Chapter 42
Chapter Forty-Two
Ariana
“Miss Williams, your turn,” Judge Kingsley spoke.
“Thank you, your Honor,” I said as I stood up and approached Sam, who was on the witness stand. I looked behind me to ensure Mrs. Butler was seated in the courtroom.
“Good morning, Mr. Butler.” I smiled.
“Good morning.”
“You’ve been a partner at Russo, Greggs, & Butler for how many years?”
“About two years. His grandfather made me a partner right before he had his stroke. But I’ve worked there for eighteen years.”
“And how long have you known Luca Russo personally?”
“Six years. We became friends when his grandfather brought him on after law school.”
“Would you say he was a good friend to you?”
“Yeah. He was.”
“He would throw you and your wife anniversary parties, birthday parties, and even had dinner at your house. Correct?”
“Yes.”
I took in a deep breath before I continued questioning him.
“You told the police that you didn’t know the victim, Gina Burroughs. Correct?”
“No. I did not know her.”
“So, you never met her when Mr. Russo was the defense attorney for Miss Burroughs in a misdemeanor case a year ago?”
“No,” he spoke with confidence.
Walking over to the large screen TV that sat over by the jury box, I picked up the remote and turned it on, displaying the security footage from the hotel.
“This is Gina Burroughs at approximately three thirty on the day of her murder. She was making a phone call.”
“Objection, your Honor,” Wendy spoke. “Where is Miss Williams going with this?”
“Your Honor, I have phone records from Miss Burroughs’ phone stating that the number she dialed while standing in that lobby belonged to Mr. Butler.”
Judge Kingsley narrowed his eye at Sam and then back at me.
“Objection overruled.”
I turned back to Sam, who was fidgeting in his seat.
“That’s impossible,” he spoke. “I’ve never spoken to that woman.”
“Can you explain why there were monthly deposits of twenty-five thousand dollars made from a wired account in your name to Miss Burroughs’ bank account? Why were you giving her money if you didn’t know her?”
The courtroom doors opened, and Wilson Garrett stepped inside. When I turned back to Sam, I noticed a pale look overtook his face, and he began loosening his tie.
“Do you need some water, Mr. Butler?”
“Yes,” he spoke with a shaky voice.
The bailiff handed him a glass of water, and I resumed my questioning.
“I’ll ask you again, Mr. Butler, why were you depositing money into the account of a woman that you never met?”
“Objection, your Honor!” Wendy stood up and spoke.
“Overruled. Answer the question, Mr. Butler.”
“I—I plead the fifth, your Honor.”
I sighed. “Did you know that the victim was twelve weeks pregnant?”
He glared at me with rage in his eyes.
“I plead the fifth.”
I needed to get him to confess, and I needed to do it now. Walking over to the stand, I pointed my finger at him.
“You paid her the money to quit the agency so you could keep her as your mistress. You couldn’t stand the thought of her seeing other men because you fell in love with her.”
“OBJECTION, YOUR HONOR!”
“Sustained,” he spoke.
“But she didn’t stop seeing other men. Did she? She used you for your money and still ran her business on the side, keeping it a secret from you. She played you, Mr. Butler, and you didn’t like it.”
“Objection, your Honor! Miss Williams is leading the witness, and this questioning is way out of line!”
“Sustained. Miss Williams, this is your last warning. I’ll hold you in contempt if I have to,” Judge Kingsley shouted.
“It pissed you off so badly that you killed her and your unborn child!” I pointed to him.
“I DIDN’T KILL HER!” he stood up and shouted. “HE DID!” Sam pointed to Wilson Garrett.
The jurors gasped, and the mayhem in the courtroom escalated. Judge Kingsley pounded his gavel several times, demanding order.
“So, you’re saying Mr. Garrett was the one who killed Gina Burroughs?” I spoke.
“Yes. He killed her. I’m sorry, Luca,” Sam spoke as he stared at him.
Wilson Garrett got up and attempted to leave the courtroom but was immediately stopped by the police officers inside.
