~ Deception ~ Part Eight
© By E. O’Rielly June 2006
eorielly@yahoo.com
This is an adult story that primarily features stories involving women. If it is illegal in the state, province, or country in which you live; or if you are under the age of 18, please close this story and find something else to read.
There are consensual sexual relations between adult women, which may be graphically explicit.
There are elements of strong language, violence, physical and/or mental, as well as some emotional hurt and discomfort in the story.
The events portrayed in this story are fictional and any resemblance to actual events and/or people is purely coincidental.
Dedication: Into everyone's life comes a person that challenges them to become more than they are by not accepting mediocre. J.M. Dragon has been such a friend to me and without her input and encouragement, I could never have written this or anything else.
Special Thank You: To my friends T and Kay for giving me invaluable feedback
PLEASE NOTE: In part 2 I had Bryce's mother speaking to her in Spanish that was in error. The language of Brazil is Portuguese. I have corrected my error. My apologies to any of my readers who are from Brazil and may have been offended.
Lane knew she was in trouble - losing the case was a distinct possibility. She had made the sheriff look like a buffoon interested in revenge rather than justice and her forensic pathologist presented a very convincing case for the fall rather than the whip causing Preston Garrett’s death. Even her fingerprint expert raised reasonable doubt issues as to who murdered the man. Then there’s the damn whip with Bryce’s fingerprints. She could call expert upon expert to dispel the prosecutions case but, at then end of the day, it would come down to the whip. The one that Bryce’s grandfather made for her, the one she held as a prize possession and the one with Preston Garrett’s DNA.
While she waited in the courtroom for the judge to appear, Lane shuffled her papers then stopped to look at Bryce. Her client’s face was tense yet focused and something else that Lane hadn’t seen before - apprehension. “Want to talk about it?” Lane asked gently as she gave into the urge to touch Bryce’s arm.
Grey blue eyes focused on Lane. “Talk about what?”
“Whatever is going on in that head making you look like a kid who has been sent to the principal’s office.”
“I was wondering if I should take the stand and tell what I saw out there that morning.”
Lane pulled at her lower lip. “You know what that means don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Are you prepared for what will happen if you do that?”
Bryce didn’t have a chance to answer as the bailiff announced, “All rise, court is now in session the honorable Anthony Aniline presiding.”
“Before I call the jury in I have a few matters to discuss with the lawyers.” When he saw the lawyers look in his direction, he motioned them forward. “Ms. Cuthbert, you have two more witnesses do you expect to wrap that up today?”
“I have several witnesses I’d like to recall.”
“When do you think you will be ready for summation?”
“By Tuesday your Honor.”
“Mr. Kunkle will you be ready for closing on Tuesday?”
“Yes your Honor.”
The judge shooed the two lawyers away then turned his attention to the bailiff. “Bring the jury in.”
Lane gave herself a high five. Great I have the weekend and a day to prepare and maybe we can find new evidence that will clear Bryce. If I stretch my witness’ testimony out as far as I can then perhaps we’ll get an additional day or two. She would call her last witness before recalling Hector Gomez, Lydia Peterson and Margarita Clayton.
“Call your witness Ms. Cuthbert.”
Richard Collins took the stand and sat in a relaxed manner while he waited for questioning. He was a distinguished looking man in his mid sixties who owned the local mercantile with plenty to say about Preston Garrett and the way he treated people. Randall had done the interview and although he had nothing remarkable to say, he could attest to how Garrett treated him and others in the man’s store. Midway through his testimony the store owner said something so startling that Lane found herself at a lost for words. Her father’s words, never allow yourself to let a witness’ testimony surprise you, echoed in her head. Why didn’t Randall tell me about this?
“Would you please repeat that Mr. Collins?”
“I said, every time that man came into my store with his niece he had his hands all over her.”
“He did that in front of you?”
“No,” he said shaking his head. “You see I have those mirrors so I can see who’s doin’ what in my store. At first I reckon he didn’t think I seen him but I did.”
“What did you see?”
Danny Kunkle was on his feet. “Objection, your Honor I don’t see what the victim did or didn’t do in Mr. Collins’ store has anything to do with this case.”
“It goes to motive your Honor. The state only looked at one person in the death of Mr. Garrett I am merely exploring other avenues.”
“Overruled.” He turned towards the witness who was looking at him expectantly. “You may answer the question.”
