Chapter 52-The Verdict
"Ms. Plum I want you to know that I have spent a great deal of time going over the facts of your case. I had Officer Morelli's statement couriered over to me so that I would have adequate time to review it before our session this morning. I never take my duties or responsibilities lightly and I take great pride in taking the time to decide each and every case presented before me." he began
"This case seems to have many discrepancies and many changed stories and statements. I won't say I am not disappointed by your disappearance. I am not impressed by your decision to not appear for your first court date that was set for for you well over a month ago. I understand that you believed that your life was in danger, however I can not abdicate missing a court date. Many man hours were spent searching for you. The court issued warrants and great time was spent searching for you. I realize the District Attorney has already made a decision in this matter but I do not agree with those terms. I have done my own accounting and tallied the resources spent on your case. For your time as FTA the court will be fining you a fee of $9035.26." he paused
Javier reached over and placed his hand on top of mine. I hadn't realized it, but I had been holding my breath. I released it and struggled to control my still weak legs. How do people stand up and stay on their feet while a judge decides their fate?
"After reading all of documents from this case that included Ms. Plum's statements, I feel like I am ready to give my informed decision on this mater. Ms. Plum I would like to apologize on behalf of the police officers who were involved in your case. I am well aware of the different variations of pain and humiliation you went through during the last month and a half. I know my apologies can't take away everything that has happened to you recently but hopefully some justice will allow you to begin the path to healing."
He paused as I felt myself get hopeful. Please oh please let this finally be over.
"I find Ms. Stephanie Plum innocent in the murder of Keith Latty. I am dismissing all charges against her."
I nearly collapsed before Javier wrapped a hand around my waist to steady me. There were some murmurs of happy words and the sounds of fist bumps and high fives behind me. The judge got my attention by clearing his throat again.
"Also..." the judge began
"I want it noted for the record how I fee about Officer Morelli and his plea bargain. I believe the deal should be rescinded. I believe he should be brought up on charges for shooting Ms. Plum. Plea bargains were built on the idea of offering a deal to someone who can provide information to remove a bigger threat to our community. It appears to me that Morelli was equal partners with Conklin and at one point Martin. Since both Detectives Martin and Conklin are missing it seems a little out of place to allow Morelli freedom so that he can testify against two missing and possibly dead men."
The judge glared at the back of the room. I turned in time to see what used to be the hottest ass in Trenton walk out the courtroom doors. When someone shows you who they are on the inside it kind of ruins what they look like on the outside. Javier gave my side a squeeze and I refocused my attention on the judge.
"Ms. Plum you are free to go." Judge Graves spoke his final words before he slammed down his gavel.
Javier pulled me into a hug and released a huge sigh.
"Thank you." I sniffled as the tears began to fall. "Thank you so much Javier. I know how hard you worked to get my free."
Javier shrugged. "It's my job. Plus my brother would have killed me if he lost you."
Ranger vaulted over the wall that separated us and pulled me into his arms just as Javier was stepping back. He held me tight and pulled me up off of my feet. He held me there tightly and I closed my eyes. I was still having a hard time believing this was really over. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. He slowly allowed me to slide down his body and back onto my feet before he buried his face in my neck.
"Babe"
"Oh Carlos..." My voice hitched and no other words came out.
The tears continued to flow. What had started off as a few gentle tears had turned into a steady stream. I heard cameras clicking. I heard voices of happiness surround me. We gently pulled away from each other and I turned to face all of my friends and family who had stood beside me and today stayed behind me in support. I smiled even as the tears continued to fall. I was pulled into hug after hug by each Rangeman before they shuffled out of the court room. Dionisis stepped forward next as he ushered Alexander Ramos in front of me. He took both of my hands in his and placed a kiss on each one.
"Stephi mou." Alex smiled and pulled me into a hug
"Thank you for coming." I told him
"I will always support you." he promised "Call me if you need anything, even a husband." he teased
I laughed "I will."
Alex turned to walk away but stopped when Donisis didn't immediately move with him. I looked at Dionisis and his lips tightened. I swear he was holding back a smile.
"Se latrevo Stephioula. You can always call me a friend." he finally spoke. (I adore you little Steph)
I nodded and smiled before I threw my arms around his neck. He stiffened for a second and then relaxed and returned my hug before pulling away. Alexander looked back and forth between me an Dionisis before he smiled and slowly shook his head. My mother slid in front of me just as Dionisis turned to leave. I took a step back and felt myself crash right into Ranger's chest. He steadied me by placing his hands on my shoulders.
