Chapter 44 Callisto #2
When the judge frowns, I direct him back to the OCB case notes, which we can’t discuss openly. He scans them, and then understanding dawns.
“In defense of my client, I would like the court to ask why a prison guard from Darinian was present in Laversham and not only served papers denying bail to the local police within an hour of Mr Jones’ arrest but also personally drove him to Laversham’s Alpha Lodgings.”
The judge waves toward the prison officer. “Rise and state your name for the court.”
“McKenna Ashford, Your Honor.” He glances our way, liquid spite in his eyes.
“I was assigned to chase the inmate after he escaped from Darinian Alpha Lodgings with the omega Red Jones’ aid.
This was after our psych teams declared him unfit for rehabilitation.
He’s a danger to society and shouldn’t remain in public.
” The acid in his voice makes me think he means something more along the lines of Zack shouldn’t remain alive.
“That’s all well and good as your opinion,” the judge says, voice steely, “but the question you need to answer is why you are involved with this case.”
McKenna’s hands quiver as if he wants to form fists and punch something. “As I said, I was assigned to the escaped prisoner case, and the investigation was ongoing.”
He’s not even using Zack’s name, as if that would grant him too much humanity. We thought the devils were running the fighting kennels, but they’re everywhere.
Zack’s deep voice booms through a momentary lull in the courtroom. “I speak.” We all swivel to find him gripping the bars tight.
The judge allows it, and my heart pounds against my ribcage as I prepare for whatever bomb is about to drop.
The alpha looks over at the Lodgings officer. “Mack-henna not like Zack. Says I belong in prison, but not his brother.”
Damn, he couldn’t say anything more perfect.
I spin around, triumph pouring through me.
“I think I can add to that, Your Honor.” Lifting my phone, I read the details off Hale’s text message.
“Isaac Ashford was committed to the Sweet Springs mental institution in Darinian four years ago on October thirteenth. McKenna has submitted three petitions since to have him released.” I look up, catching the judge’s eye.
“I’d also like to repeat Mr Jones’ statement that he unwittingly broke Mr McKenna Ashford’s ribs earlier this year. This seems like a clear motive to me.”
No one needs help connecting the dots.
The judge sighs. “Mr Ashford, do you consider Mr Jones more rightfully committed compared to your brother?”
McKenna stands again to answer, expression tight. “This isn’t a matter of personal reason, Your Honor. I’m simply following up on my assignment related to an escaped prisoner.”
The judge loses his calm, straightening and glaring. “Answer the question!” Alpha dominance sizzles in his voice, making me and even Zack snap up straighter.
McKenna spasms. “Yes, Your Honor. It’s a stain on our nation that these unhinged alphas walk free and join packs, especially through illegal activities.” His face wrinkles with a sneer. “Had Ms Jones not intervened with criminal actions of her own, this feral would already have been euthanized.”
“Well, thank God he wasn’t,” the judge says. “Why were you in Laversham when the arrest took place?”
McKenna reels slightly, eyes darting around the room as if searching for answers. “I, ah, was following up on a case . . .”
“Are you a lawyer or an agent?” the judge asks sharply.
“No.”
“So, when I contact your superiors at Darinian Alpha Lodgings, they’ll tell me they assigned you to be in Laversham on that day to see to what? Another escaped prisoner?”
He wilts. “No, Your Honor.”
“As I thought. You will give the bailiff your address, and you will remain there while we investigate your presence in Laversham for obstruction of justice, since we can’t even fathom why an unrelated prison officer sits in this courtroom today.
” He skims through some notes and then looks up, gaze harder than ever.
“And for taking bribes, since there seems to be a lot of money changing hands in the related investigations.”
The shocked look on McKenna’s face brings me so much joy, I feel like I might burst. He deserves everything that’s coming his way, but the chilling reality of his personal grudge reminds me how helpless all ferals are, facing prejudice from an entire world that can’t picture what their lives are like.
The idea that’s been blooming in the back of my mind bursts into a full picture of how I could help them.
They need sanctuary; a place to learn the rules and feel safe, like Zack has.
Our honored judge asks the Lodging’s lawyer if they have any more evidence to bring forward.
He launches into a tirade about Zack attempting to “break out” of prison on the first day, as well as the physical altercations he’s been involved in during his prison time, but I shoot down all his reasoning with my prepared statements. As his arguments dry up, the judge asks him a second time.
