Hello and happy Monday! Thank you all so much for all the reviews, love and support. I truly love you all.
And as I was writing his chapter, a few more idea comes to me so there will be a few more chapters…YAY!
LabGirl2001: Yep, he does and he I, isn't he? Thank you so much!
Kickfan23: Aw, thank you so much!
Bearkick15: Yay, and here it is!
Kicfeaver: Thank you, you'll have to just read and don't worry, she'll come back…
Maddyliza1234: Thank you, I know and that's awesome! Can't wait to read it and here it is!
ELOVATE: Hope you like this!
optimistic girl94: Aw, thank you so much! I'm beyond glad you liked it and everything else. I know but thank you for that and your kind words! You're too sweet!
starships13: Thank you and here you go! I'm so happy you like this story!
Aaron Stone: Well, thank you. I'm quite flattered. Here it is and hope you like it!
Camela1998: OMG, you are too kind. I know it was a little sad but thank you so much! And you don't need to apologize at all. Thank you for reviewing….
Kicklover24: Sorry but thank you! And here you go….I hope you like it!
Enjoy!
Jack stood up from his chair, about to jump in and help Flinster out when Mr. Flinster turned back around and walked back to the table looking angry and rattled. Mrs. Roberts instantly got up and rushed over the Mr. Flinster asking, "What the hell just happened?"
"Honestly, I don't even fucking know. All I know is that Judge Baker and the other judge working Jerry's case talked over break and now you, me, McGabel, Benson, Penton, and whoever else is on Penton's side are having a meeting in Baker's chamber in an hour", Flinster huffed, grabbing all his paper from the table and shoving them into his briefcase.
Roberts nodded and went to grab her bag, pulling out her phone and quickly texting someone. Jack just watched the two for a second before interrupting them and wondering, "Um, what about me?"
Both Flinster and Roberts' head snapped up as Flinster repaid, "Oh, um...I actually", before getting cut off.
"Mr. Brewer, I'm going to escort you and your family into a meeting room until the meeting is over, so if you could all follow me", the bailiff said calmly. Jack looked at Flinster who nodded and assured him, "It'll be fine. We'll find you when the meeting' over".
Jack gave a short nod and then walked over to his family as they all followed the bailiff out of the courtroom. Once the family left, the only people still there were the attorneys' as Mr. Penton walked over to Flinster and Roberts and hissed, "I don't know what just happened but know that I will not back down", stopping put of the courtroom.
"Geez…" Roberts grumbled, "I hope the attorney on Jerry's case is nicer than Penton. We can't have two of them".
"I know. If not, it's going to be a total nightmare. Is everything set?" Flinster inquired, moving onto more important things.
"Yeah, we just have to call them after the meeting", Roberts confirmed.
Flinster nodded in understanding as the two exited the courtroom, going outside to meet their friends. Forty minutes had passed as McGabel arrived at the courthouse and made her way to Flinster and Roberts. "Jason, Scarlett, what's going on?" she questioned.
"What do you know?" Flinster wondered, trying to gage how much he would need to share.
"Judge Potter called and said that there was a very important meeting regarding my client Mr. Martinez and that I needed to be here in an hour", she answered.
"Ok, well apparently Potter and our Judge, Mr. Baker talked during our break and realized that they had matching cases. So now, we all have to meet and talk this through before we can continue on", Flinster said, catching his breath,
"Damn it! I don't like the sound of this", McGabel quietly yelled.
"We know the feeling and hopefully the attorney going against you is better than ours. He's an ass", Roberts whispered to McGabel as they shared a hug.
A few minutes later Benson came running over the three looking pissed. "What the fuck is this? I was in a very important meeting", he screamed when he was close enough.
"Hello to you too Shane", McGabel glared.
Benson closed his eyes, took a deep breath and apologized, "I'm sorry. Hello Jane, Jason, Scarlett".
"Thank you", McGabel smiled, pleased who herself as Flinster and Roberts gave a nod, trying not to laugh.
Benson fake smiled and nodded at his partner, then turning to Jason asking, "What's happening?"
"Well, the short version is that our judges talked with one another and now, all the attorneys' from both cases need to talk things through before we can continue", Flinster answered In a flat tone.
"This is bullshit", Benson growled, tightening his jaw.
"Trust us, we know. And we should probably head in. There's only fifteen minutes left", Roberts mentioned, looking at her watch.
The three nodded and started to make their way inside as McGabel whispered, "How is Jack holding up?" into Roberts ear.
