was telling the truth, then the witness came forward and now we're not so sure.
"Maybe someone paid him to lie," Jerry suggests.
"Or maybe he has a vendetta against her and sees this as an opportunity to get even," Kirk quickly adds.
"Those are both possibilities I suppose. I do know he's telling us the truth about one thing." I sigh, glancing towards my computer.
"What's that Sergeant?"
"He was parked in front of the deli a little before 8:30," I say, pointing to my computer screen. The guys look over to see his black SUV sitting at the front door.
"Jerry, I want you to finish talking to the people on your list, and Kirk, I want you to see if there's any connection between the witness and Julia. I'll try to get a hold of his phone records, see who he's been talking to recently."
"Ah Sergeant, you're going to want to see this."
"What is it Kirk?" I ask, walking over to his desk.
"This was just posted on YouTube. They claim they're streaming it live." I see a video of Julia standing on Larry's porch waving a gun in the air, people are screaming in the background.
"We need to get over there now," I say, racing for the door.
"I'll call patrol have them meet us over there," Jerry says, grabbing the phone off his desk.
Larry
I start to grab my notes off the table when I notice a red box flashing on my phone. What the heck? I think, quickly scooping it up. I see attempted burglary in bold black letters scroll across the screen. Attempted burglary, at my house? I then notice the dozen missed calls from the alarm company. I better find out what's going on. I start to ask for a recess when a picture of my house flashes on the screen. Zooming in the photo, I see my front door demolished in the entryway. I then recall the threat that was made on Julia's life. She might be in danger.
I didn't want to leave her by herself, but the police assured me they'd double the patrol. I showed her how to set the alarm and how to load my weapon as extra precautions.
"Is there a problem, Counselor?" the judge asks.
I shakily turn towards the front. "C...can I have a recess, your Honor?"
He glances towards the clock hanging on the far wall. "The court is in recess for one hour," the judge states, banging his gavel on the bench.
"What's going on, Larry?" Vinnie asks.
"Do you have something to do with this, Marty, do you?" I ask, shoving my phone in his face.
"Why would I do something like that?"
I give him a skeptical look.
"Honest, Larry, it wasn't me."
I see the corner of his mouth turn upward as he tries to keep from smiling.
"I don't have time for your bullshit, Marty." I spat, running for the door.
I start dialing Julia's number as I dash into the hall. Please pick up, please pick up, I beg, shoving my way through the crowd. I hear Julia's shaky voice after the fourth ring.
"Hello?"
"Oh Julia, thank God you're alright," I say, sprinting to my car.
"It's awful, Larry, just awful," she cries into the phone.
"What is honey?"
"I shot an intruder and now I have the SWAT team all over the yard."
"I'm on my way."
| Author Notes | I want to thank all of you for your continuous support and for all of your helpful suggestions. Because of you, my writing is steadily improving. Take care. |
By Mistydawn
Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of sexual content.
Discovering my street is completely blocked off, I park a few roads down. I see most of my neighbors gawking on their lawn as I sprint towards the house.
"Don't you have anything better to do?" I yell, glaring at them.
Pushing my way through the horde of onlookers, I finally reach the yard. I see an officer dragging Julia towards his car when I glance around. I then notice the handcuffs and shackles dangling from her extremities.
"You can't go in there, Sir," a young officer states, stepping in front of me.
"She's my client and this is my house," I protest, trying to dodge past him.
He steps in front of me again."You can talk to your client at the jail," he says, pushing me to the sidewalk.
"Why are you taking her to jail when it's clearly self-defense?" I ask, pointing to my door. Seeing the officer turn towards the house, I try ducking past him, he quickly spins around.
"The detectives will sort it out at the station."
Looking around I see yellow tape strung across the yard.
"Please help me, Larry, please," Julia begs as the cop drags her to the car.
"Don't say a word until I get there," I yell, sprinting to my car.
~~~
Larry
The detective is typing away at the keyboard when I step into the station.
"Hey, Sir, stop, you can't go back there." The dispatcher yells as I cross the room.
Hearing a loud commotion, the detective looks up from his desk.
"Can I help you, Sir?" he asks, rising from his chair.
"Where's the captain?"
"He's busy right now, but If ..."
I dash down the hallway before the detective has time to finish.
The sergeant is standing by the door when I race down the hall. Giving her the evil eye, I throw the metal barrier open.
Julia is crying in her seat when I storm into the room.
"Larry," she cries, wiping her face with a tissue.
I see she's still in handcuffs and shackles when I cross the room.
"Is all of this hardware really necessary, Captain?" I ask, lifting up her chafed wrists.
"She assaulted one of my officers as she was trying to flee," he quickly explains.
"She assaulted an officer?" I question, glancing towards my client.
"No, I didn't, Larry. I tripped over your shoes and landed on top of the detective."
Joe gives her a suspicious look.
"That's what happened, honest it was," she cries.
"The cuffs don't have to be so tight, do they?"
"No, I guess not." Grabbing a key, he loosens them a bit.
"Thank you," she says, rubbing around the metal.
"I don't understand why she's here in the first place when the evidence clearly shows she shot the man in self-defense."
"How can it be self-defense, when the bullet entered from the side of his body, and not the front?"
"He tried to dodge out of the way, and that's when the bullet hit him," Julia explains.
"Why were you waving the revolver around on the porch?"
"I wasn't waving it around. I ran through the house trying to get away, and I stepped out on the porch with the weapon in my hand."
"I'm still charging her with assault with a deadly weapon."
"She obviously had no intentions of doing any bodily harm."
"Who's to say she didn't want to take down a few more before she's arrested?"
"She killed the guy in self-defense."
"So she claims."
"So she claims? Look at my door, Joe, just look." Holding my phone up to his face, I continue.
"It's lying in the entryway completely demolished," I yell, slamming my fist on the table.
"I...I ran out of the house in fear of my life not to harm someone else," Julia tearfully explains.
"Why did you run back inside, if you were so scared?"
"I didn't know what else to do."
"The most you can charge her with is brandishing a weapon, Captain and you know it."
Julia looks up at me with fear in her eyes, I wink in response.
"The DA believes we can show intent to do harm," he says, handing me a folder.
I quickly scan through the lengthy report, getting angrier with every fraudulent sentence.
"This report is preposterous, Joe, and you know it," I say, slamming it down on the table.
The photos scatter across the table, Julia gasps in horror. Not wanting to upset her further, I toss them back in the folder.
Julia looks up at me, tears streaming down her face.
"I...I told him about the car that's been following me," Julia softly replies.
"What car?" I ask, stunned by her news.
"The one that follows me through town, the same one I saw outside the house today."
"When did this happen?" I ask.
"It was right before that man burst through the door."
"Do you know who your victim is?" Joe questions.
"I've never seen him before in my life."
"Really?"
"Honest, Captain."
"I find that hard to believe since he is your brother-in-law."
"Brother-in-law, no, Bill doesn't have a brother."
"No, but Andy does."
"Andy?"
"Yeah, you know your first husband, the one you brutally stabbed to death."
"I killed him in self-defense after he beat and raped me."
"That seems to happen a lot to you, doesn't it?"
"No."
"First there was your husband, Andy." Joe opens the folder.
"And then him." He points to a picture in the folder. Seeing Julia staring at the photo, he quickly continues.
"Was the guy in the alley self-defense too?" he asks, pointing to the third gruesome photo.
"I...I didn't do that, I swear I didn't." Julia cries.
"Enough of your fishing expedition, Joe," I say, closing the folder again.
"Her husband's death is out of your jurisdiction and she's already been arraigned on the stabbing. So you can either charge her with something new or she's free to go."
"If that's how you want to play this, then fine. Julia Moffett, you're under arrest for assaulting a police officer and blandishment."
"Do something, Larry," Julia tearfully begs.
"You know we'll beat these charges, Joe."
"We'll just see about that."
The door squeaks open, the DA steps in the room.
"After reviewing the video I believe it was self-defense, and that she didn't mean to do bodily harm on the porch. As far as assaulting an officer, a body camera shows her tripping on a shoe."
"So she's free to go?"
"Yes, under the conditions previously outlined by the court."
~~~
Julia
Not wanting to be at the house by myself, I decided to help Larry in court.
"Call your next witness, counselor."
"The defense rests, your Honor."
"We'll hear closing arguments tomorrow, court is adjourned."
"This is it, Julia," Larry nervously says.
I see the fear in his eyes. "I know you can do it, Larry, I just know you can."
"He better hope he does, for his daughter's sake." Marty smiles.
I give him a deadly stare. "Let's get out of here, Larry," I say, scooping up the rest of his papers.
"I do need to polish my closing arguments."
"See you tomorrow, Vinnie," Larry says.
"Yeah, tomorrow," he anxiously replies, glancing towards his uncle.
~~~
Julia
The short drive home is quiet with both of us lost in our thoughts.
I'm thinking about how much I missed my babies, and how I long to hold them again. I then start thinking back to all the happy times we spent together. I'll have more precious moments like that real soon, I think, wiping the tears from my cheek.
Looking over, I see Larry is miles away. I know he's fighting his own battles and my drama is only causing him more grief.
I have to stay strong for him, I think, gulping back the tears.
"Home at last," he halfheartedly says, pulling into the drive.
I wasn't too sure I wanted to go in there, after everything that happened today. Be brave, Julia, I think, trudging across the lawn.
"My buddy did a good job on the door," he says, swinging it back and forth.
Looking over, I see a small rug covering the bloody mess.
"My buddy took care of that too."
"Thank you, Larry," I say, plopping down on the couch.
Dropping his keys on the table, Larry plops down beside me.
"Everything will be alright," he says, gently brushing the hair away from my tear- streaked face.
"You promise?"
"Yes."
I feel his lips brush against mine as his hand gently massages my breast. He squeezes my nipples through the thin fabric as his lips move down my neck.
"Oh, Larry," I moan as his hot breath travels down my chest.
I feel his hands unfasten my blouse and then unclasp my bra.
"Everything will be fine," he smiles, caressing my hard nipple with his tongue.
~~~
Larry
I'm polishing up closing arguments when my phone rings.
"Who is it, Larry?" Julia asks.
"It's my wife, Jen," I say, scooping up the phone.
"Is everything alright?" I ask, clenching the phone, afraid of what I might hear.
"Closing arguments are tomorrow, Larry," the caller states.
"Who is this?" I ask, putting it on speaker so Julia can hear.
"Let's just say I'm a friend of the family." He laughs.
"Where's Lilly and Jen, are they ok?"
"They're standing right beside me, aren't you girls?"
"Daddy," Lilly cries.
"That's enough," the voice firmly states.
"You better not harm one hair on my little girl's head, you got that?" I say, pacing across the room.
"I'd be more concerned about winning this case than what I'm doing to your family."
I picture Lilly being held down in bed, the strange man lying on top of her.
"So help me God, if you..."
"Win the case and I won't."
"I want to talk to my daughter."
"How about you speak to your wife, she's just dying to talk to you."
"Is that supposed to be some sort of a sick joke or something?"
The caller laughs.
A few seconds later, I hear Jen's voice on the phone.
"Hello, Larry," she weakly replies.
"Jen?"
"Please do what they say, Larry, Please, for mine and Lilly's sake."
"Is Lilly alright?"
"She is for now, but she won't be if you don't win this case. So please do your best tomorrow. Please, Larry, please win this case," she bawls.
"I think you've spoken to her long enough," the kidnapper says,
I hear the phone being shuffled around.
"You better win this case if you want to keep your family alive," he says, disconnecting the call.
"I have to win this case, I just have to," I cry, crumbling to the floor.
.
By Mistydawn
Rachel
I'm searching through old records for Luigi Greco's file. It was an old case, Joe, Jerry and I worked on when I was still a rookie. I'd completely forgotten about the gruesome rash of murders, that took Berryville by surprise. Luckily for me, my partner didn't since he's the one that sold Julia the knife.
"Don't you remember how you rubbed it in our faces about being right again, Sergeant?"
"I'd never do that, Jerry." I smile innocently, knowing darn well I would have.
"If I remember correctly, you said you've been right three cases in a row. Isn't that right, Boss?" Jerry snickers, looking towards Joe.
Remembering the incident, the captain quickly looks away. He's never been one to admit he's wrong, back then or now.
"If memory serves, you guys were busy chasing your tails while I captured the killer," I say, scanning through the file.
"We did do a lot of that," Joe agrees, reviewing the case in his mind.
The evidence clearly showed that Tito Greco was responsible for all of the deaths, which was impossible since he was out of the country. Rachel later discovers the twin that supposedly died at birth was the one who committed all the heinous acts.
"It says here that he has an Aunt and Uncle living in Florida. Maybe I should warn them that he might be on his way." I start to reach for the phone when I see Kirk walking towards us.
"You're running a little late today, Bud." I glance at my watch.
"Late, no, I've been working on the list of people at the deli for the last two hours."
"Did you find out anything?"
"Two people remember seeing Julia but can't give me a specific time."
"So she could've eaten, and then stabbed the guy."
"That's possible Captain, or stabbed him and then ate breakfast."
"Wouldn't someone notice the blood on her clothes?"
"Blood splatter that's it, Rachel," Kirk says, running out the door.
***
Julia
The next few days are worrisome for both Larry and I. Between jury selection and verdict deliberation; our nerves are pushed to the edge.
