Heather limped to the stand using her cane and was sworn in. She appeared nervous and pale. Ellen was concerned that she could still back down, even at this point. Ellen had made several visits to the hospital and at the house with Heather and her sister. Her injuries were quite painful and her strength had yet to return. Mentally she willed Heather to remain strong and do what had to be done. The District Attorney began his questioning and Ellen held her breath. "State your full name for the court please."
"Mrs. Heather Bodine."
"Mrs. Bodine, can you tell us what happened on the morning of December the fifteenth?”
Heather glanced over and stared at her husband of six years. Ellen noticed his cruel, icy eyes seemed to pierce his wife, as if he was daring her. The nervous young woman then looked over to Ellen. Heather chewed on her lower lip as if in indecision.
The DA waited. When Heather remained silent, he said, “Mrs. Bodine? Do I need to repeat the question?”
"No Sir." Hesitantly, Heather began. “I...I bought a new dress. Kinsey’s boutique was having a sale and...”
The DA rubbed his eyes and took some deep breaths. Ellen hoped he was a patient man and could guide her to say the right things. Heather looked ready to break down any minute. Her hands were trembling so bad Ellen wanted to run up and hug her.
She wiped her eyes and sniffled. Ellen’s heart went out to her, but she prayed that Heather wouldn’t buckle at this point. It was going to be now or never.
“Mrs. Bodine," he smiled. "I'm glad you have the dress. Now, let’s talk about your husband, shall we? I would like to know if anything happened between the two of you on the day that I mentioned.”
“Oh...that. Well...Raymond...he...he was mad at me. He said I took his money and was running away with the children. But it wasn’t his money. I had saved that money from babysitting and I had a right to it.”
“Okay.” The attorney’s voice softened. “You say your husband was angry. You got some pretty serious injuries that day. An ambulance had to take you to the hospital. How did you get hurt, Mrs. Bodine?”
“Well...” Heather glanced at her husband in fear. “I’m afraid I might get hurt worse if I say it. Raymond is really a good man. He doesn’t mean to do...the things he does.” Her voice was cracking and there were tears in her eyes.
The DA shook his head and smiled with sympathy at the young woman. “It’s okay, Mrs. Bodine. We are not going to let anybody hurt you. Could you please tell me how you got the injuries that sent you to the hospital?"
Heather seemed to be struggling for control as she took a deep breath. In a shaky, tearful voice she said. "Raymond swerved in front of my car on the highway that day so I had to stop. He said I needed to be punished... so, he hit and kicked me a few times, and he pulled my hair." She bowed her head. "But Sir, I deserved that punishment. I was running away from him. I was leaving and I was taking his children too."
The DA came forward placing his large hand over her smaller one. "Thank you Mrs. Bodine for your testimony." He looked toward his opposition. "Counselor, your witness."
The public defense attorney stood in front of Heather. "Mrs. Bodine, do you love your husband?"
"Yes."
"Does he love you?"
"He says he does."
"So why would your husband want to injure you?"
"I was being punished for running away."
"Did your husband administer this punishment?"
"Yes Sir."
"Are you sure you didn't get scared and just take a bad fall?"
"Objection, your Honor. Leading the witness."
"Abstained. Watch it, Counselor."
"Did your husband strike you, causing your injuries?"
"Yes Sir."
"That will be all. You may step down."
As she struggled with her cane, Ellen came forward to help her.
“Your Honor," the DA said. "I would like to call Mrs. Ellen Anderson to the stand. She and Dr. Carrington were the only eye witnesses to the incident.”
Heather was crying openly against Ellen's shoulder. Ellen gave her a quick reassuring hug. “It’s all right, Heather, she whispered. "You did good up there. You didn't deserve to be punished. Believe me, okay? You're not the one who is going to be punished here."
