Just Breathe II – Chapter 1
A/N E.L. James, in her book Grey, made Taylor ex-Army in the email where Christian tells Ana not to drive Wanda. Later in the book, when Christian needs modeling glue, Taylor is a Marine. IMHO…Taylor always exuded Marine Corps attitudes and values to me…so MY Taylor is not confused…he is a Marine. Not ex-Marine because you know – once a Marine; always a Marine. LOL.
This is my interpretation of copyrighted original material. The original characters and plot of FSOG are owned by E.L. James. I've just taken her characters on a stroll down a life path of my own choosing. The original content, ideas, and new characters (Sabine and Aedan or Susan and Samantha or Zann) are owned by Mother of Pearl Fetish as of 2014.
References to real persons, places or events are made in fictional context and are not intended to be libelous, defamatory or in any way factual. No copyright infringement is intended.
Rated M for adult language and situations.
Monday, November 7, 2011
"For your perusal – in case you haven't kept up on current events while you've been incarcerated," the DA activated a PowerPoint slideshow of news articles and pictures of Christian and Anastasia Grey. The slide show began with the wedding picture and then included every picture from overseas publications during the honeymoon. It included a few paparazzi shots since the Greys returned from the honeymoon.
Susannah placed her handcuffed hands in her lap, sat at attention and stared at the corner where the walls met the ceiling. Breathe; no fidgeting; sit still. No talking; you have not been given permission to talk. Clear your head. You have no desires; you have no thoughts; you have no words until your Dominant gives you direction. As long as she was wearing handcuffs; her mouth would be restrained also.
Eventually the PowerPoint ended. "Your lawyer informed us you might be willing to discuss a plea agreement. Normally we don't offer a plea agreement to a criminal who attempts to kidnap two women at gunpoint for the purpose of turning them over to a sexual sadist."
Susannah didn't say anything; causing her lawyer to frown. "It is a good offer," her lawyer urged her to talk. "You tell them everything you know about Elena Lincoln and her actions, they will lower the charges to attempted kidnapping…and as an added bonus…WDOC will transfer you to Pocatello Women's Correctional Center. You could be able to work; earn good time credits and see your family. Plus, you will be granted immunity for any crimes you reveal today."
The DA seemed to revel in her silence. "If you continue to be non-cooperative, I will press for the maximum sentence. If you agree to provide testimony against Elena Lincoln, we'll discuss a plea agreement of 10 years, with a minimum served of seven."
What was there to say? She could not admit her relationship with Grey. She could not admit Elena advised her to do a stupid thing which caused Grey to terminate their contract. "So, your case against Elena is not as strong as you need it to be – and you want me to endanger my life so you can put her away for life?"
"We have enough evidence to put Elena Lincoln away until she's an old, old woman," the DA chuckled. "Isaac Reynolds felt you were getting a bad deal because of your association with her. Part of our deal with him is offering you a deal to testify against her in exchange for a reduced sentence."
"What do you want to know?" Susannah asked. "Because what I know goes beyond Elena Lincoln. I can give you names, dates and places of her three favorite friends who are also involved in acquiring underage youth for sexual situations." She paused. "Ask someone from the SPD Special Crimes Unit to hear what I have to say."
"We'll begin with how you met Elena and your association with her. Then you tell us about the kidnap plan; your role in it; and how you obtained the gun." The DA settled in for a long discussion. "We will treat this as a deposition. You will be sworn to tell the truth; and you will be granted immunity for any crime you admit to us which is not connected to the kidnapping case. If you can provide any information to help SPD SCU; the reward money could be put forward to pay off your restitution."
"You understand I need your offer in writing and on tape before I talk?" Susannah asked.
"Your lawyer has the paperwork; you have fifteen minutes to discuss it with him." He stood and left the room with the Assistant DA.
XX
Ames addressed Susannah. "I just want to ensure I have the information correct on Elena Lincoln's three friends – Monique Dupree, Laura Carson and Madeleine Porter. You met all three?"