"We will hear opening statements after lunch, Court is dismissed," the judge states, rising from his seat.
"Where do you want to go for lunch?"
"You choose," I say, gazing lovingly into his big blue eyes.
"I know the perfect spot." He ushers me to the door.
A group of reporters is waiting to greet us when we step into the hall.
Grabbing a hold of my hand, Larry pulls me back inside.
"Follow me," he says, leading me towards the back.
I'm halfway down the second flight of stairs when I smell Andy's cologne in the air. Paralysing memories of my first husband's abuse start running through my head.
Reaching the bottom stair, Larry glances back up.
I remain motionless on the step, haunting memories replaying in my mind.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?"
When I don't answer, he rushes back up to my side. "Sweetheart?" he asks again.
My body remains flaccid against the stairwell wall.
Grabbing a hold of my shoulders, he starts shaking me.
The quick jerky movement pulls me out of my trance-like state. "Oh, Larry," I cry, throwing myself into his arms.
"What is it, sweetheart, what's wrong?"
"I thought I smelled Andy's cologne," I sob, clinging onto him tighter.
"No one is in here but you and me," he says, moving his arm around.
"Oh, when will these nightmares stop, when will they stop?" I sob, leaning my head against him. I feel his strong arms wrap around me, I snuggle in closer.
"Real soon, honey, I promise," he says, stroking my face with his hand.
"I hope you're right." I pause for a second before I ask my next question. "Larry," I anxiously begin.
"Yes, sweetheart?"
Taking a deep breath I continue. "What's going to happen to us when your family comes home?"
"I plan on getting a divorce, and fight for full custody of Lilly when I know they're safe." Seeing I'm about to protest he puts his fingers up to my lips.
"This is something I've been meaning to do for a long time, way before I met you."
"You swear?"
"Yes, honey, our relationship was over soon after it began."
"So there will still be us when this is all over?"
"Of course, there will be, honey," he says, brushing the tears off my cheek.
"Good, because I have something I need to tell you."
"What is it?"
"I...I'm pregnant," I nervously blubber.
"Pregnant, that's wonderful, Julia."
"It is?" I sniffle, surprised by his reaction.
"Of course, it is." Putting his hand on my stomach he starts rubbing it around.
"Hi, little baby it's me, your daddy. You and I are going to have so much fun together. We'll go places, do things, just you wait and see."
Seeing how excited he's getting, I laugh.
"Let's get you and Larry Jr. something to eat."
"What if the baby is a girl?"
"Then we'll name her Laurie, Laurel or Lowry?"
"Oh, Larry." I chuckle, following him down the stairs.
****
Rachel
Since Julia's trial is scheduled to start soon, Jerry, Kirk, and I are doing everything we can to prove her case one way or another.
"Ok, let's review the evidence, see if we've missed something. We can put her in the area at the time of the stabbing, correct?"
"Right Sergeant, the witness says she was at the deli that morning but couldn't give me a specific time. They couldn't tell me what she was wearing when they saw her either. Neither could the shopkeep, or the officer that originally tried to arrest her."
"So she could've changed clothes before she's arrested."
"They didn't find any bloody clothes at his house."
"They had plenty of time to get rid of the evidence, Kirk. What does Larry say she was wearing?"
"He claims she had on the same outfit she was arrested in, but being her lawyer, I'm not sure the jury will take his word for it."
"True, does her second husband Bill remember what she was wearing when she left that morning?"
"We haven't been able to reach him," Kirk says.
"Does the credit card records show the deli purchase, Kirk?"
"We're still working on obtaining those records, Sergeant."
"I have someone who'll testify she bought the knife from Luigi Greco, but can't give me a specific time when the purchase was made."
"So she could've bought the knife, and then stabbed him, or Luigi stabbed him then sold Julia the knife."
"There has to be something we're missing, there just has to be," I say, scanning the report again.
"I just talked to the DA, Sergeant. He said he's not requesting a warrant for the credit card records."
"Did he say why, Kirk?"
"He said the judge would see it for what it is, a fishing expedition and deny his request."
"How can it be considered a fishing expedition when we know exactly what we're looking for?"
"I don't know, but that's what he said."
"Let me talk to the captain, see what he thinks." A few minutes later I walk back to my desk.
"What did he say, Sergeant?"
"Joe said he doesn't understand it either. So he's calling Allen to find out what's going on."
The captain steps out of the door with a puzzled look on his face.
"What's going on, Joe?" I ask, walking towards him.
"I just got off the phone with the DA. He claims he told Kirk that he's already looked into it and didn't find anything."
"Why would Kirk tell us something different?" I ask, glancing at my partner.
"I didn't think he would either, that's why I started questioning Allen about the conversation. He said that my men need to learn how to do their jobs correctly instead of telling others how to do theirs. When I asked him what that meant, he said that IAB is opening a full investigation on my department."
"He told you that?"
"Yeah, it makes me wonder what's really going on."
"It does seem a little suspicious," I agree, trying to rationalize the DA's change in behavior.
"Kirk, I need to speak to you a minute, please."
I start to walk away when Joe grabs a hold of my arm. I give him a questionable look.
"I want you to hear this," he explains.
"Yes, Captain," the young detective replies, nervously approaching his superior officers.
"Did the DA tell you he already looked into the credit card history?"
"No, Sir, he told me that he wasn't going to ask for a warrant for a fishing expedition."
"Thank you."
Puzzled, Kirk walks back to his desk.
"What are you thinking, Joe?"
"I'm not sure what to think at this point."
***
Larry
"We will reconvene tomorrow at nine am. Court is adjourned," the judge announces.
"Are you ready for your trial, Julia?" I ask as I'm gathering up my papers.
"I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be," she says, shuffling through the doors.
We've just stepped into the hallway when my phone rings. Grabbing it from my pocket, I start scanning the text. The entire room starts spinning as I read it again.
"Is everything alright, Larry?"
I look towards her with tears in my eyes. I feel my lips moving, but I can't make a sound.
"What is it, Larry? What's wrong?" Julia asks.
The room starts spinning a hundred times worse as millions of thoughts zip through my mind. Feeling like I'm about to faint, I grab a hold of her shoulder.
"What's going on, Larry?"
"Oh Julia, they did it, they really did it," I bawl, collapsing against the wall.
| Author Notes | I want to thank everyone on Fan sStory for all of your support, it means a lot to me. |
By Mistydawn
Larry
"What is it, Larry?" Julia asks again.
"Lilly and Jen are dead," I cry, sliding to the floor.
"Oh Larry, I'm so sorry," she says, sitting down beside me. Putting my head against her chest, I start bawling like a baby.
"I did everything they asked me, everything," I cry.
"I know you did."
"Marty killed them anyhow, he killed them. It's all my fault, my fault," I blubber. Hearing my enemy's voice in the distance, I start looking around. Seeing Marty standing by the bathrooms, I run over to him.
"Why did you do this, huh, why?" I ask, shaking my phone in his face.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Larry." Marty smiles smugly.
"You killed my family you bastard," I yell, punching him in the face. I follow this up with a left jab and then a swift right. I continue swinging as I'm being pulled away.
"Get this psycho off of me," Marty says. Grabbing a hanky from his pocket, he holds it up to his nose.
"There's a lot more where that came from, you snide son of a bitch," I yell, trying to free myself from the officer's grip. I'd just broken loose when a second cop runs over to help him.
"Let go of me," I scream, thrashing my body around. I feel myself falling to the floor.
"You're under arrest for assault and resisting arrest," the officer states, cuffing my arms behind my back.
"I'll call your firm, tell them what's going on," Julia says.
"You have the right to remain silent," the officer begins.
"Yeah, yeah, I know my rights," I spat.
"Well, you're going to hear them again. Anything you say can and will be used against you..."
The crowd cheers as the officers push me down the hall.
"Tell the DA hi for me, Larry."
"This isn't over, Marty," I yell, spinning back around.
"You better be careful what you say, Bud, because it can be used against you in the court of law." Marty laughs.
"Screw you."
"I can't believe all of the profanity coming out of your mouth. What would your poor old mama say about that?" he asks, shaking his head.
"You leave her out of this, you hear me? Leave her out of it," I yell.
"Let's go," the officer says, dragging me down the hall.
"I'll be sure to visit your mama while you're away. At least then she'll know someone still cares."
"Don't you dare, Marty."
"You don't want me to say a few words to your dying mama, how sad is that?"
"Go to hell."
"There's that profanity again, shame, shame, shame."
"That's enough," the officer impatiently states, shoving me in the elevator.
***
Rachel
I'm reviewing Julia's case at my desk when Kirk runs over to me.
"We just got a disturbing call from the New York State Police."
"What do they want with us?"
"They said two of our residents were found stabbed to death in their car off of Interstate 875."
"Who is it, Kirk?"
"Their names are Jenifer and Lilly Wilson, they're Larry's wife and daughter."
"Have they notified him of their deaths?"
"They want us to do it when we arrest him?"
"Arrest him for what?"
"Murder, they believe he drove upstate and killed his wife and daughter."
"Do they have proof that he killed them?"
"They have camera surveillance of his car coming into and leaving the city. They also have a witness that claims he saw the whole thing. You don't think Julia has anything to do with their deaths do you?"
"There's only one way to find out."
Hearing a commotion at the front of the building we race across the room.
"I'm being blackmailed, I tell you, blackmailed," Larry yells.
"Save it for the judge," the officer says, pushing him through the door.
"What's going on, Officer?" I ask.
"I arrested Larry at the courthouse for assault and battery. He's now claiming he's being blackmailed by the one he assaulted."
"I have proof," Larry yells, tearfully glancing towards me.
"Where do you want him?"
"Take him to room one. I'll be there in a minute after I see what the NYPD wants us to do with him."
"Here's the number they gave me," Kirk says, handing me a piece of paper.
Picking up the phone, I quickly dial a number. "This is Rachel Bower with the Berryville PD. I wanted to inform you that we have your suspect in custody. We'll hold him until you get here. Help transport, you need to talk to my Captain about that, let me transfer you."
I see Allen hoovering over me when I glance up from my desk. "Do you need something?"
"I want you to send one of your officers out to arrest Larry Wilson."
"Funny you should mention his name."
"Why, what's going on?"
"I was just about to call and tell you we've just arrested Mr. Wilson."
"On what charge?"
"Assault and murder."
"Murder?"
"The New York State Police believes he killed his wife and daughter."
"Do they want to extradite?"
"We're making arrangements now. What did you want to arrest him for?"
"Jury tampering, I had a lady come into my office claiming that he bribed her into swaying the juror's votes."
"He's in interrogation room one if you'd like to speak to him."
"I want you to be there when I do."
"Let's go," I say, pushing away from my desk.
I see Jerry talking to the suspect when we walk into the room.
"Sarg, Sir," he says, standing up.
"Larry, I'm Allen from the DA's office."
"Yeah, I know who you are."
"I want to ask you a few questions regarding Vinnie's case."
"What about it?"
"Did you talk to any of the jurors during the course of the trial?"
"Of course not."
"Did you send someone to talk to them for you?"
"No, may I ask what this is in regards to?"
"I have a woman who claims she received a note from you stating that all of her money problems will be taken care of if she persuades the jury to find your client not guilty."
"I didn't do that, I swear I didn't!"
"You won't mind if we take a sample of your handwriting, will you?"
"Get me a pen and paper and we'll take care of the matter right now."
"I've already taken a sample from your office."
"Test all you want, you'll see I didn't write the damn note."
"Well, someone did and whoever tried to pull this stunt ended up causing you a mistrial."
"Mistrial, no that can't happen. It just can't," he says, jumping up from his seat.
"Please sit back down."
"You don't understand! My wife and daughter are dead and the rest of my family's lives are in danger because of this mistrial."
"What do you mean their lives are in danger?"
"Marty threatened to kill my family if I didn't win the case! Oh my God, what have I done, what have I done?" he cries, plopping down in his seat. Hearing the door open, we turn around.
"Sarg, I think you need to see this."
"What is it, Kirk?" I ask, stepping into the hall. He shows me a pair of bloody shoes bagged in plastic. I peek my head back in the room.
"Allen, I think you need to see this."
"I'll be right back," he says, walking out the door.
"We found these and bloody clothes at Larry's house. Forensics found a tracking app called Insta-Mapper on his phone. After making a few calls I discovered, that it's connected to a phone the NYPD found in the glove compartment of his wife's car. Evidently, he put the app on a phone, and then wired it to the glove box light so the battery will stay charged."
"You're sure he planted it there?"
"We found the receipt for the cell in his desk drawer."
"Are the officers still at the house?" I ask.
"I think so, why?"
"Have them bring Julia in for questioning."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"There you are," Sharon says, walking around the corner. Sharon's been our medical examiner for nearly thirty years. She also oversees forensics.
"Do you have something for us?"
"Yes, the handwriting on the note doesn't match the samples."
"You're sure?" Allen questions.
"Positive."
"You said he was originally arrested for assault, right?" Allen asks.
"Yes, he beat a man up at the courthouse."
"Let's hold him on that charge until we find out what NYPD wants to do."
***
Julia
I start getting an uneasy feeling as I pull up to the house. Locking the car door, I start looking around. Everything seems to be the way we left it, but I still have this unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach, like there's something wrong.