"He's doing well. But now with this slight shift in things, I think he's back into panic mode", Roberts whispered back as they entered the elevator.
McGabel nodded in understanding as anyone in this type of situation would be a little panicked, not knowing what was happening and she only wished that the four of them could save Jack and Jerry from this mess.
The four reached at Judge Bakers' chambers to see Penton whispering to the other attorney, but stopped once he noticed other people had arrived. "Flinster, is this the rest of your team?" Penton inquired, looking at the two new faces.
"Yes, this is Mrs. McGabel and Mr. Benson", Flinster introduced. "Is she the other you?" nodding to the new, other woman next to him.
"It's nice to meet you both", Penton replied politely, shaking both their hands. "And yes, she is. This is Mrs. Stonewell".
"It's nice to meet you as well", McGabel smiles, shaking her hand, with the other three following suit.
"You too", Mrs. Stonewell nodded.
Just then the door opened, revealing Judge Baker. "Good afternoon councilmen. I assume the talking I heard right now outside my door where introductions, yes?" he asked.
"Yes, your honor", Mr. Flinster responded.
"Good, now let's get started," Judge Baker finished, opening the door wider for everyone to enter.
The gentlemen let the ladies enter first as everyone shuffled around the crowed office that now had extra chairs throughout the room. "I know it's a little tight, but there are enough chairs for everyone so just try and make it work", Judge Baker added as everyone sat down in the nearest chair.
"Ok, so we have DA Flinster, ADA Roberts and Mr. Penton for Mr. Brewer and DA McGabel, ADA Benson and Mrs. Stonewell for Mr. Martinez, correct?" Judge Barker continued as everyone mumbled a yes. "Good. So, I'm Judge Baker and this is Judge Potter and we first want to know why this case is split and not together as it's the same thing?"
"We didn't want it to look like conspiracy your honor", Mr. Flinster answered.
"So, you're willing to get two different sentences instead of one?" Judge Baker pushed.
"Yes, you honor", Mrs. McGabel replied.
"I see. Ok then, how do your clients plead?" Judge Potter joined in.
"Not guilty, your honor", ADA Roberts responded.
"On what grounds? All the evidence points to the two men", Mrs. Stonewell yelled out.
Mr. Flinster and Mrs. McGabel both opened their mouths, ready to answer but got stopped by when Judge Potter put her hand up. "Mr. Flinster, Mrs. McGabel, I will let the both of you argue that statement but I just want to make a few things clear before we continue. We are not in a courtroom, so there will be no yelling or cutting in when someone else is talking. Also, we are all adults, so please act that way. This will be a civil conversation, understood?" she said sternly.
"Yes, you honor", all six responded immediately.
"Thank you. Now, Mr. Flinster and or Mrs. McGabel, have the floor", Judge Potter signaling to the two.
Flinster and McGabel shared a look as Flinster let McGabel take this one as it was from her 'opponent".
"And what evidence is that?" McGabel shot back.
"Like ninety percent of the evidence. Mr. Brewer and Mr. Martinez's fingerprints were all over the place, on the guns and even on the some of the decease", Mrs. Stonewell named off.
"We all know that. We also know that it was in self-defense because what normal person wouldn't fight off their attacker to stay alive? You're going to need more proof than that to accuse our clients", Mrs. McGabel fought.
Internally the other three were smiling as Mrs. Stonewell open and closed her mouth, not having a comeback. "That's all speculation. Both your clients have records. They aren't the saints you are painting them out to be", Mr. Penton joined in, taking over.
"We never said they were saints but in this case, they are the victims and in case you dint notice, Mr. Clarkson has a record too. Our clients' records are juvenile and all the statements we got from them match the evidence on the decease. And, just to put it out there, our clients didn't come out of this scot free either", Mr. Flinster pointed out firmly.
"Point taken but you're missing the obvious facts. The bullets recovered from the bodies came back to the guns that Mr. Brewer and Mr. Martinez were in position of", Mr. Penton barked back as his face tuned red.
"Mr. Penton, tone. I'm not going to warn you again", Judge Potter reminded.
Mr. .Penton nodded and mouthed an apology as Mr. Flinster was going to go in swinging. "So, you're telling me that every single bullet not only found in Mr. Clarkson's body but everyone else's as well came from our clients 'guns'?" he questioned.
Mr. Penton was emotionless but calm as he and Mrs. Stonewell turned to face one another and immediately stated whispering.
During this time, Mr. Flinster shot a quick wink to Mrs. McGabel letting her know they got this one in the bag. A few minutes passed as Mr. Penton and Mrs. Stonewell were still whispering to each other as Judge Baker asked, "Um, Mr. Penton, are you going to answer the question?"