“You were the one who wanted her dead!” he shouted. “It was all your idea!”
“And it was your idea to frame Luca!” Sam shouted.
I swallowed hard, closed my eyes, and let out a sigh of relief.
“Your Honor, I’m asking that all charges against my client be dismissed.”
“Miss Graham, what does the state say?”
“The state has no choice but to dismiss all charges against Mr. Russo.”
“Case dismissed. Mr. Russo, you’re free to go. This court sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience we may have caused you.”
“Thank you, your Honor,” Luca calmly spoke.
Walking back over to the table, I hugged him tight.
“Counsel, I want to see both of you in my chambers now!” Judge Kingsley commanded.
I didn’t want to let Luca go. I couldn’t let him go. It was over, and all I wanted to do was cry.
“I love you so much,” he whispered in my ear.
“I love you too. I have to go talk to Judge Kingsley. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”
“He may hold you in contempt. So be prepared,” he spoke.
“I don’t care. As long as you’re free, that’s all that matters.”
I let go of him and headed into the judge’s chambers, where Wendy Graham was already sitting.
“Your actions in my courtroom were inexcusable, Miss Williams.”
“I’m sorry, your Honor.”
“You knew exactly what you were doing, and I have a feeling that I will be seeing a lot of you. So, I’m going to let you off with a warning. This is the only time it’s going to happen. If you ever cause that kind of chaos in my courtroom again, I will have you thrown in jail. Understand, young lady?”
“Yes, your Honor. I fully understand.”
He sat there and shook his head in dismay.
“It pleases me that you proved Mr. Russo wasn’t the one who murdered that woman. And, so help me God, if I ever see the two of you in my courtroom on opposing sides, I will remove myself from the case, and you will be assigned another judge.”
I swallowed hard. “Yes, your Honor.”
“Miss Graham, you better go and get charges filed on those two who confessed to murdering Miss Burroughs.”
“We’re already working on it, your Honor.”
“Now get out of my chambers.” He sighed.
As Wendy and I walked out of his chambers, she placed her hand on my arm.
“Good work in there, Ariana.” She smiled. “You won’t be defending Mr. Butler, will you?”
“No. In fact, I’ll give you everything you need to put him away for a long time. Luca will also be prosecuting him for embezzlement.”
“Ah. Embezzlement and murder. Nice.” She grinned. “Have a good day.” She walked away.
I couldn’t explain the feeling that resided inside me. It was excitement and relief all mixed together. I needed to compose myself because the tears were starting to form. I entered the lobby and saw Luca talking with his grandfather, Brad, and Sheila.
“Come here, young lady.” Franco smiled as he held out his arms. “Thank you for everything. You’re a damn good lawyer, and this is only the start for you. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Franco.” I kissed his cheek.
“I’m sorry, Ariana,” Brad said as he approached me.
“For what?”
“For doubting you. I don’t think I could have pulled it off. I can see why Luca loves you so much.” He smiled.
“He doesn’t.”
“Come on. Yes, he does. He just told me, but I already knew. I was just afraid his feelings for you would get in the way of this case. I didn’t mean to be such a dick.”
Placing my hand on his chest, I spoke, “You’re not a dick, Brad, and I understand why you felt I was the wrong person to defend him. I would have thought the same thing if I were in your shoes.”
“Are you ready to go?” Luca asked as he put his arm around me.
“I am. Let’s go home.”
As soon as we stepped outside the courthouse doors, we were bombarded by reporters. Luca gave a statement first, then I followed. As we were walking to the Bentley, I heard someone call my name.
“Miss Williams?”
I turned around and saw Mr. York standing there.
“On your knees, Mr. York.” I smiled.
“Oh, come on. Seriously?”
My smile grew wide as Luca stood there laughing.
“Fine. You don’t have to get down on your knees.”
“I’m sorry for what I said. Mr. Russo made the right decision. You’re a really good lawyer, and I apologize.”
“Apology accepted. Now if you’ll excuse us, Mr. Russo and I have some celebrating to do.”