Hey everyone and welcome to the next chapter of Love Hurts!
I'm very excited to bring you this chapter as it is the bench marked 10th chapter of the story (and the 61st in the series, big yay!). This is what I call the end of Act I. Act II will begin in the next chapter, and let me tell you if you thought T.E. was evil before…wait for Act II!
So just a few quick responses.
Elle.C- I'm glad you liked the necklace, it was a nice little token wasn't it? Yes Ms Newman was lucky wasn't she? I am glad the case is over, there is so much more to cover. Yes Debbie now knows! It's all very interesting. I like your prediction of T.E. I can't reveal anything naturally, but I like your theory behind it!
MDexter2010- Thank you mdexter! I love that you are loving the story and yay thanks for the big thumbs-up for the T.E. moments, they will continue! I think Jay just doesn't want to concern Andy at this point, but of course he doesn't know what Andy's hiding either so it's all very exciting! I'm glad you can't wait for the hearing because this is that chapter! The whole chapter is devoted to the hearing, but for the verdict, you'll have to wait till next week (you know me, hehehe). Interesting theory on the character, do you think that character is T.E. or on Team T.E. maybe? I'd love to know more. Thanks MDexter, it's comments like those that really brighten my day.
Jason.S. – Yes Andy has run into Kenneth before intriguing isn't it? Jenny's response was harsh, but it's understandable considering what she's going through. I'm glad you liked the Debbie story-line, yes a lot of people wanted to see more of her and T.E. was ready to make just that happen. Yes I do believe Mel was being genuine with Jay about having his own opinion. She's his friend and wants him to be honest. T.E. is creepy isn't he/she/it? (hehe I need to work on my not using he/she, don't I? lol). But trust me they'll crank it up in act 2! Thanks again.
Ok Guys, time for the hearing…enjoy.
Love Hurts.
CHAPTER TEN – The Hearing.
The next morning Andy couldn't help but look out the window as he stepped out of the shower. The weather seemed to accurately reflect the outlook of the day. Darkened clouds and a light spackling of rain could be seen as Andy began to get dressed.
Just then the phone rang and Andy, fearing it would wake up Mel raced to answer it.
"Hello?" he enquired.
"Morning son," Micah replied cheerily.
"Hey Papa!" Andy said excited.
The pair had not spoken since Micah came down for Jay's birthday and Andy had felt terrible about it.
"How's things?"
"Well," his Papa began. "Things are great actually. Everyone aside from Emmett seems to be with you at the moment, so I'm not really bumping into anyone. I heard B stayed down there too."
"Yeah," Andy replied putting the phone on speaker and getting dressed as he spoke. "He stayed. He's been good actually Papa, seems to have turned over a new leaf too."
"Well that's good to hear," his Papa replied. "I was worried, you know, being B and all. So ready for the big day?"
Andy thought about it. In all honesty he was not at all ready for the day that lay out ahead of him. Linds' parole hearing had not been something he was looking forward to at all. Yes he understood why Mel would want Linds released and indeed he was not scared that she would go back to her old ways, but at the same time he couldn't help but think that, that had something to do with the fact that he hadn't seen Linds since she went into the sanatorium.
Also he had Rick's case on his mind. How was he going to get this guy out of jail? And assuming he even could, what would that do for everyone including Jay? It was one thing for Andy to be happy for Linds to be released, but he didn't think Jay would be thrilled to know that he had not only been visiting Rick but also promising him he would be a part of his legal team.
And what about that message that T.E. had sent him?
Friend or foe, he knew T.E. wouldn't send him any information without wanting something in return and last night was the first night he had spent apart from his boyfriend since Jay's release from New Haven Hospital. It would have been almost too easy for T.E. to capture Jay and have the whole warehouse; cycle 2 point 0 come back into reality.
Trying very hard not to think of all of this Andy took a deep breath.
"Yeah," he replied. "But I'm tossing up with what to do. I think I want her released. I mean I know Mel would like to see her released. But at the moment I'm starting to think that she's the only one."
"Really?" Micah asked. "What does Jay think?"
"Jay's totally against it," Andy said simply, taking out the necklace his boyfriend had given him and putting it on. "I mean I can understand why of course, but he hasn't even considered anything. He just sort of stuck to his guns. What would you do?"
Andy heard his Papa draw out a long breath.
"Honestly Andy, I don't know," he replied. "I guess I'm just lucky that I'm not in that position."
"Yeah, you know it," Andy replied.
"You'll work out what to do," his Papa replied as Andy heard the unmistakable sound of his favourite show's theme song in the background.
"Watching that show again?" Andy asked skeptically.
"No," Micah replied sounding embarrassed. "It's my new message tone, sorry."
"Oh," Andy answered not knowing what else to say. "Get it, it could be important."
Micah thanked his son for letting him and seemed to be doing just that as Andy took a look at himself in the mirror. He was happy with the way that he looked. He'd just need to add his tie and suit jacket and he'd be ready to go. He had no idea how everyone else was going to dress but his mother had always told him when you go out, you don't represent others, you represent yourself and Andy wanted to look professional for the occasion.
"Ah son," A clearly distracted Micah said at last. "I…have to…go."
"Oh," Andy replied, surprised at the sudden end to the conversation. "No problems dad. I'll talk to you later."
"Ok son, bye," Micah quickly replied before hanging up the phone.
"*"
Jay poured the remainder of the coffee from the dripolator and walked over to the table taking a seat opposite his mother who was nursing her own and watching the news on TV. As soon as she saw her son she grabbed the remote and turned it off.
"Don't turn it off on my account," Jay said sincerely.
"Oh don't worry about that son," she replied. "So, how are you feeling today?"
"Tired," Jay confessed. "I didn't sleep well at all last night."
Jenny reached out and squeezed her son's hand comfortingly. She knew this was going to be a very long day for the both of them and from what Jay had told her last night, even Andy seemed to be going against his boyfriend.
"Has Andy called?" she asked kindly.
"Nah," Jay replied. "We'll probably talk at the hearing."
Jenny nodded and took another sip from her coffee.
"You know this whole thing just sucks!" Jay blurted out.
Jenny said nothing letting her son continue.
"How dare they let her have a hearing after 12 months?!" he demanded. "Does PTSD count for nothing?"
"You could bring that up at the hearing," Jenny said softly.
"Don't think I won't!" Jay cried.
Jenny hesitated before bringing up the next thing. She would have said something last night, but it was just not the right time for it. But if she didn't bring it up now they would have no contingency plan whatsoever.
