by Tosha Damaya
Chapter 35
If Johari could walk, she would be pacing the confines of the living room. She, instead, was limited to the couch and was tapping her fingers against her thighs to calm her nerves.
Sitting beside her was Jonathan. When he noticed her constant movement, he grabbed her hand and intertwined their fingers. "Relax," he whispered in her ear.
She nodded her head and continued to watch Zeke on the phone. She didn't know who he was talking to; it sounded important.
They continued to sit, and Jonathan would squeeze her hand every few minutes to offer support. Throughout all her troubles, he was there to aide her and she adored him for it.
He was the one that immediately called Zeke after hearing the news of Trenton's case of amnesia. Instead of them going to the office, Zeke came to their townhouse to speak with them. She was trying her best to be patient and wait for Zeke to end his phone call, it was hard to hear her name be brought up. He was discussing her case right in front of her, and it was driving her insane. Johari was freaking out inside and desperately wanted answers. She took a deep breath when she saw that he ended the call.
Zeke looked up and saw the anxiousness displayed on Johari's face. He wanted to ease her mind, so he said the words that she wanted to hear. "He's going to jail."
"Thank God!" If she could jump up, she would. "I'm so happy."
Zeke raised his hand to silence her. "He's most likely going to bond out, Jo."
"What!" Johari shouted. She was beyond outraged.
Jonathan tried to calm her down. "Baby, try to relax. Don't forget you're pregnant."
She took a deep breath and then lowered her voice. "Why would he get a bond?" she asked Zeke.
"I know you're pissed, Jo. Shit, I am too, but you have to understand that Trenton doesn't have any criminal history. Despite this incident, he has a good reputation. I'm sure the judge is going to set a high bond."
"It just doesn't seem right," she replied.
"It isn't," Zeke agreed. "He's headed to the Orange County Sheriff's office in Orlando now. He'll be there for the night and will have first appearance with the judge in the morning. Trenton will be transported back to Texas tomorrow since this is where the crimes happened."
Jonathan stopped him. "He'll be a free man wondering around Austin?"
"He'll have restrictions," Zeke answered. "Of course, he can't have contact with Johari or Destiny. I mean no contact at all. He can't even use another person to relay messages. He also won't be able to leave the state and will have to wear a monitoring device. We'll make sure you're safe, Jo," he promised.
She leaned back against the pillows and took a deep breath. "I just assumed that he would go to prison for good."
"It takes time. He must be proven guilty through a trial. He's still stating that he doesn't remember anything about your marriage, the abuse and that he doesn't know who Destiny is."
Jonathan snorted. "He's full of shit."
"I think he's faking too," Zeke agreed. "He's going to plead not guilty at his first appearance hearing. This process can take a while, Jo. We might not make it to the courtroom until next year."
Johari realized that she could be a mother by then. She didn't want to be pregnant and dealing with all the stress of the case. She still wanted to get married before having the baby. How was she going to accomplish it? Jonathan must have felt the same because he voiced a question roaming through her mind.
"Is there any way to speed it up?" he asked Zeke.
"We can offer him a plea bargain and hope he takes it."
"No!" Johari shouted again. "I want him to serve the ultimate sentence. I don't want to offer him any deal. Destiny and I will testify against him and it'll all work out."
Zeke stood and walked around the room. He had some bad news and didn't know how to relay it to Jonathan and Johari. Not getting emotionally involved was hard for him because they were family, but at this moment he was a lawyer, not a brother in law.
"Destiny isn't going to testify."
"What!" Johnathan and Johari shouted at the same time.
Zeke expected that reaction. "She's having second thoughts. I spoke to Sean and Yolanda before coming over. In fact, they plan on leaving and heading back to Washington. Sean isn't staying in Texas."
Johari couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Are you serious?"
Zeke nodded his head.
"Give me the phone."
Jonathan handed her the landline and watched as she called Sean's cell. It went straight to voicemail. "Call him from your phone," she told Zeke. She was going to talk to Sean, no matter what it took.
