by Brenda Trim
“I’m sorry, who are you?” Bart asked as he stuck his head into the hallway to see if Erika was walking down the corridor.
“Zane Walker,” he repeated.
“And, why are you interested in this case?” Bart demanded. He wasn’t about to get sucked into another setup. After what Elaine pulled with Kelly, he didn’t trust anyone.
“May I come in, sir?” Zane asked.
Curiosity got the better of Bart, so he opened the door and stepped aside so Zane could enter. He was a big guy, at least six-two, and weighed about two-fifty. He was obviously human but fit right in with the hulking shifters.
Zane shook hands with Richard, Lawson, and the others then stood at the head of the table. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m here, so I’ll get right to the point. I’ve been following your stories for a while now. My great-grandmother was a shifter that shared her life force with a human, and they conceived my grandmother. My grandmother was half-shifter, but never acknowledged her wolf side. Eventually, she married a human and my mother was born. She possessed no shifter qualities. She married a human, as well, and…yada yada, yada, I was born. As you can see, I’m not a shifter, either. Apparently, the wolf DNA became weaker with each generation. Having said that, I’m very proud of my heritage, and I’m sick and tired of the injustice I’ve seen. I’d like to help if I can.”
Shocked faces mirrored Bart’s as they each looked to Zane then back to one another. Bart glanced to Lawson, “Have you ever heard of anything like this?”
“Can’t say that I have, but I can see where it might happen. Typically, shifter DNA dominates all else. I will say this, he’s telling the truth, or what he believes to be the truth,” Lawson declared, and Bart knew he was referring to the ability shifters possessed. They instinctively knew when someone was being honest, or not.
“This is fascinating to me,” Liv interjected. “Zane, I’m the head scientist at Smith & Kimbro, and I would love to take some blood samples, with your permission, of course.”
“Sure. I don’t see that as a problem,” Zane replied easily.
“Can we get back to the more important topic,” Bart blurted. He didn’t give a flying fuck about Zane’s DNA. Not when Erika was sitting in a jail cell.
“You’re right, Bart. I’m sorry,” Liv divulged, and Bart immediately felt guilty about his admonishment.
“No, I apologize, Liv. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I know your work is important, but Erika needs our help now,” Bart shared. He wasn’t mad at Liv, but precious time was wasting away.
“Zane, you mentioned you want to help. How?” Lawson asked as Liv walked over and stood by her mate.
“I’ve practiced law for about three years now, and, quite frankly, I don’t need this disruption in my life. But something told me to come here and offer my services in any way I can. I’ll clear my schedule and focus solely on this case. Whatever you need,” Zane offered. Bart felt an immediate connection with the guy. He understood that gnawing sensation directing a course of action, no matter the consequence.
“Could you use some help, Richie?” Bart asked.
Richard nodded and ran a hand through his hair. “I can. In fact, it will ensure we don’t have anyone biased against shifters working with me. I’d like to think my employees are on the up and up, but I’d rather not take that chance.”
Zane shook Richie’s hand. “Thank you, and I agree with you. I assume Erika is being brought here?”
“Yes, she’s on her way,” Richard explained.
“Where is your family now?” Brenlee, Lawson’s youngest sister, asked Zane.
Zane looked at the blonde bombshell and smiled. “My great-grandparents died about twenty years ago, on the exact same day. I learned later that was the way of the wolves. My grandparents are alive, and feisty as ever. I live in North Carolina, as do my parents and grandparents. We’re a very close family,” he replied, his gaze never leaving Brenlee.
“My parents passed away last year. We’re a tight knit group, too. This is my brother, Lawson, and my sisters, Hannah and Haylee,” Brenlee introduced. “Thank you for coming. I’m sure with your help, Erika will be set free.”
The door opened again, and a uniformed officer stepped aside. Erika entered the room, and Bart didn’t hesitate to rush over and wrap his arms around her. He squeezed her to the point her back cracked, and he quickly loosened his hold. “Oops, my bad. I’m so sorry it took me so long,” he murmured in her ear.