"What do you think you'll do if she gets released?" she asked tentatively.
"If she gets released, I swear, I'm out of here!" Jay replied hastily.
"That makes two of us," Jenny replied kindly.
"I mean what kind of justice would that be?!" Jay again demanded now standing with coffee in hand that spilled a little over the edge as he rose.
"The woman creates an evil army," he continued. "Sets them lose to torture us in all different ways. One man dies because of it; I wound up in a coma and what about her damn wife! Thank god she has a promotion coming up at work."
"She does?" Jenny enquired, this being the first she'd heard of it.
"Apparently," Jay sighed. "I mean that's what she said."
"Don't know how she's going to have the time if that bitch is released," Jenny mumbled.
Jay smiled sitting back down.
"You know," she continued. "If she is released you could…move back home. I've got the room what with Margaret having moved out now."
"Margaret moved out?!" Jay asked, having no idea.
In truth, the pair hadn't talked about his younger sister in years. Though he had seen her once or twice at Christmas, he didn't really know much else about her goings on.
"Oh yeah," Jenny said recalling as she got up to put on another pot of coffee which clearly they were going to be in need of soon. "She met this guy, some Italian I can't remember his name…"
"And yet you could rattle the list of my boyfriends off in a matter of moments," Jay mumbled.
But Jenny heard him.
"Hey!" she replied whacking him lightly on the shoulder. "That's because your boyfriends were…interesting."
"Uh-huh," Jay replied in disbelief. "Interesting suits B to a T."
"Hey, at least you mixed it up," she answered. "Bitchy, to whiny to well… I actually like Andy!"
That made Jay smile as he walked over to his mom and hugged her.
"So do I mom," he said smiling. "So do I."
"*"
As the 2nd person to give a statement Lauren had been fretting all morning. She had decided to take the entire day off today and had phoned ahead to Rein who was glad to take over as acting manager even if it was for a day.
"What about this one?" she asked racing downstairs to find Palmer who had spent the night for the first time last night.
She was now wearing a dress that her mother would absolutely approve of, an all black dress with very thick straps that in every way screamed professional.
"Yeah that looks fine," Palmer said peering up from the paper he was reading.
Palmer had also taken the day off work to be with Lauren for the hearing, but as this was now the 5th outfit she was showing him, he was almost begging to regret that decision.
"Fine?" Lauren enquired sounding quite offended. "Ooooh now I need to change."
"No you don't," Palmer said almost too quickly jumping up from the couch. "As I said it's fine. You look good."
"Fine? Good?!" Lauren cried as though this was the most offensive thing he could have said.
"Fine and good doesn't pass for an important day like this! I'm going back upstairs."
As she walked back up Palmer distinctly heard her mumble something like: wonder if they'll accept an absentee statement under her breath.
Knowing there was no way they would get out of there on time if he didn't, Palmer raced up the stairs following her. He cursed himself for the chosen words he'd used to describe her outfit and promised himself he would give nothing but very high praise for the next one. Even if she came out in a tweed suit which he knew she would never do.
"So," he started arriving in her room, then stopped as a light floral cardigan whacked him in the face.
Removing it he placed it onto the bed and watched in amazement as dress after dress was seemingly removed from their respective hanger and chucked out into the room.
"Ah," he started again. "How are we feeling about the hearing?"
It may have been a tentative tone that he'd used, however her reply was anything but.
"I don't know how you're feeling," she replied. "But I'm… I don't know…Urgh! Stupid brown skirt phase, why I ever thought they were a good idea!"
Palmer ducked as a brown pencil skirt whizzed past him and landed among the unsorted clothes that had somehow made it to the bed.
"Well I'm more concerned about you babe," he said noting a pair of black pants fly out to join the rest.
"I mean I know you've had 4 cups of coffee already, but I'm guessing Hurricane Lauren's-Clothes doesn't make an appearance every day," he chuckled slightly picking up some of the clothes that had fallen to the floor and putting them on the bed.
"I'm sorry sweetie," Lauren called out from the closet. "I know this isn't normal, but today is an important day. I mean…Grey dress? When did I buy this?"
The offending dress found itself befalling the fate of all the others, but this time prepared, Palmer caught it and placed it onto the bed.
"I just want…to look…normal," Lauren finished as Palmer heard the unmistakable sound of hangers being pushed back in her search. "I mean I have fun outfits, mom approved outfits and 'I have an appointment at Rein's school' outfits, but hearing outfits?! Why didn't I go shopping?"
But that was enough. Palmer boldly stepped into the closet and quickly looked around. He found a very nice white formal blouse with the tiniest bit of lace at the top and then found a black skirt that looked very professional indeed.
"Ok you," he said walking towards her. "Out and try this on."
Lauren was taken a little aback by the man's instructions. He wasn't being rude or anything, but he had never stepped in like this. She noticed the blouse and skirt and instantly smiled.
"You're not moving," he said quickly.
Lauren bustled out of the closet to change while Palmer scanned the many shoes she had. Indeed Lauren could easily open her own shoe store, she owned that many pairs. Flats, heels, stilettos and even platforms which he couldn't help but admire making a mental note to bring up one day.
Grabbing a pair of black heels he took them out to her just as she did up the last button on the blouse and handed them to her.
"Aaaaand," he dragged out darting back into the closet to pull out a very light black suit jacket before racing back to her. "This."
By now everything else was on and Lauren, with Palmer's help slipped on the jacket and looking in the mirror smiled.
"Wow," she said without being able to help it. "Where were you when my mother threw my coming out party?"
Lauren recalled the hideous dress her mother had picked out and involuntarily shuddered. Putting on some more lip gloss she smiled once again at her reflection.
"It's going to be a long day," she sighed. "Sure you can handle it?"
Palmer smiled.
"With you there," he replied. "I can handle anything."
As the pair made their way down the stairs so that Lauren could grab her keys and bag, Palmer questioned her again about the hearing.
"So, decided what you're going to say yet?" he asked casually.
They had discussed the hearing for quite a while the night before, but by the time they went up to bed Lauren had still not decided what she wanted to do.
"It's ever-changing," she replied throwing a white scarf around her neck. "Some moments I'm thinking yes and other moments I'm thinking no. It's so confusing."
"Well," Palmer replied. "Whatever you say, I'll be there smiling up at you."
Lauren couldn't help but smile to that. She had gotten so lucky to find Palmer and expressed her thoughts right away kissing him.
"How'd I get so lucky to find you?" she asked.
"Rein," the man replied shrugging.
Lauren casually whacked him with her purse.