"I did. You need to get Elena Lincoln's client database and investigate Dupree and Porter. I know they used to bring their stables into Esclava Salons for services. Anyone who pays for several sets of weekly or monthly services – those are your targets. Once you complete an initial investigation – I will try to answer any questions you have and testify if needed." Susannah wondered how Christian Grey paid for his submissives' services. Since she didn't name him…she wasn't in violation of her NDA. "Although I worked as a personal shopper for a lot of Elena's clients, and although Franco de Luca provided hair styling for a lot of clients – neither of us were involved with Elena's smarmy side of the business."
"This is the plea agreement; sign it and we will appear before a judge this afternoon. You assure him you accepted the plea agreement without duress and under your own volition. The judge will sentence you according to the guidelines we suggest. He will issue no contact orders for Mr. and Mrs. Grey and their family and businesses; Franco de Luca, Isaac Reynolds, Elena Lincoln, Mr. and Mrs. Keyes and their properties. You will be sent to Washington Correctional Center for Women at Gig Harbor for intake for four to six weeks, and then you will be moved to Pocatello where Elena Lincoln can't harass you. Do we understand one another?"
"As long as any reward money for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Dupree, Carson or Porter is paid to my restitution, we understand one another." Susannah Martin signed the plea agreement. When she knew she would be moved; she would contact her father, and she sincerely hoped it would be before Christmas.
November 8
"Taylor," his lawyer appeared unexpectedly at Grey House. "I'm sorry to bother you here, but I thought you would want to know as soon as possible." He handed Taylor the court order verifying the change in his child visitation arrangements. The court order gave him visitation with Sophia Celine Taylor from nine a.m. Friday morning, November 11 to six p.m. on Sunday, November 13. Additionally the order laid out the visitation for the remainder of 2011 and all of 2012. Taylor had one weekend per month with Sophia – at his discretion; but not a holiday weekend if she was spending it with her mother. His weekend visitation was from 6 p.m. on Friday evening to 6 p.m. on Sunday evening. He received one weeknight per month with his daughter at his discretion, other than holidays occurring in the middle of the week. His time with his daughter began at the end of her school day to the beginning of school the next morning. He received Skype or phone calls from is daughter every Sunday evening at 6 p.m. Pacific Time Zone, with the exception of the weekend when he had visitation with Sophia.
"I need a favor. Please arrange for a child visitation hearing around the tenth of January," Taylor asked.
"The judge was fair in the visitation agreement," his lawyer sounded surprised at his request.
"I know, but I need to discuss my summer vacation and how it affects my daughter. If Ms. Wilson's lawyer asks; say I saw this and demanded another meeting. Let her think I'm unhappy with the arrangements."
November 10
Sabine opened the envelope her lawyer handed her. WTF is happening now, she wondered. She recognized Christian's handwriting on the note card included in the envelope. She took a deep breath, called on her guardian angels, and read the note included with the paperwork.
Sabine; I wanted to thank you for warning Anastasia and me about the media pranks and about the website Elena Lincoln arranged. I believe your warning allowed us be proactive and keep Anastasia from being kidnapped. I will owe you forever for protecting her.
The web site is shut down now. There will be no further avenue for the "sub club" to contact one another. I do not believe you wanted a thank you; but I endeavor to pay my debts. I did not believe money, jewelry or a car was an adequate thank you. Instead, I have arranged for you, Aedan and both businesses to receive a "no contact" order against Elena Lincoln and Susannah Martin. They are restrained from contacting you in person, or via electronic, written or third-party contacts. Should you be contacted by any other member of the "sub club" please contact Taylor. It will be a direct violation of their NDA, and there will be consequences.
Thank you, Christian Grey
XX
Christian called Ana toward the end of their work day. "I found the little surprise you slipped into my jacket pocket, Mrs. Grey."
"What little surprise?" Ana teased.
"A certain black satin blindfold," Christian said. "You wore a black pencil skirt with a grey shirt to work today; black hose and heels…could there be black satin underwear under your work ensemble to accompany the blindfold?"
"You'll have to find out…" Ana said. "We have the whole house to ourselves this weekend. I'm wearing seven pieces of clothes. If I lose one in every room as I enter the house to go to our bedroom…I estimate I'll be wearing panties, stockings and heels by the time I get there."
