Tombstone.
This morning I sat down at my desk in the courthouse, pulling out my files to write witness questions for the trial against Jet. A dog pawed at the door and I went to let him in, seeing the tag on his collar that said “Dante, no owner.” I decided to let him in with me to keep me company while I worked.
I walked outside and smiled when I saw Skyla’s daughter Lacey in front of the hotel. I talked to her for a bit and then greeted Chase as he opened the bank. Jacovitch walked into the bank puffing his cigarette and he nodded to me. “Good morning beautiful.”
“Good morning sir. Welcome to the tombstone Bank and Trust,” Chase nodded to him.
“Good morning,” I blushed.
He laughed and said, “Bank and trust ya say mister? This bank gets robbed every other day.” I wondered how he knew and he looked at me, “Honey are you in line?”
“No sir, was just talking with my friend,” I stepped back slightly.
“Well hell sir, ifn you know so much about the robberies, you should know 9 times out of 10 their a failure. Now is there anything I could help you with today?” Chase chuckled a bit.
“I want to make a withdraw...”
“A withdrawal? By all means sir. I could presume you have an account with us then?”
“Yes.”
“Alrighty then. Let me just get you the proper form,” Chase muttered, walking back to the counter and putting a piece of paper on top. “Now sir, I will just need you to fill this out, and hand it right back to me when you’re done.”
He grabbed the form and started filling it out with a nod.
“Don’t believe we’ve met, Sir,” I said, though I remembered hearing his name when he spoke with Jan the other day.
“Then maybe we should change that.”
“Trin Paige,” I smiled and held out my hand.
He kissed my hand and said, “They call me Jacobitch.”
I swallowed at the kiss and looked over at Chase a bit before looking back at the man. “How bout I just call you Jac?”
Chase gave a nod of acceptance as he received the form. “Everything seems in order sir. Let me just go to the back and verify this information. If all checks out, I’ll be back with your money and receipt shortly.”
I watched Chase go into the back hallway and looked over at Jac, waiting for him to speak. He walked outside and then I saw him flicking it into the hay pile he’d left outside. I decided to follow from a distance and then all of a sudden the bank was on fire.
“Chase!” I called out. “Get outside! Fire at the bank!” I called for help. “Chase! Come out front!” Chase came outside and I ran to hug him. “Oh thank God, Chase, you’re okay!”
“What in the hell is going on back there?” Chase coughed a bit from the smoke as he rushed outside. In the distance we could hear a gunshot.
“I just knew he was up to no good. I knew it.” Bella walked over and I looked to her, “Bella, get a bucket and help us put out the fire!”
I ran around the back and got a bucket from the hotel and filled it with water. “Fire at the bank! Need help in the back!” I shouted as Chase and I kept trying to put out the fire.
Jenna ran over then and I told her that Jac had set the fire. Jamie ran over and I looked at Chase, coughing myself. “I’m just glad you’re okay, Chase!” I turned and called, “Jamie, stay back!”
Dee and Waterfall ran over and between the group of us we put out the fire. I kept coughing but I told them what had happened and Waterfall said she could take a look at my lungs because of smoke inhalation. I tried to get Chase to come too but he insisted he would be fine and I hugged him tightly before following Waterfall to the clinic.
I sat on one of the beds with a sigh and Waterfall gave me some special herbs in hot water. The beverage helped sooth my throat and I thanked her before heading outside.
I walked over to the courthouse, knowing that it would be a long day, and told Ansar that he should be expecting a witness report on his desk soon about the arson. I went into the office and wrote a report, then went to give it to Ansar.
Nim walked into the office then for our meeting and I let her in, inviting her to take a seat. “Hey Nim. Thanks for coming in sooner.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Alright... so what can you tell me about Starling’s kidnapping?”
“What do you want to know?”
“Whatever you witnessed. Names of people you saw... Anything.”
“Well, was standing out on Allen street talking with Riki, suddenly a call comes out that there is a hostage being held at the fort.”
“Do you know who’s voice it was?” I nodded.