"You were supposed to say I don't know babe, how was I so lucky to find you?"
She smiled and quickly kissed him once again, before opening the front door and heading out.
"*"
As they pulled up to the small courthouse Andy looked to Mel and smiled squeezing her hand lightly.
"You ready?" he asked.
Mel turned off the engine and looked back at him.
"Will I ever be?" she replied.
Andy blinked as the flash of a camera temporarily blinded him and he looked out to see photographers from the media coming closer to the car.
"The media are here?" Andy questioned.
Though more to himself, Mel had picked up on what he had said.
"Yeah," she replied. "It's public domain."
"Friggen freedom of the press," Andy grunted. "Why can't they just get a life?"
Mel smiled appreciating her friend's jab and looked at him.
"You ready?" she asked, mirroring the same question back at him.
"Yeah, I'm ready," he replied. "C'mon Mel, the sooner we get out of the car, the sooner we can get in there and start this thing."
Mel inhaled slowly and then exhaled quickly as if preparing herself for what was to happen. Andy went to open the door, but Mel stopped him.
"Andy?" she asked.
"Hmmm?" Andy replied turning back around to face her as another photographer took a moment to snap a candid shot.
"I just want you to know, no matter what happens in there; who says or does whatever; your friendship means the world to me. So please, when you get up there as much as I know you will, don't think about me. Think about what is best for you."
Andy frowned. Was Mel practically trying to tell him to request denial of bail? Surely that was not what she was saying. Was it?
But before he could even answer he noticed that Mel had opened the driver's door preparing to step out of the car and Andy hastened himself to get out. Who knew what these vultures were going to bombard her with, thank god he had come with her.
"Ms Marcus, Ms Marcus!" the sea of reporters seemed to chorus.
"Ms Marcus, Sydnie Bloom, New Haven Jazz radio, how do you feel about today's parole?" a tall blonde woman asked talking into a microphone before pressing it to Mel's mouth.
"I feel confident that we will get a good verdict," she said. "Linds has committed a terrible crime but she has paid for it and now it's time for her to come home."
Andy was about to rescue Mel by bustling through the sea of reporters with the standard 'no comment' response. But seeing her now acting quite authoritatively in control, had him wondering if maybe she actually did want to address them.
"Mr Thompson, Mr Thompson!" came a whole other bunch of reporters who crossed the busy road to get to him as Mel had parked across from the place.
"Mr Thompson, Mona Turskin - New Haven Power Radio, how are you feeling about giving testimony today?" A shorter much younger woman then the one who had approached Mel asked.
"Yes hello Ms Turskin,"Andy replied, remembering his Aunt Deb telling him about their review of his Newman trial. "I love your station might I add, thanks for the praise on my last case."
Mona had not expected that at all and seemed to blink a few times as he continued.
"As for today, I am looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say. We've all been through different experiences of course but I'm sure either way that justice will out." He finished now seeing Mel start to cross the road and so he followed.
"Mr Thompson, Gregory Smythe – Channel 71 Pittsburg News," A Tall thin man had announced making his way through the crowd and shoving Mona aside.
Andy barely had time to register that this man had travelled from out of state before he plowed on.
"Any comment on the picket line that seems to be forming at the entrance?" he asked.
Andy looked over the swarm of media that seemed to be buzzing around him as he noticed Mel race inside leaving him alone with them.
"Two, four, six, eight – keep the murderer behind the gate! Two, four, six, eight – don't let evil now escape!" said a picketed line of people who were marching in a circle surrounding the entrance.
Andy should have expected this to be the case. Despite thinking it would be a quick and easy trial, he had forgotten how much attention team-evil had received after they were arrested as well as all through the trial. And having elected to not watch any news at all this week had kept him in the dark of how much attention the parole hearing had received.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the press," Andy said loudly to be heard over the line of people who, now noticing the media were, if possible, chanting even louder. "I thank you for your time and patience and while I respect the right of those to picket when needed and yours of being here I ask that you give us all time to get through this tough day. I will be available for questions afterwards if needed, but for now again, thank you for your support on this very tough day."
The interviewers and camera men alike smiled up at Andy, though whether in support or merely for the fact that he'd made a statement he had no idea.
"And now if you'll excuse me, thank you again," Andy finished as he made his way through the flashing cameras and past the picket line which had left no way to walk around.
As he got to the entrance he noticed Lauren making her way to him.
"No I don't!" she was yelling holding Palmer's hand as she pulled him through the crowd. "No comment, back off you vultures!"
As she approached, Andy stepped aside to let her pass and then followed them as they proceeded towards the room where Linds' fate would be decided.
The long day, Andy realized, had only just begun.
"*"
"Uh," A woman with a black bob styled hair cut and grey suit jacket with pencil skirt began, stepping out into the hall. "Could I have…"
She looked back down to the clipboard she held scanning through the names.
"Melanie, Lauren, Andy, Jenny and Jay please," she finished as the 5 of them rose in unison. "This way please."
She led them into the room where the hearing would take place and 4 of them save for Mel gaped at the sight of it. Walls divided into 2 colors the top part pink and the bottom part white. A bench seated at the front of the room had 4 visible microphones and everyone could tell that this was where the judges would be seated once they arrived. Andy had just enough time to notice the table also equipped with a microphone that was stationed in front of a make shift wooden fence which barricaded where the gallery would sit, as the woman continued.
"I'm Mary," she said curtly. "Now then, you 5 are going to be giving testimonies today correct?"
"Yes," Andy replied while everyone else nodded.
"Excellent," Mary continued. "Ok then…"
She pushed through the swinging doors that separated the fence allowing access for members of the gallery to push through when needed.
"Melanie, you'll sit here," she continued pointing to the chair at the front right of centre where a gap was made to allow people to walk.
Melanie wordlessly obeyed.
"Ah Jay?" she enquired and the boy raised his hand.
"You'll sit here right behind Mel," she advised as he moved to take the seat there.
"Lauren?" she asked next. "Behind Jay."
"Jenny," she continued looking at the remaining woman. "Behind Lauren."
"And Andy?"
"Yes?" he enquired, not really understanding the seating at all. "You'll be-"
"Behind Jenny?" he asked knowing he was right.
"Yes, right here," Mary finished pointing to the chair Andy had already worked out was his.
"Sorry," Jenny asked turning Mary's attention towards her. "Can I just ask why we're seated like this? I mean I just thought we'd be seated together?"
"Oh," Mary replied. "No this is the usual seating. It allows for easy access to get to the table and also ensures no talking between those giving testimonies during the proceedings."