"If I allow you to keep your underwear on for the drive home." Christian growled.
"I'm keeping my panties ON, sir…practice anticipation," Ana laughed.
"You know I hate waiting for anything! I'm ready to start my weekend now," Christian growled again. "Be ready to go when I get to Grey Annex. You have less than fifteen minutes."
XX
"Happy Birthday, Marine," Gail kissed Taylor. "I made a special dinner for security staff who are not on duty tonight. We're having lots of your favorites: Rosemary Roasted Chicken; Orzo Caprese Salad; Tuscan Bread with roasted garlic and seasoned olive oil; braised Italian Green Beans: grilled Portobello mushrooms; Italian Roast coffee and Italian crème cake."
"I'd rather nibble on you," Taylor pushed her against the wall and began nibbling on her collarbone and the hollow of her throat.
"Keep your boxers on, Birthday Boy," she looked at her watch. "Everyone should be here in three, two, one…" she listened intently for the doorbell to the staff quarters. It rang fifteen seconds later.
"I'll go decant the wine," he said.
"I'll readjust my clothes and go to the kitchen and pull the chicken out of the oven." She grinned. "I trust you'll finish telling me how much you appreciate my dinner, later…when we're alone."
"Depends on whether I have time to say it before my mouth is occupied with various parts of your anatomy," he nipped her ear. "No keeping me up all night ether, Mrs. Jones. Sophie and I have an early plane to San Diego. Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" He asked, gazing into her eyes.
"I'm sure. You and Sophie need quality time with one another." Gail gave him a reassuring kiss on the cheek. "Since Mr. and Mrs. Grey are in Hunts Point for the weekend with Prescott and Sawyer; I've arranged for a deep cleaning crew at Escala. Carpets, windows, etc. so we're spiffy before the holidays."
November 11
"Daddy!" Sophie threw herself at Taylor.
"Hello, my little love," He hugged her. "Evette," he said politely.
Evette wordlessly handed him Sophie's suitcase. "Sophie, have a good time; call me if you need anything. Taylor, I'll see you at six p.m. on Sunday."
"Roger," Taylor took Sophie's hand and led her to the SUV. Once he was assured she was secured in the back seat on the passenger side; where all the VIPs sat, he stowed her suitcase and headed for the driver's seat. He got in, started the SUV and reset the GPS. By the time the SUV was at the edge of Evette's driveway; her garage door opened. Taylor smiled. If Evette thought she'd follow to find out where they were going…she would soon be confused by two identical SUVs loitering at the main intersection of her street. She wouldn't know which one to follow. Sawyer and Ryan were well versed in how to spot and lose a tail.
"Are you up for an adventure, Sophie?" Taylor asked.
"Always!" Sophie bounced in her seat a little.
"Well, first we're getting on a plane, and then we're flying to San Diego – a city in California. It's about three hours flying time. I have DVDs to keep us occupied."
"I'd rather watch the men fish, Daddy," Sophie said, referring to Taylor's love of the fishing show on the sports channel. "Mommy hates watching sports, but I like watching the men fall in the water." Her peals of laughter set Taylor to chuckling also.
"Well, we can watch fishing." Taylor said.
"What are we going to do in San Diggo?" Sophie asked.
"San Dee-aye-go," Taylor corrected her. "I have a suite for us at a hotel on the beach. It has a great kids' activity center. We'll swim until dark, play some games until we're tired and go to bed. Tomorrow morning, we'll get pancakes, and go to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. We'll take a bus tour of the zoo and ride the tram. We'll see the animals, go to the petting zoo, and take lots of pictures with one another. Then we'll have lunch at Balboa Park and visit the Natural History Museum. We'll have dinner – pizza and ice cream – and ride a carousel. Then we'll go to bed. When we get up on Sunday morning – we'll have more pancakes, and go back to the beach. Then we'll check out of the hotel, get back on the plane and fly home."
"But I didn't bring a swimsuit, Daddy," Sophie protested.