“His hands were always rubbin’ her backside or he was standin’ so close to the child that there wasn’t any room between ‘em. He’d be there grindin’ against her like he was fixin’ to get it off if you know what I mean.”
“How did his niece react?”
“She’d try to move away but he just kapt on doin’ what he wanted.”
“You said at first you didn’t think he knew you could see them but then you said he knew. What do you mean by that?”
“I’d see him lookin’ up and smilin’. I half expected him to wave or somethin’ like that. One time he walked by me and said you git a good look Dick. That’s what he always called me. I’d tell him don’t call me that but he didn’t care he just kept taunting me no matter who was around. He even did it one day in front of my grandson. He was a mean son-of-a-bitch and killin’ him was a service to this town.”
An audible gasp saturated the air of the courtroom as Lane’s eyes opened wide.
The district attorney wasted no time in objecting. “I object.”
“Sustained. The jury will disregard that last statement. Mr. Collins, please keep your answers to the questions asked.”
Lane couldn’t believe her good fortune. I’ve never seen a jury yet that totally disregarded comments made by witnesses or lawyers. Richard Collins’ comment made her case for a rush to judgment that much stronger. Someone other than Bryce wanted to see the man dead. In order to undo the damage to his case made by the comment, Danny Kunkle will have to question the witness at great length. A win win in my book. Lydia's uncle molested her and now I have an eyewitness. This day is looking better and better.
With her listening skills honed to the point where she could pick up on significant points without her full concentration, Bryce listened to Richard Collins testimony with disinterest. Her ears perked up when the man gave his account of Preston Garrett’s taunting him in front of his grandson. Her brow creased and her eyes narrowed. That sounds familiar. Her face scrunched as a memory tried to surface but it was gone when Lane sat down and squeezed her hand.
Buoyed by the an unexpected lift her case got, Lane sat back down at the table and unconsciously reached over and squeezed Bryce’s hand. Once she realized what she had done, she glanced sideways at the woman and saw a small, satisfied smile on the beautiful face. She leaned over and whispered, “You should smile more often.”
+ + +
Lane sat in her office going over the day’s events in court. Although Collins’ testimony was something that she could use to create reasonable doubt there was still the sticky issue of the whip. It’s always about that damn whip. She rubbed her eyes. It was almost midnight and she had been running on empty since the morning. Luckily, Margarita Clayton had been looking out for her when she made her eat lunch otherwise she doubted she would have had the energy to drive home.
A thought floated up from her subconscious as the words of one of her law professors, the name now long forgotten, surfaced. There comes a time in every trial that you have a choice of winning or losing. The lawyer who takes control and makes the trial theirs wins. She pursed her lips and blew out a cleansing breath, My time has come and it is up to me whether I control Bryce’s destiny or watch her being lead away in handcuffs. I need to find a way to take control. Another thought, which she couldn’t quite grasp, kept trying to bubble up but refused to become clear. I need a good night’s sleep then I will tackle the next phase of the trial and all the disjointed thoughts rattling around in my head. She stretched and yawned before turning out the office lights and heading for her car, home and much needed sleep.
+ + +
Lane sat up quickly and looked around her darkened bedroom. What the hell? She snatched up the ringing telephone and bit out, “This better be good.”
“Lane it’s me Bryce. I just thought of something important about the whip. Can I come over?”
Bryce what the hell? She sounds drunk…shit all I want is sleep. “Sure come on over, I wasn't doing anything but sleeping.”
Lane looked at the bedside clock. “Arrgh, it’s only three.” She closed her eyes in exhaustion. I’ll just get in a few more minutes, she thought before her eyes flew open again. “What?” she said into the handset.
“I told you that bitch needed to die and you need to remove yourself from the case.”
“Get a life.” Lane slammed the phone down, jumped out of bed and flew down the hall to the living room. As if on cue, the phone rang again. She pressed the switch for the recorder and picked up the receiver but didn’t say anything.
“I thought you were a bright girl Lane but you obviously need a lesson in how to do what you’re told. That bitch client of yours needs to be in jail. Do I make myself clear?”
Lane said nothing allowing the time to stretch out until the caller spoke again.
“What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?” The voice went quiet for a moment before speaking again. “You know what I was just thinking?” Silence again. “How much I'm going to enjoy cutting out your tongue out before I kill you. What do you say to that Lane, hmm?”