Ellen wore a determined look as she was sworn in. With effort she attempted to keep her demeanor as calm and objective as possible. Her eyes went to Raymond Bodine and her mouth set in a grim, furious line. Never in her life had she felt such wrath for another human being. No, this man was not a human being, but a filthy, sadistic animal. He stared back at her, unflinching and dangerous. She could see it in his eyes. It seemed he itched to get his hands on her, to make her suffer, to kill her. She could feel his hate and she could feel the danger in which she was placing herself if this man were to walk.
“Would you state your name for the court please."
"Ellen Anderson.”
"Mrs. Anderson," the District Attorney commanded her attention. “Am I to assume that you and Dr. Carrington are the key witnesses and only witnesses to the physical injuries Mrs. Bodine suffered?”
“Yes we were.”
"Is Dr. Carrington present?"
"I'm right here." Rick raised his hand after just walking in.
The attorney's attention went back to Ellen.
“Did you actually see these injuries being inflicted by the defendant?”
“I did.”
In an orderly fashion, Ellen stated to the court exactly the horrible events she had witnessed that day on the side of the highway. Her sworn statements included the children being left unattended on a dangerous roadway, as well as Heather being dragged across the asphalt by her hair and kicked in her side. Ellen painted a lethal ugly picture of Raymond Bodine.
"Were you and Dr. Carrington threatened by the defendant?"
"Yes, he pulled a hunting knife and approached us."
"Thank you Mrs. Anderson."
"W ould the defense attorney like to cross examine?"
"No thank you, your Honor."
"You may step down, Mrs. Anderson."
When it was time for the judge to make a decision, everyone was silent. Gene stood by the side entrance. Ellen saw the judge make brief eye contact with the sheriff. With a slight nod of Gene's head, Ellen knew he and the judge were in this together. Whatever they had agreed to would be the judgment.
Was this whole town in Gene Stone's back pocket? The idea that one man could wield this much power made her shudder. A man who nearly killed his wife could walk free at the whim of a county sheriff? Was this crooked politics at work or what?
This was an open and shut case of attempted murder, Ellen thought. If Raymond Bodine is set free...
The gavel came down with a bam making her jump.
"Raymond Bodine, please stand. You have been witnessed doing grave bodily harm to your wife causing potentially life threatening injuries as well as endangering your children. You are sentenced to serve one year in the county jail followed by three years probation. During those three years you will not approach within five hundred yards of Heather Bodine or your children. If this judgment is violated you will return to jail for an indeterminate amount of time.
One year? Ellen couldn't believe it. As they led Raymond away in handcuffs, Heather cried. She started to go to him, but Ellen stopped her.
“Heather, no, don't even think about it. You’re still wearing a catheter because of him. You have constant pain. You’re lucky to be alive. He could have killed you and maybe the children.” They were strong words but Heather needed to hear them.
Heather put her head on Ellen’s shoulder. “You’re right. It’s just so hard to be alone right now.”
“Yes, I know that feeling very well.” She patted her new friend on the back. “Come on. We have a project to work on, and you have a job waiting for you."
"I know and it's like a dream come true. Are you my guardian angel?"
Ellen chuckled. "I do
ubt it, but I believe everything in life happens for a reason. You and I met for a reason. Let’s grab some lunch then go see how the shelter is coming along. It’s going to be salvation for a lot of women and children just like yourself.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Ellen, Rick, Martha and Heather all stood in the front office surveying the results of weeks of hard work. Smiling and proud, the mission was finally accomplished. There was a line at the door.
"Well? Are we ready to open for business?" said Ellen.
"Let's do it," said Rick.
The mothers holding the hands of their children filed in ready to fill out forms and get settled. With the aroma of fresh paint, SMOKY MOUNTAIN HAVEN FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN was celebrating opening day.
The rooms were already full to capacity with a waiting list. Ellen, Rick and Martha were busy with parent orientation while Heather organized children together in the play room. There were a variety of programs available including intensive one on one counseling as well as group therapy. A child care program with organized learning activities would be open seven days a week. Job training and classes for GED and college prep would also be offered. But the most important aspect of this shelter was the safety and security of the clients.