“Marshal Steve started to go check it out and Riki asked me to go with her to back him up. I did not recognize the voice, but did the two people when we arrived.”
“Okay. And who were the two people?”
“Steve went up to the fort, Riki and I moved to the roof of the ranger station. From there I observed Jet and TJ inside the fort and drew my guns keeping them in my sights. I will be around if you want to put me on the stand.”
“Great. Thanks hon. I’ll come up with questions during this trial. Just gonna watch this time.”
“Okay.”
“Guess we should get in there.”
“I am going to see if Dee needs help with anything,” Nim said and headed out of the office.
I walked into the courtroom and sat down in the gallery, chuckling a bit when I saw Jet Black sit on the jury bench. Cole was on the stand and I watched the trial unfold, but my focus was more on writing notes for my own cases later that day. He was found guilty and I stood when the court adjourned, making my way over to the mayor.
“Mayor, could we chat a bit?”
“Why certainly, how Can I help you?”
“In my office?” I smiled.
“This is fine here.”
“Alright then... Who would have access to the old assayer’s building?”
“Which one, Ma’am?”
“The one by the church... That was moved to the bank.”
“In which town?” Adrian asked as I felt Jac poking me in the butt from behind.
“The one whose vault was stolen from before the mayor of black diamond was murdered?” I tried to focus on Adrian. “Here in Tombstone.”
“Sir... did you just place your finger on that woman’s back side? Is something wrong with you?” Adrian asked Jac.
“Yes sir, yes I did. She’s my gal, right?”
“Well I don’t know when you are from... but we don’t do that here.”
“She is?” I looked over at Jac with surprise.
“Now Ma’am, which Assayers Office Please?”
“Same man who blew up the bank earlier and made me have smoke inhalation,” I coughed as I watched Jac walk out, then turned back to answer Adrian. “The assayar’s office in Tombstone that got moved to the bank recently, the one located next to the church.”
“Ma’am, I do not recall an Assayers Office near the church.”
I blinked and said, “There was a vault inside an old assayer’s office... was robbed shortly before a gunfight that led to the death of Paty.”
“In Tombstone?”
“I could show you the witness report if you like...” I tilted my head at him.
“How about you start by showing me where this Assayers office was?”
I dug in my pocket and showed him the witness report as he still looked like he wanted me to lead the way. “Sir, I haven’t been there specifically myself as I’ve just started this case yesterday. I was hoping you could show me and answer who might have access to it. This is the first I’m hearing about an assayer’s office myself so I’m still a little confused as well. But if you’ll read that report you’ll see mention of it.”
“There is absolutely no Empty Assayers building in Tombstone. I assure you.”
I looked at him and then read from the report, ‘I noticed a group of folks standing in the street between the vacant assayers office and the clergy house.’ Having been told that the assayers office was moved to the bank, I cant say for sure whether anything was taken from that vault.”
“Ma’am, honestly... There is no Assayers Office near the preachers home.”
“Then how do you explain this statement?”
“HOW DO I?? Explain this statement??! Quite SImply... I DON’T!” he shook his finger at me and I sighed as he continued. “Now ma’am, if I were you... I would find out WHERE this happened.”
“Sir, this was a witness report given to me by Marshal Ansar. Written by the mayor of Black Diamond.”
“As it did not here in Tombstone, for goodness sake’s.”
I sighed and said, “Then I’m sorry I wasted your time, Mayor.”
“Indeed!” he said and I sighed, making my way to my office to get ready for court.
Seeing I still had some time, I walked outside and found Libby standing there with Skyla and Lacey. I asked her, “Libby, I’m working the case for Paty’s um... murder. Was wondering if you could tell me what ya saw?”
“Well of course... I did put in a witness report... it was that one, right?”
“Yes, you did... I just had a couple questions. More specifically... Can you describe the person running in the street?”
“Well... it was a while ago... I reckon best I can recall it... it was a man.... unless yer talking about earlier in the day?”
“No, I mean the one you mentioned in your report.”
