Chapter 28 Final Decision Point #3
“Carry,” he said softly and took her in his arms then hugged her.
“She loves you like a sister that she never had. She’s never been jealous of you.
She knew that if I chose you, we’d be happy, and she’d be happy for us.
That’s the lesson of love that I learned from her.
Now, I want you to cherish that ring and that young man.
He loves you the way I would have,” he paused.
“The way I love Veronica now. I’ll do anything for her that makes her happy. ”
“Thank you, Greg.” She sniffed hard. “Thank you both for being there for me through out everything.”
“And we always will be. You and Billy are our friends and we’re going to enjoy watching our kids grow up together.”
“You really mean that,” she said as she looked into his eyes. “You are really at peace. She does bring your heart peace, doesn’t she.”
“Like no woman ever has before, and no woman ever will. She’s the one who was right there, waiting with a patience that makes me wonder why she chose me.”
“Because you are a good man Greg. Everyone sees it. Don’t you?”
“Sometimes, I still wonder,” he said. “At least we can get the Marsdens behind bars and eventually, we’ll get Jenny too.”
“Alright, I can accept that. Shall we rejoin the others?”
“Yes, Carry.” He moved over and opened the door. They exited and joined the others playing games. He sat down by Veronica. “Thank you, dear.”
“You’ve still got a job to do, Greg. I’ll be right here beside you as you take one more risk for everyone.” She kissed him. “I love you and this ring. But how?”
“While you were busy choosing the ring for Billy, I chose yours. I had Janet pick it up so you’d never know.”
“That’s sneaky, Greg,” she said and kissed him. “But I like it anyways.”
Norikuko had arrived right on time, and spent days going over their evidence with Brick, Marvin, Danny, Tanaka-San and the DA at Greg’s house.
Keith would stop by and follow along then check on Greg and Veronica.
He made his way into the kitchen where Greg and Veronica were having a cup of coffee at the breakfast nook.
“You two look quite comfortable. Are you ready for some good news for a change?”
“What’s up Keith?” Greg asked with an edge of uneasiness. “You never come in with good news.”
“Today I do. Wendy’s taken the plea deal, and will be testifying against everyone except Jenny. She’s too scared to turn on her.”
“That is good news,” Greg agreed. “What changed her mind?”
“The US District Attorney agreed to not revoke Aarie’s VISA if she agreed to the testimony, and five years probation, plus,” he laughed lightly.
“Get this,” he said and came over with his cup of coffee.
He set it down then spread his hands out wide.
“She has to marry Aarie and make him complete the US Citizenship pathway or the agreement becomes void and she goes to prison.”
“Hold on, Keith,” Veronica protested. “They’re making her marry Aarie?”
“No, sorry,” he said as he slowed his laughing down. “They agreed that she could marry Aarie if he agrees to complete the Citizenship pathway.”
“Now, that’s something else,” Greg commented. “But nobody is turning on Jenny. She’s been through everything and remains unscathed by it all.”
“I agree, Brick, but I don’t know if this foreign evidence is going to stand up in court,” the DA said with slightly elevated voice as he left Greg’s office.
“I’ll get you the arrest warrant, but don’t blame me if this backfires.
Just go cuff her and bring her in.” He stormed through the front room then slammed the door as he left.
“You’d think that guy would be grateful,” Brick said and let out a breath. “Norikuko, you’ve risked your life and legacy on this. I promise you that Tanaka-San and I won’t quit until we’ve got Jenny Easthaus behind bars.”
“Thank you, Detective Stanton. So long as she runs the Pendergast Family, our family is not safe.” She turned. “Tanaka-San, I’m relying on you to make sure this is taken care of.”
“On my honor, I will see it done,” he said and bowed. “I need to speak with your friend Roddy,” he said looking at Keith.
“You got a plan?” he said. “Let’s roll to Pimico and use the SCIF there.”
“Go ahead,” Norikuko said. “I’ll be safe here.”
“Yes!” he said with a bow and followed Keith out the door.
“Marvin, we need to get back to the precinct. If he actually issues the arrest warrant, I want to be ready to move on it.”
“I’ve already got the team picked out,” Marvin said. “But today, I’m driving. You have been too distracted by all this.”
“Fine,” Brick replied and handed Marvin the keys. “Greg, thanks for letting us use your office these last few days.”
“Not a problem. My fiancé is looking to turn it into her studio anyways,” he said with a chuckle before his forearm was slapped by Veronica.
“Stop joking like that,” she said and smiled. “You know it’s not big enough.”
“So, when we get married, where do we live?” he asked.