"Stephanie Michelle Plum did you forget who your real family is?" she shrieked
I leaned back against Ranger and looked at my mother. Her hands were on her hips and she was awaiting my response. I was speechless. How did I keep letting her do this to me? I had allowed her to rip away at my self esteem for years. When I had discussed this with Ranger during our time on the road he suggested my relationship with my mother was formed on mental abuse and guilt. I could see that know and realized my relationship with Morelli was mostly more of the same. I glanced up to see my father with his hand resting on her shoulder. He was comforting her? I smiled and shook my head. Looking beyond them I could see at least my Grandma Mazur had the decency to stay in her seat and far away from me.
"Is this funny to you?" she asked
I let out an exasperated breath and shook my head. "No it's actually pathetic. You spent years tearing me down. You turned your back on me but I shouldn't be so surprised. I was never good enough for you. You spent a lot of time putting me down and then wondered why I was such a disappointment. You punished me when I was molested at six years old. You punished me when I lost my virginity to a legal adult at the age of sixteen. I refuse to allow you to abuse me anymore."
"ABUSE YOU? I haven't spanked you since that garage incident with Morelli." she gave me a disappointed look.
"Not physically. Mentally. You have chipped away at my self-esteem for years. I understand it happening when I was a child but I am an adult now. I have allowed it for the last ten years. Now I'm done. I am not going to tolerate you anymore." I explained "You are a poor excuse for a mother."
"How dare you!" she raised her hand.
I closed my eyes anticipating the slap that never came. I opened my eyes to see a woman with mocha latte colored skin holding my mother's arm. My mother yanked her arm back and the woman moved in front of me.
"Who in the hell do you think you are?" My mother glared at her.
The petite woman held out her hand. "Mariposa Manoso. I am Stephanie's future mother-in-law." she announced
My mother glanced at Mrs. Manoso's hand but made no move to greet her. "What exactly do you think you are doing here?"
"I am here to celebrate Stephanie's freedom. Her name has finally been cleared." she sounded so happy for me.
"Well, you have no business coming between me and my daughter." my mother continued to glare.
"If you think for one second I am going to allow you to put your hands on her just because you refer to yourself as her mother than you know nothing about a mother's love." Mariposa's tone took on a darkness I recognized in Ranger.
"I don't need this." My mother dismissed her as she looked over her shoulder to me. "You are dead to me. I hope you and your black thug both end up in a dumpster where you belong."
I didn't say a word but I felt Ranger stiffen behind me. He encircled my waist with his strong arms.
"Goodbye Helen." he spoke
She grunted a noise of disgust and turned to walk away. Mariposa spun around to face me and cupped my face in her hands.
"You are so brave and so beautiful. Welcome to our family." she leaned in and kissed my cheek.
I blushed "Thank you Mrs. Manoso."
"Call me Mari." she smiled as a man moved up beside her.
"I am Anton. Carlos' father." he introduced himself as he moved past Mari and kissed my cheek. "Welcome mi hija" (my daughter)
"He called you his daughter." Ranger whispered in my ear.
"Thank you both." The tears came again as I launched myself forward and pulled them both into one big hug.
"Well, that wasn't how I had planned for you to meet my parents." Ranger laughed as I pulled out of the big hug.
"We got tired of waiting. We came to show our support." she told him as she planted a kiss on his cheek.
"She's beautiful." Anton told his son as he clapped him on the back.
"I am well aware of that dad." Ranger answered him and then smiled at me.
His eyes shot to my belly and I nodded. I was starting to get the hang of this ESP thing.
"We are planning a wedding on the beach in August." he told them
"Perfect." his father answered
"Oh! I can't wait! My Carlos is getting married." Mari's face was so happy. "I never thought I would see the day when you would let yourself love someone and be happy."
His mother grabbed my left hand and studied the ring. She glanced up at Ranger as he nodded. She pulled us both into a hug and when she pulled away she had tears streaming down her face.
"Abuela Annalena's ring." Mari beamed "I knew you would find the right woman for it. I can't even begin to express how happy I am. Stephanie, you have brought the light back into my son's dark world. This ring will bring your marriage good luck."
"I think you're about to be a lot happier." Ranger told her as he ignored the whole light in the darkness statement.
She looked back and forth between us. I took her hand and placed it on my belly.