"Um sorry," Lauren interrupted. "I have someone here who came with me for moral support can he-?"
But Mary cut her off.
"Anyone who is not testifying can be seated with you," she replied curtly. "I can call them in if you need."
"Oh yes please," Lauren replied. "His name is Palmer."
"No problems," Mary replied. "Now, the seat you are in from front to back is the order you will be testifying in. Andy you'll be the last to testify and Mel you'll be first."
No one said anything to this, though it did seem to make more sense than her earlier explanation as to why they were seated as they were.
"You will come forward when you are called," she continued. "The judges will ask you some questions and then you will be dismissed. If you would like to leave once you have finished you may, otherwise you can kindly return to your assigned seats."
Everyone nodded showing they understood.
"Sorry to ask this," Lauren asked quickly before she forgot. "But can we have our cell phones on during the hearing? My daughter is taking over for me at work today and just in case she needs me I told her she could text."
"You may have your phones on vibrate," the lady continued. "But we ask that you do not take calls, check messages or respond while you're being questioned as it is considered rude. Any other questions?"
Lauren smiled, but no one else said anything so Mary excused herself to find Palmer. Andy had come with Mel and Jenny with Jay, so they had no one to be brought in for them.
All 5 sat quietly waiting for whatever would happen next.
Not too much later Mary came back with Palmer, Carmita, B, Debbie and Emmett, which surprised everyone as none of the others save for Palmer had even been requested. But bustling over to Andy, Carmita quickly explained.
"We told her we were your moral support," she rushed. "Just play along."
Andy forced a smile. He loved his friend, but in truth, considering how nervous he already was, he would have proffered if an absolute stranger sat next to him.
"*"
The next thing everyone knew, what must have been the entire swarm of people out in the hall had made their way inside and a once quiet and foreboding room was now filled with loud chatter. Seats filled very quickly and once they were anyone else who wanted entry seemed to be denied.
"Roger," Mary could be heard saying through a walkie talkie near Andy. "We're at seating capacity. No other general admission please."
"Roger that," a man's voice could be heard saying.
"Ok everyone!" Mary called out, calling a silence to the room as everyone went quiet.
Andy looked down his row to see that Zandra, Carmita's manager was now seated next to her and next to Zandra sat a woman that Andy had met only once before but he recognized her instantly, it was Linds' mother Carol. In front of him sat Jenny with his Aunt Deb now seated next to her. He could also make out Lauren who was seated next to Palmer, but couldn't see Jay let alone Mel.
"While the hearing is in session I'll ask you all to remain as quiet as possible," Mary continued. "The media will file in shortly but they will be kept behind you, please do not make contact with them during the hearing and they will not approach you."
She quieted down herself as the media filed in and everyone could easily see that they were being instructed not to cross a particular line.
Meanwhile in the front row Mel was getting really nervous. She knew, now that the media had filed in, that the judges wouldn't be too far behind. Emmett who was seated next to her not surprisingly in a white turtle neck and black silk scarf gave her hand a squeeze.
"It's going to be ok Melly," he said. "You just tell them what you want, I'm sure it'll be over before we know it."
Mel simply smiled at him having neither the ability to construct a sentence nor the ability to speak at that moment.
Whether it would be over before they knew it or not remained to be seen, but it was certainly starting sooner than she thought as just then she noticed the judges take their seats up at the bench.
"Welcome everyone to this very serious matter," an aging and yet clearly sour natured man who sat on the far left of the bench had said. "My name is Judge Thomas. To my right is the honorable Judge Matthers…"
A woman with long blonde hair pulled back in a headband smiled down at everyone and waved briefly. "To her left is Judge Sims…"
A younger man with light brown hair smiled broadly but did not wave.
"And to his left is Judge Owens," Judge Thomas concluded while a woman with short brown hair and glasses nodded curtly.
"The purpose of this hearing is to determine if Ms Lindsay Peters is to be released back into society," the judge continued.
Mel glared up at him.
He might as well have said it was to determine if a killer could be trusted. She knew release was the proper term, but hearing it from this snarling man almost sounded like he was pondering if an animal should be released onto the unsuspecting citizens of New Haven.
"We will hear from the 5 people here to give testimony and then my fellow judges and I will convene in chambers to discuss the matter," he continued.
Just then Mel felt her phone vibrate and quickly took it out of her pocket. Not able to ignore it quick as lightening she unlocked it and read a new message that had come up.
Maybe it was encouraging words coming from Linds, she thought.
But no such luck.
There displayed quite boldly on her phone sat a very strong message.
Good luck, it read. Considering you're the only one who actually wants her released, don't stuff it up. No pressure - T.E.
"We have been provided…" Judge Thomas continued as Mel switched off her phone and glanced around for any signs of someone that could have sent the nasty message.
She handed Emmett her phone wordlessly asking if he would hang onto it and with a smile he took it from her.
"All relevant medical documentation as well as everything the sanatorium has and will take that into consideration privately, so we need only to hear the personal thoughts from those who are testifying." The Judge finished.
By now Mel was shaking. Consider it privately? She thought anxiously.
God only knew what this man's thoughts on her records would be.
But before she had time to consider it any further, Judge Thomas continued.
"Could Melanie Marcus please come forward," he said boldly.
"*"
"My soul has felt lost for a very long time," Mel started looking up at the judges emotionally. "I finally realized the reason for this was because I was missing Linds. The past year has been a long one and I have been through many changes myself, but still that part of me that always felt connected to this world wasn't there. That was until I started seeing Linds again at the sanatorium."
The gallery was hanging on every word as Mel continued.
"I know you've seen the files and reports on her from the sanatorium, but I feel like I have seen more since being in her presence," Mel continued. "I've seen my ex go from a screwed up version of what I once knew, to one more than I could ever dream for. I want to bring my ex home and be with her once more. Please…let her come back to me."
Judge Thomas leaned over towards his microphone.
"Isn't it true that Ms Peters tied you up and almost had you sawed in half?" he asked though it sounded more like a demand.
"I can't say for a fact if she was the one that had tied me up," Mel replied. "But she was the one that authorized everything yes."
"And you still want her released?" he asked glaring down at her like she were mad.
"Yes," Mel replied. "Linds may have made some really bad choices, but she has more than made up for them."
"Ms Marcus," Judge Owens asked looking down at Mel through her glasses in quite a demeaning way. "Can you honestly say you are not scared of her?"
"Yes," Mel replied trying her damndest not to yell at the woman. "The woman in that hospital now is not the woman who tortured us all 12 months ago."