“Well I mentioned two sets of running folks there... The one that was nearest the gunshots.... and one earlier in the day.”
“Right... how about we start with the one nearest the gunshots? Right before ya saw TJ going over to Miss Paty?””
“I didn’t recognize him.... other than he was the same fella running around with TJ and Punk and a girl earlier in the day. At that point I didn’t know who he was. I was more concerned with gettin’ to Miss Paty.”
“Then... that leads into my next question. Can you describe the girl who was running with TJ and Punk? Cause you said you saw the fella with a girl and Punk.”
“Alls I remember of her is that she had blonde hair... yes ma’am ... that’s right with Punk when he was robed up and actin’ all wack-a-doo.”
I chuckled softly and said, “Thanks Libby. I appreciate it.”
“Yes ma’am.... I’ll try to pay closer attention in the future.... I was just so worried for MIss Paty, and I reckon rightfully so.”
“Oh I understand that. Don’t hold that against ya,” I smiled. “While I’ve got you... You witnessed Tessa robbing the bank the other day and shooting Marshal Ansar, right?”
“Errr.... well.... I was around... yes... and I seen Ansar and that Tessa woman shot up...”
“You healed Ansar right?”
“Yes’m and Miss Tessa.”
“I’m going against her in court at 4 tonight... Would love it if you could be a witness.”
“A witness to what, ma’am? I pulled gunshot out of both them.... and only recall hearin’ what they was sayin’ in the clinic, which could be due to the laudinam or delirium...”
“Thought you were standing outside the bank when it happened? ‘cause I remember tellin ya that Ansar would need your help.”
“I was about over here...”
“Oh...”
“I tend to not go too near the bank unless I have business there... you know... it’s kinda an attraction for... well.... YOU know...”
“Well it was a long shot but I wanted to cover my bases and see if you’d know anything that could help us. Can’t really just ask you the one question on the stand I guess. Was going to confirm that Ansar had bullet wounds but they’d argue that coulda been done by anyone.”
“I know Miss Tessa kept goin’ on about how she was only going in to see about an account... but she was armed... so that didn’t make no sense.... and she knew she was with child at the time too... which makes even MORE no sense.”
I nodded and said, “I had the same thought. If you’re with child ya shouldn’t be carrying a gun.”
“I agree wholeheartedly with that. I wish I could be of more help... I just don’t recall all the details after this time...”
“It’s alright. You just gave me another point to put in the closing statement so it was helpful. I just wish the trials would start already. Nervous enough as it is.”
“Hey Trin,” Jac said, walking over to us.
“Come to pinch more parts of me have ya?” I looked up at him.
“Which parts now, you got me yelled at,” he laughed.
“Aww yer going to do just fine, ma’am... I know it,” Libby insisted.
“Who’s your friend?” Jac asked.
She waggled her eyebrows and turned to Jac. “I’m Libby Macbain... Medical Assistant.”
“So if I get shot I can come to you?”
“I reckon you could... or any other healin’ folk around....”
“You ladies drink?” Jac smiled.
“Not on court days. Would love a tea though.”
“Tea, Just so happens i hate tea..” he laughed.
“Some idiot set the bank on fire and I was the first on the scene. Throat’s been sore since,” I glared at him.
“Awee you’re throats sore. Too much coughing huh?”
I sighed and looked over at Libby and she just shook her head. “Have you put honey in the tea, ma’am? Or tried a gargle with salt and warm water...”
“I have some herbs from Waterfall...”
“I’ll tell ya now... lemon and honey.. very powerful for the throat....”
“She confirmed my lungs were infected,” I said.
“That sounds nasty,” Jac sympathized.
“Oh my... I hope that clears up soon for ya ma’am... can’t reckon it’d be comfortable at all.”
“And I gotta talk a lot in court today,” I shook my head.
“Sir why don’t you come and socialize with us a bit?” Libby looked over at Jac.
“You can sit right down here beside me if you have a cup of tea,” I said.
“I can go get you one if you’d like...” he offered.
