"One more day, and then its sand and sun for us," Charlie said, holding her in bed.
"Don't wake me until it's time to go. I've never been so tired in my life." Jenny fell into slumber.
Chapter 33
They woke up early on the day of their trip to Hawaii. The flight had been delayed until 3:30, so they drove to San Jose and had a nice lunch before heading to the airport.
"Now you have to promise that you'll come home with me," Charlie said, pulling their luggage to the airport check in counter.
"I told you, I'd follow you anywhere. Leaving Hawaii at the end of a week will surely test the strength of that promise though."
They walked up to the counter and handed the agent their tickets. A man approached them from the side.
"Charles Watson, Jennifer Watson. I'm Detective Derrel Miller, San Jose Police Department. Please come with us."
"What's this about?" Charlie asked as they moved away from the counter.
"We have some questions related to Margret Wentworth and the shooting of Detective Eberhart, Sir."
"Are we under arrest?" Jenny asked, starting to panic.
"No. Please come with us so we can sort this out."
"Oh my God, Charlie!" Jenny gasped.
"It'll be ok, honey. We'll catch a later flight. They just have some loose ends," Charlie tried to remain as calm as he could. He knew making a scene in the airport by venting his annoyance at their timing would only make things worse. They walked behind Detective Miller to the curb outside of the airport, followed closely by two uniformed officers. They rode in the back of the police car to the police station in silence. When they arrived and went inside, they were met by another detective.
"Mrs. Watson, I'm Detective Nelson, will you follow me please?" he asked.
"Charlie. What's going on? Why are they splitting us up?" Jenny asked.
"It's just routine, Mrs. Watson. Please…this way," Detective Nelson said.
"Jenny, just tell them what happened, we'll be fine." He was lacking the confidence of his own words.
"Mr. Watson," Detective Miller said. "We're down this way." He led Charlie to an interview room down the hall. What little hope he had of this being a minor inconvenience was shattered when he saw, Detective Eberhart leaving her office.
"What the hell is Eberhart doing at her desk? I saw her murder Margret," Charlie exclaimed as they entered the room.
"Have a seat, Mr. Watson. She's not on active duty now," Miller said, taking a seat across from Charlie.
"Not on active duty? She should be locked up for murder. Behind bars."
"We'll sort this out. Just answer my questions now. We have evidence that you and your wife were employed by Margret Wentworth."
"She called us to find her daughter. We didn't know her before that, and were certainly not involved with the shit she was into," Charlie replied.
"We have a record of a check written by Margret Wentworth for five hundred dollar made payable to you. Is that correct?"
"I never cashed the damn thing."
"That's not the issue. You accepted it and that establishes the connection."
"Connection to what? We just wanted to help Gracie after we discovered what Margret was up to."
"And what was she up to, Mr. Watson?"
"Trying to kill her husband and cut Gracie out."
"Cut Gracie out with the document you were hired to present to Miss Wentworth…"
"Look, she called us to find Gracie. We didn't know what she was up to until things seemed a little off, like when we realized we were being followed in San Diego."
"That takes us to another issue. Your credit card was still open on the gas pump in Gorman at the Shell station that went up in flames and where two bodies were also found."
"I've been through this with the Santa Clarita Police, talk to them."
"I have. The only reason they let you go was because Detective Eberhart vouched for you. She is claiming you had her fooled from the beginning. She didn't realize your involvement in the conspiracy to commit murder and fraud."
"This is bullshit. We called Eberhart and told her we thought Margret was poisoning her husband."
"And Detective Eberhart's quick action is why, Mr. Wentworth is alive. Maybe you and Margret had a falling out, she promised you more money and didn't pay?"
"Listen to me, detective. They knew each other. I saw Eberhart talking to Margret, disappointed that Margret had screwed things up. Eberhart confessed that she was blackmailing her. Then I saw Eberhart shoot Margret in the head. Margret's gun was at her side and not a threat."
