Chapter Forty One

Stephen

TV crime dramas make it seem like a criminal case can wrap up in an hour. But in reality, they can drag on for months or even years. Trust me, we know this all too well!

It's been two days since we got the call. Two days since we learned we could finally go back. I want to say go back home, but it doesn't feel like home anymore. Home is where my wife and kids are, where my best friends and their families are. This place is just a city now, nothing more than bricks and mortar.

We couldn't even go back to our own house. Instead, we were put in safe houses. This time, we were split up because there wasn't a safe house near the courthouse that could accommodate all of us.

After a grand jury indictment, a defendant can enter a plea. A guilty plea could lead to a quick sentencing hearing or a pre-arranged plea bargain with prosecutors. That's what's happening with Detective Grounds and DA Carson. But if a defendant pleads not guilty, like the Chief and Captain, the case goes to trial.

Lachie had arranged to meet with us today to explain what was coming next and what it meant for all of us. So, my house was full. Clint and Dave and their families were here for the meeting, along with Benji, Maddie, Lachie, and some other US Marshals for extra security.

Lachie and his guys were trying to talk to us, but the kids were excited to see new faces in the house, especially since they were cops. Willie and Nate were particularly interested in Lachie, who was being great with them.

Willie asked, “Why don't you wear a uniform?”

Lachie replied, “Because I'm a special cop, buddy.”

Willie said, “My daddy says all cops are assholes.”

Nathaniel chimed in, “My daddy said they are pricks and he would break their neck if they touch mommy.”

I quickly smirked at Lachie and covered my son's mouth. “Nate, mommy is calling you into the lounge room.”

Nathaniel protested, “No she didn't, daddy.”

I insisted, “I just heard her, buddy.”

Lachie smiled at me, knowing what I was doing, and thankfully Willie and Nate quickly left.

Lachie asked, “So which category do I fall into? The prick or the asshole?”

Benji answered, “Both!”

Lachie laughed, “Hahahaha.”

Maddie scolded Benji, “At least be nice until we get the info we need out of him.”

Everyone burst out laughing at that, even Lachie.

Lachie said, “Alright, let's sit down then and see where we are at with it, hey?”

I replied, “Please, mate, that would be good.”

Everyone sat down as Lachie pulled out his file and started explaining. He went through the charges against the officers. They ranged from two counts of second-degree murder for Chad and Maddie, to multiple charges of assault, false imprisonment, involuntary manslaughter, misconduct in office, drug distribution, extortion, racketeering, and kidnapping.

Trinity asked, “Can I ask where they are now? They're being held, right?”

Lachie confirmed, “Correct. They're in maximum security, in isolation for their own safety.”

Mia asked, “Do we need to be concerned about anything?”

Lachie replied, “At the moment, no. But I won't lie to you. We have three CPD officers in jail pending trial. When this comes out, they'll find out DA Carson and Detective Grounds turned state witness. There will be pushback from the CPD, towards the witnesses, and towards us, the Feds. I need you all to stay vigilant and cooperate fully.”

We all nodded and agreed.

Lachie turned to Maddie, “I'm sorry to do this to you.”

Maddie replied, “I know, we can't let them know I lived. You want me to stay on lockdown.”

Lachie said, “Please, just until we can get you on the stand. The element of surprise with you is a big bonus for us.”

Benji added, “If it keeps her safe, we do whatever we need to, right baby?”

Maddie agreed, “Right.”

Lachie continued, “We have to give a list of witnesses to the defense as part of our brief. The moment we do, they'll know.”

I said, “Know we're around and we're cooperating with the Feds.”

Lachie confirmed, “Yes.”

Lachie added, “I have an ethical obligation to let you all know that before we submit our brief. If you decide to retract later, it will have already exposed you to the dangers we've discussed.”

Clint asked, “Retribution from the CPD?”

Lachie nodded.

Dave asked, “So you need an answer from us now?”

Lachie replied, “The sooner the better, really. But take tonight to think about it and discuss it. If you decide what we're asking is too much, we understand and thank you for your help.”

Lachie handed us a folder, “This has a summary of the case, procedures, and what to expect next. Go over it. Benji and Maddie should be able to answer most of your questions, but call me if you need to, anytime.”

I thanked him, “Thanks, Lachie.”

Lachie said, “It also has the list of witnesses and order. With your permission, Stephen, I'd like to put Trinity on the witness stand first.”

Trinity asked, “Me? But why?”

Lachie explained, “With all due respect, we're trying to keep Dave and Felicity out of this since they weren't directly involved.”

Dave said, “No offense, we appreciate it.”

Lachie continued, “So that leaves you four.”

He pointed to Clint, Mia, me, and Trinity.

Lachie concluded, “Of the four of you, Trinity comes off the most pure.”

Lachie - “And I don’t mean any disrespect, Mia. You’ve been with Clint for nearly ten years. They won’t believe you didn’t know something about his past...jobs, shall we say?”

Mia - “I understand, Lachie. Thanks for explaining. Honestly, no hard feelings.”

Clint gives Lachie a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

I pull Mia closer, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. She reaches across, her hand resting on my thigh.

Lachie - “We need the jury to empathize with you right off the bat. We think putting Trinity on the stand first will help build that connection. She’s a businesswoman, a wife, a mother. She’s been victimized by the CPD over and over, falsely imprisoned overnight, falsely accused of murder. She had to leave her home for her safety, and she witnessed a murder committed by a CPD detective. The list goes on. I’m not great with words, so excuse my bluntness, but that jury will eat that shit up.”

I glance at my wife, a realization hitting me.

Lachie hasn’t figured out yet that Trinity was the one who pulled the trigger, the one who killed Mike.