by Donna Hill
“I hope that I am. I can’t be sure of anything until it happens.”
Layla nodded. “Believe me, relationships are complicated. No matter how much you may care about someone, they come with baggage. I never thought that I’d be able to break through all the barriers that Maurice had set up around himself. I wanted to give up. So did he. But we didn’t. And here we are,” she added with a grin and rubbed her very pregnant belly.
“That’s true. If it’s meant to be, they will work it out. Every relationship has its crosses to bear. I can surely testify to that,” Desiree said, holding up her hand.
Kai glanced around at the space and took in the concerned expressions of her friends. “We’ll do the best we can. The main thing is that we both want happiness for each other. If his happiness is his career, then that’s what I want for him. And the same goes for me. If it comes to a point where we no longer can make each other happy...”
Tiffany looped her arm around Kai’s neck as they strolled. “But in the meantime, you have a show to mount and we’re hungry. Right, ladies?”
They all laughed and headed out.
* * *
Hiking up the steps to the courthouse was walking the gauntlet. Police struggled to hold back spectators even as the press yelled questions and the flash from the cameras burst like sparklers on the Fourth of July.
“Mr. Weston, Mr. Weston! Do you think you can finally get a conviction?”
“How deep does the organization go?”
“Is this all a big show because your boss is running for governor?”
Anthony kept his eyes on the front door as he made his way up the stairs, braced on either side by his police escort. The days leading up to the trial had been peppered with death threats. Threats that the FBI were taking seriously. He hadn’t told Kai. He didn’t want to worry her. And as much as he wanted to be with her, he couldn’t. He had security following him everywhere that he went and that would mean bringing them to Sag Harbor, something he refused to do. This would all be over soon and then he could get back to his life.
The guard held open the glass-and-chrome door and Anthony crossed the marble-floored entry, and walked down the corridor and into the courtroom. Thankfully, the judge had ruled early on that this would be a closed case. No press allowed. No cameras and no spectators. There was already enough tension for the jury who had to be sequestered from the start of the trial and the witnesses.
The jury had reached a verdict that afternoon, following a week of deliberations, and he’d been called at his office to get right over to the courthouse.
When he entered the courtroom, the three defendants and their attorneys were in place. Anthony’s second chair Lawrence Connor was just sitting down. Lawrence was one of the best A.D.A.s that Anthony had ever worked with. He was smart, ruthless and knew the law. They made a formidable team.
“So what do you think?” Anthony asked under his breath as he took his seat.
Lawrence tilted his head toward Anthony. “You put on a helluva case, man. Everything that could have been done was done. No matter which way it goes, you did your job. But personally, I think those young men are going to be very old men by the time they get out.”
A shadow of a smile graced Anthony’s mouth.
There was some shuffling at the side door as the bailiff announced that the judge was entering the courtroom.
“All rise! Judge Beecham presiding.”
The judge stepped up to the bench and sat. “Please be seated.”
Judge Alexander Beecham was revered by his peers and feared by attorneys on both sides of the aisle. He was known to make mincemeat out of lawyers who didn’t know their stuff and he had no problem implementing the harshest of sentences allowed by law, upon conviction by a jury.
“Bailiff, bring in the jury.”
The door opened and the twelve jurors slowly filled the jury box. None of them made eye contact with either the defense or the prosecution table.
Judge Beecham turned to the jury. “Madame forelady, have you reached a verdict?”
“We have, Your Honor.”
“On all counts?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
Judge Beecham nodded and extended his hand for the verdict sheet. He studied it for several moments, his expression never changing. The list of charges was long. He handed the verdict sheet back to the bailiff.
One by one Judge Beecham read the charges—thirty-two in all ranging from gun and drug smuggling, to dealing, money-laundering and conspiracy.
“Guilty... Guilty... Guilty.”
Anthony could barely contain himself as he heard each and every count and the resounding word “guilty.”
“Thank you for your service,” Judge Beecham said to the jury. He turned to the defendants. “Sentencing will take place two weeks from today. Until then, the defendants are remanded into the custody of Rikers Island. This court is adjourned.” He pounded his gavel once and left the courtroom.
The defendants were taken out of the courtroom. Anthony and Lawrence stood and hugged each other, giving hearty slaps to each other’s back.
“You did it, man,” Lawrence said.
“We did it. I couldn’t have pulled it all off without your help.”
“Thanks,” he said while nodding his head. “I learned everything I know from you.”
“Come on.” He put his arm around Lawrence’s shoulder. “I say we get a drink to celebrate.”
Lawrence tossed his head back and laughed. “Sounds good to me.”
They packed up their briefcases and headed out to be met by Harrison Blumenthal at the door.
“Good work,” he said, looking from one to the other. He clapped Anthony on the back. “Ready for your close-up? The press is waiting.”
Anthony clenched his jaw. “Aren’t they always.”
The trio walked out and onto the steps of the courthouse where they were practically assaulted by the press. Every news outlet was in place.