Unlocking the front door, I quickly step inside. I first notice papers scattered across the floor, the furniture is on its side. Panic starts building inside me as I continue to look around.
What if the intruder is still here, I think, running out the door. I'm halfway down the steps when I notice the officer pulling in the drive.
"Oh, officer I'm so glad you're here," I say, running towards him.
"Hold it right there," he says, pulling the gun out of his holster.
"But officer you..."
"Hands up where I can see them."
"You don't understand, officer, our house has been burglarized," I say, raising my hands above my head.
"Turn around, face the car."
"I don't understand."
"Do it, now!"
"Yes, Sir," I say, turning towards the vehicle. Running up behind me, the officer grabs my wrists and handcuffs them behind my back.
"You don't have any weapons, do you?"
"Of course not."
"What's sticking out of the bottom of your pants?" the second officer questions.
"It's my ankle monitor," I say, extending my leg.
"What's this?" an officer asks, pulling an envelope out of the vehicle.
"I don't know."
"You don't know what this is?"
"No."
Pulling the pictures out of the package, the officer starts looking through them. Getting to the bottom of the stack, he hands them to his partner.
"Are you going to do something about my house being burglarized?"
"We'll deal with that later; right now I need to take you down to the station."
"Why?"
"Because of these," he says, showing me the pictures.
"That's Larry's wife and daughter," I exclaim.
"Pretty gruesome, wouldn't you say? Oh here's one you're really going to like."
Seeing a picture of their mutilated bodies, I quickly turn away.
"Can't stand to look at your own handy work?" the officer questions.
"I didn't do it, I swear I didn't."
"We'll just see about that," he says, escorting me to his cruiser.
"I'll see what forensics can do with the bloody handprint," the second officer says, pointing inside the vehicle.
By Mistydawn
Brief Summary
Julia
She kills her first husband, Andy to escape an abusive relationship. She steals Andy's mistress's ID and moves to Arkansas.
She starts a career and a family under the fictitious name.
Everything is going well until the police discover a knife from another murder in her car. A knife she claims was purchased from a homeless man, for her second husband's birthday.
She bonds out and is awaiting trial.
Larry
Marty threatens to kill Larry's family if he doesn't win Vinnie's case.
Larry recently found out his estranged wife and daughter are dead. He's being questioned about their murders.
***********
Rachel
Allen and I start to step into the interrogation room when I see Joe running down the hall.
"It's so nice of you to join us, Captain." Allen snidely remarks.
"I was taking care of another police matter."
"Did you find out anything, Captain?" I ask.
"We should know something soon, Sergeant," he says, glaring at the DA.
"While you were out doing God knows what, we discovered that Larry's assault is just the tip of the iceberg."
"My team has been keeping me informed," Joe coldly replies. Joe has never cared for our new DA, now more than ever. He told me that Allen is a weak, trifle of a man who has no business being in law. What happened yesterday between Allen and Kirk, only strengthened his belief.
Feeling the tension build, I quickly step between them. "Why don't we go in and see what Larry has to say about the new evidence."
"That sounds like a great idea. Will you be joining us, Captain?"
"Don't mind if I do," he says, stepping through the door.
I start to follow behind them when I hear my name being called.
"Sergeant, wait up," Kirk yells, running towards me.
I turn back around.
"Larry's boss said he took a three day weekend, so he could spend some time with his family in Florida."
"His family was found in New York, right?"
"Right."
"So he told his boss he was going to Florida but followed them to New York instead?"
"That's what I'm thinking."
"Does the timeline fit?"
"It takes almost eighteen hours to get to New York, New York from here if he doesn't stop."
"When were they killed?"
"The ME puts the time of death around one am Saturday morning."
"He was last seen, when?"
"He left the office at five pm, Thursday evening."
"So that's thirty-two hours between the time he was seen at the office and the murder. If he left New York right after he killed them, he'd be back here around seven pm, Saturday evening."
Kirk checks his notes. "The surveillance shows him leaving the city, around one thirty Saturday morning."
"That would give him plenty of time to be back in the office by Monday," I say, turning towards the glass.
"It was all planted I tell you, the shoes, the clothes, the tracking device, everything," Larry yells.
"You're claiming that Marty was the one who planted all of this?" Joe questions.
"He said he'd kill my family, and then frame me for the murder if I didn't win."
"You did win," Allen says.
"Didn't the judge declare a mistrial?"
"How would Marty know about that?" Joe asks, watching him fidget around.
"Vinnie probably told him."
"How, we picked him up when he was out walking around?"
"Maybe he called Marty before you picked him up, or maybe one of the associates from my law firm called and told him, I don't know. All I know for sure is that I'll have proof I'm being blackmailed when Julia gets here."
"Just how are you going to prove that?" Joe asks, leaning in closer.
"I recorded all of his threats on my machine."
"We'll need to verify the tape's authenticity."
"Go right ahead."
"Can someone confirm your whereabouts last weekend?"
"Julia can, she was with me the entire time."
"Can you think of anyone else?"
"No, we stayed home, preparing for her trial."
"Will your neighbors say they saw your car in the drive all weekend?"
"It was in the garage."
"I need to take this," Allen says. Grabbing his phone from his pocket, he steps into the hall.
"Captain, they just brought Julia in for questioning, and there's something you need to see," Kirk announces, stepping into the room.
"Don't go anywhere." Joe chuckles, walking towards the detective.
"Laugh now, but I'll be the one laughing when I file a lawsuit against this department, for harassment."
"Yeah, yeah," Joe says, closing the door behind him.
***
Rachel
I see Julia crying at the table when I walk in the room.
"What am I being arrested for now?" she sobs.
"You're not being arrested."
"Then why am I here, and why am I handcuffed?" She lifts up her wrists.
"That's a good question." Stepping out of the room, I look for the arresting officer.
"I need the key to the handcuffs."
"Do you think it's wise to uncuff her, Sergeant?"
"I think we'll get more out of her if she feels at ease."
"Would you like me to go with you, in case things get out of hand?"
"I appreciate your concern, but I think I can take care of myself." I smile, recalling the numerous perps I took down through the years.
"Alright," he says, hesitantly handing me the key.
"I'm sorry about that," I apologize, unlocking the cuffs. "Is that better?"
"Yes, thank you," she says, rubbing her wrists.
"We brought you in today because we need to ask you a few questions."
"What's this in regards to, Sergeant?"
"Your lawyer, Larry Wilson. Were you staying at his place last weekend?"
"Yes, I actually started staying with him after my husband filed a restraining order. See, Larry agreed to let me stay with him since I have nowhere else to go."
"You're aware Larry has a wife and daughter, right?"
"Yes, but from what I gather, he's planning on divorcing her real soon and fight for custody of Lilly. Well, he was going to until..." Sniffling, she glances down at the table.
"Until what Julia?" I see tears rolling down her cheeks when she looks up.
"Until Marty killed them. He said that he'll murder Larry's family and frame him for their death if he doesn't win Vinnie's case."
"You know this for a fact?"
"I overheard them talking."
"Do you have proof that Marty is blackmailing Larry?"
"Yes, Larry recorded their conversation on his answering machine. I was supposed to bring in the tape, but when I saw the house torn apart, I got scared and ran."
"When did these conversations between Marty and Larry take place?"
"Tuesday afternoon, and again last night. Larry asked to talk to his daughter but ended up talking to his wife instead."
"He talked to his wife last night?" I ask, glancing up from my notes.
"Yes, and he talked to Lilly and Jen early this morning."
"You're sure he talked to his family?"
"I'm positive, they called to see if he heard anything about the trial."
"Did you hear the conversation between him and his wife?"
"Yes."
"I'll be right back." Seeing Kirk at his desk, I walk over to him.
"Kirk, I want you to check Larry's call log."
"I've already tried, Sergeant, but it's been wiped clean."
"Wiped clean?"
"Not a single call on it. Being the genius I am, I was able to retrieve the call history, and found his in-law's number on the list," he says, kicking back in his chair.
"Ok, boy genius, when was the call made?" I smile.
"Today at 7:02 am," he says, pointing to a sheet of paper.
"You're sure that's their number?"
"I talked to the parents to confirm it. They said that their daughter is alive and well. That she took a trip to New York last weekend and returned Sunday night. When I asked to talk to Jen, they said she and Lilly left for another excursion this morning. I asked how she's financing her travels, they said that a guy dropped off some money and a phone, saying it's from Larry."
"Weren't they suspicious about the gift?"
"No, the mother said Jen figures it has to be from Larry since he's the only one she talked to about taking a trip and her phone issues."
"Didn't Jen's mom tell the police that they're alive?"
"She said she tried to tell them, but they wouldn't listen."
"So someone purposely sent Jen on a shopping trip, and made it look like she's dead?"
"Then they try to frame Larry for the crime," Kirk adds.
"Call NYPD have them recheck the victim's identity. I'm going to talk to Larry." I turn to leave when another thought occurs to me.
"Did you find the answering machine tape?"
"I'm having an officer look for it now."
"Let me know when you find it."
"I will, oh, and Sergeant, Julia's ankle monitor shows she was home all weekend."
So there's a good chance, Larry was with her, like he claims, I think, walking towards the interrogation room.
"I have a few more questions for you, Mr. Wilson," I say, stepping inside the door. Looking around, I realize the room is completely empty.
"They haven't picked him up yet, have they?" I question, running to the captain's office.
"Where's Mr. Wilson?" I ask.
"Two of our men are transporting him to St. Abingdon Virginia. The NYPD is supposed to pick him up from there."
"You have to stop them, Joe, you just have to!"
"Why, what's going on?"
"His family is still alive."
By Mistydawn
Brief Summary
Julia kills her first husband, Andy to escape an abusive relationship. She steals his mistress's ID and moves to Arkansas.
She starts a career and a family under the fictitious name.
Everything is going well until the police discover a knife from another murder in her car. She claims she purchased it from a homeless man, for her second husband's birthday. Hearing about her arrest, her second husband Bill puts a restraining order on her and then moves the kids out of the city. Julia bonds out and is awaiting trial.
Marty threatens to kill Larry's family if he doesn't win Vinnie's case.
Larry recently found out his estranged wife and daughter are dead. He's being expedited to New York where the murders took place.
***********
Rachel
Seeing the confused look on Joe's face, I start explaining what we discovered.
"Larry's family is alive?"
"Yes, the mom said Jen and Lilly came home Sunday evening and left again this morning. The police report confirms that the car was stolen from the airport and she's still alive."
"Is the police department rechecking the Identifications?"
"Yeah, but they still have a witness that puts Larry at the crime scene and a picture of him coming in and leaving the city. So even if we prove that isn't them, he'll still be wanted for murder."
"Keep working on the blackmail theory; see what you can come up with. I'll see if Jerry can find someone that'll place him in town last weekend."
"What about the surveillance camera and the witness in New York?"
"I'll look into them."
***
I walk in to find Julia pacing around the room.
"What did you find out?" she asks, nervously running towards me.
"You're right his wife and daughter are alive."
"So Larry is free to go, right?"
"I'm afraid it's not that simple. See the police have a video that shows him going into New York and an eye witness that puts him at the murder scene."
"No, it can't be him. It just can't be, he was with me all weekend," she tearfully replies, falling in her chair.
"Can anyone confirm this?"
"We stayed in all weekend preparing my case. Did you find the tape I was telling you about?"
"It isn't with the other evidence so I'm having uniforms go back to the house, see if they missed it." Hearing a tap on the door, I turn around.
"Can I speak to you a minute, Sergeant?"
"What is it, Kirk?" Stepping into the hall, I closed the door behind me.
"The tape was logged in, but seems to have disappeared."
"You've looked through all the boxes?"
"Yes, and it's not there. I asked if anyone signed them out and the property clerk says no one has touched them since he's checked them in."
"Does he remember seeing the tape?"
"Yes, he said he put it on top, so it wouldn't get damaged."
"Wait; shouldn't the officers have the evidence with them, when they expedite Larry?"
"You'd think so since it pertains to his case."
"This whole thing is getting fishier by the minute."
"You don't think the New York Police Department and our police department are working together to frame him, do you, Sergeant?"
"With the wrong identification and everything else that's going on, I'm beginning to wonder."
"Speaking of everything else going on, I located a charge to the deli on Julia's account."
"So she was at the deli when the murder occurred?"
"I don't know if she was at the deli, but she did stop off for a breakfast sandwich before the murder occurred."
"Check surveillance tapes, see if you can find her."
"I already have, Sergeant."
"Try again, this time, use the specific timeline."
"Yes, ma 'am," he says, trudging towards his desk.
"Kirk."
"Yes, ma 'am," he says, turning around.
"Good work."
"Thank you, Sergeant."
Julia is still pacing the floor when I walk into the room.
"Did you find something, Sergeant?" she asks.
"Not yet, but I wanted to ask you something about your case."
"My case, oh my God, my case is supposed to resume on Monday."
"I'm sure the judge will grant a continuance."
"I sure hope so."
"Who's the Judge?"
"Judge Williams."
"I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you, Sergeant."
"You said you stopped at the deli the morning you were arrested, right?"
"Yeah."
"Did you order your breakfast and leave or stay at the restaurant?"
"I stayed there."
"Ok, so do you remember where you sat that day?"
"I sat at the corner booth closest to the restrooms, why?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I always sit there. Why does all of this matter, anyhow?"
