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AFFLICTION
BY TROG |
CHAPTER
42 |
CHAPTER 42
It was a media circus. The story in The Banner had the desired affect and the courthouse was filled with reporters, photographers, cops, lawyers and the curiosity freaks that haunted such events. Antonio stood very close to Tea who had changed into a black suit as they waited for Vicki. Finally she came walking in, looking regal and impressive in her navy suit. The press went wild at the sight of her and started yelling questions at her about Todd and Ben but she waved them away with a majestic flick of her hand and pulled Tea into the crowded courtroom where the reporters were not allowed.
As they made their way to the front row they sat right behind the council table where Todd would sit. Vicki was holding a copy of The Banner.
“I can’t believe Kevin could be so childish and cruel. I fired him, Tea. I know he’s my son...and I love him...but I don’t like him very much at this moment. He’s proven to me that he still can’t handle the responsibility of running a reputable newspaper.”
Tea looked down at the newspaper, seeing her own face there, and being referred to as Todd Manning’s lover. Kevin had done quite a job in painting Todd Manning as a habitual criminal and psychopath and Tea as the home-wrecking lawyer who defended him and loved him. It was a biased and ugly piece of journalism...worthy of Todd Manning himself.
“I’m so sorry about this, Tea.”
“Don’t worry, Vicki. I know how Kevin feels about Todd...it will all blow over I’m sure.”
Vicki took her trembling hand and they waited quietly.
Hank Gannon walked in followed by young woman, an assistant district attorney that Tea recognized. He stopped in front of Vicki and she rose up to greet him.
“Hello, Vicki. It’s good to see you out again. I only wish it was under more pleasant circumstances.”
“I’m surprised at you, Hank. This case is clearly a set up...you can’t seriously believe Todd would murder Ben.”
“I’m just doing my job, Vicki. And I must tell you that the case against Todd is pretty strong. I’m sorry, Vicki. I’ll see you later,” he said before taking his seat.
“Well, Vicki, I’m surprised you’d be sitting with this whore. This woman broke up my family...my children, your niece and nephew, are fatherless because of her......” hissed Blair in a tight blue dress and heels, standing by their bench as Tea looked away from her.
Vicki stood up quickly.
“For God’s sake, Blair, this is hardly the time or place for this. Todd needs our support...for once stop thinking of yourself and think of him,” whispered Vicki, trying to diffuse the situation.
Blair sneered, turned and found a seat at the back of the room.
A loud wave of commotion was heard outside as the doors crashed open and Todd stood there wearing the brown suit that Tea had given to Sam for him. Sam stood beside him along with Bo and two uniformed police officers. Todd walked slowly, arrogantly down the aisle before stopping and noticing Vicki...then Tea. He smiled at them before Bo pushed him forward and removed his hand-cuffs...the final humiliation.
Todd rubbed his wrists and turned around to look at Tea who was sitting directly behind him, her dark eyes filled with concern.
“Cheer up, Delgado. I’ll be out of here in no time. And besides...you still owe me that dinner.”
Tea smiled and nodded as Sam pushed Todd into his chair and sat beside him.
“All rise,” said the bailiff as the door to the judge’s chambers suddenly opened and a tall, dark-haired woman in long black robe came strolling in. Tea gasped, recognizing the same judge that presided over Todd’s DID trial.
“Oh, no,” Tea whispered to Vicki, “This isn’t good.”
The next ten minutes just flashed by quickly. The prosecution presented the charges and requested that bail be denied in light of Todd’s criminal history...while Sam stated that the evidence was completely circumstantial and his client’s history was not relevant to this case. The judge listened to Sam’s passionate argument but her eyes kept straying to Todd, probably remembering how he had so completely duped a jury and everyone around him before.
The judge checked her docket carefully and finally addressed the court.
“Trial will be set for two weeks from today at 10:00 AM. And bail is denied,” she said with a dramatic strike of her gavel.
Todd rose up quickly.
“NO FUCKING WAY! I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING...YOU CAN’T DENY ME BAIL!” he shouted at the judge as Bo and his two uniformed officers rushed over to Todd as he rose out of his seat and started heading toward the bench. As Sam tried to calm him the officers wrenched his arms behind him and Bo cuffed him quickly.
When things had calmed sufficiently, the judge continued.
“Because of Mr. Manning’s violent tendencies the court recommends that he have no visitors while awaiting trial...only his legal council will be aloud to see him. This court is adjourned.” she said before rising quickly and disappearing.
Vicki shook her head while Tea got up and rushed toward Todd who was being taken away.
Tea placed her hand on his arms their eyes locked together, the din of the courtroom disappeared for a moment.
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I know,” he said, before Bo pushed him forward and they disappeared into the rabid crowd outside the door.
to be continued...
2002 Copyright by Trog
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