After a long hesitation Lane spoke. “You’re sick and you need help would you like me to recommend a good therapist?”
“BITCH!”
“What’s the matter am I hitting too close to home?”
There was a light knocking on her door and she quietly she walked in that direction.Thank god for cordless phones. She looked through the peephole, smiled then opened the door. She motioned for Bryce to come in while holding one finger to her lips. Bryce nodded and sat down on the couch.
“I’m warning you take yourself off the case and let the bitch be convicted or you will regret ever becoming a lawyer.” The phone line went silent followed by a dial tone.
Holding the handset, Lane looked at it for a moment before placing it back on the holder. “Sorry,” she said to Bryce. “What did you remember about the whip?”
Bryce looked at the still blinking light on the recorder. “Kinda late for phone calls…was it your boyfriend?”
Lane frowned. “No…it was nothing.”
The dark haired woman’s eyes tracked to the table that held the phone. “Nothing? Really? Then why did you record it?”
Lane rubbed her forehead with her thumb and two fingers before letting out a loud sigh and pressing play. Once it was over, she looked at Bryce. “There you have it…someone definitely is out to get you and me.”
Bryce’s eyes widened. “Do you want me to find another attorney?”
Hazel eyes shot a look in Bryce’s direction. “NO,” she said emphatically. “I have no intention of letting some nameless, faceless deranged person dictate my life or how I defend my client. Please tell me what you remembered.”
Bryce gestured at the cushion next to her. “Sit here. What I have to tell you won’t make that caller happy.”
“Why don’t I make us some coffee first?”
“No, please sit.”
The look in Bryce’s eyes told Lane that whatever she had to say it was serious. “Okay.” She sat down and could feel the warmth radiating from her client’s body. “Tell me what you remembered.”
“This afternoon you asked me about the last time I used the whip.”
“Yes, I remember you thought it was about six months ago.”
“When Richard Collins was testifying today he said something about Preston embarrassing him in front of his grandson. At the time, I thought that sounded familiar but couldn’t figure out why. Then I forgot about it until I was lying in bed and all of a sudden I remembered why.” Her face glowed with excitement. “My family has a barbeque each spring and we invite just about everyone. Well, at the one this year some of the guys asked me if I would do a few tricks with my whip for their kids. I really don’t like to do that kind of thing but it was our party so I figured I should go ahead and do it. I had been doing it for about five minutes when who should bully their way to the front but Preston Garrett.”
“And?”
“He started heckling me with curses and saying something like the only way I could show off was if my mommy and daddy threw a party. Some of the people told him to stop, that their kids were there, but he just kept it up.” She paused for a moment as if to catch her breath. “Now, here is where it gets interesting…I took my whip and flicked it in his direction and it wrapped around his arm…the one that was holding his drink. I pulled a little until he dropped the cup. Then I said and that’s how you stop a drunk from drinking. Everyone laughed and Preston stomped off.”
Lane was wide awake now. “That was the last time you used the whip?”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t clean it or oil it or do whatever it is one does to a whip?”
“There was nothing to do but coil it and put it back on the saddle.”
“You haven’t used the saddle or whip since then?”
“I only use that saddle when I am doing demonstrations.”
“Do you know if the whip left a mark on his arm?”
“I did see a red mark when I released the whip.”
“No blood?”
“There wouldn’t have been any. I wasn’t doing it to harm him only get his attention.”
“You say there were witnesses?”
“Oh yeah, there was quite a crowd around me…mostly kids but I’d say about ten adults.”
“Do you know who they are?”
“Yeah.”
Lane was alert and her mind was whirling with all the possibilities and implications of the information. There’s a distinct possibility that her whip wasn’t the one used in the murder. “One thing is for sure, it will bring reasonable doubt about the whip to the forefront.” For the next hour, Lane paced the room as she asked Bryce question after question about who was there, what they saw and of all the witnesses who would be the most reliable.
“Were either of your parents there?”
“No, but my mother saw him right after ‘cause he told her he was going to get my butt thrown in jail for what I did.” Bryce laughed.
“Do you know if he actually spoke to the sheriff?”
“Yeah I think he did ‘cause Jo Don came up to me later in the day and told me to keep away from Garrett if I knew what was good for me.”