“Such a gentleman,” I winked at Libby.
“Indeed... don’t meet many like that s’much anymore.”
“Would you both like some tea,” he chuckled, “‘Cause I’ll happily go get it for both of you.”
“Oh... I don’t drink tea ‘les I’m sick. But I’d have a shot of whiskey if yer fingers have room to bring one back?” Libby asked.
“Madame, I have big hands...” he said and I coughed. “I’m sure we can make it fit.”
She laughed hard and said, “I reckon so, Sir.”
Hey sunshine, what about you...?” he looked at me.
“Well I promised ya could sit beside me didn’t I?” I smiled at him. “Can you throw some honey in that tea?”
“Sure honey,” he said and I chuckled.
“You must think I’m crazy,” I said to Libby as he walked into Kate’s to get our drinks. “Well... crazy is a pretty big bucket... with many depths...” Libby looked at me.
“True enough,” I chuckled. “I live in the moment. ‘Cause Lord knows when you’re gonna get another one.”
“Amen to that, ma’am,” she nodded.
“Besides if a man wants to bring me a beverage, who am I to turn him down?”
“I am fully on board with that!” she nodded a lot.
Jac came back ith our drinks and we thanked him as we sat and talked for a while before court started.
I walked into the courtroom an hour later and smiled when I saw both Starling and Nim. Ansar sat in the defense attorney’s position and whispered, “You’re going down.”
“Bring it on,” I whispered back to him.
I saw Tessa frowning when she saw that I was the prosecutor for her husband’s case and thought that she’d be frowning even more tonight. The jury box filled up quickly and I was grateful that we wouldn’t have a problem of lack of people. Dee walked up to the judge bench and welcomed everyone to the courthouse.
“Court is now in Session,” she banged the gavel down and I jumped, even though I’d been expecting it. She looked over at the defendant and said, “Mister Black, I believe this is your first visit to the defense desk in our wonderful courtroom, hopefully it will be yer last. Will you please rise for the charges?”
Ansar and Jet stood and pled not guilty. Dee welcomed us to do our opening statements and invited me to go first. I stood and walked over to the jury box, looking each member in the eye, especially the women.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, members of the court, today you will hear a chilling description of one woman’s tragedy earlier this week. A judge’s wife, a mother, was taken under the captivity of the defendant and his compadres, over a bag of gold. As you listen to this woman’s account and the reports of those involved in her rescue, try to put yourself in her position and let yourself feel the fear that she must have felt while calling out for help. That fear is why the defendant must be charged guilty on the charge of kidnapping.”
I walked back and Ansar went over to give his opening statement. “Ladies and Gentlemen of the court. I come to you with the facts and truth. As much as they be hard to see at first I have witnesses to this fact! A scam and a shamble to get money out of an innocent marshal and this here town. Someone, set up a scam to try and trick everyone and I have the proof you will need for court to find this man not guilty of all charges. Thank you.”
I raised an eyebrow at Ansar’s defense and Dee called me to call my first witness. “Your honor, I’d like to read a report from US Marshal Steve Breguet, who couldn’t be here today.”
She nodded and I pulled out the statement, reading it out loud, “As I was standing in Tombstone, a lady walked up and told me that miss Starling was being held hostage at the fort. I could not find any other law around, so I went out to find out what was happening. The suspects told me either get them money or she dies. Starling was yelling out for help saying she was tied up. I rushed to town and got some money, then returned to the fort. Shots began to ring out, so I rushed into the side door of the fort and had to shoot Jet in order to save miss Starlings life. TJ had already been wounded. I arrested Jet, Starling treated his wounds and I took him to jail where he served his time.
SIGNED:
US Marshal Steve Breguet.”
“Thank ya,” Dee nodded. “Any more witnesses for ya?”
“I’d like to call Starling Rubble to the stand.”
Starling walked forward and was sworn in. Dee invited me to begin and I started, “Good afternoon, Starling. I’m sorry you have to relive this painful event but I would like to ask you a few questions for the court.” She smiled at me and I asked, “What did the defendant ask you when you saw them outside the fort?”