"Ah, but Daddy is a Marine – improvise, overcome, adapt! Daddy brought another suitcase for you – with shorts/jeans outfits, pajamas, underwear, socks, shoes, two swim suits, a beach towel, a beach ball, flip flops, sunglasses, sunscreen and strawberry-flavored lip balm. I also brought cards and a new book to read about a girl who makes her own ship and visits fairyland."
"Can I take pictures on your cell phone Daddy?" Sophie asked.
"Yes, I'm hoping you'll teach me how to take selfies," Taylor laughed.
XX
"Are you hungry?" Ana asked, smiling at Christian.
"Very," his eyes raked over her body. She wore white lace panties and a sheer two-tier flounced white ruffle bib apron.
"What would you like for breakfast?" She asked, pouring him a cup of coffee.
"Ruffles," he prowled after her in the kitchen and destroyed her panties…
XX
"What are you doing?" Christian asked, exasperated. "I have a business Skype in five minutes."
"I'm just dusting the new furniture that arrived this week," Ana said. She left the door between their home offices open. He watched her go back and forth with a dusting cloth, bending over the furniture. She had on black stockings, stilettos, a French maid costume…and no panties.
"FUCK!" Christian thought; rearranging himself in his pants. "I have to concentrate…" he tried to counsel his libido…but all he could think about was bending her over her desk and burying himself in her…hard…hot…fast. He raced into her office and bent her over her desk.
"Hey!" She protested. "I'm busy here, Mr. Sex on Legs!"
He applied a dozen slaps to her alabaster ass. "I have to take a meeting, but I'll enjoy watching your pretty pink ass peek at me under that costume." He made it back into his office as the notice for the Skype pinged. Of course; he had to rearrange his pants again. His cock was screaming for release against the zipper of his jeans.
November 12
"Good morning," Christian whispered as he slowly slid into Ana. He planned for slow sex; prolonging her anticipation and his by making them edge a few times before they finished hard, fast and furious.
"Good morning," she whispered back and wrapped her arms around him.
XX
"Shower, breakfast, walk around the property and decide where we're putting the pool, etc. Walk around the meadow and decide where we're putting that running path for you. Lunch, a scene utilizing the new furniture, nap…" Christian suggested. "How about dinner and dancing somewhere?"
"How about a movie and pizza in our family room so we don't have to dress and go anywhere?" Ana countered. "Gail laid in a stock of take and bake pizzas and calzones in addition to sub sandwich makings."
Christian stretched, and put one arm behind his head. "Sounds like a plan. I've been fantasizing about you tied spread-eagle on that extra-large ottoman in the family room."
"I've been fantasizing about you, a foot massage and a long soak in the tub after dark." Ana said,
"I think we can schedule that in before midnight," Christian smirked.
November 13
"Do you have everything, Sophie?" Taylor asked as he unbuckled her from the SUV.
"All ready," she said; launching herself into his arms. Taylor hugged his daughter, and kissed her cheek. "Let's go mermaid," he reached for her suitcase and carried her to Evette's front door. He rang the doorbell. There was no answer. He called and texted Evette's phone; leaving messages he and Sophie were at the front door in case she didn't hear the bell. Evette didn't answer. "Sophie, show Daddy how to take a selfie again, I'm not sure I remember it right." He handed her the phone, and wrapped his arm with his watch around her. "Get lots of us in the picture, okay?" He asked. "Let's do one more…"
"With crazy faces?" She asked.
"With crazy faces," Taylor affirmed. This time, Sophie got both of them, the watch and the house number of the condo.
"Well, your mom's not here yet, maybe she went to pick up dinner. Let's get back in the SUV, where it is warm. I'll park in general parking so your mom has space to park. We can play cards while we're waiting for her," Taylor suggested. Back in the SUV, he texted Evette they were waiting for her at the condo.
At 6:45 a strange car pulled into Evette's driveway. Taylor took pictures of Evette exiting the car and the license plate. He parked the SUV in Evette's driveway when the car left. "Good evening, Evette," he said pleasantly, handing over Sophie's suitcase. "Bye little love. Thank you for the adventure." He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
"Thank you for the adventure Daddy," Sophie hugged him, and then took her mother's hand and disappeared into the condo.