Zeke lifted his phone and called Sean. He got the same results as Johari. "He isn't answering."
Johari wasn't going to give up. She sat up straight. "Jonathan help me; we're going to that hotel before they leave."
"Baby, you're on bed rest."
"Jonathan, I don't want to hear it. I risked everything for her. She can do the same for me. Now help me up."
Jonathan didn't fight Johari and carefully picked her up from the couch. Carrying her wasn't an issue for him. He just wanted to make sure that she healed.
Zeke watched with a small smile on his face. "Remember when Johari was a little timid, scared woman."
Jonathan chuckled. "Now, she's a little pushy, brave woman."
"Ha ha," Johari commented as Jonathan carried her towards the front door.
↔
"What are we going to do?" Johari voiced to Jonathan as they drove to Sean and Yolanda's hotel."
Jonathan easily maneuvered the roads. Reaching over, he grabbed her left hand while keeping one hand on the steering wheel. "We're going to fight it like always. We'll figure out a way to make it work."
Johari loved his confidence, but she was scared. Zeke told her that it only took one person to have a wavering judgment against Trenton and it could ruin everything. "Maybe we should offer a deal."
"Doesn't mean he'll take it. I have a feeling that Trenton is going to continue to fight this. If he takes a deal, it would be admitting that he committed a crime and he's not going to do that."
"You're right. I wish I could talk to him. I could prove that he was lying."
"No contact," he reiterated. "Even if you could, I wouldn't let you. It'll all be fine, Jo."
Jonathan continued to drive until he arrived at the hotel. He looked over at Jo and saw that she was at the beginning stages of crying. She was trying her best to discreetly wipe the tears away as they formed.
"Baby, what's wrong?"
She faced him. "I feel like I'm a burden. You deserve so much better. Someone easier, without all of my problems."
"Then, I would have one major problem. I wouldn't have you and I want you. All of you. I love you so much, Jo, I wouldn't trade you for anyone else in this world."
"Really?"
"Yes. In fact, as soon as you can walk, I expect you to meet me at the altar and become my wife." He leaned over and kissed her lips softly.
She smiled against his lips. "I'm still technically married."
"I spoke with Zeke."
"Okay..."
"Well, since Trenton has amnesia and doesn't remember your marriage, Zeke felt that he doesn't have a right to fight the divorce. He's heading to the courthouse now. His amnesia plus the arrest and the fact he never responded to the first petition will help."
"What are you saying?"
"You're going to be a divorced woman, Johari Okonkwo."
For most women hearing the word divorce was depressing. It had the opposite effect on Johari. She grinned. "Really?"
"Yes. And then I'm going to marry you."
She nodded her head rapidly. "Yeah, you are."
They shared another kiss. During that short time in the car, they became lost in one another and forgot about the problems surrounding them.
↔
Sean was shocked to see Johari and Jonathan when he opened his room door. "Hey."
"Can we come in?" Joha
ri asked from her wheelchair. When Sean nodded his head, Jonathan pushed her into the room. "Where's Destiny and Yolanda?" Johari asked when she didn't see them.
"At the doctor getting a checkup. Destiny isn't feeling well." He observed Jo. "You look better. How are you feeling?"
Johari got right down to business. "Like shit and I feel even worse since learning that Destiny isn't testifying against Trenton. What happened? I would think that she would want him to go away for life for what he did to her."
Sean sighed and sat on the bed. He felt like since dealing with this whole situation he had aged a few years. Their lives have been an ongoing rollercoaster and he was ready to get off. "I can't make her do something she doesn't want to, Jo. I've had a chance to talk with Zeke and some other lawyers I know; all of Destiny's history is going to be brought to the public. Trenton's lawyers are going to slander her. She doesn't want it to happen. I don't know if I want it to happen, honestly. She's been through enough."
It was on the tip of her tongue to tell Sean that Destiny is the one that made those mistakes and should deal with the aftermath. She only remained quiet because it seemed that Sean was already having a hard time.