“He asked if I was going to take then back to the town.”
“Did the defendant ask if there was law in town?”
“Yes.”
“And what was your answer?”
“I said there was some law in town.”
“Can you describe for the court the manner in which you were taken?”
“So they tied my hands and they hauled me up the wall, taking me inside. I was tied up to a chair in one of the bedrooms.”
“Did the defendant give you an option for being set free?”
“Only if they got some gold and safe passage out they would set me free.”
“No further questions,” I nodded and sat back down in my chair.
“Defense any questions for this witness?” Dee asked Ansar.
Ansar walked over to her and said, “You honor I like to read a line from starling witness statement.”
“Go ahead.”
He read from the report, “‘Ansar came in the open fort door open with his guns drawn shouting for everyone to surrender and step out with their hands up, but it was all over by then.’ I like to point out for the court that I was Not there. And sorta funny, but why would have a reason to lie?”
“Objection your honor. Relevance? It doesn’t deny what happened.”
“Over ruled.. as it is part of her sworn statement it would seem to be relevant to this case.”
I sighed as Ansar continued. “So Miss Startling why would you say I was there when I wasn’t?”
“You came after I was released from the Marshal.”
“Your Honor I also like to read another thing from her witness report,” Ansar requested.
“Well first I would like clarification of my own. Were you indeed there Mister Ansar, or not?” Dee asked.
“I wasn’t there that day. I was with you in fact if you remember.”
“Objection, your honor,” I stood. “The witness was clearly terrified and she would have been fuzzy on the details after the event happened. And he’s bullying the witness.”
He read on in the witness statement, “‘TJ Toocool and Jet Black were out side the fort and asked if i was going to take them back to town i said ‘What? Me on my own?’ They said they would hide out in the fort taking me as a hostage. They asked if there lots of law in town which I replied yes, so they tied my hands and they hauled me up the wall, taking me inside. I was tied up to a chair in one of the bedrooms.’”
“Actually prosecution I am the one who asked for clarification.. are you trying to over rule me?” Dee asked me.
I shook my head and said, “Sorry, your honour.”
“Okay thank you, proceed,” Dee said to Ansar as I sat back.
“Miss starling is it true you have, what is it now 8 or was it 12 kids?” Ansar asked.
“What has that got to do with this?” Starling asked.
“Well I just know that must be a lot of mouths to feed. Hard to pay for that is it not?” She didn’t even reply and he continued. “Last question, is it truth that you went willingly with Tj and said thats you split the ransom money with him? Thats the whole this was really your idea?”
I raised an eyebrow and she answered, “No, it is not true at all. I don’t lie.”
“No more questions, your honor,” Ansar sat back down.
“Your honor?” I looked at Dee.
“Yes Prosecutor?”
“As we’ve heard only snippets of the witnesses’ statement from the defense, would I be allowed to read her whole statement in its entirety for the jury?”
“In light of the accusations, I think that may be in order. Go ahead.”
“Oh please do, you’ll be helping my case,” Ansar shot at me and I stood, glaring at him as I read from the statement.
“‘TJ Toocool and Jet Black were out side the fort and asked if i was going to take them back to town I said “What? Me on my own?” They said they would hide out in the fort taking me as a hostage. They asked if there lots of law in town which I replied yes, so they tied my hands and they hauled me up the wall, taking me inside. I was tied up to a chair in one of the bedrooms. I heard voices out side the fort doors. I started shouting for Help not knowing who was outside, hoping they would hear my calls for help. TJ and Jet drew their guns and i heard TJ calling to a Marshal telling him I was their hostage.
They demanded gold and a safe way out for my release and i wouldn’t get hurt. Marshal Steve Breguet went back to the town and brought back some money in a bag, Nim was with him and I think Rikki too, and someone else maybe. They all started arguing and guns were firing. Jet pointed a gun at me. TJ was shot down first.