"Twins." I whispered as I held a finger to my lips.
"Oh!" she rejoiced and then suddenly looked around her and pulled her hand back. "Thank you."
"We're very proud." Anton told us. "This is great news."
"We must have dinner tomorrow night, I need to know everything." Mari asked
Ranger looked at me and I nodded with a smile.
"We will be at the house at seven." he promised.
With that promise they said their goodbyes and left. I surveyed the room and saw it was empty except for Matteo. He was leaning against the wall next to the doors. I looked at Ranger and he nodded. I left his side and walked to Matteo. As I got closer he pushed away from the wall and slightly held his arms out. I fell into his hug and the tears stared to flow all over again. Neither of us spoke for a minute as I just allowed him to hold me. We had been through so much together in the short time we have known each other. We shared an instant connection and it quickly deepened over time. Now I couldn't imagine my life without his friendship.
"Il mio Stephanie." he sighed against the side of my head.
"I will never be able to thank you enough for your friendship." I told him
"Still friends?" he looked at me with surprise.
"Of course." I scrunched up my eyebrows
"I just thought...well...maybe you wouldn't want to..." he struggled.
I slapped his arm. "You're stuck with me for life! I need you to be my best man at my wedding."
His eyes grew wide with surprise. "Me? What about Hector?"
"Who do you think is going to give me away?" I winked
"I don't know if he'll be able to do that." he smiled "I wouldn't miss it for the world. I wonder if he will bring his knives."
We both laughed and I glanced back at Ranger who had one eyebrow raised as he watched us.
"Thanks for coming today." I told Matteo as I turned back to face him.
"Of course." his smile faded for a minute. "I won't be upset if you change your mind about us. I have done things..."
"I don't care. You are my best friend. I don't care what you've done. Nothing can change who you are. I know your life is different now and you have to do certain things for your business." I assured him
"Not always for business." he warned
"I know." I hugged him again.
"Thank you." he squeezed me.
"I know you may do things in the future that I may not agree with. But Matteo, there is nothing that can change who you are inside. Nothing that can ruin our friendship." I promised
"You have no idea how much you mean to me." he muttered as he pulled me back against him.
He held me for another moment of silence before he slowly pulled away. He placed a hand on each of my shoulders and kissed my forehead.
"What a whore." I heard his voice and knew who it was.
My back was to the door and Matteo quickly pulled me into his chest. I knew Morelli was in the doorway. I didn't want to turn around. I didn't want to look at his face, but I couldn't resist. I struggled to turn in Matteo's tight grip. I only got to turn slightly. The side of my hip was pressed against his. He had one arm wrapped around my waist and the other around my upper back.
"Is it true you are marrying Ranger? Have you changed your mind and decided on the Godfather?" Morelli asked
"That's none of your business." I told him
"Hmm." he thought for a second and then smiled. "If they're willing to share you with each other perhaps you want to add a third man to the mix."
Matteo shook his head. "Didn't I warn you?"
Matteo pushed me behind him and Ranger grabbed me and pulled me tight into his chest. I quickly turned sideways. I didn't want my back to Morelli and I needed to be able to see Matteo.
"Didn't I tell you what would happen to you if you didn't leave her alone?" Matteo asked Morelli
"I need to talk to my Cupcake." Morelli glared at him.
"You have five minutes. This is the last time I will ever listen to you so say everything you need to say." I commanded.
"So, looks like there's a chance my plea bargain will be thrown out now." he rubbed his chin. "Do you know how rare that is?"
He paused and waited for me to comment, but I had nothing to say.
He shook his head and let out a breath of laughter. "Nothing involving you ever works out like it's supposed to. You have been bad luck since you walked back into my life and it seems you will continue to bring me bad luck even when you are out of my life."
"I don't know what more to tell you Morelli. I really can't think of anything left that we need to say to each other." I stayed in Ranger's arms as Matteo stepped back moving beside us.
Morelli smiled "You shoot someone and suddenly they hate you. How did it all go so wrong?"
I didn't speak. Morelli was blocking the doorway. I couldn't help myself as I glanced down at his left ring finger.
"Yeah, your buddy here decided to give me something to remember you by." Morelli nodded as he held up his left hand. There was a bandage around it but you could clearly see the gauze wrapped around the spot where his finger should be."As if I could ever forget you."
"It wasn't to remind you of Stephanie. Only to remind you of the loss. Only to remind you of what I am capable of."