She pulled him closer. “Don’t ever let go,” she croaked and buried her head in his shoulder.
He held her tight, wishing he knew an escape route. He’d take her away from the awful nightmare and run far away to a place where humans and shifters got along in harmony. In hindsight, there was a time when Bart felt Chattanooga was that place, but not anymore.
Bart leaned back, and met her gaze. “How are you?”
“I’m good,” Erika replied, but the dark circles under her eyes told a different story. “You?” she asked.
He opened his mouth then quickly closed it. He didn’t have the heart to tell her about his phone conversation with Larry. Erika didn’t need to worry about him when she was dealing with much bigger problems.
“Just worried about you,” he admitted honestly and hugged her again.
“Erika,” Richard interrupted, and she turned toward the attorney. “We’re trying to get your court date pushed ahead so we can get you out of here, but that also means we have a lot of work ahead of us,” he explained then opened his briefcase and retrieved a file.
“You’ve been charged with manslaughter, and the man that survived, Clarence Porter, claims they never provoked you. That your wolf savagely attacked them,” Richard continued as he took a seat at the table.
“They were going to kill Bart. My wolf sensed it, and I immediately reacted. I’d do it again,” Erika admitted then met Bart’s gaze. He was drawn to her sky-blue eyes from the very first day, and that pull had only intensified with time.
Without thinking, he blurted, “I love you, Erika. I don’t even care that we’re surrounded by a roomful of people. I want the whole world to know how I feel about you,” he declared then claimed her lips in a searing kiss.
“That’s so romantic,” Liv muttered. Bart heard several sighs as he kissed Erika, but ignored everything except the beautiful woman in his arms.
“This is all wonderful, but it doesn’t help Erika’s case,” Richard informed them. “We’re going to need something a little stronger than I acted out of love.”
Bart knew he was right, but he couldn’t stop kissing Erika. Panic threatened to steal his breath as he worried she would be taken from him.
“What about surveillance cameras? Surely, you have those on the premises,” Zane suggested.
Hearing those words, Bart broke the kiss but kept his arms around Erika’s waist. “We checked already. Unfortunately, the garden isn’t covered by security cameras. The only footage we have is the two men sneaking onto the property. Apparently, trespassing is perfectly legal, but self-defense isn’t,” he scoffed.
“This isn’t about law. This is about a shifter killing a human. They want to make an example of Erika. We need proof they attacked first, and your word against Clarence’s isn’t enough. Everyone knows the two of you are involved so what’s to stop you from lying for her, right? That’s how they’re going to play this,” Richard explained.
“What can I do to help?” Zane asked.
“We need to link the men to Elaine Jensen. If we can prove they were there on her orders, maybe we can convince the jury there was premeditation on their part,” Richard replied and handed several sheets of paper to Zane. “Here’s what I have on them. See what you can dig up.”
“I’m on it,” Zane answered. “Who should I contact if I find anything useful?” he asked, and made eye contact with Brenlee.
“Oh, um, let me give you my cell number,” she offered, and Zane grabbed his cell phone then tapped his screen as she
relayed her phone number.
“It was a pleasure meeting all of you. I’ll be in touch,” Zane offered. Oddly enough, Bart didn’t miss Zane’s lengthy handshake with Brenlee.
As soon as the door shut behind Zane, Cassie blurted, “Did you guys feel the sparks flying around the room? Holy shit, Bren. You two needed a private private room,” Cassie teased as she fanned her face.
“Oh, stop it, Cass. You’re exaggerating,” Brenlee gushed as pink tinged her cheeks.
“No, I felt it, too,” Liv agreed. “That guy has it bad for you.”
“Ugh, that’s ridiculous. He’s here because he wants to help Erika,” Brenlee countered with a shake of her head.
“If you say so,” Cassie said, and her mouth twisted wryly.
“Hello. Can we focus, please?” Bart insisted as he rubbed Erika’s back. He didn’t give a rat’s ass about Brenlee’s love connection. Erika was all that mattered to him.