Back in the SUV Taylor sent the pictures of Sophie and his arrival at the condo at 5:45, and then Evette's arrival at 6:45 to his lawyer with a message he attempted to drop his daughter off on time; but her mother wasn't at home. He wasn't about to use his spare key to the condo, and he wasn't about to abandon Sophie in an empty home. If Evette had not arrived by 7; he would have called the police to come to the condo. He would have given them the key and had them check on Evette.
He sent an email to Sawyer, asking him to research a license plate for him. Evette was surprised when Sophie called her last night and told her about the plane, zoo and the ocean. Tonight was just her passive aggressive way to say she was pissed he took Sophie on a little adventure out of Seattle. She could be as pissed as she wanted to be; but his visitation order did not have boundaries about where he could take his daughter, or how they got there. She would not be a happy camper when she opened Sophie's suitcase, full of threadbare and too small clothes which had not been worn during the visit and had not been replaced either. Taylor was taking home the suitcase of clothes Sophie used. She would need them at Spring Break.
XX
"What did you like best about our weekend?" Christian asked Ana just before setting the alarm and dousing the lights.
"Other than the wonderfully relaxing, sexy weekend we had with one another; plus settling into the house and christening a few rooms? Or the erotic spanking last night with the balls, followed by exceptionally hot oral sex? Or being restrained to the ottoman while you gave me a lingering full-body massage?" Ana laughed. "What did you like best?"
"Thursday night…the slow strip on the way to our bedroom…it just set the mood for the weekend," Christian yawned, and pulled Ana into his arms to spoon. "Too bad we're going to Aspen for Thanksgiving…I would have liked to christen more rooms and surfaces in our new home."
November 14
"I told you," Elena snapped. "I'm tired of being hidden away like some dirty secret. I want to see Christian and I want to see him today. Once he knows it was just a joke which got out of hand; he'll bail me out of this mess."
Her lawyer shook his head, trying to get her to shut up before the DA arranged a hit on her in jail.
Delusional much? The DA thought. "Christian Grey can't fix this. Here's a list of the materials recovered from your home. You're in seclusion in jail for your own safety. The general public and inmates won't forget or forgive almost three hundred pictures and videos of you and teenage boys in your dungeon. Additionally, the Washington Attorney General's Office froze your personal bank accounts, credit cards and seized your property. They are in the process of recovering the funds in your offshore account in Belize." He watched as Elena's swagger, her Domme personality, deflated. "I don't know how you plan to pay your attorney," he gestured at him, "but as of this moment, you own nothing, except your own skin and bones…and those will soon be the property of the Washington Department of Corrections. We have depositions from Anastasia Steele Grey, Katherine Kavanagh and Samantha Prescott regarding the kidnapping. It was not a joke which got out of hand. You almost killed Mrs. Grey's close protection officer. If the bullet had lodged two centimeters to the left in her leg, you would have hit her femoral artery, endangering her life."
"I'm not pleading guilty to anything," Elena hissed. "I want my day in court…"
"Enough," the DA interrupted. "We have depositions from Isaac Reynolds and Susannah Martin; you planned to kidnap and sexually torture Anastasia Steele because you are obsessed with her new husband, your old business partner, Christian Grey."
"Elena; we have no guarantee you would win at trial. If you lost, you would be incarcerated for the rest of your life. One count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, two counts of first degree attempted kidnapping…"
"Two counts?" Elena interrupted.
"Two counts, Anastasia Steele Grey and Katherine Kavanagh," the DA explained.
"I had nothing to do with Susannah Martin trying to kidnap Katherine Kavanagh," Elena protested.
"The deposition of the young man you were arrested with stated you promised he could have sex with Katherine Kavanagh. You considered her collateral damage. It's called first degree kidnapping with sexual motivation." The DA announced.
Elena blanched.