After Matteo's words no one spoke. We waited on Morelli. I just wanted him to go away. I was done with this and just wanted it to end. I was free and ready to move forward. My spidey sense was tingling and I felt like something bad was coming. I began to worry about Ranger and Matteo. I began to worry about my babies.
"My mother won't speak to me. My Grandma Bella says I am no longer her favorite grandson. She even put the freaking eye on me. I called Terri and she told me to go screw myself. I reached out to her Uncle Vito and he told me Matteo has the final word on everything. Bob ran away last night when I opened the door." he shook his head. "None of the cops will even talk to me, and I lost my girl. My whole life is fucked up. I have nothing left."
"I'm sorry for all of that Morelli." I told him.
"Joe. You never call me Joe anymore. It's Morelli this and Morelli that like we never even had a relationship. Like we never really meant something to each other." he continued to shake his head. "Like we never made love."
"I did love you Joe. But, after all that has happened I can't anymore. I just have nothing for you. You freaking shot me." I told him "You betrayed me since the beginning. You are not the person I thought you were."
He stared at me and said nothing.
"It's my fault because I made you into something you're not rather than see you for who you were. Now I see you for who you are and you are not the man for me. There is not and never will be anything between us again. Not love and not even friendship. It's over." I informed him.
There was silence again as we all stood there. I was wondering how much longer we would be stuck here. How much longer could he block our way?
"After what the judge said I decided to go to my car and get my gun." he pulled out his gun. "I figured I would just shoot all three of you and be done with it all."
Ranger moved to stand in front of me as Matteo took a step towards Morelli. Morelli raised the gun and pointed it our way. Matteo was in front with Ranger behind him and me in the back.
"You are going to have to shoot both of us to get to Stephanie. Will your Sig Sauer fire fast enough to hit Ranger and I before we take you out?" Matteo asked.
"It really doesn't matter at this point. My life is ruined. If my plea bargain is thrown out I am most likely going to jail and cops don't do well in jail." he paused but kept his gun up trained on Matteo.
"If I manage to get off?" he shook his head. "It really doesn't matter because my life is ruined."
Morelli moved his head to the side so he could make eye contract with me. "Did you hear that? You ruined my life."
I took a step to the side and Ranger grabbed my arm to stop me. I stayed where I was when I spoke. "You did this to yourself. You screwed the prostitutes. You stole evidence. You helped drug dealers. You made deals with the devil. You set me up for murder. You shot me."
"You made me crazy when we were together. I was and am still so in love with you. I worry about you constantly." his eyes grew soft but I was unaffected. "I can't imagine a life without you."
"Morelli, you set me up for murder and you shot me. Just do what you're going to do. I am done talking." I shook my head.
"I had you first and you will never forget me." he said as he pulled the gun back.
I looked into his eyes and saw that look of defeat before he raised the gun. He opened his mouth and pressed the gun in between his lips. Then he pulled the trigger.
"No!" I heard myself screaming and fell to my knees.
The bailiff came charging into the room. He pulled the radio off of his hip and called for an ambulance and a police cruiser. Black dots danced before my eyes. I closed them tight but I kept seeing the blood and gore fly against the wall. Ranger pushed my head down.
"Press against my hand." he ordered
I was taking deep breaths. Doing anything I could to control the nausea that that turned in my stomach. I opened my eyes and looked down at the ground,. I didn't want to keep seeing what Morelli had done. I needed to refocus on something else. Ranger knelt down in front of me and took me in his arms. I looked over his shoulder. Matteo was guarding Ranger's back and blocking me from seeing Morelli's body. Morelli's body...he was gone. Morelli was dead. There is no way he could come back from that shot. I glanced up and saw the blood and brain against the wall. Ranger tipped up my head and looked into my eyes.
"Look in my eyes Babe." he ordered "Look at me."
I lifted my head and focused on him. I started sniffling as I fought the tears. "This is not your fault. This had nothing to do with you. This is all about him. He chose to eat his gun. This is not about you."
Ranger pulled me into his arms and held me tight as he pulled us to our feet. He slid his hand to the back of my neck and pulled me closer. He placed a kiss on my forehead before pulling me back into his chest. He moved me over to one of the benches and sat me down. He stood next to me keeping hold of my hand. Matteo came over.
"Are you okay Steph?" he asked me
I didn't answer. I closed my eyes and kept seeing Morelli with the gun in his mouth. Matteo patted my shoulder and then turned to deal with the police that were entering the room. Ranger squatted down next to me and squeezed my hand.