“Yes, I agree,” Brenlee quickly agreed.
The guard stepped inside the room and glanced at Erika. “Time’s up.”
Erika stepped away from Bart and turned to leave, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back into his arms. His mouth crashed against hers again, and he poured all his love into the kiss. “We’re going to beat this,” he murmured against her mouth. “I promise.”
She met his gaze and smiled. “I believe you,” she replied then released his hand and made her way toward the door.
“Now, that’s what I call sparks,” Brenlee professed with a wide grin.
Bart shook his head. “More like fireworks,” he declared, and Erika looked over her shoulder, blowing him a kiss.
Erika choked back the tears as the guard led her back to her cell. Luckily, they kept her in a private sector, away from the general population. No telling what would happen if she was thrown in a cell with humans.
The male opened the steel door and held it open. Erika walked into the small room and cringed when the door banged shut. She walked to the sink and turned on the faucet, splashing water on her face. The cold water calmed her frayed nerves. She desperately wanted to believe Bart when he said they’d beat this, but she had her doubts.
Erika glanced at her image in the small mirror and gasped when she saw the guard looming behind her. She assumed he left when the door closed.
“Why are you here?” she asked and turned to face the male.
“Just thought you might need a shoulder to cry on. I think you’ll find me very…accommodating,” he sneered as he perused her body.
“Thanks, but I’m fine. My boyfriend’s shoulder is all I need. You remember him, don’t you? Bart Smith, the governor,” she added.
She had no problem throwing Bart’s status around, especially if it discouraged the male’s advances. Hell, she’d refer to him as her fiancé if that’s what it took.
“Yeah, but your boyfriend isn’t here right now,” the guard rebuked and reached out, stroking Erika’s cheek. The male was a tad shorter than her, but twice as wide. If she was forced to fight him, she would need to shift. Her wolf growled in her head, letting Erika know she was up to the challenge.
“No, but he won’t like it if he hears I’m being treated badly. I’d hate for you to lose your job over a misunderstanding,” she announced and glared at the male.
He chuckled low then stepped closer. He smelled of coffee and cigarettes, and Erika wanted to puke at the stale stench. “You and I are going to get to know each other very well. You see, I’ve got a hunch the judge is going to lock you up and throw away the key. And then your boyfriend will find somebody new. When that happens, just know that I’ll be here. Eager to taste that sweet pussy of yours,” he taunted and licked his lips suggestively.
Bile rose in Erika’s throat. She wanted to vomit on the male. He was a disgusting pig and she would slit her wrists before she allowed him to touch her body.
The guard looked his fill then turned and left the room. Erika slumped onto the narrow bed and cradled her face. What if Bart and her attorney couldn’t find the proof they needed? How long would the judge sentence her to prison? She imagined the punishment would be tenfold for a shifter.
She laid back on the uncomfortable mattress, and stared at the ceiling. Her mind wandered back to Bart and his declaration of love. She felt the truth in his words and clung to that knowledge. He wasn’t going to let her rot in prison. She had to believe he’d find a way for them to be together.
She closed her eyes, and imagined his handsome face, warm brown eyes, and the way he looked at her. She recalled the nights they made love until dawn, and slowly drifted to sleep, dreaming of the day it would happen again.
Chapter 19
Bart tugged at his collar. It was the day of reckoning, and he wasn’t sure of the outcome. He accompanied Richie every day the past week to spend a few precious minutes with her, but it was killing him to be apart from Erika.
It was a shock when the DA agreed to push the trial up at the arraignment. After the surprise wore off, Bart realized the DA believed this was an open and shut case. It was more than an uphill battle for them to prove Erika was innocent.
He watched as a guard escorted Erika into the courtroom. When she approached the table, he stood and embraced her.
“How are you?” he whispered but her trembling body was all the reply he needed. “I know, but stay positive,” he murmured before they took their seats.