Ellen knew these women had suffered enough fear and brutality in their life to last a lifetime. Here they would be able to speak freely without fear of retribution. They would feel safe and be able to make friends with those moms so much like themselves. Here there was hope for a brighter future.
A state of the art security system was in place. If any husband or boyfriend tried to breach the shelter, they would pay dearly. Ellen had security guards around the clock. They were brawny and knew their job. The local police department considered the shelter top priority.
A class for the abusers would be available at a different location. It would be for those wanting to change their ways, and those obligated by law to attend. ANM, Abuse No More would be run by some of Rick's colleagues who specialized in deviant behavior.
A sudden commotion around the front door drew Ellen's attention. Mouth open in shock, she and Rick watched as Gene came in with a television crew and a well known anchorwoman from Knoxville.
Agitation shot through Ellen. Why wasn't she informed about this publicity stunt? Media coverage was not the purpose of the shelter. The whole idea was privacy so these abused women could feel safe. Advertisement was ridiculous. There was already a waiting list.
Ellen pushed unruly hair out of her eyes and felt a wreck. She was not prepared to step in front of a camera and she was furious with Gene for putting her in this embarrassing position. He was up to something. Gene never made a move without a good reason. Someone walked over and attached a tiny microphone to her collar.
“Ellen, come.” Gene raised his hand and ushered her to him. Swallowing a lump of frustration, she walked over to him. “You know Suzanne Rodman. Suzanne, this is Ellen Anderson, the founder of this wonderful shelter.”
The crisp, attractive celebrity looked so starched and manicured Ellen almost hesitated to reach out her hand. She'd been working with some of the children and a child’s lollipop had made her fingers sticky. Quickly she wiped at them and pasted on a smile.
“It's so nice to meet you Miss Rodman. I enjoy your news program.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Anderson. It looks like you’re quite famous yourself.”
“Oh...”Ellen looked around. “Not really.” She never considered herself being in the limelight and the very thought of it made her feel shy and insecure. “I...I wasn’t aware that we were going to be on the air today. I’m not really prepared for something like this.” Ellen looked over at Gene in obvious annoyance. "I should've been briefed so I could have prepared."
The attractive celebrity smiled. “You look fine, Mrs. Anderson. I’d like to do a brief interview since this is such a wonderful human interest story.”
Ellen felt herself being pulled up against Gene’s muscular chest when he spoke to the anchorwoman.
“Suzanne, Ellen and I will be more than happy to do the interview.”
Ellen caught a whiff of male cologne. She turned and noticed Gene’s hair had been professionally styled. He even wore a little theatrical makeup. Gene had planned all of this, probably as a political ploy. He was using her shelter to get votes for himself. She bit on her lower lip trying to stifle the fury welling up inside her. Damn him. He knew she’d say no. He knew it.
One of the cameramen was giving a signal. “Okay, Miss Rodman...five, four, three, two, one, you’re on the air.”
The woman’s face transformed into a radiant smile. “Good morning, Knoxville. We are broadcasting from Cedar Grove, Tennessee this morning. I have with me a pioneer, a heroine...a woman with a vision. Today this vision has come true.” The spotlight swiveled to Ellen. She tried not to squint at the brightness and felt like a trapped animal but she forced a smile and was determined to make the best of this intolerable situation. “Ellen Anderson, I understand you have wanted to build a state of the art shelter for battered women and children for a long time. Please tell our viewers about your dream that has now come true.”
Ellen’s words faltered at first. She glanced at Rick who encouraged her with a loving smile. She always enjoyed talking about her pet project except today. Within seconds, Ellen found her voice and warmed to her subject. Soon she felt at ease in front of the camera.
“Our shelter is large enough to accommodate thirty families. There is a nurse full time, child care seven days a week, and one on one as well as group therapy for the families. There will also be classes and opportunities for clients who want to obtain their GED, and train for a job or college.”
