Protection

by Linda Rettstatt

  “I expected you would. Thirty minute recess.” The judge stood and left the courtroom.

  Jake stood shakily and paused before stepping out of the witness stand. How the hell had they found out? As he passed the defense table, Lou Crowley muttered, “Was she worth it?”

  He stopped and glared at Lou, his hands curling into fists. The D.A. took him by the arm and tugged him along. Once they were back in the small private room, he whirled at Jake, “Any other little surprises you’d like to toss my way, Father?”

  Chapter Thirty

  The ride to Seattle in the back of the police cruiser seemed interminable. Just a few days earlier, Shannon had made the same trip with Angie and her two friends. She’d felt carefree and optimistic. She wasn’t feeling particularly optimistic now.

  Maggie stood waiting for her outside the side entrance to the courthouse, following as the deputy led her inside. They had half an hour to meet before the arraignment. Once they were secured in a small conference room, Maggie smiled at her. “How are you doing?”

  Shannon exhaled. “I won’t lie. I’m scared.”

  “I’m sure. I spoke with your friend, Brooke. She has picked up your daughter from the sitter. She and your mom will be staying at your apartment.”

  Shannon bit her lip, fighting tears. “Will I be able to see them?”

  “Probably not before the arraignment.”

  She sat and stretched her arms out on the table, fingers knit tightly together.

  Maggie sat opposite her. “I need for you to be calm and focused. The judge will ask your name. Legally, you are Heather Carlson. I don’t even want to know how you got documentation as Shannon Chase. She will then read the charges. We’re in luck that we drew Judge Rebecca Henniker. She’s more likely to grant bail.”

  “It won’t matter. I don’t have any money. I don’t know anyone….”

  Maggie held up a hand. “That’s already taken care of, if bail is granted. Look, we only have a few minutes. I want to run you through the procedures one more time. Okay?”

  The question of who could afford her bail hung in the back of Shannon’s mind as Maggie led her through what she could expect in the courtroom.

  A knock sounded on the door before it opened. The deputy peered inside. “Judge Henniker is ready for you.” He stepped inside and once again handcuffed Shannon before leading her to the courtroom.

  Glancing around nervously, Shannon spied Abe Swinson sitting in the back of the courtroom beside Angie. Embarrassment warmed her face as Abe looked at her, then nodded.

  Shannon’s body shook as she stood beside Maggie and responded to the judge’s questions.

  “Would you state your name please?” the judge asked.

  “Heather Carlson.” She could now let go of Shannon Chase.

  “Ms. Carlson, you are charged with extortion of Mark and Corinne Hastings and of assault with a weapon against Mr. Anthony Baker. How do you plead?”

  “I never asked the Hastings for money. And I certainly I didn’t intend to kill anyone. I was only protecting my daughter.”

  The judge held up a hand. “Ms. Randolph, please instruct your client on her response.”

  Maggie leaned close. “Just answer.”

  Heather nodded. “I’m sorry, Your Honor. Not guilty to both charges.”

  Maggie then said, “Your Honor, Ms. Carlson is the mother of a four-month-old child. We ask that bail is granted so that she may return to care for her child while she awaits trial. My client has never been in trouble before. She’s never even had a parking ticket.”

  The District Attorney interjected, “Your Honor, Ms. Carlson has already shown herself to be a flight risk. The People ask that she remain incarcerated until her trial.”

  The judge paused and seemed to give consideration to both requests. “Will counsel please approach?”

  Maggie and the District Attorney both stepped forward. Heather couldn’t hear all that was being said but, at one point she heard Maggie say, “My client called the police herself after Mr. Baker broke into her apartment. She feared for her life after finding a strange man standing in her apartment in the dark.”

  “And that can be presented at trial,” the D.A. countered.

  The judge interrupted them. “I’m asking the questions here. Ms. Randolph, is your client able to post bail?”

  The District Attorney raised his voice, “Your Honor, I strongly object. The victim in this case is the brother of the Governor of Missouri.”