The judges seemed to be considering her words and so Mel closed her mouth not wanting to say anything else lest she change their view of how much she wanted her ex released.
"I see here that you are to assume custody is that correct?" Judge Sims finally asked.
"Yes," Mel replied. "I am willing to take full-responsibility for her, she will live with me and I will do everything that this court requires to ensure her successful rehabilitation back into society."
Jay's mouth had dropped open, but for how long he had no idea as he simply stared at the back of Mel's head. Just then his phone vibrated and he took it out. Very much needing to be distracted from all that Mel had been saying, he looked down to see another message from an unknown number it said.
If only the judges could see what I've seen, don't say I don't give you anything. Click attachment – T.E.
Jay hastily clicked the attachment to see a picture of Carmita's manager lying next to Mel in a bedroom that Jay did not recognize, her arms around Mel quite comfortably.
Jay was shocked, but had no time to even react as he heard Lauren's name be called out.
What was Mel doing sleeping with Carmita's manager? Jay wondered as he looked up to see Lauren approaching the table, noticing that Mel had already taken her seat.
"*"
"I was so confused for so long," Lauren had started. "Who was this woman? And why was she doing this to us? It's hard not to think back to everything that happened at the warehouse and when I do, I remember her telling me and the other 'out of towners' as she had put it needing to forgive her as she didn't know how much fun we would all have. It was like we were her animals and she was our master and there was nothing we could do could change that."
She looked down at the table before continuing.
"Lindsay's acts haunted all of us for a very long time, but she haunted us all in different ways. Not just by the physical acts of what she had done, but more I think, by the mental acts she had committed." Lauren went on. "I remember sitting back and watching how people were coping. Some of us were struggling more than others, even to this day. Others seemed to lap up everything and go on talk shows as though it were nothing but a stepping stone to fame."
Andy chanced a glance at Carmita who blushed furiously. He had no idea why Lauren was mentioning what Carmita had done. Yes no one else seemed to understand her reasons for wanting to go on talk shows and make everything public, but he knew there was no way he would have brought that up.
"For me however," Lauren went on. "My biggest concern was for my daughter. You never know how hard it is to deal with something a child has gone through until you have children, but to have it happen to my own daughter was tougher than anything else."
Jenny fought back tears but looked up at Lauren smiling. Thank god someone is telling it like it is she thought.
But no sooner had that thought crossed her mind when her purse started to vibrate. Taking out her phone she noticed it was a text from an unknown number.
Just when you thought Lauren was on your side it said. Wait for it – T.E.
Not knowing who T.E. was Jenny's thoughts were more focused on what they were saying and no sooner had she began to process the words she looked up as she heard Lauren's speech change.
"But then I saw how happy Mel was," Lauren said smiling. "And just hearing how much she had changed made me smile, made me believe, that yes people can change. Do I live in fear of Linds? No I do not. Do I think she'll come out and start attacking everyone? No. So I ask on this very important day, that you let her go. Let her be free. Doesn't the law say Judge not, lest ye be judged?"
"That's the bible!" Judge Thomas barked.
"Thank you Lauren," Judge Matthers chimed in. "We'll deliberate, one moment."
Lauren turned around looking at the gallery and spotted the man she had brought for moral support who beamed up at her and she couldn't help but smile back. She caught Mel's eye's next and noticed she was tearing up. Emmett had handed her a hanky and she was wiping away the flowing tears.
"Lauren?" Judge Matthers called as the woman whirled around to face her once more. "We've of course gone over the details of your involvement in this case, is it true that you only wound up at the warehouse because you were helping a friend who had lost his boyfriend?"
Lauren blinked several times, surprised by the way the question had been worded.
"I wasn't just there for him," Lauren replied. "I was also there for the boyfriend we're all good friends and I didn't even give it a second thought."
"Seems to me like your judgement could be called into question," Judge Thomas replied snarling.
"Seems to me," interrupted Judge Owens. "That we should be questioning you about your relationship with said boyfriend. It is odd that you went to his rescue considering you had many issues with him before this went down isn't that right Lauren?"
Lauren gaped at the woman over her petulance.
"How?" she asked. "How did you know that?"
"We received an anonymous email," she replied curtly. "So is it true that you had issues with the boyfriend?"
"I did," Lauren replied. "But we dealt with all of that before this went down."
"I see," Judge Owens replied nastily, not seeming as though she did see at all.
"Lauren you spoke of your daughter earlier, is this Rein you speak of?" Judge Matthers asked kindly steering the conversation away.
"Yes," Lauren replied. "That's her."
"You said you don't fear Linds coming out, but what about Rein do you have fears for her?"
"Linds was an evil person, but she never actually did anything to my daughter, physically anyway. I've spoken to her about it and she has told me a few times that she won't mind if Lindsay is released."
By now Jenny had gone back to staring down at her phone contemplating the text she had received, when another came through below it.
That's 2 for release and with 3 more to go only 1 more needs to say yes and your boy will be in danger. My, my, good luck Jenny – T.E.
Jenny switched her phone off in anger. Who the hell was this bitch that kept texting her?
"Can you hold this for me?" She asked Debbie kindly.
"Too many people trying to reach you?" Debbie smiled back as kindly.
"Something like that, yeah," Jenny replied.
"*"
"Life is full of surprises and as a mother I know this to be very, very true," Jenny started having now begun her speech to the judges. "The people we love can betray us; people we think are soft and kind can turn out to be violent and even those who we feel have our best interests at heart can turn on us in a fleeting minute."
The judges all leaned in to listen to the softly spoken, yet determined woman.
"But keeping secrets seems to be the most powerful evil of all," she continued. "When we were all trapped in the throne room and Lindsay had begun to boast about how she had pulled off such an evil feat, she said something that has always stuck with me. She said 'some people think a little secret here and there is a good thing. But nothing compares to being kept in the dark over and over again.'"
Judge Matthers seemed to be hastily writing something down, though not knowing what Jenny plowed on.
"It's not just New Haven that keep secrets though," she continued. "Everyone does whether for good reasons or bad. I'll never know what secrets were powerful enough to drive Lindsay over the edge but I think the lesson we can learn from all of this is to be open and honest, especially with those we hold dear."
It was hard not to notice the smile on Judge Matthers and Judge Sims' faces, clearly they agreed with her.
"I'm not blaming Linds for what she did as I do believe she was forced into it by the lies and secrets she was fed from everyone close to her including her wife. But to the question of Do I live in fear of Lindsay? I can only answer…yes. Lauren spoke earlier of the fears you have for your child and having fears is as true as she describes. But having those fears realized when you walk in on your own child looking…looking…"
She faded off recalling indeed the moment when she found Jay at the warehouse all bloodied up, scratched and bruised. It had been horrific to say the very least.
