Epilogue
EPILOGUE
“ I hate you! I hope you rot in hell!”
Sage winced as they walked out of the courtroom together, having to pass the father of the victim of the hit and run whose case Creed had successfully managed to have dismissed.
As they walked through the courthouse under the angry glares of the people who were still milling around after the verdict, she could understand why Creed hadn’t wanted her to accompany him today, and why he still arranged for private security to guard her.
She was determined she was better off not knowing how many enemies Creed had if she wanted to continue having restful nights of sleep; she just had to continue thinking he had his reasons for accepting some of the cases he took.
Glancing at Creed’s unperturbed expression, she couldn’t believe how he took the name-calling and hate-filled comments shouted at him as they made their way out the door being held open by one of their security detail.
“How’s Tayla?” he asked.
“She’s much better. She’s been staying with her mom.”
“Good.” He nodded before giving her a quick glance. “We have a couple of hours before my next meeting; you in the mood to grab some lunch?”
“Depends. Where do you want to eat?”
Inside their car, Creed started the engine. “You take the pregnancy test this morning?”
“Yes, you know I did. It was negative.”
“Don’t look so disappointed.” He slid into the afternoon traffic. “I’m up for another romantic night. We’ll stop by the liquor store after my meeting.”
Sage grinned. “We can grab a pizza, too. I’ll put the girls to bed early tonight and rent Glory a movie.”
She raised her hand for Creed to take, interlacing her finger with his. Contentedly, she gazed off at their surroundings as he drove.
Every day, she had to pinch herself because she was so happy. Glory receiving her heart and lung transplants two days after entering the hospital was a huge part of her happiness, but the majority was her relationship with Creed.
“How do wings and beer sound for lunch?” he asked.
“You had me at beer.”
Creed cast a stern glare in Sage’s direction before he got out of the car. “Don’t forget you promised to stay in the car.”
“I’ll stay right here.”
Believing her promise, he stepped out of the car, amused that she was interestedly looking out the windshield as the leer jet, which had just landed at the private airfield, taxied up to a hangar reserved for its owner.
After he patiently waited for the steps to be rolled to the door for the passengers to disembark, an effusive smile crossed his face as two men came out of the door. He waited until they stepped off the last step before he went to greet them.
“Mr. Wilson, it’s good to see you again.” Shaking his hand, Creed then turned to offer his hand to the other man, Thad. “It’s great to finally meet you.”
“Mr. Bryant.” Mr. Wilson gave him a huge smile. “My pilot told us that Thad and I have some celebrating to do. We were on our way to Thad’s favorite resort when we received the good news.”
“I know you’ve been anxious over today’s hearing.
All the charges against Thad have been dropped.
I just wanted to stop by and welcome you back home.
And, since you no longer need our legal services, I want to give you official notice that Hollingsworth is withdrawing their representation, now that you no longer need us. ”
“Wanting to make sure you get your money, huh? Don’t worry; I transferred it to the account you specified as soon we landed. Hollingsworth did a great job.”
Handing Mr. Wilson the legal letter, Creed shook Mr. Wilson’s hand again. “It’s been a pleasure working for you. I’m glad you finally received the justice you deserve.”
As he pulled his hand back, squealing tires could be heard from four police cars approaching the hangar.
Creed took a step back as police officers jumped out of their cars with their guns raised and pointing at the Wilsons.
Both men looked shocked at the police’s sudden arrival.
Two officers came rushing over to place the stunned men in handcuffs. Several other officers, with a K9, ran up the steps to enter the plane.
“What’s going on?” Mr. Wilson blustered out, his skin turning ruddy in fury.
“You’re not being arrested yet. Are you the owner of the plane you disembarked from?”
“Yes, I am! Take these handcuffs off me. Do you know who I am?”
“Yes, sir, we know exactly who you are. There’s been an anonymous tip that your plane has drugs on board with the intention to sell.”
“That’s preposterous. There are no drugs on board my plane.”
Creed spoke up, interrupting Wilson’s tirade. “Do you have a warrant, Officer Lee?”
“Yes. We have evidence of where the drugs were brought and who put them on board,” Officer Lee explained.
“Who do they say bought the drugs?” Mr. Wilson bellowed. “There is a pilot, co-pilot, and a stewardess inside the plane. It had to be one of them. I’m the victim here. They used my plane to smuggle drugs without my knowledge—”
“Your son is the one who bought the drugs and brought them onto the plane.”
“That’s a lie. My son wouldn’t do something so stupid!”
“Sir, this shouldn’t take long. If nothing is found, you’ll be able to go along your way.”
“I’m going to sue the whole police department! My son—”
“Mr. Wilson, there are pictures of him making the buy.”
Thad’s spoiled bearing withered when his father turned as if he were going to grab him at the officer’s words.
“I’m sorry, Dad. Daria told me it was easy money, that private planes are never checked.”
“Who in the fuck is Daria?”
“My girlfriend. Remember, I told you about her! She’s the one who gave me the idea.”
“Thad, I wouldn’t say anything else,” Creed helpfully offered.
A crackling sound came across Officer Lee’s radio.
“ We found the drugs, Lee. Make the arrests. ”
“Wait—” Mr. Watson yelled. “Why am I being arrested? Thad’s the one who bought the drugs!”
“It’s your plane that was used as transport, and you had full knowledge of the drugs.”
“I didn’t!” Wilson screamed.
“We have a transmission of you receiving a payment to an off-shore account with your name on it at the same time your plane landed. I find that a hell of a coincidence. I’m going to read you your rights,” Officer Lee said.
“Kent! Do something!”
Aghast, Kent shook his head. “Hollingsworth doesn’t handle drug and smuggling cases. It would tarnish our reputation. I’m sure you’ll find another legal firm who will handle your case. Officer Lee, you keep up the good work.”
“Bryant, get back here!” Mr. Wilson yelled at his back.
“You have the right to remain silent …” Officer Lee began reciting.
Ignoring him, Mr. Wilson continued yelling after Kent. “Bryant, I’ll pay whatever fee you want! Get back here!”
“Dad, do I have to go to jail with you?” Thad asked plaintively.
“Bryant!” Mr. Wilson screamed louder. “I hate your guts! If you don’t—”
Creed got in his car, shutting out the loud yells.
Sage’s loving gaze made his whole fucking day.
“If Thad Wilson had been convicted for the hit and run, how much time would he have done?”
“He could have been sentenced to ten to twelve years. He would probably be out on parole in five to six years, considering how much money his dad has available.”
“How much time will he have to do if he’s sentenced for the drugs on the plane?”
“Over twenty plus, considering the amount they’ll find.”
Sage leaned across the console to give him an appreciative kiss. “Doesn’t it bother you how many people tell you they hate you?”
“I’ve grown used to it.” He shrugged. “The only time it stung was when you said it to me.”
“I’ll never say that to you again.”
“I won’t give you a reason to. You ready to head to the liquor store?”
“Mmhmm.” She nodded toward where the officers were putting the Wilsons in the police cars. “You should switch sides and become a prosecutor. Wouldn’t you rather be the person responsible for putting criminals behind bars?”
“Not at all. I don’t care how justice happens, as long as it gets done.”