"Followed by, your wife shooting Detective Eberhart. As I understand it, Eberhart was defending herself during the arrest of Margret Wentworth for attempted murder. We seem to have two different versions of what happened here, Mr. Watson."
"Yeah, we do. The truth and this bullshit cover up that Eberhart is pulling. The truth is, if Jenny had not shot her, we would both be dead in those woods. Arrest me; or my wife! We are done here!"
"Don't leave town, Mr. Watson. Mrs. Watson is under arrest for the attempted murder of Detective Eberhart and, under further investigation for the murder of Dennis Royal, the gas station attendant."
Charlie jumped to his feet overcome with rage, "You bastard!"
Detective Miller stood, hand on his gun, "Stand down or I'll arrest you also."
Charlie could barely contain himself. He sat down, slamming his fists on the table. It was several minutes before he could get control of his anger. Once he had, the detective sat down again.
"Can I see her?" Charlie asked.
"You need to calm down. After she is processed, you can see her."
"Processed?"
"Finger printed and taken to holding. You'll stay here, I'll check."
Charlie wanted to run into Detective Eberhart's office and choke her. He had to get to Jenny. He knew she must be going crazy.
Miller returned to the room, "If you can control your temper, I'll take you back to see her for a few minutes."
"I can, I need to see her."
He followed Miller to the holding cells, where he was signed in. When she saw Charlie come through the outer door, Jenny yelled out, "Charlie. They arrested me for shooting Nicole."
"I know. Eberhart is trying to save her ass, this is all so crazy."
"I'm scared, really scared. What can we do?"
"We're going to get an attorney and get you out of here as soon as we can. Don't talk to these bastards; we can't trust any of them."
"I'm glad they didn't arrest you too," she said, through tears.
"They want to. I don't know how much time I'll have to help you before they do."
"I love you." she told him.
"I love you, Jenny. I'll be back as soon as I can with an attorney."
Detective Miller came into the area, "Mr. Watson, times up."
Charlie kissed her through the bars and slowly released her hand.
"I'll be back as soon as I can," he said. "Hold on, sweetheart, we'll get through this."
Detective Miller walked him to the front door of the station and, as Charlie passed through the door, Miller said, "I'll, get to the bottom of this."
"Not through those blinders you're wearing," Charlie said. "Ask yourself, detective; how did your Detective Eberhart find us in that remote location?" Then he turned and left.
The moment Charlie was in the parking lot he pulled his phone out of his pocket and searched for a criminal attorney. He called four of them before he reached Susan Abbott, who told him she would meet him there shortly. He waited in the parking lot until she arrived.
"Mr. Watson?" Susan Abbott asked.
"Yes, Ms. Abbott. We really need your help."
"Susan, please. I need to see your wife right away. But first let me tell you what's going to happen. We can't get her out until her arraignment hearing when bail is set. Do you have the resources to secure a bail bond?"
"Yes, whatever it takes."
"
Good," she said. "Find a bail bondsman and have them prepared to post a bond at her hearing. I will push for one as soon as possible. Here is my card. How can I reach you?"
Charlie gave her his mobile phone number. "Anything, anytime, call me."
"We'll get together later today at my office. I'll call you with a time."
"Thank you, Susan."
"Ok, I need to get in there and get the ball rolling." She turned and walked into the police station.
Charlie called for a cab, to take him back to the airport to pick up their luggage and his truck.
Chapter 34
Charlie walked into Susan Abbott's small office shortly after he received her call. It was a single open area with three desks and a bathroom in the back. Susan's desk was in the back with book shelves behind her and certificates mounted on the wall beside her desk. The other two desks were not occupied. Susan looked up when he walked in. "Mr. Watson, come in," she greeted him.
"Charlie works. What do we know?"
"Please sit down, Charlie. She is being charged with shooting Detective Eberhart. They are not pursuing the conspiracy charges but are looking at your connection to Margret Wentworth."
"I'm sure, Detective Eberhart, doesn't want too many eyes looking into that," he said. "When is her bail hearing?"
"Tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the Superior Court. Here's the address," she said, passing him the information. "Did you find a bail bondsman?"
"Yes, Jones Bail Bonds. I'll call him as soon as we're done."
"The problem we have is that you're the only witness to Jennifer's actions that night when she shot Detective Eberhart. There is no dispute that Detective Eberhart's gun was used to kill Margret Wentworth, but the claim is that Margret was armed and was holding you at gun point."
"Then why would Jenny shoot Eberhart, after she had eliminated the threat of Margret?"
"Good question, they're saying you were working for Margret that maybe Jennifer panicked and thought you two were going to be arrested, they're saying."
"Jenny saved my life. Eberhart was moments from shooting me."
"I know that from talking to Jenny."
"And we called the Marina Police, as soon as we could," he said.
"I know that also. I've already contacted them requesting the police report."
"Can I see Jenny, tonight?"
"Not tonight, I'm sorry. We were very lucky to get on the court docket as soon as we did."
"Susan, are you my best choice to defend my wife? I don't mean to be insulting, but Jenny is my whole life and…"
"Charlie, no offense taken. I was with the Public Defender's office for five years and started my own practice a year ago. I left them, very frustrated, because my hands were tied there. Too many limits, on what I could do to defend my clients."
"Do you believe her…us?" he asked.
"It doesn't matter; my job is to be her best defense. But, after talking with her a few hours today, yes, I do."
"That's important to us. What else can I do?"
"Have your bondsman there tomorrow at 10. I'll be putting together what I have and will see you then," she said. "We can't get the case dismissed, she did shoot Detective Eberhart, but we need to convince the judge that there is a case for it being justified so we can get her out on bail."
"Ok…About before… I'm just going nuts here." He stood up to leave.
"I understand. I'll give Jennifer my best effort. See you tomorrow, Charlie."
Charlie drove directly to the bail bondsman's office to ensure he would appear in court tomorrow. He couldn't go home without her and still having their luggage from the airport, found the closest motel to the Superior Court. After checking in, he called Gracie.
"Hello?"
"Gracie, this is Charlie Watson."
"Charlie, how are you? Calling from Hawaii?" she asked excitedly.
"No, Gracie. I need your help. Jenny has been arrested for shooting Detective Eberhart."
"Oh no, I thought they arrested Detective Eberhart?"
"So did we. She must have come up with a version that they bought."
"But she told you she was involved… you saw her shoot Margret."
"It's her word against ours. How's your father? Can I talk to him?"
"He's home now, I'll get him," she said, taking the phone to her father.
"Charlie, I think I owe you my life," James Wentworth said.
"Thank God. It's a miracle you're home already. We are so pleased you're getting better, Mr. Wentworth. My wife Jenny has been arrested for shooting Detective Eberhart. We know she was blackmailing Margret," Charlie paused. "I'm sorry…that must have been a shock. I'm not being very considerate."
"Charlie, call me James. We discovered that Margret was extorting funds from the company, but blackmail?"
"I guess you wouldn't know. And I'm not really sure how to tell you this…"
"Charlie, after the last few months, I'm ready for some honesty; just give it to me straight."
"Detective Eberhart discovered that Margret was involved in your first wife's car accident and was blackmailing her," Charlie told him.
"Constance? How is that possible? She fell asleep at the wheel? Are you sure?" James asked, confused.
"Eberhart laid it out, before she shot Margret, and was going to kill us, to cover it up."
"I realized, Margret, was up to something, when she pushed Gracie out of our home. I wasn't paying attention, until then. I had no idea she might be involved in Constance's accident. When she redecorated Gracie's room we fought bitterly. I wanted her out. That's when she started the poison…so don't think for a minute, there is any love lost here. But Jenny has been arrested? How can I help?"
"Is there any way we can link Margret to Detective Eberhart, maybe the blackmail payments, phone conversations, anything at all."