Lane’s eyes lit up, the sheriff - what better witness is there. She stood directly in front of her client and placed her hands firmly on Bryce’s shoulders. “This is excellent news. This morning the best I could have hoped for was a hung jury but now…with this information no jury will convict you.” In an unexpected gesture, she planted a kiss on Bryce’s lips then pulled her in for a hug. Just as quickly, she pulled away, her face on fire. “Oh, Bryce I am so sorry that was completely uncalled for and totally unprofessional.” She shook her head and took a big step backwards. “I'm really, really sorry.”
Bryce’s eyes focused on a distant corner of the ceiling as she tried to process what had happened. Uncharacteristically, she blurted out the first thought that came to her. “I’m not.”
Lane’s brow furrowed. “You’re not what?”
“Sorry it happened.” She shrugged then leaned in and kissed Lane. “Maybe after this is all over we can explore it further.”
Lane, with her lips still tingling from Bryce’s kiss, looked into the grey blue eyes and smiled. “I’d like that.” She was reluctant to let the moment end but it wasn’t the time or place. “Looks like the sun is about to rise. Why don’t I make us some breakfast?”
“If I recall you had two supper specialties…what about breakfast?”
Lane laughed heartily. “I’ll have you know I am known in my family as the primer breakfast taco maker.”
“Now how did you know that was my favorite?”
Again Lane laughed. “A lucky guess. Come on you can beat the eggs.”
+ + +
The weekend flew by as Lane prepared for Monday’s day in court by interviewing several of the guests that attended the spring barbeque. Armed with her new information, she added a new name to her witness list. The hour had finally arrived and she sat motionless as she heard her first witness name called.
Although Bonnie Mae Earle was in her mid sixties one might think her to be at least twenty years younger. She walked with a straight back and head held high to the witness stand and pronounced I do precisely after the oath had been administered. The woman had a pleasant face marked by deep brown eyes that seemed to be almost black. Her furrowed brow was testament to her long hours as a veterinarian. If Monty Geiger was the cattleman’s lawyer Bonnie Mae was their vet.
“Dr. Earle do you know the defendant Bryce Clayton?”
“Land sakes yes.”
“For how long?”
“Since the day she was born.” Bryce had told her that she was delivered by the vet since she wasn’t about to wait to go to be born in the hospital.
“Do you think she is an upstanding citizen?”
“I sure do. There are lots of things she does in the background for the community that most folks aren’t aware of.”
“Like what?”
“She probably will have my hide for sayin’ this but years ago she set up an endowment fund for folks that couldn’t afford their vet bills.” She looked fondly at Bryce and was glad to see her adopted daughter smile.
“Dr. Earle, did you attend the barbeque at the Clayton ranch last April?”
“Sure did. I have never missed one,” she said with pride. “Everyone comes.”
“By everyone do you mean just the ranchers?”
“Lord no, I mean everyone around these parts. The Claytons have been havin’ the first barbeque of the year as long as I can remember.”
“Was Bryce at that barbeque?”
“She sure was and so were her brothers and sister and their families. The whole day is about family and all the Claytons attended.”
“Did you see Bryce use her whip on that day?”
“Yes, some of the boys talked her into givin’ a demonstration for their kids. Everything was going great until a drunken Preston Garrett showed up and started razin’ Bryce.”
“What happened?”
“Well he wouldn’t stop even after some of the fellas asked him to just cut it out being as their kiddos were there.”
“What did Bryce do?”
“Nothin’, she just kapt on until she heard them tellin’ him to stop?”
“Telling who to stop?”
“Why Preston of course.”
“Then what happened?”
“Bryce flicked her whip in Preston’s direction and wrapped it around his arm.”
“Can you show me about where on the arm?”
Bonnie Mae held her right thumb and forefinger around her left forearm. “Right here.”
“What happened next?”
“She tugged a little and he dropped the cup he was holdin’ and Bryce said that’s how you stop a drunk from drinkin’.” The vet laughed. “Lands sake, everyone started laughing and Preston grabbed that niece of his by the upper arm and stomped off.”
“Was Mr. Garrett’s shirt long sleeved or short sleeved?”
“I remember that the day was sweltering hot so everyone either had rolled their sleeves rolled up or had on short sleeved shirts.”
“Was there a mark on Mr. Garrett’s arm?”
“Sure was.”
“Did it bleed?”
“I didn’t see any blood. I doubt that there would have been any cause Bryce didn’t use much force.”