"The rest of the charges are attempted murder, 300 counts possession and distribution of child pornography; 50 counts sexual exploitation of a minor; 50 counts enticing a minor; 10 counts providing false identification to a minor; 50 counts contributing to the delinquency of a minor; 50 counts procurement of a person for the purpose of prostitution; and 50 counts intent to promote, encourage or facilitate prostitution." The DA paused. "I will ask for life without parole if you insist on a trial. If you think I'm kidding, here is comprehensive list of the charges. If you think I've over-estimated the appropriate sentence for each charge; here is a copy of the Washington State Adult Sentencing Guide. I suggest you spend the rest of your time this morning listening to your lawyer. Otherwise test your math skills adding up the number of years you could be incarcerated. Now, if you persist in wanting a trial by jury or judge; I have enough evidence to put you away for the rest of your life…and I won't hesitate to use it." The DA handed a copy of the possible charges to Elena's lawyer along with the sentencing guide.
He passed another set of paperwork to her lawyer. "Those are your copies of the no-contact orders for the Grey family, the Steele family, the Kavanagh family, any Grey owned business, any Steele owned business, any Kavanagh owned business, Isaac Reynolds, Susannah Martin, Franco de Luca, any employee or client of the Esclava Salons chain, Sabine Falco, Aedan Keyes and any company owned by Sabine Falco or Aedan Keyes. You are prohibited from contacting any of the victims or families of victims involved in any charge levied against you." He showed her another sheaf of papers. "Copies of these orders which will be provided to the Washington Department of Corrections."
When the DA exited the room; Ames from SCU stopped him. "What are the chances she'd turn witness against Monica Dupree, Laura Carson and Madeleine Porter…with information to disband their Domme dynasties?"
"We have enough information from the forensic analyst who scoured Lincoln's home and business computers, from talking to her staff, and from observing her friends in action. I want all four of those black-hearted bitches behind bars. None of them will be offered immunity or a reduced sentence for becoming a witness." He paused thoughtfully for a minute. "When she signs a plea agreement and is incarcerated; I want to arrest the other three before they liquidate their human inventory, cover their tracks and escape the country. Lincoln has no clue now – but the information we found on her computer is enough to get search warrants for her friends. I intend to let all of them know the business computers at Esclava Salons forged their downfall."
"We have to play nice with Texas, California and Hawaii since the other three have second domiciles there." Ames said.
"Play nice?" The DA chuckled. "I intend to let the three other states beg for first crack at these bimbos. The Washington Attorney General's Office feels like using them for party favors for a while. Do you have an issue with my plan?"
"Not as long as some of the confiscated funds find their way to my department," Ames shrugged.
"The WAG plans to battle the IRS for our share of Elena Lincoln's offshore accounts. We'll charge our man hours to her restitution requirements."
November 16
"Mrs. Grey, Mr. Grey," Taylor interrupted them. "There is someone who wants to speak to you."
Kate spun in her chair and shot eye-daggers at Gia Matteo from their private table. Gia overtly flirted with Sawyer, stroking her neckline in a little black dress which ended mid-bosom and high thigh; while waiting for Taylor to receive permission to let her approach.
"Miss Matteo said she wanted to touch base with you since you were gone on your honeymoon while the work was being done on the house. She wanted to ensure you were pleased with her work. She said the master bedroom suite is stunning. She hopes you will allow her to take pictures of it to use on the company website." Taylor announced.
Christian looked at Ana; who shook her head slightly. Gia Matteo was NOT posting pictures of their master bedroom suite on any website.
"What are the chances her tits will fall out of her dress before she makes it back to her table?" Kate's voice carried the conversation level in the restaurant; a fifty-foot perimeter around their table went silent.
Gia walked away stiffly, grabbed her purse and coat from her own table and exited.
"Kate," Elliott hissed.
"Elliott," Kate toasted him with her glass which was held between her thumb and her fuck-off finger.
"Let's order," Christian suggested, in an effort to diffuse the situation.
"Why don't Kate and I go to the powder room while you order for us?" Ana suggested strongly, and reached for her purse. "Come on Kate – we have Prescott to run interference so the paparazzi don't get pictures of us with our panties down."
"I hate that bitch…" Kate muttered as they left the table. Prescott lead the way to the powder room, ensured it was empty, and secured it from any other guests while Ana and Kate were inside.