A set of microphones had been set up for the press conference that was led off by Harrison, who extolled the hard work of his team and their commitment to hunting down crime and criminals in New York City. Of course, he had to discuss his passion for justice which was compelling him to run for governor.
Anthony only half listened. He gazed out into the crowd and the hungry faces of the media. He thought about the relentless hours that this case had consumed with only more to follow. There was a time when he lived for the next case, the spotlight, the win. This case, however, had truly tested his resolve. Just how much of his life was he willing to sacrifice for “the greater good?”
“Now I want to have my chief A.D.A., Anthony Weston, say a few words and answer any questions.” Harrison turned with a beaming smile and extended his arm toward Anthony, motioning him toward the microphones.
Anthony stepped up to the microphone and did what he always did, what he was good at—winning.
* * *
Kai was settled in bed, hoping to hear from Anthony before she dozed off. She’d had a crazy busy day. It seemed as if half of the town was sick with one thing or another and then she had to work to get the images framed for her show in two weeks. She surfed through the channels and stopped on the eleven o’clock news. There was a still picture of Anthony and the reporter was talking. She turned up the volume.
“...shot this afternoon following the jury conviction...”
Kai jumped up from the bed, her heart racing out of control. What was this woman saying? The story moved to the next news item. Kai’s hands shook as she switched channels trying to find out what happened.
Her phone suddenly rang and it sent a shock through her system. She snatched up the phone.
“Kai, did you hear on the news about Anthony?”
“Tiff...I only got a pi
ece...that he’d been shot!”
“The news is saying that he was shot. They won’t give out any more details. He’s in critical condition.” She paused. “He’s at New York Presbyterian. And before you say another thing, I’m going with you. Throw some stuff together. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
Kai wanted to weep with relief because she wasn’t sure how she would have made it up to New York City alone. But had it come to that, she would have done it.
She grabbed a small carry bag from the closet, threw in some toiletries and a change of clothes. She checked her purse for her keys and her wallet. She dropped her cell phone in her purse.
Jasper sat at the opening of her bedroom door, thumping his tail on the floor. “Oh, gosh, Jasper.” She pressed her palm to her head. She couldn’t take him with her. Maybe Desiree...she wondered if Lincoln knew. She dug in her purse and took out her phone just as it rang. It was Desiree who was calling to find out if she’d heard about Anthony. She readily agreed to take Jasper and to tell her that Lincoln was going with them.
As promised, Tiffany was at Kai’s door in fifteen minutes. Kai told her that Lincoln was going. They swung by The Port. Lincoln was out front.
“We’ll take my truck,” he said. He stepped up to Kai. “You okay?”
“I don’t know,” she managed.
“He’s going to be fine.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Let’s go.”
Chapter 26
The two-hour drive seemed to take forever. Hundreds of images played havoc in Kai’s head. She’d seen more than her share of gunshot wounds and knew sometimes it was the simple shot that could be the most deadly. But she couldn’t allow her thoughts to go in that direction. He was in one of the best hospitals in the city and she knew he’d get excellent care.
By the time they arrived, it was nearly one in the morning. The front of the hospital was littered with press and news vans.
“Go around the side to the Emergency entrance,” Kai said. “I still have privileges.”
Lincoln drove around to the Emergency entrance and found a parking space. Kai was out of the car before it came to a full stop.
The trio pushed in through the Emergency door and Kai went straight to the triage nurse in charge.
“I’m Dr. Randall. There’s a patient here, Anthony Weston.”
“Dr. Randall,” the nurse said in recognition. “Yes, he’s been taken to ICU about an hour ago.”
“Thank you.” She hurried off toward the elevator with Tiffany and Lincoln on her heels.
They took the elevator to the fourth floor. The instant they stepped off, they saw that the corridor was dotted with police. Kai’s pulse raced. She went to the front desk.
“I’m Dr. Randall. You have a patient here, Anthony Weston.”
The nurse looked at her. “The doctor is with him now. You’ll have to wait.”
“What is his condition?”
“I’m sorry, Dr. Randall, but I can’t give out that information. All I can say is that he made it out of surgery and they are getting him settled. You can wait in the lounge. As soon as the doctor comes out, I’ll have him see you.”
“Which doctor is treating him?”
“Dr. Lang.”
Kai breathed a sigh of relief and almost smiled. Dr. Lang was one of the best trauma surgeons in the business. Anthony was in good hands.
“Thank you.” She turned toward the anxious faces of Tiffany and Lincoln. She told them what she knew and they went to the lounge to wait.
Harrison Blumenthal and Lawrence were seated with their heads together, talking in low voices. They both turned when the trio entered.
Harrison stood. Kai recognized him from the news. She walked straight toward him.
“Mr. Blumenthal.” She extended her hand.
“You must be Kai.”
She angled her head in question.
“He’s told me all about you. He’s a lucky man.”
She lowered her gaze then looked back at him. “Did they catch the shooter?”
“Yes, they did.”