  “I’m aware of that. But we are in Washington state. And do I have to remind you that this is my court and my decision?”

  The D.A. murmured a response and stepped back.

  When Maggie turned around, she gave Heather a slight wink.

  “Ms. Carlson, I am going to grant bail in the amount one hundred thousand dollars and I am going to release you on your own recognizance. You have no prior criminal record and it seems there’s some uncertainty about why Mr. Baker entered your apartment.” She stared at Heather. “I’m doing this for your child and at the disagreement of the District Attorney, as you no doubt heard. Do not make me sorry.”

  “Yes, Your Honor. Thank you.”

  “A hearing will take place twelve days from today.” The judge stood and left the courtroom.

  Heather turned to Maggie. “What does this mean? What happens now?”

  “You’ll be returned to the Snoqualmie police. They’ll process you and then you’ll be released to go home. I’ll be gathering information for the initial hearing and we’ll need to meet. I’ll come to you.”

  “Thank you. What about the bail?”

  “Abe Swinson.”

  “Mr. Swinson? But, he doesn’t have that kind of money, does he?”

  “Apparently he does.” She paused, then said, “Heather, do exactly what they tell you to do. Don’t even think about leaving town. You’ll end up back in jail for good and Abe will lose ten thousand dollars.”

  “I understand. I just want to go home with my baby. I won’t leave the apartment until it’s time to come back to court.”

  The deputy came to escort Heather from the court room and to the waiting police car.

  Two hours later, she waited for Brooke to pick her up at the police station. She stood when Brooke came through the door. Her friend presented identification to the desk officer and then wrapped Heather in a tight hug. “Thank God. I was so afraid they’d keep you locked up.”

  “Just get me out of here.” She signed for her personal items and walked unsteadily toward the door.

  In the car, Heather hunched over and sobbed.

  Brooke rubbed her back. “Oh, honey. That had to be awful for you.”

  “It was. And this is only the beginning.” She looked up at Brooke. “Why are they doing this to me? I didn’t ask for a thing from Mark.”

  “This isn’t about Mark. It’s Corinne getting even with both of you and, at the same time, making a pro-life statement and pretending to want a child. It’s about votes.” She started the rental car and backed out of the parking space. “Let’s get you home. Your mom’s going crazy wanting to see you.”

  All Heather wanted to do was to sink into her mother’s embrace and hold her own daughter. When they pulled into the drive, Heather saw Abe Swinson come out his back door. She got out of the car and walked to him. “Thank you so much. Why would you put up bail money for me?”

  He shrugged. “Why not? You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “I didn’t but how would you be certain of that?”

  He smiled. “I’m a good judge of character. That man was no more invited into your house than he was invited to the White House. You were protecting yourself and that sweet baby. And I’m not going to stand by and let some power hungry politician railroad you.”

  Heather wrapped her arms around him. “God bless you. I promise I won’t disappoint you.”

  He patted her back. “I know you won’t. You come down tomorrow and let Helen see you. She’s napping now, but sh
e was worried.”

  “I’ll be down to help her in the morning. I need to do something normal.”

  “Okay, if you change your mind, we’ll be fine.” He went back into the house.

  She took the steps two at a time. Her mother sat in the rocker, feeding Amanda. Heather blinked back tears at the sight. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Heather, come here.”

  Relief washed through her at the realization that there was no longer a need to continue the charade as Shannon Chase. She knelt and kissed Amanda’s cheek then her mother’s. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  Once Amanda was settled in her crib, Heather stepped into her mother’s open arms and wept.

  “It’s going to be okay,” her mother reassured, rocking her.

  Heather almost believed it. “I need a shower.”

  “You probably haven’t eaten, either. I’ll have something ready for you when you’re finished,” her mother said.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  She lingered in the shower until the water began to cool, trying to wash off the past few days. Her thoughts turned to Jake, wondering where he was, if he knew what was going on. Would he believe everything they’d say about her on the news? How would she ever face him again?