"We were done with her company as of November 1," Ana told Kate. "The only work left at the house is placement of furniture, which I'm handling. Christian is coordinating the work on the security suite above the garages with Welch, Taylor and Elliott. Because of tonight's display of poor taste and judgement; Gia's firm will not coordinate the work on the boathouse, pier, pool, pool house or the triplex staff housing when we're ready to begin the process next spring."
November 17
********** Seattle Nooz **********
You heard it here…and you could have heard it at the Columbia Tower Club last night. Drinks had just been served to Christian and Anastasia Grey; Elliott Grey and Katherine Kavanagh when Gia Matteo engaged in serious flirting with their bodyguards. After attention was drawn to Miss Matteo's trashy antics – the bodyguards did not allow Miss Matteo near the table. An exceptionally embarrassed and scantily-dressed Miss Matteo fled. The Grey ladies, Kate and Ana, disappeared to the powder room which was empty and closely guarded.
Isn't there an unspoken double date rule that you talk to your date as much as you talk to the other couple? While Christiana seemed at ease; holding hands and smiling at one another – Elate struggled to maintain a polite public persona. What happened between the Blonde God Grey and his Diamond Girl?' They were definitely cool to one another when they left.
********** Seattle Nooz **********
November 18
"The DA will ask for life without parole if you continue to insist on a jury trial. If the media gets wind of this – there's no way you can spin it fast enough to save yourself. They will vilify you. Your estate has been seized. The salons don't belong to you anymore. It's time to resolve the matter – less notoriety and stress. You will never walk away from these charges Elena and it is sheer stupidity on your part to wish them away. A plea agreement means fewer offenses on your record. When you are free; you will always register as a tier three sex offender."
Elena remained quiet; so he continued. "Elena; a conviction for child pornography in Washington carries some of the harshest penalties in the country. We're talking prison, fines, a criminal record and sex offender registration. We cannot get those 300 pictures and training tapes excluded from the evidence against you. You need to accept a plea agreement which might mean the difference between being a free woman at the end of your life versus being incarcerated until you die. You could have quality of life after you are paroled. I took my fees from the loose diamonds you entrusted to me for safekeeping. I will keep you in commissary funds and packages each month. What you don't spend in prison will be your nest egg when you are released."
"I've decided to accept the plea agreement," Elena said despondently. "I believed Christian would come to his senses and attempt to protect me in order to protect himself. I don't understand where my pictures of him went. He must have paid the police or the DA to destroy anything connected to him."
"Comments like that wreck your credibility and make you look like a crazed stalker," her lawyer thought. He didn't dare voice his opinion to her face…it would be her next line of defense. Instead he rose and walked to the door of the interrogation room. "Tell the DA; Mrs. Lincoln is ready to sign the plea agreement." He announced to the guard.
XX
"Toes on the line, eyes straight ahead, mouth closed! You will be segregated during your intake period," the warden informed Elena. "Once you complete the intake process you will be assigned housing. I'll tell you now, to get you prepared; you'll be in a segregated unit, close custody. Every move you make will be monitored. The first time you engage in a fight, it's thirty days in solitary confinement. The second time, you will be moved to maximum security. Believe me when I say living in maximum security for the remainder of your 25 to life sentence will not be pleasant. The third time I have trouble with you – I'll have you transferred out of state to a supermax federal prison. If you think I'm bluffing – think again. The feds already want you and the monies in your offshore account."
She flipped open Elena's jacket and noted the plethora of no contact orders. "Your visitors, phone calls and written communications will be strictly monitored. Your movement in the prison will be strictly curtailed. If you have a problem with these rules; consult your lawyer."
XX
The DA visited Isaac at the Post Alley Esclava Salon. He was pleased to note the cleanliness of the salon, the friendliness of the staff, the drastic slash of prices for services, and the degree of Isaac's dedication to scheduling, books and paperwork for the salon.
"Lincoln accepted a plea agreement; twenty-five years to life with the possibility of parole. She will serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before she is eligible for parole. If she gets parole – she has to register as a tier three sex offender. If she tries to appeal her plea agreement; the DA has enough evidence to keep her behind bars for the rest of her life."