"What about the husbands, the abusers?"
"There is a program for them too, either court mandated or voluntary. All in all, I'm counting on these programs to be a win, win situation for everybody. But most important is the fact that these women and children will have a place to live in safety."
“I think that’s wonderful. Mrs. Ellen Anderson, you’ve done a magnificent job here for our community.”
“Thank you. I'm very proud of it. I truly feel that the families we touch here will make all the difference. However I did not accomplish this feat alone. Doctor Carrington, would you join me please.” She raised her hand as he came forward Ellen took his hand inside hers. "Richard Carrington has helped me every step of the way and is a major contributor."
It would be impossible for anybody to miss Ellen's adoring eyes as she gazed at Rick. Gene stepped forward and joined the group. Deliberately he stepped in front of Rick.
“Miss Rodman, may I say a word to our viewing audience.” He flashed his most winning political smile.
“Oh course, Sheriff Stone.” She handed him the microphone.
Gene put his arm around a stiff Ellen and pulled her close.
“We all know by now that Mrs. Anderson is one terrific woman. She is out to protect the downtrodden of our town just like I protect our good people from criminals. I think together we make a pretty good team. I also have something here I want to present to Mrs. Anderson on behalf of our grateful town." Gene handed a parchment to Ellen. Here is a fifty thousand dollar grant to help this wonderful project get on its feet."
A muffled crash was heard in the background. Ellen could see out of the corner of her eye that Rick had dropped a large stapler, knocking over a vase of flowers. Gene’s arm around her waist felt like a steel band. It was as if he was trying to restrain her. The cameras were still going and Ellen tried bravely to keep a smile pasted on her face. Her jaw muscles were beginning to ache.
She needed to respond to his gift, but uncontrollable rage was bubbling up from deep inside. Extra funds could always be used but that wasn't the point. How many political strings did he pull to get this money and what would Gene expect in return? The way he chose to present the grant in public was nothing but a feather in his own cap. Ellen had rather have no money at all than crooked money.
The microphone was handed to Ellen as the public waited for her response to the town's most generous gift.
"This gift is going to help the shelter in so many ways. My heartfelt thanks goes out to the people of our wonderful community of Cedar Grove, Tennessee. I know your contribution will help many of those in need." Thank you so much."
"This is Suzanne Rodman from KTN news bidding you all a good morning.”
the lights shut off. Equipment was quickly folded up and moved. Ellen shook Ms. Rodman's hand, as she forced herself to remain placid. Gene was hovering close, too close. Tears threatened to spill over. He was waiting for a personal thank you and all she wanted to do was run into the comforting arms of Rick. Ellen turned to him with a scathing glare.
"When you finish with all your hand shaking politics, I'd like a word with you."
Rick could sense a nasty confrontation storm brewing which would not be wise with this man. Ellen had no idea of Gene's powerful brutality. Quickly Rick went after his fiancé while Gene was distracted shaking hands. He found her in one of the smaller offices. Without a word, he enfolded her in his arms.
"I can't believe he did that."
"I can."
"But why? And where did he get the money?"
"He probably called in some favors from the Mayor.
"But that's so wrong."
Gene needs control, Ellen. The man has his finger in a lot of pies. An argument right now would do nothing but backfire on us. Let's thank him together for the grant and let it go. We want him to think we're totally innocent of his schemes. That way we can be vigilant and hopefully he won't know it." Rick took her hand. "Come on, let's just do it and get it over with."
Holding firmly to Ellen's hand Rick pasted on an endearing smile and waited with the rest of the community to shake the hand of their sheriff. When Gene saw them in the reception line his smile faded. Before he could say a word, Rick took his hand in a firm shake.
"Ellen and I wish to share with you our avid appreciation of the community's most generous gift for our shelter. We weren't expecting it which makes this endowment all the more dear. There are so many ways we can use it to help our women and children."
LETHAL OBSESSION Page 16