Roman's Vow (Riley's Pride #4) - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,81
I see. Ever the gentleman and family man,” Lazarus teased.
“I am now!” Roman answered happily.
“Alright, I’m gonna head back. I want to be there so those fucks can see me there and know I’ll fuck ‘em up if they try to take back their confessions,” Lazarus said. “Why don’t you loop around and let me out about where you picked me up.”
“I can do that,” Roman said. “Hey, before you get out, is there anything you need, anything I can get for you or send to you?”
“Naw, I’m good. Got a little job and making a few bucks. I still haven’t really tapped into the cash I brought with me.”
“You sure?” Roman asked.
“I’m sure, man. Tell Riley I’ll be home soon as I can. Just got to be sure all’s cool here first. I don’t want to lead anybody home if things go to shit here, ya know? And if they do, ya’ll stay the fuck away. The last thing I want is somebody coming back on your woman for anything because they trace me to whipping the fuck out of Frederick. If I have no ties to you, they can’t blame you or yours in any way. You understand?”
“Yeah, I got cha. But I also know a kick ass attorney if you need one,” Roman said.
“I hear ya. If I need, I’ll call. Otherwise, expect me home. I’ll be there when I’m sure it’s safe.”
“Take care, Laz,” Roman said.
“You too, Roman.” Lazarus shook Roman’s hand again, then got out at the next corner. Lazarus took a left to go back toward the courthouse, and Roman took a right to head further downtown where the retail stores were to find Talie something to wear home.
~~~
An hour and a half later Roman was back at the courthouse, not quite sure where to go now that Talie’s final hearing was finished. He decided to just go back up to the third floor and see if the hearing for Frederick and his friends was finished. The officer standing at the entry to the courthouse stopped him. “What’s in the bag?” he asked.
Roman handed the bag containing a pair of thick black leggings that appeared to be black denim but were stretchy, and a soft, pastel-green cableknit sweater, a sports bra and a pair of panties, along with a pair of tennis shoes and pair of socks, and a ladies ski jacket to the officer. “Clothes for my wife. She’s being released today and her attorney sent me out to get her something to wear instead of the scrubs she had on.”
The officer went through the bag thoroughly, then satisfied it was only clothes, handed it back.
“You know it usually takes a few days?” the officer asked.
“Yep,” Roman answered, not willing to get into an argument with the man.
“Suit yourself, go on in, but you’re going to be leaving alone today,” the officer said.
Roman walked into the courtroom just as Frederick was trying to finish up his testimony and his mother kept interrupting him. He quietly took a seat in the back and settled in to watch and wait for Talie.
“Your honor! My poor son can’t possibly be held accountable for his testimony! His friends are using his condition to push their actions off on him!”
“Did I not tell you if you interrupted my courtroom once more you’d be arrested?” the judge barked at Frederick’s mother, Mary.
“But you need to hear what I have to say…” Mary began.
“Take her into custody. Twenty-four hours!” the judge shouted.
Mary started yelling and struggling against the bailiffs that restrained her.
“Do you want to make it forty-eight?!” the judge demanded, standing up from his bench.
Mary glared at him, but didn’t say anything else as she was led away.
The judge waited until she had been fully removed from the courtroom, then he turned back to the beaten, still bruised and somewhat irritated man sitting at the defense table in a wheelchair.
“Now, I will ask you one more time. I do not want an explanation from you or your mother. What I want is either guilty or not guilty. Do you understand?” the judge snapped.
“Yes,” Frederick answered sullenly.
“Yes, your honor!” the judge demanded.
“Yes. Your honor,” Frederick mumbled, his words barely understandable, but clearly tinged with disrespect.
“I understand your jaw is wired shut, but it does not preclude the respect you will show this court. Am I clear?” the judge asked.
“Yes, sir,” Frederick said, his words spoken slowly, tinged with irritation.
“Excellent,” the judge snapped. Now how do you plead?” the judge asked.