Jonathan wasn't about to say something, but Johari stopped him. "Baby. Can you give us a minute, alone?"
He didn't want to leave her but knew that nothing was going to happen. He bent down and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. "I'll be right outside the door."
Johari didn't start talking until he was gone. "Sean, I know that Destiny has been through a lot," she whispered. "Because I've experienced everything in the past. My torture didn't last a couple of months, it was for years. I put everything on the line for her, the least she could do for me is get on the stand and tell her story to a jury and judge."
"Trenton is going to prison, no matter what Jo. Your testimony should be enough."
"It won't be. My ex is a smart man. He's stating that he has amnesia. It only takes one person on a jury to feel sorry for him. If there's a mistrial...he walks away free." Before leaving, Zeke had mentioned the possibility to her. She was genuinely worried about it happening.
"He's faking."
"We know that, but will everyone else? I feel like you guys are leaving and running away from what's happening instead of dealing with it."
"No one is running. The press has been horrible, and Destiny is worried that Trenton will come after us again. We're thinking about her future."
"Her short term future! If Trenton is found not guilty, he'll be a free man wandering the streets. He holds grudges, Sean. He'll come after her again. Maybe in a year or two or maybe in five years when she least expects it. Believe me, I know."
That was the last thing he wanted. He wanted to protect his daughter and help her as much as possible. "I'll talk to her."
"What doctor's office is she at? I'll go talk to her myself. I haven't gotten the chance to see her since the accident." She was hoping to build a better relationship with Destiny.
"She's not well. I don't think it’s best."
Johari snorted. "She's not well? I have a fuckin broken arm and leg and plus I'm pregnant. I'm in a constant state of feeling nauseated. It's like being seasick 24/7. So, if she isn't feeling anything I'm feeling, then I think she’s fine enough to talk to me. What exactly is wrong with her?" Johari was easily losing her patience.
When Sean didn't respond, she got worried. She noticed that all the color drained from his face. "What's wrong? Is it serious?"
She knew that Destiny didn't have any broken bones or severe injuries. From what she was told, Trenton had physically and sexually abused Destiny...her mind immediately went on alert. "Oh my God." She paused. "Is she..." Johari couldn't say the last word.
Sean took a deep breath to hold back the tears. This situation was the last thing he wanted for his daughter and he didn't want to admit it. Admitting it would make it more real. "Yeah, she's feeling the same way you're feeling."
For the second time today, Johari was rendered speechless.
Sean started to cry. They were tears of regret, pain and agony for his daughter. "She's pregnant."
Chapter 36
"Are you ready for this?"
Johari looked over her shoulder at Jonathan. He was in the process of pushing her down the sidewalk towards the entrance of the courthouse. They all felt the courthouse was neutral grounds for her and Trenton to meet. She looked up at the sky and frowned when she saw the gray sky and lightning strike. Was she ready to face Trenton? She was ready for him to be out of her life, but then again, her nerves were still out of control. Just like the weather. She knew this was her last chance to trap Trenton. The trial date had been set and she needed for him to take their plea deal. "Yes."
To Jonathan ears, she didn't sound so sure. "You were up all night," he reminded her. Jonathan started to walk faster when he felt the light drop of rain.
"I was practicing. I want to make sure I do everything right." For hours, her and Zeke rehearsed during the week. Jo felt like she was an actress about to give an award-winning performance.
Jonathan pushed her wheelchair through the automatic sliding glass doors of the court house. A security check was complete by the guards before they made their way to the elevators. Jonathan was grateful that it was empty. After they were inside, he knelt in front of Jo as the elevator extended up. "You're going to be amazing. You've always been a strong and courageous woman. It’s one of the things that attracted me to you. Don't let that little pussy make you feel weak. Think about everything he's done to you, think about when he tried to kidnap you, and think about Destiny." He paused to gather his thoughts. "Baby, gather those emotions and go inside of that room and expose Trenton. Afterwards, I'll take you home and we'll celebrate."