“Did Mr. Garrett say anything when he left?”
“I can’t remember the exact words but he said something about his niece being able to use the whip better than Bryce.” Bonnie Mae laughed. “He was madder than a wet hen.”
Lane turned back to the defendants table and smiled. “No further questions.”
Danny Kunkle wasted no time in jumping to his feet to begin his cross-examination. Much to the DA’s dismay, he could not persuade the vet to change any of her testimony.
“Call your next witness,” the judge said.
“I’d like to recall Lydia Peterson.”
Once Lydia took the stand and advised that she was still under oath, Lane asked her the first question. “Ms. Peterson, were you present in the courtroom when Dr. Earle gave her testimony about the barbeque last April at the Clayton Ranch?”
Lydia frowned. “Yes, it was a very hot day and my uncle didn’t like soft drinks or iced tea so he drank beer. He usually didn’t drink much and I’m afraid he had too much.”
“Did you hear the doctor’s account of what took place between your uncle and Bryce Clayton?”
“Yes.”
“To the best of your recollection was the doctor’s testimony accurate.”
“Yes.”
“Did your uncle seek medical aid for the mark left on his arm by the whip?”
“No, but he did show Margarita.”
“That’s Mrs. Clayton?”
“Yes.”
“According to Dr. Earle, your uncle said something about you being proficient in the use of a whip, is that true?”
Lydia squirmed a bit and lowered her eyes. “I am no where the expert Bryce is.”
“I’m asking, can you use a whip with some degree of accuracy?”
Again, the young girl squirmed. “Yes.”
“No further questions.”
The DA stood, straightened his suit jacket, opened his mouth to speak then sat down again. “No questions for this witness.”
“Call your next witness.”
“I recall Margarita Clayton.”
Margarita was reminded that she was still under oath then Lane asked, “Mrs. Clayton did you witness your daughter’s whip exhibition at the barbeque your family held last April?”
“No, I was busy welcoming our guests at the time.”
“Did Preston Garrett approach you at some time regarding your daughter’s behavior?”
“Yes.”
“Would you please tell the court to the best of your recollection what transpired?”
“For some unknown reason, Preston always spoke to me in Spanish which I never understood since my native tongue is Portuguese. He said something like that bastard daughter of yours has injured me and I am going to press assault charges against her. I looked at the arm he was holding up in my face and saw red around it. I asked him if he needed first aide. He was obviously intoxicated and his words were slurred. He told me that he didn’t need any of my help and that even a loser like my husband couldn’t have sired such a bitch and he asked who her father was.” As she spoke of the man’s crude remark Margarita’s voice fell to a whisper.
“What happened then?”
“I told him he was drunk and he should go home and sleep it off.” She blew out a breath. “He told me there was no damn way he was leaving and he grabbed Lydia and walked away.”
“What did Lydia do?”
“She looked back at me and mouthed she was sorry.”
“Mrs. Clayton, did Bryce use her whip after that day?”
“I don’t see how she could have. She was out in the panhandle most of the time looking at properties before going to her home near the Rio Grande. The saddle where she kept the whip was one her grandfather gave her. I remember asking her in a phone conversation sometime in late June if she wanted me to cover it up since she wasn’t using it.”
“What did she say to that?”
“She told me that as soon as the wells on several her properties were in place and she came home she planned on riding more.”
“Why did she have to wait?”
“The summer was extremely hot and we didn’t have much rain so she had several companies drilling wells on her properties. Bryce is a hands-on owner and spent most of the days helping the drilling companies.”
“Thank you Mrs. Clayton. No further questions.”
Danny Kunkle just sat in his chair seemingly dumbfounded. “Mr. Kunkle, are you planning on questioning this witness?” the judge finally said.
“I’m sorry your Honor yes, I am.” The DA didn’t stand up but focused his eyes squarely on Margarita and glared. “Mrs. Clayton, wouldn’t you do or say anything to protect your daughter?”
“What I said was the truth.”
“Please answer my question Mrs. Clayton. Wouldn’t you do whatever it took to see that your daughter didn’t go to jail for murder?”
Margarita sat looking directly at the man and matched his glare. “What I said was the truth. Preston Garrett was at the ranch on the day of the barbeque and showed me a mark on his arm that he said Bryce inflicted.”
“Would you do whatever it took to see that your daughter didn’t go to jail Mrs. Clayton?”