Marshal Steve came into the fort by the side gate and started to look for the other man Jet. Steve found him and shot him in the hand and then released me. Ansar came in the open fort door open with his guns drawn shouting for everyone to surrender and step out with their hands up, but it was all over by then.
TJ wasn’t there, I think he escaped from the fort when Steve was fighting Jet. Marshal Steve searched Jet taking his guns and then cuffs him taking him to the medical room in the fort. I treated Jet for his wound. Rikki took me to Nim who was injured on the Ranger’s Roof. She was shot in her shoulder by TJ in the gunfight.’”
I sat back down and let them contemplate those words. Dee asked if I had any other witnesses and I called Nim to the stand. She was sworn in and I was told to begin my questioning.
“What did you hear that first alerted you to go and help?”
“I was standing on Allen Street, chatting with Rikki, when someone came running and cried there was a hostage taken in the fort.”
“What happened when you arrived at the fort?”
“Well Steve was nearby when the cry went out and he said, ‘Who in the hell can get into the fort,’ and went running. Miss Rikki asked if I would come help her cover Steve and I of course agreed.”
“What happened next?”
“We arrived near the fort and Steve went to speak to who was inside, Miss Rikki and I went up to the top of the rangers tower.” I smiled, thinking that’s why Jet doesn’t remember seeing her there as she continued, “Mr Black yelled to Steve that he needed to go get a bag of gold or Miss Starling was going to get hurt.”
“Could you see Miss Starling from your vantage point? Or hear her?”
“No ma’am, just Mr Black and TJ running back and forth on the wall, but yes, I did hear her cry out help one time.”
“No further questions,” I nodded.
Ansar stood to cross-examine and asked, “How far away where you from my client Mr. Black?”
“I was on top of the Ranger station and he was on the wall of the fort.”
“So pretty far. Far enough to not see a face but only a voice. Did ether one have there guns out at the time?”
“Both did, yes sir, as did Rikki and I.”
“And there had been shooting and did it come accost that Mr Black could been shooting at Tj himself?”
“Objection your honor. We’re arguing the kidnapping itself, not the shooting,” I stated.
“No, at one point the negotiations broke down and a shot was fired from the fort, at which time I returned fire and TJ was taken out, but myself as well, Steve used this time to go in and arrest Mr Black, so no, I know it was I that shot TJ. We had a drink and talked about it later.”
“Never mind,” I smiled at Nim’s answer, taking back my objection.
“So with all that mix it was hard tell who shoot Tj down. No more questions.”
Dee called Ansar to bring his first witness and he said, “I like to point out for the court the last line again from marshal Steve report.”
“Proceed,” Dee nodded.
“Shots began to ring out, so I RUSHED into the side door of the fort and had to shoot Jet in order to save miss Starlings life. TJ had already been wounded. And with that I call Miss Tessa to the stands.”
Tessa came forward and was sworn in. “Can please tell us in detail what happen that day?” Ansar asked him.
“Was walking with my husband and daughter when TJ and another lady approached our family. Tj was talking with her about holding her for ransom and how she could make some extra cash. At this time he requested that my daughter and I go back to tombstone to deliver a message that he has a hostage held for ransom at the fort. During this time I observed Tj and the young lady discussing a way to make some money, and I overheard them saying they could fake a kidnapping. I’ve known Tj for a long time as a close friend an at this time he requested that I go into town to inform the law about a kidnapping. While walking away I observed Tj and my Husband discussing something and by the looks on my husband face he was worried or frighten about something. When I got to town I found the marshal and informed him of the kidnapping at the fort, and we both walked back to the fort. At this time I observed my husband on the wall with no weapons drawn; however, I could hear in his voice when he was yelling that he was frightened about something. I don’t know why he was frightened, but he was scared of something. My husband Jet stayed on the wall an I observed Tj firing his weapons after the marshal returned with the ransom at a lady on the mountain. At this time my husband left the wall and I didn’t see him again tell after the marshal had shot him down. The marshal entered the fort in the rear door and I only heard one gun firing, After my husband was released from jail he informed me the marshal shot him down with out asking him to drop his weapons, nor did he give any warning.”