The confidence he had for her allowed Jo to feel invincible. She could do this. God knows she's been through worse. "After this meeting, I want to spend the rest of the day in bed, so I can show you how much I love and appreciate you." It was going to be a difficult task nevertheless she was up for the challenge. They hadn't made love since the accident and she missed having the physical connection with him.
"Sounds like the best idea in the world," Jonathan responded before kissing her gently on the lips. He was careful to not ruin her makeup as he moved his lips against hers. They wanted Jo to look perfect to affect Trenton. In Jonathan's opinion, she looked better without the cosmetics on her face. Johari was at her best when she first woke up in the morning with her hair a mess. He had the most beautiful woman in the world and planned on waking up to her every day for the rest of his life.
Their time in the elevator was interrupted when the doors opened to the fifth floor. Jonathan stood and faced Zeke and Demetrius. Zeke blew kisses towards them. "Save kissy kissy time for later."
Jonathan wheeled her out. "There's always time for a few kisses."
"I agree," Demetrius commented. His thoughts were on Avery. As soon as this was over, he was running back to her.
"Is Trenton here?" Johari asked getting straight to the point. She knew the guys were trying to make light of the situation by distracting her momentarily, but she didn't have time for any small talk. She had a job and she was ready to get it accomplished. Jonathan had given her the strength she needed to overcome any fears.
Demetrius nodded his head. "The slick bastard arrived fifteen minutes ago." He looked at Jonathan. "Did you set everything up?"
"Yes. Are you sure it's going to work?"
Demetrius nodded his head. "All of the equipment is in the office next to where they're meeting."
Johari fixed her necklace to make sure it was positioned in the right spot. "Okay, let's go."
Jonathan gave her one last kiss before Zeke wheeled her away. Jonathan and Demetrius went into a separate office to monitor the meeting.
It was show time.
↔
Johari eyes zeroed in on Trenton when Zeke pushed her into the room. He was dressed to impress in his designer suit that she helped
pick out for him. Next to him was his lawyer. They must be sleeping together, Johari assumed. The lawyer seemed mesmerized by Trenton. Johari couldn't blame the woman; Trenton was a handsome man. But he had two sides to him, and, today, it seemed that he was playing the role of the good guy.
Zeke pushed Johari to the table and she smiled at Trenton while ignoring his lawyer. "Hi, Trenton. How are you doing?"
Trenton expected Johari to be harsh and angry towards him. He was confused. He looked to his attorney. She shrugged her shoulder slightly. He cleared his throat. "I'm alright. How are you?"
She continued to smile. "I could be doing better, but at this moment I'm good."
Zeke obtained everyone's attention. "There's no reason to sugar coat this meeting. We're here to discuss a possible plea deal. Ms. Hudson, your client wouldn't even look at any deals until he saw Johari again. We're here, so let's talk."
"You know my client is innocent."
Trenton's lawyer leaned over table to reveal her cleavage. Zeke was familiar with Candace Hudson. She liked to use her sex appeal to win cases. Her large fake breast didn't do a thing for Zeke. The sexiest woman he knew was his wife, Sydney Coleman. Most of Austin knew that, but Candace must didn't get the memo. "No, your client is a lying piece of shit. Do you really think he won't get convicted?"
"I can be very convincing," Candace replied. "Especially with a judge that has a certain sweet tooth."
"I heard Judge Roberts enjoys candy, just not the type you're offering."
As the two lawyers bickered, Johari maintained eye contact on Trenton. It was working because he watched her like a hawk. She felt disgusted just by being in the same room with him. She tried her best to pretend being turned on. As she stared at the abusive rapist sitting across from her, she thought about the loving caring man that was in the next room listening.
Zeke was playing his part by keeping Trenton's lawyer occupied. Johari was sitting across from Trenton and was sending him messages with her eyes and would occasionally lick her lips. She even got bold enough to blow a kiss his way. Johari knew Trenton. She knew what pushed his buttons, calmed him down and what turned him on.