“Sustained,” Judge Montenegro said. “Do you have anything else, Ms. Jacobs?”
“Yes, Your Honor. We’d like to call a witness to the stand.”
The prosecutor jumped from his seat. “Objection, Your Honor, we never received a witness list.”
London passed a document to the judge and a copy to the prosecutor. “Extenuating circumstances, Your Honor. The subpoena was only issued last night, and we weren’t sure it would be served in time for the witness to be here. I’d ask the court for a little leeway.”
“Objection overruled. Considering the circumstances of this case I’ll allow you some latitude, Ms. Jacobs. Proceed accordingly.”
“Thank you, Your Honor. The defense calls Justice Victor Wells to the stand.”
Justice Wells stood slowly, adjusting and then buttoning his suit jacket around his torso. His movements were slow and deliberate as he sauntered to the witness stand. Before he took his seat, the bailiff asked him to raise his right hand and to place his left on a copy of the King James Bible.
“Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
He nodded. “I do.”
“Please, have a seat.”
As Victor moved to sit down, he gave London a wry smile, winking at her. She turned abruptly, moving back to the defense table and her chair. Collin slowly stood up, flipping through a few papers before he moved to stand in front of the witness stand. Justice Wells’s smug expression dropped, confusion washing over his face.
“Good morning, Justice Wells. We apologize for any inconvenience. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule for us.” Collin was cordial, his tone almost buoyant. Gone was the attitude from earlier.
Victor crossed his arms over his chest. “Not a problem.”
“Would you please state your full name for the record?”
“Victor Harrison Wells.”
“And you have been licensed to practice law in the state of Texas since 1986, is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“Would you tell the court what your current employment position is, please?”
Justice Wells took a breath, annoyance furrowing his brow. “I was recently nominated and elected to the Texas Supreme Court.”
“Thank you, Justice Wells. Now, prior to your current appointment, you were employed by the city of Dallas, where you’ve served as the chief prosecutor for the state, is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“You were the senior prosecutor in the Jerome James case, is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“Do you recall, sir, who the primary police investigator was for the case?
Victor shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t recall.”
Collin moved to the desk and retrieved a document London held out for him. “Maybe this will help jog your memory,” he said as he passed the paper to the judge. “Your Honor, this is the original police report presented to the prosecutor’s office. It’s already been entered into evidence, labeled exhibit number seven.”
The judge nodded, pulling her copy of the document from the stack of papers on the podium.
“Justice Wells, can you now tell us who the lead investigator was, please?”
“Detective Hiram Moore.”
“And whose decision was it to not call Detective Moore to the stand during Mr. James’s original trial? Was that your decision?”
“I don’t recall.”
“Do you by chance recall why the decision was made?”
“Detective Moore’s testimony was deemed irrelevant to the outcome of the case.”
“Despite his being the lead investigator with significant proof that the defendant might not have been guilty?”
“Young man, get to your point.”
“Answer the question, please,” Judge Montenegro chastised, giving him side-eye.
“As I said, we didn’t feel his testimony was needed or substantial.”
“Whose decision was it to withhold that information from the defense?”
“I don’t recall.”
“But you were the lead prosecutor?”
“Yes.” His response was terse, a hint of anger rising in his tone.
“Justice Wells, who is Brenda James?”
“Excuse me?”
“Brenda James. What is your relationship to Brenda James?”
Justice Wells suddenly turned a significant shade of red, color like a spotlight on each cheek. “I don’t recall.”
“Let me jog your memory. Brenda James is the sister of Jerome James. Prosecution records show she spoke to you numerous times about her brother’s case. Is that correct?”
“Objection, Your Honor. Hearsay!”
“Overruled. Answer the question, Justice Wells.”
“Maybe, I’m not sure.”
“In fact, sir, you pursued Miss James, wanting a romantic relationship. Isn’t that true?”
“Objection, Your Honor. Relevance?” The prosecutor shot Collin a dirty look, suddenly looking like he was going to be sick.
“Overruled. Where is this going, Counselor?”
“If you’ll bear with me, Your Honor, I assure you, I’ll get to my point quickly.”
The judge nodded. “Proceed.”
“Your Honor, I’d like to enter into evidence this police report dated two weeks after Mr. James’s arrest. It’s a statement taken by detective Hiram Moore from Brenda James.”
Collin passed documents to the judge and the other attorney. He also gave a copy to Victor.
The judge nodded. “So entered.”
“Justice Wells, would you please read the highlighted portion of the statement taken by your lead detective on this case for the court?”
Justice Wells read the document to himself first, his color darkening another two shades of crimson. He suddenly stammered, “I... It... W-well...”
“Let me help you out,” Collin said. “The complainant, Miss Brenda James, states that Victor Wells, the prosecuting attorney on her brother’s murder charge, approached her about being able to help secure her brother’s freedom. He stated that in exchange for a sexual favor the charges would go away. When she rebuffed his advances, she was physically assaulted, suffering multiple bruises and contusions. She also stated that she’d told her story to a local sheriff, the Dallas police and staff at the hospital, but no one believed her.”