"Objection, he is badgering the witness."
"Overruled." The judge looked at Margarita. "You must answer the question."
In a low, quiet voice, Margarita answered, “Yes.”
“I have no questions for this witness.”
Lane watched as Margarita walked away from the witness stand and smiled fondly. That one could be considered a draw, Lane thought before she said, “At this time I would like to recall Sheriff Wilkins.”
Jo Don Wilkins took the stand with eyes shifting and sweat evident on his brow. The fierce look he sent in Lane’s direction was unmistakable.
For the sheriff, Lane remained seated. “Sheriff, this will be short. Did you attend a barbeque last spring at the Clayton ranch?”
“Yes.”
“Did Preston Garrett approach you and ask you to arrest Bryce Clayton?”
“Yes.”
“Why did he want you to arrest her Sheriff?”
“She used her whip on him,” he mumbled.
“Please speak up Sheriff I don’t think the jury heard you.”
“I said she used her whip on him,” Jo Don bite out.
“I have no further questions.”
The DA only shook his head before saying, “I have no questions.”
“The defense rests your Honor.”
+ + +
The prosecution’s summation was long winded and drawn out as the district attorney tried to paint a picture of an out of control woman who wanted to exact revenge on the victim. In his theory, Bryce was so incensed with Preston Garrett’s harassment that she finally snapped and murdered the man. He summed up his argument saying, “Consider all the evidence in your deliberations and don’t be swayed by the smoke and mirror defense that has been used in an attempt to confuse you into thinking the defendant is innocent. I assure you that she is not.”
On the other hand, Lane’s summation was short and to the point. “Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Over the course of the last several weeks, the prosecution has tried to weave a story of deception, vengeance and lust for land that resulted in the death of Preston Garrett at the hand of Bryce Clayton. We have a sheriff who held a long time grudge against the defendant’s father and a district attorney with and agenda that a high profile case could advance. We have heard how the police honed in on Bryce Clayton immediately and in their haste they never seriously considering anyone else. Every piece of evidence the prosecution has brought forth has no tangible link to my client and that includes the whip. As you heard from the prosecution at the beginning of this trial…”
Her summation concluded fifteen minutes later with, “If you have any doubts about Bryce Clayton’s participation in the murder of Preston Garrett then you must return a verdict of not guilty. Thank you.”
Returning to the defendant’s table, Lane patted Bryce’s hand and smiled. In return, Bryce with her face filled with apprehension gave her lawyer a slight nod. As the district attorney was giving his final summation Lane leaned in and whispered, “We are in the home stretch now the last thing the jurors will look at as they leave will be you. Don’t give them a reason to think you look guilty. Look at each one directly with the same confidence you show when you make a business deal.”
Bryce nodded, blew out a breath and looked at the jury, as they were lead out to the room where they would decide her fate.
+ + +
It only took the jury an hour to come back with a verdict. When the call came, Bryce, her parents, two brothers and her sister were in Lane’s office going over strategy for post verdict interviews.
“That was fast,” Bryce said to Lane as they walked hurriedly back to the courtroom. “Is that a good sign or a bad one?”
Lane stopped and looked at her client. “Let’s wait and see. It will be what it is and any conjecture that we might do is just that – a guess.” She saw the questioning look on Bryce’s face and smiled warmly. “Personally I will be surprised if they convict you.”
As the two women and the Clayton clan, made their way through the myriad of reporters and camera operators questions flew in their direction. Just as Lane had instructed, each looked ahead and refused to answer any questions.
As the jury filed into the courtroom, Lane looked at each one trying to see if she if anyone’s mannerisms would tell her the verdict. Inwardly she laughed for she had never seen a jury that anyone could read.
Judge Aniline asked the jury forewoman, “Have you reached a verdict?”
“Yes, your Honor,” the forewoman said and handed the bailiff a slip of paper.
The judge read the verdict. “Before the verdict is read I want it understood that outburst of any kind will not be tolerated in this courtroom.” He then handed the paper back to the bailiff who returned to the forewoman. “Will you please read the verdict?”
“In the case of the state of Texas verses Bryce Clayton for the second degree murder the jury finds the defendant not guilty.”
Bryce turned towards Lane and engulfed her in a hug. “Thank you.”
A roar of voices along with cheers welled up until the judge hammed his gavel. “Order in the court!”