I shook my head in awe at the lengthy testimony. Ansar asked her, “So you where witness to starling making a deal with Tj. To split half the money?”
“Yes sir.”
“Wow just shocked.. this just to much no more questions your honor.”
I had no questions to cross examine so Ansar called his next witness to the stand, the defendant Jet Black. After he was sworn in Ansar asked, “Can you please tell use and the jury whats happen on the day in question?”
“I was walking with my wife by the fort, when I observed TJ with the suspected hostage. At that time they were talking about making a plot to pretend she was a hostage. Tj came up to my wife and stated if I did not help him or the young lady he would kill my with and the unborn child. At that time I told my wife to return to town and find help because of her safety. Out of fear of TJ harming my wife I did as he said. The suspected hostage allowed TJ to tie her up without a fight, and TJ told her “You know I love you, and I won’t hurt you?” she respond “Yes I know.” at that time tj placed her in a back room in the fort and had me climb on the wall. I began fighting with tj in an argument saying I did not want to do this, and then I observed three people approach the fort, I heard tj shouting and he forced me at gun point to also shout at the marshal. SShortly after the argument the marshal went to town and I observed TJ open fire on one of the ladies on a roof and gunned her down. I observed the marshal return fire and managed to shoot down TJ, at that time I couldn’t find anyone and returned to the room with the fake hostage who was someone who liked tj. I sat in the room with my guns drawn and the marshal made entry, and with no warning he shot me down. After that the lady who was friends with TJ healed me and the marshal arrested me for kidnapping.”
“Did you try to explain it was you that was trying to help her get away and that the marshal mistook you for her kidnapper?”
He shook his head and said, “No because at that time I was frighten for my family life so I kept my mouth shut.”
“Shame the marshal did rush in and all.”
“Yes sir I would of surrender if he gave me time.”
“Bet there no time to think things over. Did you shoot anyone at all at the craziness of when this happen?” Ansar asked.
“No sir, I had my weapons drawn for my own safety and fear of TJ gunning me and my family down.”
“Thank you,” Ansar nodded and went to sit back down.
There were no more witnesses as TJ couldn’t be there today and I sighed with relief that I wouldn’t have to worry about him. We were asked to give our closing statements so I walked over and looked at the members of the jury as I began to speak.
“Ladies and gentlemen, your honor, we have heard today from a woman who is obviously still traumatized by the memories of this crime for which the defendant is being accused. As a court, we cannot erase the memory of that awful day, but what we can do is provide justice for the man whom was responsible. I would also point out that in the defense’s argument, they revealed extracts of the statements given to law, where the prosecution revealed the statement in its entirety. Not to mention the fact that two of the defense’s witness statements were almost word for word identical. I ask that you find the defendant guilty and perhaps a little justice will allow this woman to have a peaceful sleep tonight. Thank you.”
I looked at Ansar slightly before sitting down. He rose to give his closing statement and said, “Please note From Marshal Steve report. That Tj already had been shoot at this time and Steve took no time to find the full story what was going on. He opened fire on my client without taking the fact in my client had already saved her. And there is the fact here that you must understand. Jimmi and starling took over the huge expenses of a town. Then poor jimmi got so over worked trying to deal with it all he even had to retire early.. which seems to have left them with no income and all those 12 children. and of course starling, proved to be lieing in her report, being the loving wife would do ANYTHING to help her hubby. Made a deal with Tj and set this whole thing up. I implore you to see the facts. My Client only wanted to save her and that is the facts. Thank you.”
The jury box went into the room to discuss the matter and I waited for them to announce the verdict. I was overjoyed when they came back and declared Jet guilty of all charges.
Later that evening, I went to prosecute for the case against Tessa but my key witness, Chase, wasn’t there. I knew it would be difficult prosecuting a bank robbery without the banker present, and without having received his statement, so Dee accepted for the trial to be postponed until next week. I thanked her and headed home to relax after a busy day.
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