"We're trying to find you on the video."
"So you believe me?"
"I'm starting to. I'll see what I can do about the judge." I say, turning towards the door.
"Sergeant, can I use the restroom, please?"
"It's down the hall to your right."
"Thank you," she says, running for the door.
"You know you're free to go anytime you want, right?"
"No."
"Since the ankle monitor shows you were in town during the time of the murder, you're free to go, but I'm hoping you'll stick around and help us with Larry's case."
"I will, just let me go pee first," she says, throwing the door open.
I walk over to the captain's office and knock on the door.
"Captain, I wanted to let you know that Kirk is talking to the manufacturer to see if they can trace where and when the phone was bought. Kirk also found a deli purchase on Julia's credit card the day she was arrested, he's trying to find her on the video, now."
"I've been looking at the footage of Larry coming in and leaving the city. There's a clear view of his car, but not who's driving it, see," he says, replaying the tape.
"Play it again."
"This is the only shot of the driver," he says, pausing the video.
"It kind of looks like him," I say, zooming in the picture.
"Yeah, but it kind of looks like Kirk too."
"What looks like me?" Kirk asks, walking into the office.
"This picture," Joe says, pointing to the screen.
"You're right it kind of does. Who is that supposed to be?"
"Larry Wilson."
"Yeah, maybe," he says, studying the picture closer.
"Do you have something, Kirk?"
"The lab found one set of prints on the envelope, Julia Moffat's."
"She probably moved it," I say.
"Yeah, maybe, did you find out anything about the burner phone?" the captain asks.
"It was bought at the local radio shack. I'm having the store check their receipts now. Oh, and Rachel, the judge said he'll give Julia a week to find a new lawyer, get him up to speed."
"I'll go tell her."
"Be sure to ask about the fingerprints," the captain says.
"I will."
I see Julia walking back to the room, her arms loaded with junk food.
"You found the snack machine, I see."
Julia giggles. "I don't normally eat this way, but I'm famished."
"We could've called out for something."
"Now you tell me."
"What would you like?"
"I'm good for now."
"Ok, but let me know if you change your mind."
"I will."
"Here, let me get that for you," I say, opening the door.
"Thanks, Sergeant."
"I have some good news for you."
"Larry's free?"
"No, the judge is giving you a week to find a lawyer."
"That's good news for me," she says, dropping the packages on the table.
"I need to ask you about the envelope the police found in your car."
"It's not my car, it's Larry's. Mine is being held at the police impound."
"You said you hadn't seen the envelope before, right?"
"I hadn't seen the pictures. I saw the envelope lying on the floorboard when I was leaving court this afternoon. So I picked it up and put it back on the seat.
"Wasn't it in the car this morning?"
"I didn't notice it, but I was so distracted I could've easily missed it."
"Sergeant, can I talk to you for a minute, please?" Jerry asks, peeking his head in the door.
"What is it, Jerry?"
"There's been another killing over on Main Street."
"I'll be right back, Julia."
"I'll be here," she mumbles through a mouthful of food.
"That's Julia?"
"Yeah, she's trying to help us with Larry's case."
"Well if she's here then that means she can't be the killer, not this time at least."
***
I see Jeff busily logging in the evidence when I pull up to the crime scene. Looking around, I see the rest of my crew quickly processing the area.
"Hi, Sergeant," Jeff says, placing a small envelope into a box.
"What happened here?"
"The victim was shot in the head with a 22."
"Do you have any evidence?"
"We've found a shell casing, a footprint and a woman's bracelet."
"A woman's bracelet?"
"Yeah, one of the officers said it's a Pandora Bracelet."
"Can I see it?" Pulling a clear bag from the box, he hands it to me.
"The only store that carries these is Jared's. I think the nearest one is in Conway. I'll look into that. I want you to check for DNA and fingerprints."
"I will."
"Let me know what you find," I say, answering my phone.
"Sergeant Bower, I'll be right there."
"Who was that, Sergeant?" Kirk asks.
"Jerry, he said that Julia remembers something that might help Larry's case."
***
I see Julia finishing her snacks when I walk in the door.
"I heard you thought of something that might help Larry?"
"Yeah, I remember ordering take out Saturday afternoon from Geraldo's. The charge should be on his credit card and the delivery boy will confirm Larry was home with me."
"We'll look into that." Glancing towards her arm I continue. "Where's your pretty bracelet?"
Julia quickly checks her wrists. "Oh my God it's gone," she says. Jumping up from her chair, she starts looking around.
"Maybe I lost it in the restroom or by the vending machines," Julia exclaims, dashing towards the door. She bumps into the captain on her way through.
"Sorry about that," she apologizes, trying to slide past him.
"What's your hurry?" he asks, stepping in front of her.
"I just realized that I lost my bracelet."
"Is this the one you're looking for?" Joe asks, holding it out in front of her.
"Yeah, that's it. Why are there red dots all over it?"
"Are you talking about the specks of blood?"
"Blood, I didn't cut myself did I?" she asks, checking her wrists.
"It's the victim's blood, not yours."
"Victim, what victim, I don't understand."
"The bracelet was found at a murder scene a few blocks from here."
"H....how did it get there?" she tearfully asks.
"You tell me."
"I.... I don't know," she stutters, glancing towards me.
"Julia Moffitt, you're under arrest for murder."
"Murder?"
"You have the right to remain silent."
"I didn't do it, I swear I didn't."
"You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to you. Do you understand your rights?"
"Yes, but I didn't do it. I couldn't have, I was here all day. Please, Sergeant; please tell him I was here all day."
"She's been helping me with the case all afternoon, Captain."
"She could've slipped out when you weren't looking."
"I haven't left the room."
"Then what's this?" Picking up empty wrappers, he shoves them in her face.
"I did go to the bathroom and the vending machine once, but that's the only time I left."
"She wasn't gone very long, Captain," I quickly add.
"We'll just see about that. Turn around, hands behind your back," the captain orders.
"But I..... I didn't do it." Julia tearfully protests.
By Mistydawn
Brief Summary
Julia kills her first husband, Andy to escape an abusive relationship. She steals his mistress's ID and moves to Arkansas. She starts a career and a family under the fictitious name. Everything is going well until the police discover a knife from another murder in her car. She claims she purchased it from a homeless man, for her second husband's birthday. Hearing about her arrest, her second husband Bill puts a restraining order on her and then moves the kids out of the city. Julia bonds out and is awaiting trial.She's staying with her boyfriend/ Lawyer Larry.
Marty threatens to kill Larry's family if he doesn't win Vinnie's case.
Larry recently found out his estranged wife and daughter are dead. He's being expedited to New York where the murders took place.
****
Larry
I'm sitting in the back of the squad car wishing I was anywhere but here. Unfortunately, I'm heading to the grand state of New York for a murder I didn't commit.
Why won't they believe me, why? I question, leaning my head against the icy window. The snow is falling heavily from the murky gray skies, making the day even gloomier.
"Are you warm enough back there?" one of the officers asks, turning to face me.
"Yeah, I guess so." Seeing the jelly stains on his uniform, powdered sugar residing on the corners of his mouth, a cop joke comes to mind. Smiling, I turn back towards the window.
"So, why did you do it?" the cop questions.
"I didn't kill my family, I swear I didn't."
"Don't tell us then, I don't care."
"You don't understand, I'm being framed by my client's uncle."
"We've heard that before haven't we, Michaels."
"That's for sure," he says, rolling his eyes.
"That's the truth, I swear it is."
"Whatever." Michaels turns back around.
Realizing these two clowns might be my last chance for justice, I spring to the edge of my seat. The sudden moment causes the fat boy to jump, spilling donuts crumbs on the floor.
"How could I've possibly taken a trip to New York when I've been in court all week?"
"You weren't in court last weekend, were you?" he asks, trying to scoop up the bigger pieces.
"Last weekend, what does that have anything to do with this?"
"We have proof that your wife and daughter were murdered early Saturday morning."
"They couldn't have been killed because I just talked to them a few hours ago."
"I don't know who you talked to, pal, but it wasn't your wife."
"Maybe he's a physic or something, Jefferies." They both laugh.
"My phone records will prove it was her."
"They've already checked and didn't find her number on the list," Jefferies adds, glancing in the mirror.
"I know I talked to her, I just know I did," I say, plopping against the seat.
"It looks like you're going away for a very long time, pal." Michaels snickers.
"You'd like that wouldn't you." I've had a few run-ins with these two in the past, so I figure they view this as revenge.
"I sure don't want a psycho killer like you out roaming the streets."
"I'm not a murderer, I'm not," I yell.
"The evidence proves otherwise."
"I'm being framed I swear I am. The tape will prove Marty is framing me."
"There is no tape, we've already checked."
"You checked the one in the study?"
"The machine was empty. Let me guess, Marty broke in and stole the tape." Jefferies snickers.
"I wouldn't doubt it."
"How would he even know it exists?"
"I don't know."
"I bet you're being framed for jury tampering too, right?" Jeffries questions, glancing in the mirror again.
"Yes!"
"Did Marty do that too?"
"Maybe, I don't know."
"People are framing you left and right, aren't they pal?" Michaels smirks.
"They really are!"
"Well, you're either one very unlucky sap, or you've made a lot of enemies."
"I have a feeling it's a little of both."
The cop shakes his head. "You know what I think, bud? I think you're a sick puppy who believes everyone is against you and that's why you're coming up with all of this framing shit. What's that called, Jeffries?"
"Delusional?"
Michaels chuckles. "He's that too, but there's another name for it, a mental condition."
"Persecution complex?"
"That's it. You have a persecution complex." Michaels laughs.
"Think what you want, but I know the truth."
"I do too. You did it and don't want to own up to it."
"I can't wait to prove you smart asses wrong, then I'll..."
"Hold it down, the captain is calling," Michaels says, reaching for his phone.
"Yes, Captain, really, I'll let him know." Hanging up his phone he turns towards Larry.
"Well, Bud, it looks like you visited New York last weekend after all."
"I was nowhere near the place."
"Then why is there a charge on your credit card to a bodega in Queens? Let me guess, Marty did that too." Michaels sarcastically replies.
Tired of their game, I decide not to respond.
Michaels tries again. "Did Marty do that too, or was it the one who's framing you for jury tampering?"
I continue to watch the snow as it continues to blanket the road.
"Is little Larry finally giving up?" he asks, glancing in the back seat.
"No, I'm just tired of arguing with you idiots."
"Who are you calling an idiot?" Michaels says, slamming his hands against the metal divider.
"If the shoe fits." You push my buttons, and I'll push yours, I think. Smiling, I lean against the window.
***
Rachel
Aggravated at the captain for not listening to me, I storm into the hallway. Slamming the door closed, I grab a hold of his arm.
Angry at me for arguing with him, Joe spins around.
"I don't see how she did this, Joe. She went to the bathroom and the vending machines, but that's the only time she's left the room all day."
"She could've snuck out when you weren't watching."
"I don't see how she could sneak off when I've been checking on her throughout the day. Besides she doesn't have a car and the crime scene is at least ten blocks from here."
"She could've called a friend or a taxi to pick her up."
"How could she shoot him when she doesn't own a gun?"
"She could've picked one up at the house or her friend could've brought her one."
"I don't think she's good for this Joe, I really don't, and you know my gut is usually right."
"Tell you what, I'll have Kirk check her phone, and I'll check the station's video, see what I can find."
"Thank you," I say running back in the room.
I see Julia crying at the table when I walk through the door.
"You know I didn't do this, Rachel. You know I didn't," she blubbers, wiping the tears off her face.
"I know you didn't and I'm going to prove it."
"How," she sobs, glancing up at me.
"Can I see your phone?"
"It's in my purse."
"Where's your purse?" I ask, glancing around the room.
"A Detective named Kirk took it; he said I'm not allowed to have it, now that I'm under arrest."
"I'll be right back." I see Jerry walking towards me when I step into the hall.
"Sergeant, Joe wants you to see what's on the security tapes."
"Where is he, Jerry?"
"In his office."
"Where's Kirk?"
"He's logging Julia's purse into evidence."
"Tell him to check the call log on her phone," I say, walking towards the captain's office. I see Joe staring at the computer when I knock on the door.
"I've already reviewed the tape once, but I want you to see it."
"See what, Captain?" I ask, walking over to him.
"This," he says, hitting the replay button.
"I see Julia leaving the building."
"Look at the time, Rachel."
I glance at the time stamp. "It's 5:45 pm."
"Approximately fifteen minutes before the crime occurred. I'll fast forward it half an hour and there she is coming back inside."
"Maybe she's getting a little fresh air," I suggest.
"That's what I thought too until I saw this," he says, pointing to a second monitor.
"She went around the side of the building, what's the big deal about that?"
"She was completely out of the camera's sight for over twenty-five minutes."
"Maybe she took a walk around the block or something, Joe."
"For twenty-five minutes?"
Hearing a knock on the door, I glance up.
"Sergeant, her phone isn't in her purse like she said. So I checked her calls through her service provider."
"What did you find out, Kirk?"
"It shows that she made a call to the taxi company at 5:36 pm. I called the taxi company to confirm it, and a driver said he remembers picking her up at the station and dropping her off at 255 Adam's street, which is Larry's house. Twenty minutes later she asks to be picked up and taken to the station."