Victor snapped, “That was a damn lie! There was no proof, and no charges were ever filed against me.”
“No, there weren’t. In fact, detective Moore buried this police report at your request. Isn’t that true?”
Victor’s face twisted in a harsh snarl. “Watch yourself, Counselor. Do you know who I am?”
“Justice Wells, just answer the questions you’re asked, please,” Judge Montenegro admonished.
“Justice Wells, is it true that detective Moore was hired by the prosecutor’s office on your recommendation to be a senior investigator reporting directly to you?”
“I don’t recall.”
“Do you recall that his appointment with a starting salary of forty-two thousand dollars happened exactly one week after Brenda James filed her report?”
“I know what you’re trying to imply, and you will not...” Victor started, his jaw locked tight with hostility.
“I have no further questions, Your Honor,” Collin interrupted.
“You may step down, Justice Wells,” the presiding justice stated.
Everyone watched as Victor Wells rose from where he sat, stepping down out of the witness box. Stone-faced, he crossed the room and exited the courtroom, not bothering to look back.
Collin moved back to the table, pulling another document into his hands. “Your Honor, I’d like to also enter into evidence a copy o
f the formal complaint made against Justice Wells and the prosecutor’s office. Yesterday afternoon the Texas Supreme Court ordered a formal court of inquiry to determine whether or not Victor Wells committed misconduct in Jerome James’s original case.”
“I’ve heard enough,” Judge Montenegro stated. “Counselors, I want to see you both in my chambers,” she ordered as she stood up and grabbed her files. “The court is taking a brief recess,” she said.
The bailiff yelled out, “All rise!”
Collin and London locked gazes. Both tried to remain stoic despite knowing that the interrogation had been successful. The bailiff gestured for them to follow, the judge waiting in her office to be heard. She stood with her arms crossed, leaning against her desk. She directed her comments toward the prosecutor.
“Mr. Denver, we have a dilemma. So, before I render my verdict, I’d like to ask, based on the evidence presented, how you would like to proceed?”
London and Collin stared at the man, anticipation like an electric current firing in the early-afternoon air.
He blew a sigh of defeat. “Your Honor, the state of Texas would like to drop all charges and extend an apology to Mr. James.”
“That’s what I thought. The court accepts your decision.” She gave Matthew and London a look. “Congratulations. Your client was well served. It was an honor to have you both in my courtroom today.”
“Thank you, Your Honor!” the two chimed in unison.
Thirty minutes later, Judge Montenegro slammed the gavel down, declaring Jerome James a free man. The courtroom erupted in cheers. Tears rained from London’s eyes as she hugged Mr. James, his appreciation ringing loudly in her ears, the man sobbing with sheer joy. In the back of the courtroom Collin’s parents and uncles were hugging each other tightly, pride gleaning over their faces.
Perry waved for Collin’s attention, reaching over the gallery railing to shake his hand. “Nice job, Stallion. Chalk one up for justice!”
“Thank you, sir.”
“The press is going to want a statement from all of you. We’ll try to keep it short and sweet, so Mr. James can go home to be with his family. He can decide in the next week or so if he’s interested in doing any lengthy interviews.”
The two men turned to watch as Mr. James hugged his people, clinging to his son and daughter, who were both crying like babies.
London had moved to Collin’s side, grabbing his arm. “Congratulations,” she whispered.
“I’m very proud of you,” Collin replied. “We make a great team!”
“I know that’s right.” She smiled sweetly.
Collin wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. “You ready to talk to the press?”
She took a breath. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Just remember,” Perry interjected, “you have no comment about the pending review against Justice Wells. Is that understood?”
They both nodded. Clearing the table, they packed the assortment of files into their briefcases. They watched as Perry followed after Mr. James, the bailiff taking him to retrieve his personal possessions and be processed out of the system. They held hands as they exited the courtroom. When they were alone in the elevator, Collin pulled her into his arms and kissed her boldly. In that moment, everything between them was perfection.
Riding down to the first floor, she clutched his arm. In the lobby, they stood side by side, leaning casually against each other. They waited for Mr. James and Perry to finish the paperwork. When the two men stepped out of the elevator, Jerome James walked with a renewed air of confidence. He was suddenly like a ray of light with a fresh bulb.
“Mr. James would like to go straight home with his son,” Perry said. “It’s been a long day for him and he’d like to rest. We’ve arranged for him to come into the office on Thursday to talk to Paula about the benefits available to him, so she can make the necessary arrangements. I’ve invited him to a celebratory dinner with the firm right after. I trust you’ll both be there.”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” London said.
Collin nodded. He extended his arm to shake Mr. James’s hand. “Congratulations, sir!”