"…like he did," she eventually continued. "That's something that never escapes your mind. Then when you add to that the fact that he was so badly tortured that he was unconscious adds more to the pain, heartache and fear."
She stopped and suddenly glared up at the judges. The change had been so sudden it was almost as though she had been possessed. Almost.
"But then to be told," she said quite darkly. "When I asked for him to be taken to hospital it's not time for that yet. I ask all of you judges, have you ever been in a position to sit there helplessly while your son slips further and further into unconsciousness?"
"Do I fear Lindsay being released?" she asked just as darkly. "Yes I do. For her."
The judges were still leaning over in anticipation listening to Jenny that they hadn't even realized she was finished. It was Judge Owens who broke the silence.
"Well…" she started satisfied. "That's completely understandable."
"So just to make it clear then?" Judge Thomas spoke up. "You do not want Ms Peters released?"
"No," Jenny replied. "I most certainly do not."
"*"
"Jay Taylor, could you please come forward?" Judge Matthers asked as Jay shakily getting to his feet held out his phone to B and walked slowly up to the table with the ominous microphone on it.
It was one thing for his mother to say what she needed to, but quite another to hear it.
As he sat down he couldn't help the flashes of that torturous scene on the night he had arrived at the warehouse playing out in his mind.
"Ahhh awake I see," he recalled B noting as he stepped into the room Jay had been taken to. "Now do forgive me Jay, for having you bound and sightless, but we wouldn't be able to carry out our plans otherwise."
"We?" Jay had questioned. "Who else is helping you with-"
But before he could say anything else he had felt a sharp pain on his right shin and couldn't help screaming out in pain.
"Mr Taylor?...Mr Taylor?" Jay heard faintly as his mind came racing back into reality.
He looked up to see all four of the judges staring down at him. Hoping he hadn't actually screamed out in pain right there in the court room, he answered.
"Yes?"
"You may proceed," Judge Thomas said icily.
"Oh…sorry," Jay replied.
He thought for a moment and then began.
"I've been listening to my friends," he said. "How they all feel now…how some of them felt then…how they felt looking for me…how they felt finding…me. Their experiences are something that no one would ever imagine going through. But for me…being the one that was…tortured…being the one that…got caught. Being responsible for the fate that fell on everyone during that tragic time…is something that's hard to shake."
He took a deep breath before continuing his speech. It was so hard and yet felt, so real as he painfully recalled everything that lead-up to those moments, through the moments and even since then.
"Lindsay had decided to capture me and to this day I am still confused as to why. Unlike my friends I…I never experienced the horror that they went through in the throne room. People have told me all different stories…they all make sense I guess but…I still don't really understand all of it."
He blinked back a few threatening tears, took another breath and pressed on.
"Apparently she…thought I had cheated on my ex Edward…and she was upset that I had found…another love…"
Andy couldn't help but go red. He remembered telling Jay everything that Linds had told them in the throne room, but he didn't know Jay was still hanging onto all of it.
"I'm not blaming Linds for what she did…but the texts…" he started.
"Um, Texts?" Judge Sims enquired quizzically.
"Yes…the team of people she had around her…they sent texts to us…my new boyfriend and I. They were all so….so secretive…clues to what might happen…threats to what could happen…"
His voice trailed off as he recalled not only the text he'd received then but also the ones he had received recently. If Linds somehow knew that this T.E. existed, was it any wonder she wanted to be released.
"Cyber bullying and bullying via texts may be common…but that doesn't make it right does it?" he asked the room at large as a tear successfully escaped his eye.
"No Jay," Judge Matthers replied kindly. "It doesn't."
Jay briefly smiled at this, thank god someone was at least a little sympathetic to his situation.
"Linds was…very smart," he continued. "Despite my being tortured…and the passing of…my boyfriend's dad…she never actually committed those crimes herself…it was almost like it was…beneath her."
He cleared his throat and now looked quite seriously at the judges.
"But that aside, it's not the torture or…Ben's death…may he rest…that bothers me the most. It was the mind-torture that still haunts me to this day. If…if…if Linds is released…I am scared of what will happen next. I…I know you have the files saying how good she is in the hospital, but what she doesn't have there that she does here is…access to a phone."
The judges looked at Jay incredulously and he could hardly blame them, but he pressed on.
"Everyone can say what they want about what happened in the warehouse, but anyone who is honest with themselves knows that nothing compared to those threatening texts. While I was unconscious at the warehouse my boyfriend received many texts about my situation in a way that would have made any lesser person have a heart attack. To allow Linds to come back out and grant her access to such modern day devices…scares…scares me. I'm so sorry Mel," he said from out of nowhere. "But I'm not ready for her to be released…and I don't think I ever will be."
Jay buried his head in his hands trying to shut out the rest of the world. He didn't care what they all thought, he just wanted to be alone. He had never told anyone just how deep this had scarred him even to this day, even Lauren didn't know as much as he had just revealed.
"Thank you Mr Taylor," one of the Judges had said, making him lift his head back up. "You're free to go."
Very much appreciating that he was not being questioned any further Jay stood up and raced out of the room through a side door that a guard opened as he got nearer.
Andy meanwhile was in shock.
It wasn't because Jay had not wanted Linds released. He already knew that much. But to hear him talk the way he did had him shaking with sadness. How could he not have known that Jay was this shaken up about it?
Just then, his phone buzzed and Andy hastily unlocked it to check if it was Jay, figuring he could ask for a recess to see if he was at least ok.
But it wasn't Jay at all.
It was the new villain that had been torturing him. Andy shuddered as he realized how right Jay was about how much a text could affect people. Looking down he read the words.
Listen to him. Justice has not yet been done, you know this – T.E.
Andy didn't know what he knew anymore, but one thing he was now certain of hit him like a bolt of lightning.
"He's here?" Andy whispered looking around wildly.
How else could he have known what Jay had said? This was getting really creepy. Linds and her cronies had merely made statements about Jay or death threats, things that they knew about that he didn't. But this text proved that one of the 200 plus people in this room was T.E. He or she had come to the hearing!
But why?
Just then another text appeared below the one he had just read and Andy's question was immediately answered.
Tell them that Linds is to stay in there or experience my wrath! – T.E.
Andy looked all around the room hastily searching for anyone that could be holding their phones at this very moment. But in this modern day and age, it shouldn't have surprised him to see that nearly half the room had a phone held in their hands.