"Where did he pick her up the second time?"
"From where he dropped her off."
"There has to be a logical explanation for this," I say, storming out of the room.
~~~
Julia jumps in her seat when the door slams against the wall.
"I'm tired of your games, Julia, so you better come clean with me and you better do it now."
"Come clean about what, I don't know what you're talking about, Sergeant?"
"Why didn't you tell me you went to Larry's house?"
"I haven't been anywhere but here since the cops picked me up."
"Then why do we have you on video leaving the station and why is there a call to the taxi company on your phone?"
"I took a walk to clear my head, try to find a way to help Larry, but I didn't call a taxi and I didn't go home."
"Your phone records prove you made the call and the taxi driver remembers dropping you off and picking you up at Larry's house," I yell, slamming my hand on the table.
"That wasn't me, I swear it wasn't," she bawls.
"Lying to me will only get you into more trouble," I warn.
"I'm not lying to you, Rachel, I promise I'm not," she sobs.
"Just when I was starting to believe you too," I say. I see Jerry standing by the door when I storm out of the room.
"I called Julia's phone, to see if I could trace it, but a young boy answers before I could get a location. When I question him about the phone, he says, he found it lying on a rock by where the guy was shot."
"Are the officers picking it up, Jerry?"
"Yes."
"Let me know when it gets here."
"I will. Oh, and Sergeant, we found a taxi receipt dated for today in Julia's purse."
"I wonder what she'll say about that."
Berryville Pd Staff
Joe the captain, married to Rachel.
Rachel the sergeant.
Jerry a detective
Kirk, a detective.
By Mistydawn
Brief Summary
Julia kills her first husband, Andy to escape an abusive relationship. She steals his mistress's ID and moves to Arkansas. She starts a career and a family under the fictitious name. Everything is going well until the police discover a knife from another murder in her car. She claims she purchased it from a homeless man, for her second husband's birthday. Hearing about her arrest, her second husband Bill puts a restraining order on her and then moves the kids out of the city. Julia bonds out and is awaiting trial.She's staying with her boyfriend/ Lawyer Larry.
Marty threatens to kill Larry's family if he doesn't win Vinnie's case.
Larry recently found out his estranged wife and daughter are dead. He's being expedited to New York where the murders took place.
~~~~~~~~~~
Julia
I lift my head off the table when the door squeaks open. Looking over, I see an older lady stepping into the room. She's wearing a white lab coat that hangs well past her knees. Her salt and pepper hair is pulled into a bun, fastened at the nape of her neck. Glancing over, I see a small blue box dangling from her right hand. What are they up to now, I think as she walks towards me.
"My name is Sharon, I work in the lab. I came to do a GSR test on your hands."
"A what?" I question, unfamiliar with police terminology.
"A gunshot residue test, it'll only take a minute and won't hurt a bit. Can I see your right hand, please?"
After carefully inspecting it, Sharon takes a small object from the kit and starts dabbing it across my right hand.
"Can I see your left hand?" Sharon quickly repeats the process. "All done," she says, collecting her things.
"What's the test for?"
"We hope it'll prove that you didn't shoot the gun."
"I didn't, I swear I didn't," I tearfully reply.
"I believe you, honey," Sharon says, sympathetically patting my arm.
"Thank you."
Smiling, she walks out of the room.
*****
Rachel
I see Kirk rushing towards me as I'm weaving through the desks. We really need a bigger space, I think, glancing at the dozens of desks strung haphazardly around the room.
The city promised to expand, but then a new mayor came in, said the city needs improvements worse than we need a bigger space. Mayors like him are the reason why the building hasn't been remodeled since it was first built.
"Do you have a minute, Sergeant?"
"What is it, Kirk?"
"I just thought about something."
"Boy genius's brain is hard at work again." I laugh, plopping down at my desk.
Laughing, he continues. "There's this thing called spoofing. It's when you make a call look like it's coming from a specific phone when it actually didn't."
"So someone could've made a call look like it came from Julia's phone?"
"Exactly, the only way I can prove differently is if I check the phone's call log."
"Make sure you look into that, as soon as the phone gets here."
"I will, Sergeant."
Hearing heavy footsteps running towards me, I quickly glance up from my desk. I see a tall thin gentleman hustling through the room. His expensive gray suit and overwhelming cologne scream high priced mouth piece. I notice a pair of dress shoes in hand as he gets closer.
Realizing he's heading towards the back, Kirk jumps in front of him. "Where do you think you're going?" the detective asks.
"I heard you're charging my client, Julia Morphett with murder?"
"Yes."
"Where is she?"
"She's in interrogation room one."
"Tell the captain I have some evidence regarding Larry Wilson's case," he says, running past us.
Jumping up from my desk, I rush to the captain's office. I see Joe working behind his desk, a grim look on his face. I have to add to the bad news, I think, tapping on the door.
"Captain, Julia and Larry's lawyer says he has some information pertaining to their case."
"Did he say what it is?"
"No, but he said he'll be in with Julia when you're ready to talk."
"Let's see what he has to show us," he says, walking around his desk.
We see Mark and Julia discussing something when we open the door. Not wanting to eavesdrop on confidential communication, Joe clears his throat before stepping in the room.
"Just the person I want to see," the lawyer announces.
"I heard you have some information regarding Larry Wilson's case?"
"I have a few things actually. The mileage on his car doesn't add up."
"What do you mean it doesn't add up?" I question.
"The mechanic wrote down the miles on his worksheet, when Larry had it serviced last Thursday." He points to the far left corner. "If you check the odometer, it'll be a few miles more than what's printed on the sheet. Which means he couldn't have taken his car to New York."
"Is there anything else?" Joe asks, aggravated that his once solid case is being torn to shreds.
"Yes, these shoes," he says, scooping them off the table.
"What about them?"
"I'd say they're pretty worn wouldn't you?"
Joe glances at the shoes then the lawyer. "Yeah, so?"
"These are the shoes Larry wears to court. As you can tell they are rather large."
"Get to the point, counselor."
"The point is these shoes are a size 11 and the ones in the evidence room are an eight, which is three sizes too small for Larry's feet."
"Are you done with your show and tell?" Joe questions.
"For now." Chuckling the lawyer continues "What do you have on Julia?"
"We found her bracelet at the crime scene. We have a call made from her phone to the taxi company and a cabbie who claims he picked her up at the station and then dropped her back off a half-hour later. When forensics searched Larry's car they found a 22 in the glove compartment and blood on the driver's seat."
"I'd like to speak with my client, please."
"Sure thing, counselor." Smiling, Joe walks out the door.
***
Larry
Glancing outside, I see the snow shower has quickly become a blizzard. It'd be just my luck to be trapped with these goons, I think, watching the powdery substance accumulate. Trying to take my mind off the storm, I start running through the evidence. There has to be a way to dispute it, there just has to be. Frustrated, I lean my head against the cold glass.
"You know what I think? I think you have two credit cards issued in your name and you had someone use the spare to make it look like you were in Arkansas." Michaels says, glancing in the mirror. Jefferies was nervous about driving in the storm, so the two decided to change places.
"You want to know what I think happened?" Sitting on the edge of my seat, I continue. "I think someone used my credit card number in New York to make it look like I was there."
"Oh boy, here we go with the framing bullshit again," Michael says, rolling his eyes.
"Have your boss check the footage at the bodega and see where I show up."
"So let's say you were here, Larry, how do you explain the video of you coming in and leaving the city and what about the witness that says he saw you at the crime scene?" Jefferies questions.
"I know what happened. The witness is being paid to say he saw you, right?" Michaels, chuckles.
"Exactly."
"I wish you would give it up."
"I wish you'd shut up."
I see Michael's sallow complexion turn a crimson red. With his teeth clenched together, he mumbles. "If I wasn't driving, so help me God..."
Smiling, I lean against the seat.
***
Rachel
I'm working on Julia's case at my desk when I see Kirk walking towards me. I notice the perplexed look on his face as he continues reading. He's so engrossed in the report that he doesn't see the furniture in front of him. He stumbles across a small chair, the folder becomes airborne, smacking a co-worker's head.
"Hey," an officer yells, springing up from his desk.
Embarrassed, Kirk rushes towards our cubical.
Trying to contain my laughter, I quickly turn away.
"Go ahead, laugh," he says, plopping down in his chair.
"You have to admit that was pretty funny." I chuckle.
"Hilarious," he sarcastically replies.
"What were you looking at?"
"The lab report on Julia's phone. They confirmed that a call was made to the taxi company from her phone. They also found a trace amount of the victim's blood and gunshot residue on the cover."
"So whoever shot our victim must have picked up the phone afterward."
"Billy, the little boy who found the phone claims it was lying at the crime scene. He said that he's watching the officers work when he sees a guy put the phone on a rock and walk away. Billy says he tries to give the guy his phone, the man yells at him, orders him to leave, so he does."
"Can The little boy describe the guy?"
"He says he's in his late sixties. He has sandy brown hair with black framed glasses and was wearing a dark blue suit. When he sat down with a sketch artist they came up with this." Jerry hands me a piece of paper.
"This looks like our DA. I better go talk to Joe about this," I say, pushing away from the desk. A few minutes later, I walk over to Kirk.
"What did he say, Rachel?"
"He couldn't believe it at first, so I showed him the boy's statement and then the sketch."
"What did he say then?"
"He said he'll look into it."
"What does he want us to do?"
"He told me to sit tight for now."
***
Larry
It wasn't long before motor mouth Michaels was at it again. I try to ignore him but he just keeps going on and on about my case. I was hoping his partner would say something, but he pulls out his headphones instead.
"The way it's going the police will have a solid case against you by the time you get to New York."
"Then I'll step in and blow their theories to hell." Still not sure how I'm going to pull it off.
"You know what they say about a lawyer who represents himself." Michaels snickers.
"That only pertains to idiots who don't know the law."
"Like I was saying," he laughs, glancing in the mirror.
"You think you're such a badass with your badge and fancy toys, don't you, Michaels?"
"I can take you down without all this junk."
"Prove it, then."
"You really want to go?"
"Yeah."
Pulling the car to the shoulder of the road, Michaels starts to open the door.
"What are you doing?" Jefferies questions, pulling the headphones from his ears.
"I'm going to take care of the smart-ass once and for all," he says, opening the car door.
"I think you're forgetting something," his partner says, glancing beside him.
"What?" Michaels asks.
His partner glances at the dashboard again.
"What?" Michaels screams.
"He's telling you the webcam is on, you imbecile."
"That's why the captain calls every time you two argue."
"Your goose is cooked now, Bro." I laugh.
"I haven't touched you."
"No, but you've threatened me. If my memory serves, your actions could have some serious consequences, up to five years in prison, I believe."
Michaels looks over at his partner, he shrugs.
"I have a feeling you're going to be in some major hot water when you get home."
"You set me up," he yells.
"Now who's the Idiot?" I laugh.
"My Captain wouldn't reprimand me."
"Are you sure?" Hearing the phone ring I continue.
"I bet that's him now."
Jefferies grabs his phone off the dash. "Hi Captain, I'll tell them."
"What did the Captain say?"
"He told me to tell you that you're lucky I saved your ass and that you will be reprimanded for your behavior."
"I told you so," I laugh.
"He told me to tell you that the car they saw coming into and leaving the city wasn't yours."
"So much for your iron clad case, Michaels," I smirk.
"I know you did this and I'm going to prove it."
"You're going to be in so much trouble that you won't have time to worry about me."
"I'll make the time, I guarantee you that."
Berryville Pd Staff
Joe the captain, married to Rachel.
Rachel the sergeant.
Jerry a detective
Kirk, a detective.
Sharon the ME, oversees the lab.
By Mistydawn
Brief Summary
Julia kills her first husband, Andy to escape an abusive relationship. She steals his mistress's ID and moves to Arkansas. She starts a career and a family under the fictitious name. Everything is going well until the police discover a knife from another murder in her car. She claims she purchased it from a homeless man, for her second husband's birthday. Hearing about her arrest, her second husband Bill puts a restraining order on her and then moves the kids out of the city. Julia bonds out and is awaiting trial.She's staying with her boyfriend/ Lawyer Larry. She's now accused of another murder which she claims she didn't commit. The Sergeant wants to believe her but the evidence keeps piling up against her.
Marty threatens to kill Larry's family if he doesn't win Vinnie's case.
Larry recently found out his estranged wife and daughter are dead. He's being expedited to New York where the murders took place. The evidence against him is slowly shredding apart.
************
Rachel
I can get so much accomplished when it's quiet like this. I think, glancing around the empty squad room. Early mornings and late evenings are the only time the area isn't total chaos.
Glancing at the clock, I realize the morning crew is due any minute. I better finish this up while I still can, I think, glancing down at the computer. I'm busy finishing a report when Jerry walks over to our cubical.
"Morning, Jerry."
"Morning, Sarge, You're getting an early start," he says, plopping his things on the desk.
"This case has been bothering me all night long, so I wanted to get an early start, see if I can figure it out once and for all."
"Which one is that?" he questions, taking a sip of coffee.
"The one against Julia, I just don't see how on earth she could've done it, and all the evidence stacking against her like that is just a little too convenient if you ask me."
"The case is pretty much solving itself," Jerry agrees.
"I keep thinking about what Billy said about the guy laying Julia's phone down on the rock."