  When she emerged from the shower and dressed in a pair of comfy jeans and a tee shirt, she joined her mother and Brooke in the kitchen. “Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Comfort food.”

  Her mother ladled soup into a bowl and set it on the table. “Sit down and eat, then you can fill us in on what happened and what’s going to happen.”

  The creamy grilled cheese and rich tomato soup warmed her, made her feel safe and at home. When she’d finished her second bowl, she pushed it away and sat back in the chair, telling them the whole story.

  “So, do we call you Heather or Shannon now?” Brooke asked.

  “Everyone here knows me as Shannon and the baby as Bailey. But there’s no point in pretending any more, now that my life has been splayed across every news channel. I’ll explain to Abe and Helen tomorrow.” She looked at her mother through a sheen of tears. “I’m so sorry for the shame this bring to you. I’d understand if you told me to continue as Shannon Chase.”

  “Nonsense. You’re my daughter, Heather, and I’m proud of you.” Her mother reached for her hand. “What about your attorney? Is she good?”

  “She’s great. I don’t know what she said to the judge to get me out on bail. And Mr. Swinson paid my bail.” Tears stung her eyes.

  “The Swinsons are a wonderful couple,” her mother said. “I took them some dinner earlier.”

  “Thanks for doing that.” She looked around the apartment. “We’ll have to figure out sleeping arrangements.”

  Brooke pointed to the darkened corner of the living room. “Nope. All taken care of. Your friend, Angie, brought over an air mattress. I figured you and I can camp out here and your mom can have the bed.”

  “I don’t know how I got so lucky with the people here. They don’t even know me.”

  “Well, they must know all they need to, because they sure have rallied around you,” Brooke said. “What about Jake? Will we get to meet him? Sounds like he’s the real hero in the story, rescuing you after the accident.”

  She shook her head. “He’s gone out of town. I don’t think he’ll be back any time soon.” She stood and stretched. “I’ll do these dishes, then I think it’s time to turn in. I’m exhausted.”

  “I’ll inflate the air mattress,” Brooke said.

  Heather got her mother settled into the bedroom and carried out sheets, blankets and two pillows to the living room. She made her bed on the sofa. “I haven’t told you yet how much I appreciate all you’ve done.”

  Brooke smiled. “Wouldn’t do anything less, you know that. We’re best friends, always.” She hesitated, then asked, “What didn’t you say in your mother’s presence about Jake?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I saw the look on your face and heard the disappointment in your voice when you said he’d gone away.” She propped herself up on one elbow. “Spill.”

  “There’s nothing to tell. He’s a nice guy who helped us out. That’s all.”

  Brooke studied her for a moment. “Okay, I’ll buy that for now. You’ve been interrogated enough this week. Sleep tight.” She turned over and pulled the sheet up to her shoulder. “I will get the rest of the story.”

  Heather turned off the lamp and sank into the sofa. But when she closed her eyes, it was Jake’s arms that wrapped around her and held her there. It was his mouth leaving a hot trail down her neck and across her breasts. It was his image looming over her, looking at her with such tenderness. And then she remembered his hasty departure after their night of lovemaking. It hit her like a glass of ice water tossed into her face. His words through the phone, “I love you” echoed in the hollow of her heart. Would he still feel that way now that the story of Heather Carlson had hit the national news? Did he already know? The thought that he’d heard the accusations against her and might draw his own conclusions without hearing her side of the story made her sick. It wasn’t as if she’d fallen in love with him. But she knew she could and she had a sense he felt that way, too. One moment of poor judgment had delivered to her both her greatest blessing—her baby—and her greatest curse, and that would possibly cost her a chance at happiness.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Jake walked into the hotel bar and scanned the dimly lit space. He spied Caleb at a table off to his left. He reached up and removed the white tab from his collar and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. The feeling was one of removing a too-tight dog collar.

  Caleb nodded as Jake approached. “So, it’s over?”