“HERE!” Her answer was resolute. “This house is built for children and I want them with you, Greg. And since you’ve put this ring on my finger, maybe we can start practicing for that?”
“I think we can wait a little longer,” he smiled. “Not that it’s not a tempting idea, but I want this one right, Veronica. I want to do it God’s way.”
“So do I,” she said softly. “That doesn’t stop me from desiring you.”
“Then we just need to exercise restraint like you advised on the tour.”
“I told you she wouldn’t stay in jail,” the DA whispered to Brick. “Now, get back to work on that and let me prosecute these two yay-hoos in the courtroom.”
“FINE!” Brick said in a loud whisper. “Jenny shouldn’t have gotten released on the technicality of the evidence not being from the United States. We preserved the chain the whole way.”
“The courts didn’t recognize the paperwork for Tanaka-San, and threw out that evidence. We need more Brick. Just find it. I’ve got Jason and Philip Marsden to convict, alright?”
“I still don’t like it.” He turned and stormed away. Marvin followed Brick out.
“Mr. Garrelson, are you going to be ready to testify today? DA Harmon inquired.
“Yes sir. My fiancé and I are ready to testify. We’ll tell everything that we know about that night we were attacked in our home.” Greg shifted slightly.
“Technically, Greg, it was just your house at the time.” Veronica smiled.
“That’s important, Mr. Garrelson. Listen to your fiancé, she knows what she’s talking about.
Now, you’ll have to sit in the waiting room until you are called, then you will come in and give your testimony and face the cross examination.
After your testimony, you can wait in the gallery, or the lounge, but you can’t speak to any of the remaining witnesses. Am I clear on this?”
“As clear as crystal, DA Harmon. That’s room seventeen, right?” Greg confirmed.
“Just over there. The bailiff will come get you when it’s time. Go make yourselves comfortable. I’ve got to get in there before things get out of hand.”
“Thank you DA Harmon. We’ll be waiting,” Veronica said taking Greg’s arm. “Come dear, we have to wait our turn before getting rid of the vermin.”
“Miss Mitchelson, please join them in the witness room.”
“Of course, DA Harmon. I’m ready to testify and so is my cousin,” Carry replied.
“You better believe I am,” Cassie said then her jaw dropped as she saw Wendy being escorted in. Slowly she raised her hand to point. It was almost totally inaudible when she whispered, “Wendy.” Her hand fell to her side as the feds shielded Wendy into the courtroom. “She really took the deal?”
“We’ll find out if she’s going to live up to that today. I need to go prepare her. She’s our first witness.” He shook his head. “Her testimony is crucial since she gave the security plans to her ‘daddy’ because he asked her.”
“Will she be alright?” Greg asked.
“If she delivers, she’s going back into protective custody until the Marsdens start rotting in prison.
” DA Harmon picked up his briefcase and entered the courtroom.
An hour later, Jenny was glaring at Wendy as they were escorting her out.
One of the officers stood right in front of Jenny as Aarie was brought in.
“Baby!” Wendy called and ran down the hallway to wrap her arms around Aarie. The agents all ran with her then formed a circle as she kissed him. “I love you, and I want us to get married.”
“Well, we have to finish this, Wendy. After that, maybe we can. I watched your testimony on the closed circuit feed. You did great.”
“Thanks,” she said nervously. “I don’t think Jenny is happy and I’m not sure we’ll ever be safe.”
“You can still testify against her,” Aarie offered.
“Clear the hall. Get them into the sequester, now. They might have to call her back to the stand,” an agent directed. Aarie and Wendy were ushered off to another room. The bailiff retrieved Cassie next for her testimony, then later, Carry.
That evening as the day’s testimony finished, Greg watched as Veronica got up from the box, adjusted her dress then stepped down like the dignified woman she was. He smiled brightly, then got up to meet her as she came back to take a seat.
“We will resume this case in the morning. Defense will present their witnesses and we’ll hear closing arguments. Remember that this is a closed door proceeding to protect those who are testifying in this case. You will not discuss this with anyone.” The judge gaveled and the bailiff called out.
“All rise while the judge exits the room.” Everyone stood as the judge left then they started milling around or leaving. “This room must now be cleared. Please find an exit. We will resume at eight tomorrow morning.”
“Come, dear. I’m famished. I want Five Guys,” Veronica said smiling.
“Do you think tomorrow will go well?” Keith asked Brick.
“From what the DA told me, they don’t have but three witnesses.” Brick smiled. “That butler, Robere, is the primary witness for them.”
“Detective Stanton,” an officer called. “There’s a lady on the phone, says she’s got critical information for you.”