Mr. Pentons' shoulders sagged for a second before he straightened back up and responded, "Yes, I will answer the question and the answer is no",
"No, what?" Mr. Flinster pushed.
"That all the bullets recovered from the bodies did not all come from Mr. Brewer and Mr. Martinez's gun", Mr. Penton sighed, shaking his head.
"So, you really don't know what bullet actually killed you client. Is that what you're telling us?" Mr. Flinster clarified.
"Yes, that's what I'm telling you", Mr. Penton snapped.
"So, as you see your honor, there is nothing holding our clients accountable for the death of Mr. Clarkson or the others", Mr. Flinster finished, feeling relieved.
Judge Baker and Judge Potter looked at one another with a baffled expression as Judge Baker replied, "Yes, it seems that way Mr. Flinster but we'll still have someone double check all the evidence to make sure nothing else pops up or was missed in the initial screening. But know that your client, as well as Mrs. McGabel's are still liable for what they did during their time with Mr. Clarkson. Once we get all the information we need, Judge Potter and I will make out decision. So, as of right now, Mr. Brewer and Mr. Martinez are out on bail. You're all excused".
After the announcement, all the councilmen nodded and left the chambers as Mr. Penton glared at Mr. Flinster on the way out with Flinster returning the gesture with a smirk. "Well, that wasn't as bad as I thought", Mrs. McGabel said once it was just the four of them. "Good work Jason".
"I couldn't agree more and thanks Jane", Flinster grinned.
"Hopefully Judges' Baker and Potter come up with a decision soon. These poor boys' have been through too much this past month", Roberts sighed.
The three nodded in agreement as McGabel added, "Well, we'll see you soon, at the final verdict. Good luck", waving goodbye to Flinster and Roberts.
Benson followed suit and said a quick good luck and goodbye, rushing down the hall. "Let's go tell Jack the good news", Flinster said once it was just the two of them. Roberts nodded gleefully as she followed Flinster down the hall, trying to find the bailiff on their case. After searching for a few minutes, they found the bailiff standing outside a room. "Excuse me, is Mr. Brewer in there?" Mr. Flinster asked politely.
"Yes sir", the bailiff nodded as he opened the door for them.
As soon the door opened, Jack ran towards then, anxious to find out what was happening. "Mr. Flinster, please tell me you have good news", Jack whispered.
Mr. Flinster gave Jack a small smile, nodded and shared, "Indeed I do. You're released on bail and not accused of the murder of Mr. Clarkson at the moment. The Judges' are going to look into it before they make their final verdict. So, on the plus side, things aren't looking too bad and you get to go home. But on the not so good side, you're still being charged for the things you did during your time with Mr. Clarkson, though that ruling won't be as hard as murder".
Jack was shocked and numb as Mr. Flinster told him everything. He couldn't believe he was going home, even if it was for a little bit and he was relieved that the murder charge wasn't on the table anymore. Though he wasn't a believer in fate and all that stuff, he now believed that god or his guardian angel was looking out for not inly him but Jerry as well. "I don't know what to say", Jack stuttered out. "Thank you, thank you, thank you", as he gave Flinster and Roberts hugs. "Jerry's ok too, right?" he asked as they released.
"Yes, Mr. Martinez will be released sometime later today but you do know you can't have any contact with him, right?" Flinster reminded.
"I know", Jack sighed dejectedly.
"Don't worry son. It won't be too bad", James answers, patting Jack's back.
"Your father's right. Besides, I know you guys will find another way to get contact. We'll let you go now so you can enjoy your time with your family", Mr. Flinster finished, giving Jack a smile and Roberts hugging him one last item.
After Flinster and Roberts left, the Brewer family headed out immediately, not wanting waste any of the time they had with Jack. They drove home as everyone starting thinking and planning what they wanted to do first. From going out around town or just staying home and in the end, Jack decided on the latter, wanting to just keep it simple. Once they got home, Jack changed into sweatpants and t-shirt that he had lying around in his old room as everyone was doing the same. He was about finished when someone knocked on his door. "It's open" he yelled to whoever it was.
"Jack?" Sophia softly whispered as she walked in.
"Sophia? What's wrong baby sis", Jack asked, walking over to her, bending down to her level and seeing sad expression on her face.
"Why couldn't I be inside today?" she mumbled, looking at the ground.