The man wilts slightly. “None, Your Honor.”
That hard judicial gaze swivels in my direction.
“I have one more item, Your Honor.” I turn to find Rickon, and he nods. “Mr Rickon Jones would like to testify as Mr Jones’ bonded alpha.”
Even the bailiff, who must’ve seen everything under the sun, stiffens at the idea.
I wave to Rickon, and he gets to his feet.
He squares his shoulders, and it strikes me he seems bigger and bolder than I remember.
It can’t be that he’s had a growth spurt, and is it even possible for a twenty-seven-year-old to bloom?
And yet his jaw seems sharper, and his alpha aura clear enough to recognize from across the room.
Maturity or not, he’s still devastatingly beautiful, like an angel gracing mortals with his presence.
“Your Honor, my name is Rickon Jones, and I was the first alpha to come into Zack’s proximity since he bonded with our omega.
” He skims through the education and positive reinforcement program he and Red developed and then gets to the point.
“Approximately two months ago, Zack approached me one night and asked if he could bond me. I know the idea is startling, but I understood his intentions.”
He turns toward Zack and flashes him a sweet smile. “Zack’s desperately trying to learn everything about us. For him, it was more dangerous not to have a direct link to my emotions, because he didn’t have the words he needed yet. Emotions speak more clearly for a man with his past.”
Rickon’s gaze falls on me, and pride flows through my chest at how well he defends his alpha.
Just as he always took my side in everything when we were younger, now he’s giving his strength to Zack.
I thought I was the one protecting him, but now I see it’s Rickon’s quiet assurance that allowed me to always be confident in myself.
Rickon continues. “Recently Zack showed signs of alpha dominance, meaning he’s learning to be our pack alpha.”
I smile grimly, remembering the exact painful moment that nature manifested.
“These emerging signs, as well as my own love for Zack convinced me to trust him. In the months since and through the incidents Callisto already explained, Zack hasn’t exhibited any aggression that could endanger our omega or myself.
The only exception was that fight at the prison we just saw on the screen.
Red Jones and myself were incapacitated by alpha dominance through the bond as Zack fought to defend himself. ”
Red reaches for his hand, supporting him.
Rickon folds her hand in his, drawing strength from his omega.
“If Zack were a violent and dangerous person, that wouldn’t have been the first time.
Instead, even as a feral, he’s held his emotions in check to avoid incapacitating his pack.
The only danger posed in this situation is the prison, where Zack has been injured and ganged up on.
I ask, for Zack’s safety, and ours, that you release him back into our care. ”
The judge smiles, the first smile he’s given all day.
“Thank you for your heartfelt plea, Mr Jones.” He flicks through his notes, lips pursing as he reviews.
“Normally I’d take time before giving judgement, however, this case appears dazzlingly clear to me.
” He lifts a sheet of paper and dangles it between two fingers.
“Not only have the Omega Center voiced support on Ms Jones’ behalf, but I have a petition here with a hundred thousand signatures in favor of Mr Zackary Jones’ release. ”
I turn and catch Red and Rickon’s gaze, giving a slight nod. Their hard work paid off.
The judge sets the papers down and links his hands together.
“Given the outcome of the OCB investigation into the attack on the steps of this very courthouse on the eighteenth of last month and the text messages Ms Jones received, I conclude that Mr Jones’ response was maliciously provoked, and furthermore, his behavior until that point has been satisfactory.
Therefore, the appeal is upheld and Mr Zackary Jones is free to rejoin his family effective at the end of this hearing. ”
Elation fizzes up my throat. We did it. Red and Rickon squeal and hug, radiating excitement.
The judge lifts his hand. “I would like to caution Mr Jones’ pack to keep him away from public spaces until he’s further into his recovery process—I suggest another six months. Bail is set at one dollar.” He bangs his gavel. “Case closed.”
My hands quiver as I sweep my notes together. It’s been such a long journey to reach this point, both physically and mentally. I’ve learned so much about feral rehabilitation along the way, and about Zack’s place among the people I love.
“Callisto!”
When I turn, Red throws herself into my arms. I hug her, fighting back tears as her sweet omega scent clouds around me. She’s so happy.
And I am too.