"I got ya Babe." he comforted me
I started to grasp for breath. I was close to hyperventilating.
"If you let your blood pressure rise you will endanger the babies." he pulled my hand to his lips and kissed it. "This was his choice Babe. You had nothing to do with it. We all purposely let him leave Rangeman because no one wanted to hurt you. He chose to end his life."
"I know." I whispered as I continued to struggle with my breath.
Ranger turned my head towards him and took deep breaths. I followed along with him until I was calmer. He kept me focused on him until I was breathing normally. I looked back at the door as I watched the EMT's jog into the room and kneel down next to Morelli's body. After a quick pulse check the EMT looked up at his partner and shook his head. Carl Costanza was speaking to Matteo and taking notes. Big Dog was now talking to the EMT's and making a call. I was assuming he was calling the medical examiner. A photographer pushed his way in and took a couple of pictures before Big Dog pushed him out of the room. Eddie Gazarra came in next and was quickly sent to stand outside of the doors to make sure no one else entered.
After an hour of questions Costanza finally let us leave. I had Matteo call one of his men. I didn't want him traveling alone anymore. We waited with him for a few more minutes. When his man called Matteo gave me a quick hug and headed out the side door. Ranger guided me through the doors. I should have been happy. I was finally free. No more running or hiding. Right now I just needed to be alone with my man. I prepared for the onslaught of questions and pictures when the doors opened. Instead we had a clear path.
My brothers had gathered on each side of the stairs effectively blocking the photographers and reporters from getting too close. Ranger wrapped an arm around my waist as he kissed the top of my head. I let myself melt against him. He tugged me gently along with him as we made our way down the long staircase.
"Hey Steph, when are you and Manoso tying the knot?" one yelled before the door had even shut behind us.
"Did you know Joyce Barnhardt bailed out Morelli?" another voice
"Your mother said she disowned you. Do you have a comment?" another voice
"Your mother said she still thinks you're guilty." another voice
I buried my head into Ranger's shoulder as he led me down the steps.
"Your father said they will stand beside Morelli." another damn voice.
"Does it bother you to be so close to so many criminals and thugs including your fiancee?" a shout as we hit the last step.
I stopped dead in my tracks and spun around.
"I am grateful to Judge Graves for reviewing all of the evidence. I am so happy to be free. Most of all I am honored and proud of all of my friends and brothers. The ones who stood by me no matter what. These men in black you see along these steps are heroes. Many of them have received medals from our government to symbolize sacrifices they have made for our country. Others are reformed men who have found a way to make a positive impact on their community by setting a good example and mentoring others."
"What about Matteo?" a woman shouted
"Matteo Palazzo is one of my best friends. He is a loyal and devoted friend. I hold a great deal of love and respect for him." I answered
"What about..." another reporter began.
I held up my hand. "As far as my fiancee Carlos Manoso?" I glanced up at Ranger's face.
"He is the greatest man I have ever known. He is a well respected military hero. He is an honorable member of our community who consistently works hard to offer protection for others. He and his team also constantly working to remove the criminals from our streets. I can't wait to become Mrs. Carlos Manoso."
"What about Ramos?" another reporter shouted.
"He is a beloved old friend. Another loyal and faithful man I am honored to know." I informed them.
"What just happened in there?" asked a reporter who was running down the step. He must have been in the hallway. "Morelli killed himself?"
"I can't speak for the actions of Joe Morelli. You will have to ask the police about that." I answered
"What about..." another began.
"I am done here. All I can remind you all is don't judge someone by how they look or what others tell you. I spent my whole life trying to live up to the expectations of others until I finally found people who accept me for who I am. Without their support I wouldn't be here now. I would be serving time in jail for a crime I didn't commit."
More questions were called out but we headed to the car. I couldn't wait to be alone with him. Ranger held the door open and leaned in to buckle up my seat belt before he closed the door. Once he had pulled out of the lot I leaned back into the seat and relaxed. He grabbed my hand and laced our fingers together. I had a hard time admitting to myself the world will be a better place without Joe Morelli. My life had turned upside down and righted itself again in just a few months.
"Where to Babe?" Ranger asked
"Take me home. I need to just lay in your arms. I need you close." I admitted.
He pulled my hand to his lips. "I know exactly how you feel."
******************************THANK YOU*************************
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