Chapter 27

Cassidy saved me the trouble of calling her. She arrived at my house as Julie was getting ready for shopping. Celia was taking her shopping for new bras and underwear. I was supposed to make the trip with them, but I needed to rest. Postponing their shopping trip was not an option for me. Julie needed the retail therapy.

"Hello, Cassidy," I greeted as Celia opened the door to my guest.

"Can we have a private conversation?" she asked.

"Sure, Celia and Julie are leaving soon," I replied. My phone chimed, indicating I received a text. As I read the message, I smiled. Ranger saw Cassidy on the front door camera. He was staying in the basement while Cassidy visits me. Michael was in the Rangeman control room on monitor duty.

She walked towards the living room so we could be comfortable while talking. Cass sat on the couch as I sat in the chair. "This is for you," she said as she handed me an envelope.

I opened the letter and read her request for transfer to Atlanta. "Why are you transferring?" I asked.

"My friend, Pete, had his leg amputated. He needs help with rehab. If I work from Rangeman Atlanta, I could take care of him," she explained.

"Cassidy, he will need more help than just a few hours you can squeeze in between shifts while raising Dax too. I believe it would be in your best interest to tender your resignation," I responded honestly.

"I had a feeling you would say that. Here is my letter of resignation. Tell Ranger I appreciated the job," she stated before preparing to leave.

"Do you not want to tell him yourself?" I wondered.

"It would be best if I leave without saying goodbye. I have to finish packing. Thank you for everything, Stephanie. Take care of yourself and your son," she said near the door.

I waited until she left before I called for Ranger to join me.

We pulled ingredients from the refrigerator to make lunch. Ranger assembled a garden salad as I grilled the chicken. When our lunch was ready, Ranger carried it to the dining room table to eat and talk.

"Babe," he sighed as he took a seat.

"Tell me about it," I deadpanned. "Did you break up with Cass last night?"

"No. I guess Cass was not feeling it either," he replied.

"Julie will be sad that Dax is leaving," I stated the obvious.

"She has other friends," he reminded me. "Tenessa is nice."

I smiled and said, "She slept with Lester."

"That does not bother me." Carlos is interested in Tenessa.

"Is there anything else you like about her?" I wondered.

"She came here to check on you," he replied. "It's the same you would do for one of my men."

"Any loving and caring person would do the same," I stated.

"Tenessa is genuine," he added.

"That too," I agreed. "Julie likes her too. She did not like Cassidy for you."

"It's important for Julie to like the woman I plan on dating," he agreed.

"Cassidy is leaving Rangeman," I said as I gave him her resignation letter.

"Saves me from firing her. She overstepped with my men," he informed me.

"In hindsight, you probably should not have hired her. She was asking too many personal questions about you. Cassidy felt threatened by me too."

"Babe, you are the ideal woman. Bobby, Tank and Les were upset when you married Ram," he stated.

"Really? They're my friends. I never saw them as potential boyfriends," I replied.

"I wanted you," he admitted.

"You made it abundantly clear. We are better as best friends," I reminded him.

"You are right," he agreed. "If we crossed the line, we would not be where we are today."

"Take time for yourself before pursuing a relationship with Tenessa. I have a feeling she will be hanging around here," I shared.

"Babe," he said with a head shake. He hugged me before returning to his apartment.

Julie returned a few hours later with Celia. She was visibly upset. "Did you know Dax is gone?" she asked me.

"I found out a few hours ago. How did you find out?" I asked.

"We drove past his house. His grandparents said he moved this morning," she cried. "Why would he leave without saying goodbye?"

"Maybe he thought a clean break was better," I replied.

"Whatever," she snapped. "I'm so over that friendship." She stomped her way up the stairs.

Ranger ran up the basement stairs then ran up the next flight to Julie's room. He spent a few hours talking to her before they came downstairs to join us for dinner. Celia and Julie made homemade pizzas. Hector arrived in time to add toppings to the final pizza crust.

He lifted me into his arms and sat on the couch, keeping me wrapped in his embrace. "How is Jace?" he whispered.

"My little man is fine." I shifted to look into his eyes. "You didn't let me down," I whispered. "I went to the washroom. Nobody could have predicted Morelli would be there waiting for me."

"I should have protected you," he said as he stroked my face.

"You did, hermano. I love you," I said before kissing the teardrop tattoo below the eye.

Joe Morelli will spend time in the local jail until his trial. He tried using his connections to overturn the charges, but the DA felt he needed to be held accountable for his actions.

It was almost Christmas when his case finally went to trial. I'm twenty-one weeks along in my pregnancy. I received a summons to testify during the first day of Joe's court case. Helen Mazur, of all people, was a character witness in Joe's defence. My dad, Frank Plum, was a character witness for the prosecutor.

Grandma Mazur was sitting behind the prosecutor, pushing her dentures around using her tongue. When Helen defended Joe's behaviour, she shouted, "I object. I have proof." She was waving documents in the air.

The judge asked her to approach the bench. She tripped over her feet as she ran towards the judge. "What do you have in your hands?" he asked.

"Proof Joseph Morelli raped my granddaughter when she was sixteen. STD and pregnancy test results. This document proves she miscarried his child," she said as she handed him each document. "I should've given these to the prosecutor, but I didn't know where to send them."

I watched the DA approach the bench to retrieve the documents. "Your honour, I have already submitted copies of these documents as evidence of Morelli's true character," he said as he returned the medical records to the judge.

"Please take your seat," the judge dismissed grandma. I appreciated her help.

The men and women in the jury box smiled as grandma returned to her seat. Morelli's lawyer was concerned her outburst would impact the jury's decision to convict his client. He attempted to have the evidence thrown out, but the judge overruled his request. The evidence remains in play.