Danny Kunkle was on his feet. “I want the jury polled your Honor.”
The bailiff then called on each juror to disclose how he or she voted. Once that was over, the judge again rapped his gavel. “Bryce Clayton you have been found not guilty and are free to go. Thank you jury for your service you are also free to leave.” He rapped the gavel for the last time, “Court is dismissed.”
Bryce turned to her mother and saw her cheeks colored with emotion before hugging her close. Soon her entire family had engulfed her in a group hug. Lane looked towards the back of the courtroom and saw Lydia standing near the door. The young girl smiled, winked then mouthed congratulations before a wave of departing spectators swept her away. Lane’s brow creased as her eyes tracked towards her client who also was watching Lydia.
Once the courtroom emptied, Bryce and her family stood with Lane. “When we go outside we will go as a group. The press will be on us like bees on honey so I must urge you to say only the minimum to them. I will read the following statement – The family of Bryce Clayton wishes to thank everyone for their support and comfort during this long ordeal. They want to especially thank the jury for the just verdict which exonerated my client – then I will take a few questions that we will collectively answer.”
Sam Clayton held out his hand to Lane. “Ms. Cuthbert I want to thank you for everything. If there is ever anything I can do for you please don’t hesitate to ask. Our family is very grateful for proving Bryce's innocence.”
Lane shook the man’s hand. “You’re most welcome. I think your daughter deserves much of the credit for she is the one that remembered about the barbeque and if it hadn’t been for that the verdict may have been different.”
Bryce seemed embarrassed by the discussion as she rocked back and forth on her feet with a slight tinge of red to her face. “Daddy will you and everyone give Lane and me a minute?”
Margarita gave her daughter a hug. “We’ll be right outside the door so none of those pesky news people can get in.”
“I can do one better Mrs. Clayton, Bryce and we'll use that small conference room. Why don’t you all meet us by the front entrance and we will be along in a minute or two.”
Once in the conference room, Bryce moved closer to Lane and engulfed her in a hug. “Thank you so much for everything,” she whispered through the strawberry blonde hair. She gave a final squeeze then moved back a step without releasing her hold. Grey blue eyes searched the hazel ones asking then receiving the answer. Slowly, she moved in and kissed Lane gently.
Not to be outdone, Lane returned the kiss in a more passionate manner. Finally, Bryce released her embrace. Lane smiled and nodded at the door. “Come on let’s get this over with and then we can start to get to know each other better.”
Outside, the family of Bryce Clayton stood in front of a conglomeration of microphones while Lane read the statement. “We have time for a few questions,” she said as she motioned the others closer.
“Bryce how does it feel to have a not guilty verdict?”
They certainly didn’t pick the best and the brightest to be here! How the hell do they think I’d feel? “I am very happy.” That should be a short enough answer.
“Lane, what do you think of the DA and sheriff’s homing in on you client only?”
“The sheriff has lost valuable time and evidence by focusing on my client exclusively. Right now, there is a killer on the loose and because of their rush to judgment they haven’t a clue as to who that might be.
“Lane, it has been said that the camera loves you. Are you interested in a broadcasting career?”
It was exactly what she wanted but it was too early to reveal that. “Well,” she said with a slight laugh, “I haven’t been asked.”
Without warning, the sound of a shot firing pierced the air. People began scrambling for somewhere safe to hide while others screamed out in horror. Sam Clayton grabbed his wife and pulled her to the ground. Bryce covered Lane with her body as they fell backwards. An eerie quiet filled the air as everyone held collective breaths waiting for another shot. After what seemed like an eternity, the sound of siren’s wailing filled the air. Slowly and cautiously, people began to stand and look around in fear of what they might see.
“Bryce I think we can get up now,” Lane whispered. Bryce didn’t move. Lane shook the woman’s back below her shoulder. “Bryce, Bryce you okay?” She felt sticky moisture and lifted her hand to see it coated in blood. Instantly, her fingers went to Bryce’s neck feeling for a pulse. Relieved that her finger felt a slight throbbingshe screamed,“Somebody, help, Bryce has been shot.”
Once the paramedic had carefully rolled Bryce away, Lane gasped, “I’ve been shot too,” before she lost consciousness.
You can read this story and all EO stories knowing that it is completed but is still being revised - all parts will be posted in a timely fashion. :o)
Constructive commments are always welcomed. Thank you. eorielly@yahoo.com