“You did good today, son. You kept that sun shining down on me.”
“I was determined to keep my promise, Mr. James.”
He nodded. “I trust I’ll get me an invitation to that wedding?”
Collin laughed, “You have my word, sir. We won’t do it without you there.”
Jerome slapped him warmly against the back and then headed toward the front door.
On the steps of the Frank Crowley Courts Building London thanked the judge, the prosecutor and the staff of the Pro Bono Partnership of Dallas for their service. Collin asked that the media respect their client’s privacy as he assimilated himself back into society. Mr. James expressed his appreciation to everyone who’d believed in his innocence and had supported him during his incarceration.
When the fanfare was done and finished, all questions asked that could be answered, Jerome James said his goodbyes and climbed into his son’s black SUV. Perry gave them one last round of accolades and ordered them to take some time off to clear their heads and prepare for the next case waiting for attention. Waving goodbye, Collin and London bypassed the office celebration and headed home.
Chapter 13
London was still sleeping soundly, sprawled across both sides of Collin’s bed. For reasons he couldn’t explain, Collin was restless, sleep eluding him. He had tossed and turned until he’d grown weary of staring at the ceiling. He had tried to read, but was unable to focus on the words on his Kindle and then he had paced the living room floor until he grew weary of walking.
As he dressed, slipping into a pair of gray sweatpants and a T-shirt, he was careful not to disturb London’s rest. He knew it had been a while since she’d last rested well. Exhaustion had finally caught up with her and he was glad that she felt safe enough to fully relax.
Collin cut through the bushes to the main house. He tiptoed through the back door, easing it open and then closing it slowly. He moved right to the refrigerator, excited when he spotted leftover chicken and dumplings in a Tupperware container. He’d just taken the bowl from the microwave oven and made himself comfortable on a kitchen stool when the overhead lights in the room were switched on. His mother greeted him with a bright smile.
“I thought I heard someone down here rummaging through my refrigerator. I was just about to give your little brother a hard time.”
Collin smiled back. “Sorry. I was trying to be quiet about my breaking and entering.”
“Where’s London?”
“Sleeping. She was exhausted.”
“We were so proud of you two. You did an excellent job.”
“Those take-your-kid-to-work days paid off!” he said with a little laugh.
Katrina laughed with him. She moved to the fridge and poured herself a small glass of cranberry juice. She grabbed a bag of chocolate-chip cookies from the cupboard and moved to the counter to sit with him.
“So, what’s got you all wound up?”
Collin shrugged his shoulders as he swallowed a spoonful of chicken. “I keep thinking about Justice Wells coming after London and what I would do if anything happens to her.”
“You care about her a lot, don’t you?”
“I love her. I’m in love with her. And I know you think it’s too soon and I’m too young, but...”
Katrina held up her hand, stalling his last words. “No, actually I don’t think that at all. You forget, I was nineteen when I fell in love with your father and not much older than that when we had you.”
“How did you know? With both my dads? How did you know?”
“I just knew. They both came in and swept me off my feet. Both were overly romantic and exceptionally protective, and, well, it just felt right. With Jackson, he was
that first love with the butterflies and those first-time experiences. With Matthew, I just instinctively knew that he would be my last love. It was just something I felt inside,” she said, tapping at her heart.
Collin nodded. “Well, I love her, Mom. I didn’t think it was possible to love someone as much as I love London. But she’s all I can think about and I don’t know if I could take it if anything happened to her. I think that’s why Justice Wells has been on my mind.”
Katrina dropped her hand against the back of his. “I don’t think you need to worry about Wells and if he tries anything, you have some pretty powerful people behind you. Trust that. Your father and your uncles would never let anything happen to you or London.”
Collin pondered her words for a moment. Just the hum of the refrigerator and the occasional clank of the ice maker dropping ice sounded through the air. He lifted his eyes back to his mother, taking a breath before he spoke again. “It’s important to me that you like her, Mom. I don’t think I could take it if the two women I love more than anything else in this world didn’t like each other.”
Katrina smiled. “Actually, what I know about London, I like very much. She’s intelligent, beautiful, and she loves my baby boy. I can see it when she looks at you. She loves you and she makes you happy. And all I have ever wanted is for you to be happy. I’m sure that as she and I get to know each other better, I will like her even more.” She pressed a warm palm to the side of his face.
“Thank you,” Collin said with a bright smile. “I guess I should head back to bed and try to get some sleep.”
“Before you go, I have something for you,” Katrina said as she slid off the stool. “Don’t leave!”
She exited the room, the quiet slipping back in to take her place. Collin finished the last spoonful of chicken and dumplings. Rising, he moved to the sink to rinse his bowl and put it into the dishwasher.
Katrina moved swiftly back into the room. She carried a small black box. She reached for her son’s hand and pressed the velvet case into his palm.
Collin eyed it and her curiously. “What’s this?”
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