lot going on here the last couple of weeks, but I didn’t want to call until I knew for sure,” Patrick said.
“What’s been happening?” Roman asked, sharing a look with Riley who had come back to stand beside him as he spoke to Talie’s attorney.
“They’ve called a new trial. Two of Frederick’s friends have turned themselves in and agreed to testify against Frederick. The statements they’ve given are that he is guilty of not only all the breaking and entering charges, but that he killed the man Talie is accused of killing.”
Roman’s heart began to pound. “That’s great,” he finally managed.
“It is. And, since they’re giving eyewitness testimony, and corroborating one another’s stories though they’ve not been allowed contact with one another, their testimony packs quite a punch. Frederick was found severely beaten and was taken to the hospital. He was booked with all the charges Talie was formerly facing and is being transported to jail upon release. He is now in custody awaiting trial.”
“And Talie’s free?” Roman asked, “Can I come get her?”
“Not quite yet. But, the next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. I know you’re coming to attend her court date, and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you take her home with you,” Patrick said.
Roman’s sharp intake of breath showed just how much emotion he was trying to maintain control of. “Thank you,” he said, “Thank you so much!”
“Don’t thank me yet. We have to wade through the rest of the red tape, but I see no reason for them to hold her if they’ve got three others in jail to face the crimes she’s being held for. We’re proceeding with the testing we’ve started just to further exonerate her, but, I believe this court date is just a formality for setting her free. The judge scheduled an emergency hearing. I think this is it,” Patrick said. “I’m running my office staff ragged, typing up addendums and getting things filed at the courthouse, and making sure that all our ‘I’s’ are dotted and our ‘T’s’ crossed before Wednesday so that if I’m right, there will be no holdup in releasing her.
“I don’t know how I’ll ever thank you,” Roman said.
“I think there’s been more at work here than just us. I find it interesting that two of the three we needed to come clean happened to walk into a police station and state their guilt and all they’ve witnessed within five minutes of each other. But hey, I don’t want to know anything I don’t have to know. I’m just calling it another successful case,” Patrick said.
“So am I,” Roman agreed. “I’ll see you on Wednesday!”
“Looking forward to it. Same place and time,” Patrick said, then ended the call.
Roman disconnected the call on his end, then looked at Riley. “He said to be there Wednesday. He thinks they’re going to free her.”
Riley broke into a wide smile. “That’s fucking awesome! Man, I’m so excited for you and Talie. And for Darcie! Can you imagine Darcie’s face when you drive up with her mama in the car?”
Roman smiled and started chuckling. “I can’t imagine how my own face will look when they finally let me take her home.”
“And we didn’t even have to kill anybody!” Riley said.
“I know! Can you believe it?!” Roman asked.
“Let’s get this inspection completed, get back to the house and finish up this estimate so we can get it submitted and let everybody know we’ll be gone,” Riley said.
“You don’t have to come, Riley. I know it’s time away from your family and all you’re doing is babysitting me. This time I’m bringing her home,” Roman said.
“Naw, man. I want to be there for you,” Riley said.
“I’ll be fine. Seriously. I can handle it. Besides, we’re going to have a lot to talk about on the way home. Might even stop for the night at a hotel on the way.”
Riley looked at Roman who looked more nervous about the drive home than excited. “What’s got you worried?”
Roman shrugged. “I have to tell her about me. She don’t have a clue what I am.”
“Roman, you’re a male who loves her. A male who’s cared for her daughter in her absence and become a Daddy to that daughter. You’re the male who hired the best damn legal team in the country for her defense. She’s not gonna have an issue with the other side of your nature,” Riley said.
“I hope you’re right. I been preparing her,” Roman said.
“How’s that?” Riley asked.
“Been sending her romance novels…