Jack exhaled, hating that he had to explain his mess to his nine year old sister. "Because, I didn't want you hear all the bad things the other people were saying about me", Jack finally answered in an easy tone.
"But why were they saying those things? You aren't a bad guy", Sophia cried.
"To you, no; but to other people, that's how they see me. And to be honest, I'm not that good of a guy. Sure, I'm a good brother you, Luke and Hilary but I've made me fair share of mistakes. I've done some pretty horrible things in the past", Jack replied, in a low tone.
"But you're Jack. You're my big brother and my hero. You've protected me when I was scared or when I was getting picked on. You sing to me when I'm sad and you're always here for me, day or night", Sophia tried to reason as tears were still running down her cheeks.
"Oh Soph, I love you so much but I'm not this perfect guy you always dream of. I'm far for perfect, trust me but know that no matter what happens, I'll always be here with you, in your heart", Jack finished kissing the top of her head as she clutched onto his shirt. "Shh…it'll be ok".
After a few minutes of hugging, Jack swung Sophia around, putting her on his back as he walked out of his room. The two joined the rest of the family, who were already set to watch the movie they all decided on together and they spent the rest of the day just like that.
OoOoOoOo
The following day was the same as everyone loved being able to have a few relaxing days without interruptions or distractions. Wednesday rolled around as the Brewer's got a visit from Mr. Flinster. "Hey Mr. Flinster", Jack smiled. "I assume you have some news?"
"Yes I do. So, I need you to come me and Officer Latner", Mr. Flinster said calmly.
Jack nodded and said goodbye to his family, giving them all a quick hug. "I'll call as soon as I know", Mr. Flinster whispered to James and Bethany who had made their way their way to the door.
"Ok, thank you. But please, make sure he'll be safe", Bethany begged.
"Don't worry Mrs. Brewer. I'll do everything I can to make that happen", Mr. Flinster assured her as he followed Jack and officer back to the car.
Within twenty minutes, Jack and Mr. Flinster arrived back to the courthouse as Mrs. McGabel, Mr. Benson, Mrs. Roberts and Jerry were walking towards them. Jack and Jerry immediately ran towards each other, embracing one another in a hug. "Bro, you look like hell", Jerry teased seeing Jack tired eyes and calm expression.
"It's good to see you too Jer", Jack smiled and chuckled.
"Hey, remember what I said", Flinster pointed at the two as Jack and Jerry quickly took a few steps away from each other.
The six entered the courthouse and made their way to Judge Baker's chamber as they were minutes away from finding out their future and how well they did their jobs. Mrs. Roberts knocked on the door a few times as they heard a muffled, "Come in".
They all entered to see Judge Baker and Judge Potter sitting at Judge Baker's desk on opposite side. "Good afternoon everyone", Judge Potter smiled, getting up and facing the six.
"Hello", the four replied nicely with Jack and Jerry merely smiling and nodding in return.
"Ok, so before we get started, Mr. Martinez, I'm Judge Potter. I'm the judge running your case and it's nice to finally meet you", she continued, extending her hand.
"It's nice to meet you too", Jerry responded nervously taking her hand.
"Please boys, take a seat", Judge Baker joined in, signaling to the two chairs in front of his desk.
Both guys followed the instructions and sat down; Jack nervously shaking his leg and Jerry looking anywhere but at the Judge. "Have either of you had contact with one another in the last few days?" Judge Baker wondered.
"No sir", Jack answered quickly.
"Did you talk today?" Judge Baker continued.
"Yes sir", Jerry nodded.
"Did you talk about the case?" Jude Baker probed.
"No sir, we just shared a quick hug and said we missed each other", Jack confessed, feeling like a girl.
"There's no ned to be nervous. I'm mean, I know this isn't your ideal hangout place and I know that you know that I know what you've done in the past but most of that doesn't matter. I know it wasn't your dream to star working with Mr. Clarkson and that at some point got tied down to him but I'm a fair and I'm just saying that I understand. I know that the things you did were under Mr. Clarkson's orders but since you both physically did the action, you're the one who takes the blame. So, I'm not to sugar coat this by any means and it may seem fair or unfair, deciding on how you look at it but just know that this is the verdict we both think is the most reasonable for your 'crime'. Mr. Brewer, Mr. Martinez, you will be sentenced to two years in State Prison for the extortion, burglary and violence. But it could change to one year in prison with one year probation with community service for good behavior. I advise on the latter", Judge Baker finally finished.
"Yes sir, we promise", Jack agreed.
"Um, just wondering…are we getting separated?" Jerry added.