"Maybe he saw it, picked it up, looked at it, then set it back down so it could be processed."
"So, If, she did transfer gun powder residue and blood to the phone, wouldn't she have deposited some on the steering wheel when she drove away?"
"She could've worn gloves at the crime scene, but not in the car."
"Forensics didn't find any at the scene, so that means she'd had to have taken them with her, but gloves weren't found in the house or the car."
"Maybe she got rid of them on her way home?"
"What about the blood splatter, Jerry?"
"What about it?"
"Wouldn't she have blood on her clothes, since he was shot at close range?"
"You'd think so."
"There wasn't any on her shoes or clothes but yet there's blood on the seat of Larry's car."
"She could've put on different clothes."
"She wore the same outfit all day."
"She could have changed into something else, shot him, then switched back."
"Julia would have to change her clothes, drive to the crime scene, shoot him, drive back to Larry's, swap outfits, get rid of the bloody clothes, and then have the cab take her to the station all within a half-hour."
"I don't see how that's possible," Jerry says, scratching his head. This is something he tends to do when he's in deep thought. Joe teases him about it, says he's trying to jumpstart his rusty brain.
"Me either, I'm going to talk to the cab driver, see if he'll confirm picking her up." Grabbing my gear, I start to head towards the door.
"Before you go, Sergeant."
"Do you have something, Jerry?" I ask, turning back around.
"I wanted to let you know that I watched the footage from the deli after you left last night."
"Did you find anything?"
"Yeah, Julia was eating lunch like she said."
"When was the time stamp on the tape?"
"From 12:30 -12:50. I checked the time stamp is accurate."
"That would clear her of the first murder, now to clear her of the second," I say, heading towards the door.
***
I pull up to an old stone house just off of the square. Knowing other cab companies have failed, the owners decide to run their business from the lower level of their home.
I see an older woman reading the paper when I walk through the door.
"May I help you?" she asks, neatly folding the newspaper, she lays it down beside her.
"Yes, my name is Rachel Bower and I'm with the Berryville PD."
"How may I help you, officer?"
"I'd like to speak to one of your drivers, please. His name is James Kirkland."
"He hasn't done anything wrong, has he?"
"No, I'm just verifying one of his pick ups yesterday."
"James is out on a call, but he should be back soon if you care to wait," she says, gesturing to the seats behind me.
"Do you have his log from yesterday?"
"Yes, of course."
"May I see it, please?"
"Sure." Reaching behind her, she grabs a clipboard off the stack of papers. "Here it is," she says, handing it to me.
I quickly scan through the list. "I don't see the addresses on the log. Could he have picked up someone and not written it down?"
"He could've but then there'd be a discrepancy in his mileage and as you can see every mile is accounted for. Now he could've picked-up a couple of people on one run and only wrote down the address where he originally stopped on the log."
"I've shared a taxi before."
"That'd also explain why the address isn't in either of our logs."
"Do you remember a call requesting to be picked-up from the police station or Adams street?"
"No, but I wasn't here all day, my husband took over so I could make supper. You know how guys are about their food." She laughs.
"Oh, I know." Chuckling I continue. "Thank you for your time."
"Anytime, Detective."
Seeing a taxi pull up, I step outside. I realize it's the owner and not James when he climbs out of the car. He might know something about it, I conclude walking towards him.
"May I help you?" he asks, closing the door.
"My name is Rachel and I'm with the Berryville PD. I need to ask you about someone James picked-up yesterday."
"Is this about that young woman again?"
"Again?"
"Yes, I've already told another Detective that James didn't charge her for the ride and that's why she's not on the log," he says, walking across the parking lot.
"When did you tell the detective this?" I ask, following him across the pavement.
"I had just opened the shop so it had to have been around six thirty this morning."
"Did he ask about anything else?"
"Yes, he wanted the recording from his dash cam."
"Did you give it to him?"
"I wasn't going to do it at first, but then he said he'll get a temporary restraining order to close my place down until the investigation is over."
"Can you remember his name?"
"He didn't say."
"What does he look like?"
"He's around my age. He has short brown hair and black framed glasses. He was dressed in a suit, so I figure he's one of the higher ups."
"I'd like to see what's on the tape he asked about if you don't mind."
"I'm sure my wife can get you a copy," he says, opening the door.
I quickly step inside.
He tells his wife about the visit and how he gave the man the tape.
His wife starts laughing.
"What's so funny, Delores?"
"You gave him a blank tape, Henry."
"A blank tape?"
"Yeah, I erase the tapes after I download the footage to the hard drive." Seeing the confused look on his face she explains. "Reusing the tape cuts a lot of expense."
"Is there any way I can see what's on the tape?" I question.
"Sure," Delores says, tapping a few keys.
We're staring intently at the screen, waiting for something to happen when a questionable looking character climbs in James' car. I recognize the face the moment he leans towards the cabbie.
~~~
"You need to say you picked up Julia Moffit from the cop shop and took her to Adam's Street." the deceitful looking dude says. Showing James a picture, he continues. "Then you picked her back up a half hour later and took her to the police station."
"Why do I need to do that for?" James questions.
"It's all part of Allen's plan."
~~~
"Play that part again for me, please," I say.
Rewinding the footage, Doris pushes the play button.
"So that's what they're trying to cover up," I conclude.
"Do you think this Allen guy really told him to say that, Sergeant?"
"I plan to find out. Can you make me a copy of the tape, please?"
"Sure thing, Detective. I'll check our cameras and see if I can get a picture of the guy that tried to get the tape while that's downloading. You might as well take a load off because it's going to be a few minutes."
I start thumbing through a magazine when my phone rings. "Sergeant Bower, The captain has a suspect in custody and wants me to be a part of the interrogation? I'll be right there," I say, walking across the room.
"Do you need something, Detective?" Deloris asks.
"I have to go, but I'll be back later to pick up the tape."
"It'll be waiting for you."
***
I see Joe at my desk when I walk into the station. I quickly brief him on my new discovery.
"So, Allen is a part of this after all."
"That's what Marty said on the tape."
'Where's the tape now?"
"The owner is making me a copy."
"Why don't we go talk to Marty while we wait?" Smiling, he walks to the back of the building.
"So, Marty, we meet again," Joe announces, opening the interrogation room door.
"What are you trying to charge me with now, Captain?" He smiles. Through the years Joe has arrested him for various offenses but for some reason or other, the charges never stick.
"Blackmail for starters."
"Who am I supposedly blackmailing, Captain?" he asks, kicking back in his chair.
Joe mumbles smug son-of bitch as he walks across the room. "Larry Wilson?"
"Larry Wilson, who is he?"
"He's the lawyer that represented your nephew Vinnie in his murder trial."
"Oh him, he's a poor excuse for a lawyer if you ask me."
"Why did you hire him if you think he's such a lousy lawyer?" I question.
"I didn't, Vinnie did, against my advice of course."
"Knowing how bad he is, you decided to blackmail him into winning the case, is that it?"
"I didn't blackmail anyone, Captain."
"I know you threatened to kill his wife and daughter if he lost the case."
"I didn't say that and you can't prove otherwise."
"We have your conversations recorded." Glancing down at a piece of paper, Joe continues. "There are seven threats in all. The last one was made two days ago, right before the judge declared a mistrial."
"I'm not saying another word until my lawyer gets here."
"Fine with me," Joe says, walking towards the door. He starts to step out of the room when another thought occurs to him, he spins back around. "I'm going to do everything I can to make sure you rot in prison."
"Like you did the last time?" Marty laughs.
Joe remembers how his lawyer got him off on a small technicality. Throwing the door open, he stomps into the hall.
Marty laughs louder.
"I'm going to get that SOB once and for all," Joe says, storming to his office.
"What do you want to do now, Captain?" I ask, following behind him.
"I want you to get the tape and the photo. I'm going to see what else I can dig up on that arrogant ass."
By Mistydawn
Brief Summary
Julia kills her first husband, Andy to escape an abusive relationship. She steals his mistress's ID and moves to Arkansas. She starts a career and a family under the fictitious name. Everything is going well until the police discover a knife from another murder in her car. She claims she purchased it from a homeless man, for her second husband's birthday. Hearing about her arrest, her second husband Bill puts a restraining order on her and then moves the kids out of the city. Julia bonds out and is awaiting trial.She's staying with her boyfriend/ Lawyer Larry. She's now accused of another murder which she claims she didn't commit. The Sergeant wants to believe her but the evidence keeps piling up against her.
Marty threatens to kill Larry's family if he doesn't win Vinnie's case.
Larry recently found out his estranged wife and daughter are dead. He's being expedited to New York where the murders took place. The evidence against him is slowly shredding apart.
*****************
Rachel
I pull into the station, happy our little road trip is over. The cabbie has been blabbering non-stop since I threw him in the car. I'm usually happy when suspects talk, but not when they say the same thing a dozen times or more. All of the chattering in his chipmunk voice is giving me a pounding headache.
Looking back I see him cowering in the corner, the way my son often does when he's about to be spanked. Guess it's true what they say about men being tall children. Laughing, I throw the door open.
"Let's go," I say. Grabbing a hold of his arm, I lead him towards the building.
"I'm innocent I tell you, innocent."
"You've already told me a thousand times," I spat, pushing him through the hallway.
"Who do you have here, Sergeant?" Jerry asks, grabbing the suspect's arm.
"This is James Kirkland, the cabbie. Take him to room two, I'll be right there," I say, fishing through my desk. Finding the aspirin bottle, I pop it open.
"Gave you a headache did he?" Jerry chuckles.
"Yeah."
"I'm innocent, innocent I tell you," James cries.
"And that's how he did it."
"Come on," Jerry says, escorting him down the hall.
"I didn't do anything, officer, I swear, I didn't."
"We'll find out soon enough, now won't we."
Hearing a door open, James turns towards the noise. He sees Marty stepping into the hall.
"He's the one who told me to say I picked her up. It was him, he's the one responsible for all of this," James yells, pointing towards the door.
"I never saw this vagrant before," Marty replies, tossing his nose in the air.
"I'll show you vagrant, Marty," James says, lunging towards him.
Grabbing a hold of James' cuffs, Jerry pulls him away. "I think you need to go in here before someone gets hurt," Jerry says, pushing him through the second door.
"I have a feeling we have more to talk about, Marty." Turning the suspect around, Joe shoves him in the room.
Marty stumbles across the floor, more for show than anything else.
"I can't wait to hear what my lawyer has to say about that bit of brutality." He smiles.
"You might've had something if it was caught on tape, but since it wasn't, it'll be your word against mine." Joe chuckles.
Aggravated that his antics didn't work, Marty plops down in the chair. "I've done told you that I'm not saying another word until my lawyer gets here."
"Fine, don't talk, that just means we'll give James the deal and not you, which will suit me just fine. More than fine, actually." Joe chuckles.
"Your tactics don't scare me, Captain." He laughs.
"You won't be so cocky when we convict you of murder."
"You're still playing the same old song, aren't you, Captain? I guess you'll never learn." Shaking his head, he continues, "This will be just like all the other times you tried to convict me." He laughs.
"Not this time my friend, not this time." Smiling, Joe closes the door behind him.
Get him, Joe, I think, stepping into the second room.
I see James nervously glancing around when I walk over to him. This should be an easy confession, I think, sitting in the chair in front of him. "So, you're claiming that Marty told you to say that you gave Julia a ride?"
"Yeah, he said it was all part of the DA's plan."
"You know we have your conversation recorded, so I'll know if you're lying, right?"
"How?"
"The discussion was taped from your dash cam."
"I don't have a camera in my car."
"Not one that you're aware of." Seeing the horrified look on his face, I smile.
"The Wagners have been taping me?"
"From the day you first started. Why, is there something else on the tapes I should know about?"
"N....no, no nothing at all."
"I think there is. Maybe I should go back and get all of the tapes," I say, springing out of my chair. James jumps in his seat when my chair clanks to the floor.
"Y...you don't need to do that."
"Then tell me what's on the other tapes, James," I say, slamming my fist down a few inches from his hands.
He jumps again. "N....nothing, I swear, Sergeant."
"I don't believe you," I say, leaning across the table.
He starts fidgeting in his seat. "H...honest, that's it."
"You're willing to testify to this?"
"Y...yes, of course."
"Let me talk to my boss, see what he wants to do." I see Joe standing in the hallway when I open the door.
"What do you think, Captain?"
"Is that what you saw in the video?"
"Yep, I have something else to show you too." Taking a picture out of the envelope, I continue. "He's the one who tried to pick up the tape this morning."
"Allen has a copy of the conversation?"
"No, Henry unknowingly gave him a blank tape. I can't believe Allen is in on this, Joe, him, of all people."
"I had a feeling something funny was going on when he didn't want me with him when he talked to Marty."
"He kept you out of the interview?"
"Yeah, he said he wanted the conversation off the record, no video or speakers."
"But you listened anyhow, didn't you?" I smile. Seeing the puzzled look on his face, I chuckle. "I know you better than you think, Mister," I say, poking him in the chest.
He laughs. "Yeah, I listened in, but all I heard was Allen saying to keep quiet, that he'll fix it."
I glance at the first door. "Maybe I'll have better luck with Marty since he doesn't have a grudge against me."
"Not yet anyway." Joe chuckles, stepping up to the mirror.