"I'll get on it right away, it's the least I could do. Do you need money, an attorney, or if there is anything else, don't hesitate to call me."
"Thanks, we have an attorney, Susan Abbott. She seems good. Just please let me know if you find anything?"
"Ok. We've been going through the financial records at the office, I'll get the audit team focused on that connection. The phone records as well. When is the arraignment hearing?"
"Tomorrow at ten. Thank you, James," Charlie said, disconnecting the line.
He sat back in a chair and at the thought of Jenny being locked up in the holding cell, he shook with anger and frustration. "Eberhart, you've made a big mistake in charging Jenny instead of me, because I won't miss your head when I fire the gun." A wave of helplessness consumed him and he sank deeper into the chair.
Charlie was in the court building at 9:00 the next morning. He watched for Susan or the bail bondsman to enter the lobby area. At 9:30 he turned in surprise to a familiar voice.
"Charlie. I'm so sorry this has happened," Gracie said, reaching out to hug him.
He held her a moment and noticed the man from the photo Margret had given them.
"James, pleased to finally meet you. It's great that you came, it'll mean a lot to Jenny." Charlie reached around Gracie to shake his hand.
Gracie stepped back and said, "Stef is on her way down too. I'm starting college in the spring now, to spend time with dad."
"That sounds promising. We'll be in here, Court Room 6," Charlie told them.
"I was hoping to meet you both, under different circumstances of course," James said.
"Did you find anything, James?"
"Not yet, but we're not done looking and I'll have the phone records this afternoon."
"Thank you, James. I don't know what else to do?"
The court room doors opened and they walked in to take their seats. Charlie kept an eye on the door and moments later waved to Susan Abbott. She hurried over and sat beside him.
"This is a short session, there'll be 6 arraignments today, but we don't know the order they'll be brought in," she told him. "I have the Marina Police report. Has the bondsman arrived
yet?"
Charlie turned again to check the door. "There he is now." He waved to catch his attention. The bondsman came over and Charlie discovered that Jones and Susan had worked together before.
The court was brought to order and they waited for Jenny's case to be called, it was the forth case.
"The State verses Jennifer Watson," the bailiff called out.
Susan jumped up and took her place at the defense table. Charlie watched as the bailiff brought Jenny through a side door and had to grip his seat to keep from running to her. She smiled when she saw him and Gracie sitting there as she sat beside Susan.
The judge called out, "Is the State ready?"
"We are, your honor," the prosecutor said.
"And for the defense?"
"Susan Abbott for the defense, your honor."
"Proceed."
The prosecutor spoke first. "Your honor, the State charges Jennifer Watson with assault with a deadly weapon, the shooting of Detective Nicole Eberhart in an attempt to flee interrogation and possible arrest. The gun used is in evidence and is registered to the husband of the accused, Charles Watson"
"Your honor," Susan said standing. "May I approach the bench? I have the Marina Police Departments report."
"Approach," the judge said. Susan took him a copy of the report and returned to her place at the table.
"Your Honor," she continued, "my client and her husband were forced to this location at gun point by Margret Wentworth and her accomplice, Mr. Steve Franks. Mr. Watson's hands were bound and with the intent of allowing his wife, my client, a chance to escape, he pushed Mr. Franks with his body into his truck. The gun Mr. Franks was holding discharged. The bullet traveled between Mr. Franks and Mr. Watson, leaving documented evidence on, Mr. Watson before passing through his own head, killing him.
"Objection, your Honor," the prosecutor said, standing. "We don't see how this relates to our case?"
"I can tell you three reasons that it does, your honor," Susan stated.
"In that case," the judge began, "objection overruled."
"Thank you," Susan continued. "First, my client and her husband were forced to the location by Margret Wentworth, not voluntarily meeting with her. Second, Mr. Watson's actions allowed my client, Jennifer Watson, to escape and third, Mr. Watson's wrists were bound."
Watson Manor Eventually (Watson Manor Mystery Series Book 1) Page 21