"Good, and no, you will not be separated. Both of you will be at State but will be on different sides and schedules", Judge Baker answered.
"Thank you", Jack and jerry responded with a nod.
Judge Baker returned the gesture and then concluded, "You'll be escorted back to booking for a pat down and then you'll be taken to State. I wish you both luck and please, remember what I said about your behavior".
Jack and Jerry nodded as suddenly, there was a tap on their shoulders by two officers, signaling then that it was time to go. Flinster, Roberts, McGabel and Benson all gave Jack and Jerry a quick hug and nodded a goodbye as the two guys mouthed a thank you", before leaving the room.
The two got taken to two different cars, the drive was short and when they arrived back at booking, Jack saw the officer that helped him with his letters. The two shared a fast nod before Jack got pushed into a room. The pat down was of course uncomfortable but fairly quick as they both got their jumpsuits, changed and were swiftly back into the car and going off to State. Before the cars took off, Jack and Jerry shared a hurried nod goodbye with Jack's car suddenly taking off with Jerry's car slowly getting smaller and smaller.
The drive to State was quicker than Jack thought as he was too busy thinking about others things like his family, Jerry, and Kim. He couldn't believe that this is how his life turned our but he was going to change it, right here, right now. He was helped out of the car and escorted to the front as he was check in. after that was process, he was walked through too many doors to count until they stopped in front of a small cell. "Alright Brewer, here we are. Dinner is in about an hour but since you just got here, I'll let you stay in for the night", the officer said, unlocking his handcuffs.
"Thanks", Jack mumbled and then asked," Would it be possible for me to get a notepad and pen?"
The officer studied Jack's face a second and then replied," I think I can arrange something", as he closed the door and locked it.
Jack took in his cell that was actually bigger than it looked and on the positive side of this, he would use this year to get a clear head and figure out his future plans and fix everything he did. Dinner came sooner that he thought and though he wasn't real hungry, he ate the sandwich and fruit that was on his tray and then just sat on his bed, stating at the wall, deicing his next step.
After a while, exhaustion hit him as he got 'comfortable 'on his bed and instantly fell asleep into semi dreamless slumber. Hours later, he woke up to the sound of talking outside his cell as his door opened and an officer said, "It's time for breakfast".
"Ok", Jack grumbled, stretching and then getting up and following the officer down the hall.
Breakfast was simple, cereal and fruit as after Jack was finished, he looked around at his inmates, trying to get a feel at who he could maybe talk to that would beat him up. He saw a few potential 'friends' before he got dragged back to his call. Upon reaching his cell, the officer he talked to yesterday was standing there with a few items. "Thanks Joe, I got it from here", the officer said with a nod.
The other officer retuned the gesture and walked away as the officer in front of Jack introduced himself. "I'm Officer Tuner and I run the front office. Now, we usually don't do this but I'm going to help you out kid. Here are a few notepads, envelopes and a pen and I'm going to warn you now, if you use any of these things against us and try to use them as weapon, there will be hell, understood?" Officer Turner asked sternly.
"Yes sir", Jack agreed. "Thank you. I really appreciate it".
"No problem. You seem like a good kid, it there anything else you need?" Officer Turner inquired.
"Well, I know I'm pushing it, but can I still continue my college online courses?" Jack pondered.
"Damn kid, you really are pushing it. Ok, um, let me think aboutt it. In the meantime, you have paper and your outdoor time is in a few hours", Officer Turner added before nudging Jack inside his cell so he could lock it.
"Ok, and thank again", Jack yelled as he quickly got to writing.
"Dear Haley,
How are you doing? Me, ok, I'm in State prison, serving my time. I'll be here for hopefully a year of a little more so if you ever want to write back, I'll be here. Please send this letter Kim and tell Lou, I say hi. Thanks and I love and miss you Hay!
Jack".
He addressed the envelope and moved on to his next letter.
"Dear Kim,
How are you? I hope the tour is going well and that you're having fun. I got my sentence yesterday and so I'll be in State Prison for the next year or so I hope I hear from you some day. Know that I love you and as a thank you, I wrote you this.
I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so, I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found out a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear
I've found out a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found out a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
I've found out a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you.
Take care and I miss you.
Love Jack".
He partly addressed the envelope and was going to wait for outdoor time t ogive it to Officer Turner as he took another piece of paper our and wrote 364 more days…
And there you go folks! I know these past few chapters have been different and there are going to be a few more like them but thanks for hanging in there!
Please let's try and reach 460 -465 before the next chapter!
Thanks and until next time,
Missy xx