“Good. Have you heard anything at all?”
“We’ve been waiting.”
Kai introduced Lincoln and Tiffany and they all found seats to wait.
They’d been there no more than five minutes when Crystal rushed in. She came to a complete halt when she saw Kai and Lincoln and then Harrison.
Lincoln stood. “Crystal.”
The muscles in her face fluttered. “Thank you for coming, Lincoln.” She turned her gaze on Kai. “I see news spreads all the way to the boonies.” She drew in a breath and crossed the room to an available seat, ignoring Harrison.
Kai dismissed the barb and simply tossed Tiffany a look of warning, knowing that her friend would rip Crystal a new one. Tiffany rolled her eyes.
“Have you heard anything?” Crystal asked Lincoln.
“Not yet.”
“Dr. Randall...”
Kai looked toward the doorway. Dr. Lang was there with a chart in his hands. She jumped up from her chair.
“Malcolm,” she breathed. “How is he?”
“You still have privileges here, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Let’s step outside.”
They stood outside of the waiting room talking in low voices. Kai nodded as she listened to the extent of the injury and what had been done.
“I wouldn’t have done anything differently,” she said.
“Of course, the main thing now is infection and recovery, which will take some time. He’s very lucky.”
“I know. A few inches over...”
“Exactly.” He studied her for a moment. “You two must be close. He has you down as his next of kin.”
Her head jerked back. “Really?”
He nodded. “I’d better get back to my patient. Give me a few minutes and you can come in and see him. He’s a little groggy.”
“Of course.” She touched his arm. “Thank you.”
He smiled and walked away.
Kai slowly turned around and reentered the waiting room. Crystal was on her feet.
“Well, since you seem to have the inside track...when can I see my husband?”
Kai stared her in the eye. “It will be a while.”
“What did the doctor say?” Lincoln asked.
“He’s going to be okay. The bullet broke his clavicle bone, barely missing a main artery. He’s going to be in pain for a while. But he came through the surgery fine.”
Tiffany sighed. “Thank God.”
“Why did the doctor talk to you and not to me?” Crystal demanded.
Kai turned to her. “I worked here for a number of years as the chief of emergency services. Dr. Lang is a colleague of mine. I still have visiting privileges here.” Kai held off on telling Tiffany that Anthony had listed her as the next of kin to be contacted in the event of an emergency. She didn’t see how telling Crystal would serve any purpose other than to upset her even more.
Dr. Lang came back to the door. “Dr. Randall, you can come in now.”
Kai glanced from one to the other. Crystal looked as if she would self-combust. “Why don’t you come with me, Crystal?”
Crystal blinked in disbelief. Her mouth opened slightly then closed. “Thank you.”
Kai and Crystal followed Dr. Lang down the hallway and around a bend. Two officers were stationed outside of Anthony’s room. Dr. Lang pushed the door open and they walked inside.
A nurse was checking the fluid drips and the monitors. The bulge of the bandages on his left shoulder looked like an outgrowth. His eyes were closed. His breathing was steady.
Kai stepped over to his bedside. He seemed to sense her presence. His eyes fluttered open, then closed.
“Kai...” he whispered.
“I’m here.” She took his hand.
“Don’t want you to worry.”
“Then you will have to do something other than getting shot on a Tuesday,” she said, trying to make light.
He winched even as he smiled. “So tired.” His eyes drifted close.
“It’s the medicine. Are you in any pain?”
The corner of his mouth turned up. “Nothing I can’t handle.”
She went to the foot of the bed and flipped open his chart. He’d been given some heavy doses of pain medication and antibiotics. She closed the chart and put it back. “You get some rest.”
“Don’t leave.” He gripped her wrist with surprising strength.
“I’m not going anywhere, but you need to rest. Lincoln is here and so is Tiffany.” She glanced over her shoulder and saw Crystal standing forlornly in the doorway. “Crystal wants to see you.”
He squeezed his eyes shut. “All right.”
Kai leaned down and tenderly kissed his lips. “I’ll see you in a little while. Promise.” She waved Crystal over.
“I love you,” he said, holding her hand.
“I know. I love you, too.” She turned away and the look of reluctant acceptance on Crystal’s face told her that she’d overheard the exchange. Kai walked outside and returned to the lounge, where she brought everyone up to date.
“We all could use some rest,” Lincoln said.
“Do you have someplace to stay?” Harrison asked.
“I hadn’t even thought that far,” Kai admitted.
“Let me make some calls.” He took out his phone and turned away. Several minutes later he came back to the huddled group. “I’ve booked two rooms over at the Hilton on Central Park West. The rooms are in my name for as long as you need them.”
“Mr. Blumenthal, you didn’t have to do that,” Kai said.
“Oh yes, I did.” He smiled. “Tony would have my head if I didn’t take care of you.”
“Thank you. Really.”
“Don’t worry about it. Get some rest and come back in the morning.”
“I want to let Anthony know that I’m leaving first,” Kai said.