Marty is sitting calmly at the table when I throw the door open. "Alright, Marty, it's confession time." I toss a picture of him and James onto the table.
"That only proves that James gave me a ride to the airport," he says, kicking back in his chair.
"We have you and Marty's conversation recorded. So you better fess up now, before you go down for everything."
"I'm not telling you guys shit until my lawyer gets here."
"That's your right, but just so you know, I plan on arresting Allen. I'll guarantee he'll blame everything on you, to save his ass."
"We'll just see about that, won't we, Sergeant?" He laughs.
I start clenching and unclenching my fists, trying to release some anger. "I guess we will."
Scooping up the pictures, I storm out the door. I see Joe laughing when I step into the hall.
"It took everything you had not to punch him, didn't it?" Joe chuckles.
"I want to do more than hit that pompous SOB," I say, through gritted teeth.
Grabbing the picture and video out of my hands, Joe dashes through the station.
"Where are you going, Captain?"
"I'm going to take this to the Senior ADA."
Things are going to really heat up now, I think, glaring at Marty through the mirror.
I see Jerry staring at his computer when I walk to my desk. "What are you doing, Jerry?"
"I'm looking at the footage from the bodega."
"Have you seen Marty or Larry yet?"
"Not yet. Wait, isn't that Marty?"
"Play that again," I say, stepping behind him.
"That sure is," Pausing the tape, Jerry glances at his notes.
"So according to the time on the receipts, Larry should have been right before him."
"Replay it in slow motion, see if we can spot Larry."
"I still didn't see him, Sarge."
"It looks like the kid was next and then an older man."
"According to the receipts the kid paid cash and the old man used a card."
"The one before Marty was a young lady."
"Yeah, and she used a card too, see," he says, pointing to a piece of paper.
"Maybe go further up or further back?"
"That would throw the receipts out of sync."
"You're sure the time stamp is accurate?"
"That's the first thing I checked. Maybe there's a glitch in the system and it didn't pick up Larry?"
"Let's look at the time stamps, see if there's missing footage."
Jerry replays the tape. "I didn't see any missing time, did you, Sarge?"
"No, so, that means Marty used Larry's card to make a purchase, then bought something himself."
*****
Larry
The snow is coming down harder than ever, making the roads extremely dangerous. The captain told Michaels to stop at the next motel, but he thinks he can make it to Virginia. I know I could, but I'm not so sure about him, not after the close call we had a few miles back.
"Is that the Captain again?" Michaels asks as Jefferies reaches for his phone.
Jefferies checks the caller ID. "Yep, hi Captain, really, so that means the only evidence we have left is the eyewitness. Ok, I'll tell him."
"What was all that about, Jefferies?"
"It seems that Mr. Wilson didn't make the purchase in New York after all."
"See, I told you I'm being framed," I say, sitting on the edge of my seat.
"We still have an eyewitness that puts you at the scene," Michaels snidely remarks.
"Someone probably paid him to say that."
"You criminals think you're so smart, don't you, running around committing crimes, thinking you'll never get caught." Michaels spat.
"I'll have you know that some criminals are very intelligent, definitely a lot smarter than you." I chuckle.
"Yeah, name one."
"I can do you one better, I'll name six. There's Al Capone, Theodore Kaczynski, Richard Loeb, Nathan Leopold, Ted Bundy, and Charlene Williams. All have IQ's well above the normal range."
"If they're so smart, why did they get caught, huh?" Michaels questions.
"You guys just got lucky."
I hear Michaels mumble something under his breath. Chuckling, I sit back on the seat.
****
Rachel
I see Joe moping towards our desks. His head is down, his shoulders slumped like he was put through the ringer. I notice the gloomy expression on his face as he gets closer.
"Your talk with the States Attorney didn't go well, I take it."
Walking over to my desk, Joe plops down in the chair. "He denies Allen has any part of the supposed framing."
"What about the phone?"
"Allen said that he picked it up, thinking it was his, when he discovered it wasn't, he laid it back down to be processed."
"What was his excuse for wanting the video?"
"Allen told him that it'll help win Julia's case."
"It sounds like the DA is really covering his ass, Boss."
"Yeah, and I'm beginning to wonder if the States Attorney isn't helping him. Did you lose your phone yesterday, Rachel?"
"No, why?"
"The janitor stopped me in the hallway and asked if you got your phone back. He said the DA asked if he'd found your cell phone, so he gave it to him."
"Maybe he found Julia's cell instead."
"Can I borrow your phone a minute? I'm going to see if it's the one he found." Grabbing it out of my hands, Joe dashes down the hall.
"Allen could've planted Julia's cell phone, to make it look like she was there."
"What about the bracelet, Sarge?" Jerry questions.
"He could've planted that too."
"How do you explain the time she went missing?"
"Maybe she took a walk like she said." Hearing footsteps coming towards me, I turn around.
"What did he say, Boss?" Jerry asks.
"The janitor said this wasn't the phone he gave Allen. He said the one he found has a flower backing and a large J in the center."
"That's definitely Julia's phone, but how would Allen know she left it in the bathroom?"
"Maybe she said something," Jerry pipes in.
"We need tangible proof, something that can't be explained away," I conclude.
"I know just how to get it," Joe says, walking towards the back.
By Mistydawn
Brief Summary
Julia kills her first husband, Andy to escape an abusive relationship. She steals his mistress's ID and moves to Arkansas. She starts a career and a family under the fictitious name. Everything is going well until the police discover a knife from another murder in her car. She claims she purchased it from a homeless man, for her second husband's birthday. Hearing about her arrest, her second husband Bill puts a restraining order on her and then moves the kids out of the city. Julia bonds out and is awaiting trial.She's staying with her boyfriend/ Lawyer Larry. She's now accused of another murder which she claims she didn't commit. The Sergeant wants to believe her but the evidence keeps piling up against her.
Marty threatens to kill Larry's family if he doesn't win Vinnie's case.
Larry recently found out his estranged wife and daughter are dead. He's being expedited to New York where the murders took place. The evidence against him is slowly falling apart.
Rachel
I sprint through the station trying to keep up with the captain. His legs are a lot longer and his stride is a lot wider, so I have to take two steps to his one.
"What are you going to do now, Joe?" I breathlessly ask.
"I'm going to find out if James knows more than what he's letting on. I want you to stay out here, monitor his reactions, see if he's telling the truth." Throwing the door open, Joe stomps across the room. He's hoping this tactic will scare the suspect into talking. Because of Joe's large structure, this often works, even on some of our hardened, career criminals.
Startled by the sudden noise, James springs up in his seat.
"James, my name is Joe, and I have a few questions about the tape," he begins.
"W....where's Rachel?" he nervously asks, glancing towards the door.
"She's busy working on another case."
"Oh," he replies, shrinking down in his chair.
"You said that Marty told you to lie about the pickup, that it's all part of Allen's plan, right?"
"Yeah."
"Do you know what that plan is?"
"Yes, I overheard him and Marty talking about how he's going to frame Julia and Larry of murder."
"Julia and Larry?"
"Yes, they almost cost Allen his job."
"Do you have any proof that Allen is trying to frame them?"
"Don't say another word, James." A large, rounded man replies as he bursts through the door.
"You are?" Joe questions turning to face him.
"Mr. Buchannan, Mr. Wagner hired me to represent James." Patting James on the shoulders, he continues, "Can I have a moment with my client, please?"
Frustrated, Joe storms across the room. I follow him into the hallway.
"I only needed five minutes with the dude."
"I know, Joe, I know. What do you want to do now?"
"We'll have to wait and see what they decide to do," he says, turning towards the room.
Hearing shuffling coming from the hallway, we both turn towards the noise.
Kirk is running towards us, a big smile on his face.
"You're never going to believe this, guys," he exclaims.
"Believe what, Kirk?"
"I figured out how we can prove Julia is innocent once and for all."
"How are we going to do that?" I ask, hoping for a good idea.
"Her ankle monitor, see." Handing Joe a report, he continues. "According to the GPS on her bracelet, she was nowhere near Larry's house, or the crime scene."
Joe hands me the paper, I start scanning through the list.
"It gets even better; Delaware PD just called, and said that they're dropping all charges against her."
"How did that happen?" Joe questions.
"Larry sent them Julia's hospital records to prove the abuse. He also sent them footage of the night she was kidnapped from the hospital."
"So they believe Julia killed Andy in self-defense?"
"They do now."
"I'm sure Julia will be happy to hear that," I say.
"She was jumping for joy when they let her out of her cell."
"She's already been released?" Joe asks gruffly.
"Allen told me too. He said we need to make room for real criminals."
"Allen told you to release her?" I question, puzzled that he'd do such a thing.
'Yes."
"That doesn't make a bit of sense," Joe says, scratching his head the way Jerry does. Realizing what he did, he sheepishly moves his hand to his side.
"Two peas in a pod." I chuckle. Seeing Joe's evil glare, I stifle my amusement.
Kirk looks away, trying to keep from laughing. "What doesn't make sense, Captain?" Kirk snickers.
"If he's trying to frame her, then why did he tell you to let her go?" Getting a frightened look on his face, he continues, "I want police protection on her around the clock until we solve the case."
"You don't think Allen..." I begin.
"I'm not sure about anything, anymore."
"I'll take care of it, Sir," Kirk says, walking to his desk.
Hearing the door open, we turn around.
"Joe, my client is willing to make a deal."
"Is he now?" Joe laughs.
"He says he'll tell you everything if you give him witness immunity."
"Queen for the day, I can agree to that," Joe says, stepping into the room.
***
Julia
I've never been so happy to be home, in my entire life. The way it was going there at the last, I thought I'd never see this place again. I have to take care of one minor detail, and then I'll be completely free, I think, glancing at the cumbersome monitor strapped to my leg.
The police assured me that someone will be out later today to take care of it. They then warned me about doing something that might damage the equipment. They said it'll cost me nearly ten thousand dollars if it has to be replaced. With a price tag like that, I figure I can deal with the bulky device a little longer.
I see someone watching TV when I step into the house. Thinking it's Larry, I excitedly drop my stuff on the floor. "I'm so happy to see you," I cry, running towards him.
Standing up, the figure turns around.
I feel my jaw drop as I stand frozen in place.
"It's nice to see you too, Julia," he says, walking towards me.
***
Rachel
I'm watching Joe work his magic on James from the window. Joe says he can be more intimidating if I'm not in the room.
"So, you're telling me that all of the conversations are taped?"
"W... we didn't know they were being taped at the time," James stutters.
"Remember Captain, you can't use anything on the tapes against my client."
"I can't use anything that pertains to this case." He smiles.
"W...what does he mean?" James questions, turning towards his lawyer.
His attorney gives him a reassuring pat on the arm, James calms back down.
"These are the days the conversations took place?" Joe asks, glancing towards his notes.
"Y....yes."
"I'll be right back," the captain says. Opening the door, he peeks his head around the corner.
"I want you to get me copies of the tapes."
"All of them, Joe?" I ask.
"No, I just want the tapes of these days for now." Handing me his notebook he continues, "We'll deal with whatever else he's covering up later."
***
Julia
I can't believe who I'm seeing. "Andy?" I ask, trying to figure out how this's even possible. How did he survive the stab wounds and the fire? What about the charred body they found in the car?
"You thought you got rid of me didn't you?" He laughs.
"H....How is this possible?" I nervously question. Tears fill my eyes as the memories of that night flash through my mind.
"You killed my twin, not me."
"Y...your twin?" Andy never mentioned a twin, I think.
"That's right, doll face, and now it's time to settle the score."
I hear Andy's raspy breathing behind me as I dart towards the door. Being overweight and a heavy smoker, he gets short- winded rather quickly. I figure I can use this to my advantage. I'm just a few steps from the entryway when the closet door swings open. I skid to a stop.
"Did you miss me, Julia?" Another voice asks.
***
Rachel
Jerry and I are gathered around Joe's desk watching the footage from James' cab. All the proof we need is on the tapes like he said.
"It looks like they've been planning this whole set-up for a while, Boss."
"Nearly a year," I say, looking at the date on the tape.
"Allen is doing all of this because he lost a case?" Jerry questions.
"I have a feeling there's a lot more to it than that."
"What do you mean, Boss?"
"I think Allen had a personal agenda tied to this particular case."
"I'll look into it, see what I can find," Jerry says, walking out of the room.
"What do you want to do now, Joe?"
"I want to see what else we can find before I go to the Senior DA with this."
***
Julia
My second husband is in on this too? I question, watching him step into the entryway. Looking back, I see Andy is just a few feet away. Realizing this is my last chance to escape, I dash up the stairs.
"You can run, but you can't hide, Julia." Andy laughs as I rush past him.
Climbing the stairs two at a time, I make it to the top.
"I'm coming for you, Julia," Andy yells.
I turn to see his hefty body clomping up the steps. Not watching where I'm going, I collide into a large warm body. Screaming, I spin around.
"I'm so glad you're here, officer, these men...."
"Get her, Jack," Andy orders.
Nodding, the cop reaches towards me.
Dodging around his muscular physique, I run to the back bedroom. Locking the door, I start scanning my surroundings, hoping to come up with a plan.
"You're trapped now, Julia." Andy laughs, stomping down the hall.