"*"
"I know you've read about who Lindsay is and what she's done to us," Andy started as his phone vibrated again in his pants pocket and he regretted bringing it up with him. "She was evil, there's no denying that at all. But one thing I've learned from this is that people are not always the thing that they do. I'm lucky to be able to walk outside every morning and take in the fresh air, have a cup of coffee, listen to some music…Lindsay doesn't have that freedom."
His phone buzzed again and he could almost see the angry texts that T.E. was sending him. Andy couldn't help but see the last part of the last text he read in his mind.
Or experience my wrath! It had said strongly suggesting he request denial of Linds bail.
What wrath was T.E. speaking of? Clearly they were smart and they were also here so they would know if Andy went against their wishes and requested Lindsay's release.
"Mel has been telling me how well Lindsay has been doing and I know that you know this already, but that did surprise me. I guess I thought she may have gone too deep to be able to find her way out of it…" Buzz Buzz went his phone again. "It does beg the question however, how did she come so good so quickly. 12 months isn't that long a time to recover. Also what was her true motivation to get out?"
Radio silence from his phone allowed him to continue.
"Jay talked about the texts we have-er-had been receiving…" Buzz Buzz went the phone immediately which didn't surprise Andy at all. "They were terrifying and sometimes made it even harder to do what we needed to, to rescue him. Linds was definitely at the helm of all that and I agree with Jay that if she is let out, she should not be given a phone."
"Mr Thompson," Judge Thomas barked. "Does your speech have a point or are you just going to waffle on?"
Andy went to reply but his phone buzzed again.
Fuck-off T.E! Andy couldn't help but think.
"Yes your honors," Andy replied. "To the question of am I scared of Linds…yes I guess I am as I haven't seen her since the throne room."
But then he thought of Mel and everything she had said. She'd had no reason to lie to Andy after all, so what reason could there possibly be for Andy not to believe her? Why not let Linds out?
"Maybe Linds shouldn't be released…but if I think about it…"
Buzz, Buzz, Buzz, Buzz! Went the phone clearly sending some sort of threat as though knowing what Andy was about to say.
"I say she should be. Let her have the chance to come back into society and let Mel take care of her. If it doesn't work out she can always go back into the sanatorium later right?"
"Well ask the questions Mr Thompson!" Judge Owens now barked staring down at him through her spectacles. "And here is a pertinent one. I don't know about my fellow judges, but I am confused you are a law student correct?"
"Yes," Andy replied confidently, though inside he was wondering why she was asking this.
"I'm just surprised, I mean your testimony has been all over the place!" she said haughtily. "In one moment you are suggesting you still fear her and in another you are saying she should still be released. Which is it Mr Thompson?"
But Andy didn't care what this woman thought and strongly replied to her.
"I thought I was being perfectly clear," he replied simply. "I'm smart enough to fear her, but have no qualms with her being released. Sorry if I suggested otherwise, I thought I had made that quite clear."
He didn't know what had made him speak like that. Maybe it was the way she had sniggered at his testimony, or maybe it was the fact that T.E. kept buzzing on his phone like there would be no tomorrow.
And now, for all Andy knew, now that he had suggested Lindsay be released, there mightn't be a tomorrow after all.
"You did Mr Thompson," Judge Matthers barged in, cutting off whatever Judge Owens was about to say. "You did. Let us deliberate please, we shall only be a moment."
Andy quickly grabbed his phone and placed it in the perfect position to where he could see it but the judges couldn't. Indeed there seemed to be 10 new messages on there now and he hastily went to his inbox. All of them save for one seemed to be from an anonymous number and from the preview he could see of them in the inbox section they seemed to get more and more threatening as they went along, including the last few that were written in capitals.
But one of them had been from Jay, so Andy quickly opened it up and read it.
I won't be back for the verdict, it said. I'll see you at home tonight.
Considering that this was indeed the better option for his partner Andy quickly typed O.K. and had just enough time to send it when Judge Matthers spoke again.
"Mr Thompson, we are aware of what happened to your…wait a minute, it says dad?" she seemed to break off and question this to the others.
"For all intents and purposes your honor," Andy replied. "I look at the late Mr Bruckner as my father and always referred to him as such, please excuse the confusion."
"Ah," she replied satisfied. "That would explain it. Mr Thompson. I understand that his death was a direct result of what happened in the warehouse, could you please explain to us how it happened?"
"In short your honors," Andy replied. "My father's foot was caught in a bear trap which he managed to pry open eventually. But as many hour passed between then and all of us getting out, he had lost too much blood by the time we had gotten to the hospital. They tried everything to help him, but he fell into a coma and passed away shortly afterwards."
"Thank you Mr Thompson," she replied. "And your…ah…?"
"Papa?" Andy suggested. "Micah Bruckner?"
"That's the one," she replied smiling. "Unlike my co-counsel I do see the lawyer in you."
She winked quickly before continuing, despite the obvious glare from Judge Owens.
"Your Papa has he any concerns about Ms Peters pending freedom?" she asked.
"No," Andy replied. "He lives in another state and as I'm sure her parole conditions would include not leaving the state for a while, he figures he will not run into her."
"Yes, that makes sense," she replied in kind. "Thank you Mr Thompson, anything else anyone?"
When no one so much as even glanced at her, she smiled once more.
"That's all Mr. Thompson, you are free to go."
Andy wasted no time in doing so and, following Jay's route, exited via the side door to await the verdict he knew was coming soon.
"*"
Meanwhile Jay was…well there was no other word for it other than…pissed! He marched quite smartly next door to the sanatorium and putting on his most professional face, reserved mainly for customers, spoke to the receptionist.
"Good morning," he said brightly. "I'm here to see Lindsay Peters."
"Are you family?" the lady asked.
"No, I'm a friend," he said.
Though technically speaking that was true, it felt like a lie to him, but right now he didn't care.
"Ms Peter's can see friends," another lady who walked up behind the receptionist said. "Fill this out and we'll take you in."
Jay smiled back at her.
"Thank you," he replied and walked off to fill out the form.
"*"
"I wish we just knew already," Andy was saying to Lauren, Mel and Palmer who were all in the courthouse café drinking coffee.
There had been a short recess that was called to give the judges time to consider what they were going to do. Mel was quite worried. Despite that fact that her two best friends had agreed that Linds should be released, Jay and Jenny had both made compelling cases also. Mel turned to face him the concern clear on her face.
"By the way Andy," she started. "What happened to Jay?"