  Jake stuffed the collar tab into his jacket pocket. “It’s over.” He sat down and, when the waitress came by, ordered a scotch.

  “I’m glad. You deserve to get back to your life,” Caleb said.

  Get back to his life? He couldn’t go back. “I need to ask you something. If I choose to continue with the identity of Jake Garber, is that a problem?”

  Caleb’s eyebrows lifted, his forehead wrinkling. “Not a problem. The FBI has closed the case and concluded that there’s no one else on your trail. But you might need to explain your reasons.”

  The waitress delivered Jake’s drink and he took a sip. “I’ve learned a few things in the program, the life I’ve lived for the past two years. I’m not suited to return to Father Avery’s life.”

  “Does this have anything to do with Shannon?”

  “You mean Heather. It might have, once. Not now.” Jake downed the rest of the drink and held the glass up to signal the waitress for a refill.

  “You saw the news, I guess.”

  “I did. I owe you an apology. You went out on a limb for her, for me. I actually trusted her.”

  Caleb sat for a moment, staring at him. “Things aren’t always what they seem, Jake. You should know that better than anyone.”

  “Are you saying I should give her a chance to explain? Explain what? She lied to me from day one.”

  “Well, I’m not a relationship counselor. I’ve been married and divorced twice. But let me ask you one thing.”

  Jake nodded. “Go ahead.”

  “You love her?”

  The words hit him in the pit of his stomach. Yes, he loved her. He loved her enough to walk away from his former life, from who he was, and reach for a future with her. But that was before. “Doesn’t matter now, does it?”

  Caleb shook his head. “Despondency doesn’t suit you. Neither does self-pity.” He stood and tossed some bills onto the table. “Drinks are on me. Your independence celebration.” Before walking away, he grasped Jake’s shoulder. “Don’t let your pride get in the way. You’ve kept secrets, too. You had your reasons, she might have hers.” He slapped Jake’s shoulder. “Have a good life, Jake Garber.”

  Jake turned and watched Caleb walk out of the bar and out of his life. No more watch dog. No more supp
ort from the U.S. Marshals. Tomorrow he would go to the Bishop’s office and sign papers that would release him from the priesthood. Then he’d fly to Florida and see his father for the first time in over two years. He’d already called his sister. She and her family would meet him there. After that, he wasn’t sure. He liked life in Snoqualmie, but he needed to hear the truth from Shannon—or Heather—before he made any decisions.

  The next morning, Jake arrived at the Bishop’s office wearing khakis and a white shirt. He sat the desk and reviewed the papers slid over to him, then signed Steven Avery to the document that released him as a priest.

  “What will you do now?” the Bishop asked.

  “I’m going to visit my family, then I’ll return to Washington state.”

  The Bishop stood. “May I give you a blessing?”

  Jake extended his hand. “Just wish me well, as I do you.”

  Shaking his hand firmly, the Bishop nodded. “I hope you have a full and happy life.”

  “Thank you.” Once outside, Jake stood and drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Doubt hit him like a tidal wave. What had he just done? Had he truly thought the decision through? Should he have given himself more time once the drama of the trial was over?

  His entire adult life, all he knew was being a priest. Even though he’d lived the past two years as someone else, under the surface he still knew himself as a priest. Sure he’d crossed the line with Heather. He was still a man. That didn’t make it right on any count. But making love to her was not unforgivable. At least not with God. His faith was built on the dynamic of forgiveness.

  Instead of hailing a cab, Jake began to walk. He needed to clear his head. If he believed in a God that would forgive him for breaking a promise, how could he refuse to forgive Heather? If she was guilty of the charges leveled against her, he didn’t see a future for them, but he had to at least listen and to forgive her. If he were to be honest, he had to admit he owed her an explanation as well.

  But first he needed to find out exactly what was going on. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and called Angie.

  *

  “Heather, come here quick.” Brooke waved her toward the living room. “CNN is talking about this town.”