When I was called to the stand by the prosecution, I took the seat in the witness box and swore I would tell the truth. I was asked some difficult questions and honestly answered. Morelli's lawyer tried to prevent my answers from being recorded. Thankfully, the judge overruled his claim; my testimony was complete.

A few women in the jury were angry Morelli punched me in the stomach. The defence attorney cross-examined me, but I was unflappable. He wasn't able to make me trip over my words. My testimony remained the same. I maintained my composure, unlike Helen.

The district attorney cross-examined Helen. She resorted to calling me all the names she used over the years. It didn't take long for the bailiff to escort Helen from the courtroom. Her testimony hurt his case more than it helped.

Dad's testimony defended my character. He talked about how much I overcame since I moved to Florida. I sounded like a strong woman, but I didn't feel I was too strong.

"We are defending the current incident of assault. I would like all evidence regarding previously dropped charges stricken from the record," Morelli's lawyer stated.

"Your honour, all evidence we provided regarding previous charges displays his propensity for assaulting Mrs. Ramsey. The previous assault charge earlier this year was dismissed by Mr. Morelli's relatives. Justice Marconi and ADA Marconi of New Jersey are currently under investigation. Mrs. Ramsey did not drop the assault charges against Mr. Morelli," he finished.

"Overruled. The evidence remains pertinent to this case," the judge told Morelli's lawyer. "Continue."

Tenessa was next to take the stand. She described the events of the latest assault. I was amazed she saw as much as she did. "I asked for an ambulance after the call for the police disconnected," she stated. Someone played the audio from her 911 calls. Tenessa yelled, "What the hell, Joe. Are you fucking crazy?" Her call disconnected before she placed another call for the ambulance.

"Would the defence like to cross-examine the witness?" the judge asked.

"No, your honour," Morelli's lawyer said with disgust.

"His wife is pregnant," Ranger whispered in my ear. Yikes. I would hate to be in his shoes right now.

Jace started kicking. I grabbed Michael's hand to let him feel the kicks. He smiled and rubbed the area using a small circular motion. Ranger raised an eyebrow, silent asking to feel the baby kick. I gave him an imperceptible nod. He smiled when he felt my baby kick. His lip curled imperceptibly. I knew he was smiling.

Once the witnesses finished their testimonies, the judge gave the jury their order. They filed through the door next to the judge's chambers. Less than an hour later, they returned with a verdict. Morelli was found guilty of aggravated assault. Instead of having another trial for sentencing, the judge sentenced him to five years in prison and a 5000 fine.

Morelli's lawyer attempted to have the sentence reduced since it was technically his first offence, but the judge stated, "Mr. Morelli's sentence remains firm. It may be his first trial for aggravated assault, but it is not his first offence. My judgement is final. Dismissed." He slammed his mallet on the desk.

We left the courtroom as the bailiff cuffed Morelli. He started yelling obscenities at me, but I ignored him. I was surprised when his lawyer stated he would not be filing for an appeal. If Joe wanted to have the case retried, he'll have to find another lawyer.

Helen was spending a few days in jail for contempt of court. She would be handed over for transportation back to Trenton. Grandma Mazur cackled as she left the room. I hope I have her energy when I'm her age.

Tenessa linked our arms to guide me to our SUV. She pulled me into the back to sit next to her. I sat in the middle so Michael could sit on my right. Tank was driving with Ranger in the passenger seat. The covert looks she gave Ranger were adorable.

They were interested in each other, but they wanted to get to know each other before dating. I felt emotionally drained from the day. Tenessa gently pulled my head down to rest on her shoulder. "It's the perfect height," I whispered as I closed my eyes.

She giggled, "I know. You could have used Ram's shoulder, but I didn't want you to kink your neck or for him to hurt his back." I could feel Ranger watching us. Opening my eyes, I looked at Ranger. He winked and gave me a small smile. I laughed when I heard Tenessa's heartbeat pick up speed.

"Go for it," I whispered. "Stop circling the wagon."

"Okay," she whispered.

"Hey, Tank. Can we stop at the mall? I need to go Christmas shopping," I asked.

"Sure, little girl," he replied. I was surprised Ranger didn't groan.

We went to the mall where all my favourite shops were along the same stretch. I wouldn't have to walk too much. "Aren't you worried I will see what you're giving me?" Michael asked.

"Nope," I said while popping the p. "I already have your gift bought and wrapped."

"What do we need to buy?" he asked.

"Gifts for Lory, Curt and Julie. I finished the rest of my shopping," I replied.

"Do you know what to buy them?" he asked.

"I have a few ideas, but I'm leaning towards gift cards, books and jewelry."

Tenessa and I entered the shoe store to look at the new boots on display. I found the perfect combat-style boots for Lory. We've been looking everywhere for similar boots to the ones she saw in a fashion magazine. "Ness, can you check Fashion Magazine for those combat style boots? I want to be sure these are the correct ones," I asked as I tried on the boots.

"You wear the same size?" Tenessa asked.

"Yes, we both wear size seven," I replied.

"Yay… so do I. Can I borrow your shoes?" she joked.

"Sure, I don't mind sharing," I replied. "Celia's going to be jealous. She wears a size eight."

"Hey, I resemble that remark," she called from behind me.

I was panicking since I didn't want Julie to see what I purchased for her. "It's in the car," Ranger whispered.

"Hi, mama, papa," Julie greeted us. "What did you buy me?" she innocently asked.

"If I tell you, I'll have to return it," I joked.

"Okay. I think I can be patient. Papa, can I borrow your credit card?" Ranger pulled a card from his wallet and passed it to Celia.

"Whatever she wants," he said, knowing his daughter would spend responsibly.

"Thank you," Julie singsonged as she walked away with Celia.