"He went home," Andy replied. "He texted me earlier, he won't be back for the verdict."
The pair sighted Jenny at the next table, her back turned to them. She was joined by Carmita, Debbie and Zandra who seemed to be having quite a hushed conversation at their own table.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Andy whispered to Lauren.
"Probably trying to work out the quickest escape route," Lauren whispered back. "You heard Jenny in there the lies and secrets she was kept, from her wife. Shocked me that she would go there."
Andy was careful not to add that she herself by adding what Carmita had done afterwards had shocked him and nodded quickly.
Lauren grabbed her phone out of her purse which Andy could see was flashing and she excused herself to answer it advising that Rein needed her. Andy looked down at his phone and noticed another text there for him. Opening it up he read the message that faced him.
It's nice to know you trust your boyfriend. Thank god you've got someone who knows the truth – T.E.
Next to the message was an attachment and Andy opened it to see a picture that bowled him over in shock. It was of Jay looking as though he was yelling at someone and then saw the unmistakable mousy shrinking back of Linds. Andy stopped himself just in time from dropping his phone, but Mel had already seen the look of concern on his face.
"Andy?" she asked concerned as both she and Palmer looked at him. "Something wrong?"
"No-" Andy replied, almost too quickly. "Ah, it's just the office. They have my next case and I'm just trying not to think about it at the moment."
"Yeah they'll push you," Mel replied smiling as Palmer smiled back. "They're lawyers, they have no heart."
Andy thought to himself glumly, If only she knew.
"*"
Jay meanwhile continued his tirade on Linds.
"And now it's my turn to yell at you!" he yelled. "12 months. 12 months of hell!"
"Jay I'm-" Linds started but Jay stopped her at once.
"Shut-up Linds!" Jay said. "Months and months of dealing with everything that you concocted and you think that you can interrupt me! I know I wasn't there in your precious throne-room 'my league', but everyone has filled me in on what you said."
He paced her room as she took a seat on the bed and let him continue to blast away. A nurse had already come by, but Linds had told them it was ok and to leave Jay.
"I never cheated on Edward and yet you thought I did! And then I find out you only did it to hurt Andy! Why Linds? Why? What the hell did he ever do to you?!"
Linds opened her mouth to reply, but Jay stopped it.
"Again not the time to talk!" he spat.
"Your cronies tortured me and clearly you didn't care, but you made them keep me there as I slipped further and further into unconsciousness still not caring. Do you know the effect this has had on me?! On my mother?!"
Linds looked at Jay remorsefully, but he didn't care.
"I can only imagine what you would have done if the cops hadn't stormed the place. I know you tried to kill Andy and Mel. Mel! Your damn wife!" he continued to scream. "And you think 12 months goes by and wa-lah you can be free?!"
Jay chuckled to himself.
"Oh Lindsay!" he cried smiling. "That's the one blessing that's come out of all of this. I've just come from your hearing and aside from your own stupid wife who you've somehow no doubt compelled to believe you're a sweet innocent angel everyone else said they know who the real you is!"
Jay opened Linds door and turned back to look at her smiling joyously.
"So enjoy the rest of your time in here Linds, because there is no way you're getting out! Ah, the justice of it all!"
"Jay I'm-" Linds started again, noting he was leaving.
"Save it Linds," Jay replied. "There's no point anymore. Enjoy your time here, because I'm going to make sure you never leave! I hope you rot Linds. Rot in hell!"
With that in one sweeping motion Jay turned around his back now facing the saddened Linds and he smiled quickly to himself. It may not have been full-justice, but he was at least able to get some of what he wanted off his chest.
Continuing to smile, Jay headed towards the exit of the sanatorium, satisfied with a job well done.
"*"
Back at the courthouse Andy raced over to Lauren who he had finally found outside her back facing him. He tapped her on the shoulder and she jumped violently.
"Andy!" she cried. "You scared me."
"Sorry Lauren" Andy replied confused. "I didn't mean to. The judges are back. They've made their decision."
The pair made their way back to the room talking.
"Palmer's with Mel they're saving seats for us," Andy began. "So how's Rein?"
Lauren who was hardly responding while looking at her phone locked it quickly.
"Wha- Rein?" she asked confused.
"Yeah, you said you needed to call her?" Andy asked, confused himself.
"Oh!" Lauren replied. "Right. No it was Simon one of the new chef's, they ran out of some things and asked me to tell Debbie."
"Okayyy," Andy replied, still confused. "Couldn't he have just rung her?"
"Oh look," Lauren replied, ignoring him. "We're here."
Indeed it appeared they were and without waiting a moment longer Lauren pushed open the doors allowing Andy to go in before her. Hastily looking around the pair found Mel and Palmer and made their way over to them taking their seats.
The judges walked in and took their seats while everyone held their breath waiting to hear the all-important verdict.
"*"
Meanwhile in their lair a figure sat with a bowl of popcorn watching the hearing on their pc monitor. It had been an interesting hearing after all and despite Lauren and Andy going against its wishes it felt calm.
Placing the bowl down onto a table the figure looked at the supplies they had recently bought. It picked up a blind-fold and ran it smoothly through their left hand grinning. Then putting it back down, picked up a small bundle of thick and strong rope. Testing it, the figure attempted to break the bundle apart and smiled satisfactorily when they realized just how impossible that would be.
Placing the rope back down it walked over to 4 pictures that it had pinned to a wall. One was of Andy, another of Linds, another of Lauren and another of Debbie. The figure then picked up another pin as a fax came through.
Picking up the fax the figure read it intrigued and then, still with pin in hand forcibly pressed it into Linds' nose.
"*"
So that's the end of the chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it. What did you think of everyone's statements? Fair, not fair? And what about Jay and Linds? Let me know. You will know the verdict very early on in chapter 11 I can assure you!
Next time on Love Hurts.
With Linds' verdict in question…
(Judge Thomas): "It was quite a deliberation…which resulted in a tie."
(Andy): "What happens in a tie?"
(Mel): "It's not good, that's for sure."
What will the result be?
Will Andy dump Rick as a client?
(Andy): "You told me your parent's were dead!"
(Rick): "That's because they are!"
What could have Jay coming perilously close to knowing Andy's secret?
(Jay): "What does THAT mean?"
And who else is being stalked by T.E?
(Andy): "You've been getting texts too?"
But it's the last part of next week's chapter that will leave your blood running cold!
BEAT-BEAT-BEAT-BEAT…WHAT-HAPPENED-TO-MEL?
(Mel screams): "AAAAAAAaaah!"
ALL NEW Love Hurts, next week.