"Martin pled guilty to two counts of attempted kidnapping instead of first degree attempted kidnapping with a firearm. She received a minimum sentence because she agreed to testify against Lincoln if needed in the future. Her deposition helped the DA solidify Lincoln's case. After Martin completes a four-six week intake period at Washington Correctional Center for Women at Gig Harbor; she will be transferred to Pocatello Women's Correctional Center in Idaho so she can be closer to her family. She received a ten year sentence with a minimum of seven years served."
"Is she safe at Gig Harbor since Elena is there now also?" Isaac asked.
"They are both sequestered. but in two different wings. They won't bump into each other at meal times, yard time or shower time." The DA assured him.
"Your house arrest is arrest is over October 1, 2012. You will need to keep me apprised of your contact information in case I need to contact you. I doubt Elena will appeal her plea agreement; but you never know," the DA told Isaac. "Additionally; the courts issued a no-contact order for both ladies. The minute either one of them attempt to contact you, let your lawyer know." The DA handed Isaac the paperwork.
Saturday, November 19
"What's the next step for her?" Grace asked Carrick.
"Since she finally took the plea agreement the DA offered, she will be sent to the Washington Corrections Center for Women at Gig Harbor. Female offenders spend four-six weeks undergoing intake procedures. She gets printed, photographed and buccal swabbed for the DNA prisoner database. She receives orientation. She has to complete visitor application forms for anyone she approves as a visitor. The visitors are screened before the system approves them. She gets medical, mental health, dental and hearing examinations. During her physical exam she receives HIV tests, TB tests, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis C, STD screening and any other tests for contagious diseases. She will also be tested for dependency issues – alcohol and drugs. The psychiatric assessments are designed to identify concerns regarding suicide, victimization, violence, PTSD and psychiatric diagnosis. She probably won't receive an educational assessment for a long time."
"Then what happens?" Grace asked.
"Based on her sentence and her evaluations, she will be classified as minimum, medium, close or maximum custody. I anticipate she will receive maximum custody assignments – but the warden can opt for close custody. Close means she goes nowhere in the prison without a guard closely monitoring her and maximum means she's in a cell for 23 hours a day. Her behavior will determine her living assignment."
Grace sighed.
"Part of her plea agreement is a long list of no-contact orders. Plus she has no contact with charities which serve underprivileged youth. All of her assets have been seized and will be auctioned. The funds recovered in Washington will be split between the Washington Attorney General's Office, the Seattle Police Department and the Washington Department of Corrections. The offshore account will belong to the USAG and the IRS. When she is released from prison, she will register as a tier three sex offender."
"How long?" Grace swallowed.
'Twenty-five years; minimum," Carrick said. "Her sentence is 25-life; she has to serve 25 years before she is eligible for parole. She'll be 79 before she is a free woman again."
Grace sighed. "I owe her a big thank you for the life lesson being aware of my 'friends' and their motives. I also owe her broken fingers for touching my son."
"That will never happen," Carrick said.
"I know that; I plan to live vicariously through Ana punching her in the mouth and my stitching her up sans painkillers." Grace said. "Plus knowing I will never step foot it an Esclava Salon again in my life."
"God you're tough…" Carrick said, pushing her down onto the bed. "I think you need champagne, a good gourmet dinner, and some new diamonds to celebrate the incarceration of Elena Lincoln."
"I think you should kiss me senseless and take my mind away," Grace smiled at Carrick.
"Before I do, Christian invited everyone to Aspen for Thanksgiving. Anyone who wants to go to Aspen needs to be at Christian's private hangar at Boeing Field by nine a.m. on Wednesday morning." Carrick said.
Grace didn't know it; but Carrick was keeping track of Elena's movements in the WDOC. As soon as he heard she accepted the plea agreement; he purchased a yearly subscription of the Sunday Seattle Times to be delivered to her in prison. She needed to keep up on the society events she would miss for the next quarter of a century. It was well worth the $200 a year he would pay to make her life a misery on a weekly basis.