Thankfully, the presiding judge wasn’t Gregory Maynor. Richard requested Judge Ashley Wilkes because she was known for her active role in women’s rights, and Bart hoped her passion encompassed female shifters, as well.
Bart glanced around and noted the packed courtroom. It was standing room only, and the opposing sides were obvious. This case was clearly shifters versus humans, not murder versus self-defense, as it should be.
When Judge Wilkes entered the courtroom, a hush fell over the crowd. Ashley Wilkes looked to be in her late fifties and was quite attractive. Her short black hair sported red highlights which matched her stylish prescription glasses. She walked with an air of confidence and Bart hoped that translated to honesty and integrity.
After the judge informed the jurors of the charges against Erika, the prosecutor stood and relayed the events of the evening in question. His version was a far cry from the truth as he spouted one blatant lie after another. Several times, Bart questioned if his tongue was bleeding, given how hard he was biting it. The victim in the case, Clarence Porter, had the audacity to say he and the other man were at the governor’s mansion because of a fraternity dare. That they snuck onto the property to take some photos and were subsequently attacked by a savage wolf.
Unfortunately, the surveillance cameras on Bart’s property didn’t disprove Clarence’s story. Afterward, Bart and Erika testified, telling the jurors how they were the victims and fought in self-defense. As Bart watched the panel of mostly white, middle-aged men he wondered if this was another predetermined outcome like in the case against Elaine Jensen. It was obvious the jury was stacked against them.
Photographs of the injury to Bart’s neck was the only evidence that supported their testimony. Erika’s wound had healed by the time they thought to snap a photo. She explained that shifters mended much quicker than humans, but Bart saw the doubt on the jurors faces. It dawned on him that it was one of those situations where you had to see to believe, and he quickly scribbled a note to Richard, suggesting they show how fast shifters healed.
Richard called Lawson forward and asked the judge to provide a knife for a demonstration. The judge allowed the request and Richard asked Lawson to remove his shirt. Bart didn’t miss when the women in the courtroom sighed appreciatively at Lawson’s impressive physique. When Richard slashed across his muscular chest, gasps filled the room. Blood gushed from the wound but soon turned to a trickle as the cut began to heal instantaneously. Thankfully, the desired outcome was achieved, Bart acknowledged as he watched the jury’s doubtful expressions transform into belief. Surely, that w
as a point in their favor, he surmised and shared a reassuring look with Erika.
Unfortunately, the collage of photographs depicting the dead man was the prosecutor’s greatest weapon, and the District Attorney used to his advantage. He reiterated numerous times that the murder was deliberate, intentional, and unnecessary.
After both sides completed their testimonies, the judge spoke to the jurors, and instructed them of their duty. Just as the panel stood and started toward the deliberation room, a loud bang disrupted the judge’s motion.
Bart turned to see his assistant, Patricia, rush into the courtroom. “Your honor!” she shouted. “I have evidence that is crucial to this case. You must let me speak,” she pleaded as the click of her heels echoed throughout the quiet room. She stopped near the defense table, her chest heaving as she caught her breath.
The judge pounded her gavel. “Bailiff, take this woman into custody for contempt in my courtroom,” she instructed.
“Please, your honor. I’m begging you. A woman’s life is at stake,” Patricia emphasized and pointed to Erika. “Don’t you need to consider all the evidence?”
“What is your name, and what is your connection to this case?” Ashley Wilkes asked.
“Patricia Brown, your honor. I am Governor Smith’s assistant. Honestly, he couldn’t function without me,” Pat relayed, and the judge laughed aloud.
“I can relate to that,” Ashley Wilkes confessed and shared a look with the bailiff.
Judge Wilkes stared at Patricia for what seemed like an eternity. Bart’s assistant was dressed impeccably in a skirt and suit jacket. Patricia stood straight, her aura demanding she be heard, and taken seriously. Bart’s heart swelled at the stand she was taking for the shifters.
Finally, the judge asked the bailiff to bring forth the evidence. She called for a slight recess to review the subject matter so she could determine if it should be viewed by the jurors.