Hearing pounding coming from the door, I spin back around. I see the wood splitting in half as the officer tries to kick it open. I have to block it somehow, I conclude, quickly glancing around. Seeing the large dresser sitting against the far wall, I scoot it in front of the door. I need to call for help before they find another way in, I think, running to the phone. Picking up the receiver, I start to dial a number. I soon realize the line is dead. Tossing the phone on the bed, I run to the window. I see thick metal bars on the outer side when I throw it open. Larry insisted on having them installed after our lives were threatened.
What am I going to do, now? I think, quickly looking around.
****
"Well, Larry, it looks like our little road trip is almost over, but don't worry, pal, I'll come see you in prison." Michaels chuckles.
"You'd enjoy that, wouldn't you?"
"It'd be worth the trip, that's for sure." He laughs.
"I guess you will have plenty of time for trips, during your suspension." I smile.
"Look out," Jefferies yells.
Seeing a car pull in front of him, Michaels slams on the brakes. Hitting a patch of black ice, the car skids out of control.
Characters
Julia murder suspect, Larry's live in girlfriend
Larry Lawyer and a murder suspect.
Joe Captain of the Berryville PD.
Rachel Sergeant of the Berryville PD Married to Joe. They have two children.
Jerry Detective of the Berryville PD.
Kirk Detective of the Berryville PD.
Allen DA of the Berryville PD.
Andy Julia's first husband.
Bill Julia's second husband.
Marty Vinnie's uncle, a suspect and long rival of Joe's.
James the cab driver and a suspect.
the Wagners the owners of the cab company.
By Mistydawn
Brief Summary
Julia kills her first husband, Andy to escape an abusive relationship. She steals his mistress's ID and moves to Arkansas. She starts a career and a family under the fictitious name. Everything is going well until the police discover a knife from another murder in her car. She claims she purchased it from a homeless man, for her second husband's birthday. Hearing about her arrest, her second husband Bill puts a restraining order on her and then moves the kids out of the city. Julia bonds out and is awaiting trial.She's staying with her boyfriend/ Lawyer Larry. She's now accused of another murder which she claims she didn't commit. The Sergeant wants to believe her but the evidence keeps piling up against her.
Marty threatens to kill Larry's family if he doesn't win Vinnie's case.
Larry recently found out his estranged wife and daughter are dead. He's being expedited to New York where the murders took place. The evidence against him is slowly falling apart.
*****
Rachel
Joe and I had just finished watching the last of the tapes when we hear a loud commotion in the squad room. I see Jerry leaning over his desk, yelling at someone when I run through the door. Getting closer, I realize he's arguing with our DA.
"What's going on out here?" I question.
"Allen came in screaming about how we're plotting against him."
"No one is plotting against you, we're just doing our jobs."
"Making a plea agreement with suspects isn't part of your job description, Captain."
"It is when the higher ups give me the ok."
"You went over my head?"
"I wouldn't have to if you'd answered your phone."
"You never called me," he spat, quickly skimming through his call log. "Well, I didn't hear it ring."
"Thanks to James' tapes, we have enough evidence to put Marty and his accomplices away for a very long time."
"There isn't anything of value on the tape."
"The others make up for what that one doesn't prove."
"There's more?"
"There are ten tapes in all." Joe smiles.
"Doris said they recently installed the system."
"The new system, maybe. Put your hands behind your back." Walking behind Allen, Joe grabs a hold of his wrist.
"What are you doing?"
"Allen Parson, you're under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder."
"You're making a big mistake, Captain."
"No, you're the one that made the mistake," Joe says, placing the cuffs on his wrist.
"I'm going to have your job for this, you and all of your crew."
"We'll just see about that, now won't we."
"What's the meaning of this? Arresting Allen like he's some hardened criminal?" the Senior DA spat, charging into the room.
"We have proof that Allen is the main conspirator in two murders and the framing of Julia Moffitt and Larry Wilson."
"Where is your proof?"
"It's in my office, Sir."
"I want you to release him until I can review the evidence."
"But, Sir."
"Release him, now," he orders, storming towards the back.
Joe sees the smug grin on Allen's face when he unlocks the cuffs.
"This isn't over, Allen," Joe says, shoving him against the desk.
"Did you see that?" Allen questions, glancing around the room.
Everyone turns away.
"I didn't see anything, did you, Jerry?" I smile.
"See what, Sergeant?" Jerry smirks.
"Internal Affairs is going to hear about this," he says, storming away.
"Jerry, Rachel."
"We're on it, Captain," I say, running through the door.
***
Julia
Remembering the gun inside the floor joist, I dart across the room. I know the loose board is underneath one of these rugs, but which one is it? Throwing the pieces of carpet aside, I start looking around. Hearing a loud thud coming from the door, I nervously glance up. I see the dresser moving a tiny bit with every bang. I've got to hurry, I think, frantically searching the floor. Pulling the piece loose, I start fumbling around. I'd just wrapped my fingers around the gun when the closet door flies open.
"You can't hide from me, Julia." Andy laughs, stepping out of the closet.
***
Larry
Lifting my head off the seat, I start looking around. I see Michaels and Jefferies unconscious on the front seat. Jefferies' chest is moving, but Michaels doesn't seem to be breathing. His face is sheet white, and he has several large wounds on his head.
Glancing out the window, I discover it's going to get dark real soon. I then realize there isn't a single car on the icy highway. Remembering the dash cam, I look towards the front, I see the equipment is shattered. It might be a while before someone finds us. I start to lean back on the seat when I hear mumbling coming from the front.
"Michaels, Michaels, wake up, man," Jeffries says, shaking his partner. He doesn't respond.
"Michaels, man come on, wake up."
"What happened?" his partner asks, rubbing his eyes.
"We had a wreck. Hang in there, ok?" Grabbing his phone, Jefferies quickly dials a number. "You ok back there?" he asks, turning towards me.
"Yeah, I think so."
"This is Detective Jeffries, we've had an accident on 160 and we need assistance. We're fine, but my partner is trapped behind the dash. Thank you." Taking the phone away from his ear, he looks at the caller id. "I need to take this, it's my Captain," he says, into the phone. Jefferies switches lines. "We hit a patch of black ice and slid off the road. We're fine Captain. Someone is coming to help us. Really, I'll let him know." Hanging up the phone, he turns towards me. "Guess what Larry?"
"I'm being transported to New York?" I say, noticing the red and blue lights coming towards us.
"You're being transported alright but not to New York. You're free to go once you get checked out."
"Free, you're messing with me, right?"
"No, the NYPD knows you didn't commit the murder."
"I'm free?"
"It gets even better, your wife and daughter are still alive."
"They're alive?"
"Yes, evidently, someone paid the ME to falsify the records."
"Lilly is alright?"
"You want to call and see for yourself?"
"Can I?"
Unlocking the door, Jefferies climbs out of the car.
"Wait a minute, Sir," a paramedic says, rushing towards him.
"I'm fine, I'm fine, go check on my partner." Opening the back door, he hands me the phone. "Why don't we get rid of these?" Grabbing his keys, he unlocks the metal bracelets.
"Jen, hi, it's Larry, can I talk to Lilly, please? Not anymore, I've been declared a free man. The police figured out I was being framed. I don't know by whom. Wait how did you know? Your mama told you the police thought you were dead? Why didn't you set them straight? I bet. Can I talk to Lilly now? You won't get another dime until I talk to her." I glance at the cop, "I figured that'd change her mind."
"She knew you were being sent away for her murder?"
"Yeah, her mama told her that the police believe I killed her and Lilly. She said she tried to tell the cops they made a mistake, but I don't think she did."
"Why do you think that?"
"She'd get everything I own if I go to jail. Hi Lilly, how are you, honey? I'm so glad. I miss you too, baby. You and mommy are going to move into the house? Oh, so she's going to sell the house when Uncle Marty calls." I glance up at Jefferies.
Grabbing the phone from my hands, he pushes a couple of buttons. Handing it back, he motions for me to continue.
"Mommy says we'll never have to worry about money again," Lilly says.
I see the officer write something in his notebook, then he lifts it up so I can read it.
Nodding, I continue. "What is Uncle Marty's last name, honey?"
"Marty."
"No, Marty is his first name, what is his last name?"
"I don't know."
Jefferies lifts up his notebook again. Nodding, I continue. "What does he look like, sweetheart?"
"He's almost as tall as you, he has long black hair and a fuzzy beard like Santa Clause."
"How old do you think he is?"
"He said he's grandpa's age."
"Sixty three," I whisper. "Did you hear what Mommy and Uncle Marty were talking about?"
"Uncle Marty said that she should have her money soon. Mommy says you better replace my car like you promised."
"What happened to her car, Honey?"
"Uncle Marty said he gave it a blood bath. Why would he do something so gross, Daddy?"
"I don't know. When was the last time you heard from Uncle Marty?"
"This morning, he called and told mommy to pack up her things."
"I have to go for now, but I'll call again later, alright?"
"When are you going to come see me, Daddy?"
"Soon baby, real soon, I promise."
"Love you, Daddy."
"I love you too, Lilly. Can I talk to your Mommy now?"
Grabbing the phone from my hands, Jefferies disconnects the call.
"Why did you do that for?" I question.
"I don't think it's a good idea for you to talk to her right now."
"Why?"
"Because you might tip her off, that would give her time to destroy the evidence."
"I see your point."
***
Julia
Scooping up the gun, I pull it out of its hiding spot.
"You're never going to hurt me again, Andy," I scream, pointing the gun at his chest.
Andy barrels towards me, knocking me to the floor, the weapon flies across the room.
"No, you're never going to hurt me, again," he says, banging my head against the floor.
Using every bit of strength I have left, I try shoving him away, his hefty body doesn't budge.
Grabbing my arms, he pins them with his knees. "I'm going to make sure you pay this time, Julia," he says. Balling up his fist, he punches me in the face.
"Please Andy, please stop," I beg.
"I'm not stopping until you're dead." He wheezes, punching me again and again.
Seeing the fury blazing in his eyes, I struggle to break free.
"You're not going anywhere," he says, moving his knees in closer.
Wrapping my legs around his neck, I pull him to the floor. Untangling my legs, I quickly scoot away.
"I'm going to get you, Julia," he screams, lugging his hefty body off the floor.
Grabbing the gun, I spin around. "Rot in hell, you bastard," I scream, pulling the trigger. Hearing a loud bang coming from across the room, I turn to see the door partially open. I'm ready for you, I think, steadying the gun in my hand.
Rachel is standing in the hallway when the door flies open. "Drop your weapon nice and slow," she instructs.
"He was going to kill me, Rachel, he was going to kill me," I bawl.
"Drop it, now."
I tearfully lower it to the floor.
***
Larry
I see the cops sitting on my porch when I return home. Thinking something's happened to Julia, I rush to the house.
"Where's Julia, is she alright, I need to see her?" I quickly blurt out.
"We've been waiting for you, Mr. Wilson," Joe says, walking towards me.
"W...what do you want with me?"
"You're under arrest for the murder of Debbie Myers."
"The gun went off on accident."
"How could you do such a horrible thing, murdering that poor girl?" Julia cries, rushing past me.
"Wait, Honey, I can explain."
"Explain it to the judge," Joe says, slapping cuffs on my wrists.
***
January 2017
Larry
That was the last time I saw Julia. Jen filed for a divorce the day I was taken away. Because of my infidelity, my criminal activities, and supposed abuse, the judge gave her the house, the car, and half of my life savings.
With nowhere to go and no means of support, I ended up on the streets soon after my release.
So you see, I'm not the bitter old man you think I am, without a life or purpose. I had it all until it was taken away.
I'm scanning the crowd for potential, contributors when I hear my name being called. I turn to see a cop walking towards me. Frightened, I run the other way. I'd only made it a couple of feet when another cop steps in front of me.
"Larry Wilson?" the officer repeats.
"Who's asking?" I nervously question.
"I'm your daughter, Lauren. Mama and I've been looking all over for you," the officer explains.
"Your mama?" Hearing footsteps behind me, I turn to see a beautiful blonde running my way. "Julia?" I ask.
"I'm sorry for turning against you the way I did. I should've known you'd never do anything like that. I should've known. Please forgive me, Larry, please, please forgive me," Julia bawls.
I did the first thing that came to mind, I gave her the most passionate kiss I could muster.
***
Julia
I've been watching the snow cover the ground for well over an hour. It looks like it's going to be a white Christmas after all, I think, glancing towards the tree. I then admire the vast decorations strung around the house. We did a good job, sprucing up the place, I proudly conclude. The house seems so warm, so cozy, the blazing fire adds to the homey feel.
Looking over, I see Larry on the couch, holding our grandbaby in his arms. Lauren is sitting beside him, her head against his shoulder. Larry and I are to be married Christmas day, Lauren the maid of honor. This is the way it was meant to be, I tearfully think, rubbing my pregnant belly.
Characters
Julia murder suspect, Larry's live in girlfriend
Larry Lawyer and a murder suspect.
Joe Captain of the Berryville PD.
Rachel Sergeant of the Berryville PD Married to Joe. They have two children.
Jerry Detective of the Berryville PD.
Kirk Detective of the Berryville PD.
Allen DA of the Berryville PD.
Andy Julia's first husband.
Bill Julia's second husband.
Marty Vinnie's uncle, a suspect and long rival of Joe's.
James the cab driver and a suspect.
the Wagners the owners of the cab company.
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