So... I guess long time no see on this story... Well I have three new chapters for all of the dedicated readers :)
There are two chapters after this one and possibly an epilogue. I'm hoping to have them posted in the next few days.
Steph POV:
I watched as Joe's defense attorney stood. "Your Honor, I would like to call my client, Joseph Morelli, to the stand."
An audible gasp was heard through the courtroom. "What is he doing?" I asked Carlos.
His jaw was clenched, the muscle flexing as he ground his teeth. "I don't know, but he's stupid."
I squeezed his hand. "I thought he wasn't going to testify for himself." Rage leaned over to ask Carlos and me.
I shrugged and fixed my eyes to the stand as Joe was sworn in. "Mr. Morelli, how are you today?" The defense attorney asked him.
"Well, if you take the trial out of the equation I'm doing alright."
The attorney smiled and nodded. "I'm going to ask you questions about these past two years, mainly about your association with Mrs. Stephanie Manoso."
"Ask away." Joe said, smiling that charming smile of his. I felt a wave of disgust roll through me. I felt my hand tighten around Carlos's.
Questions ensued. The DA stepped in multiple times; objections flew from his mouth at least every other question. Accusations and lies flew from Joe's mouth with each question, arrogance lacing his tone.
"He's just perjuring himself," Rage said next to me. I nodded my agreement. I was staying as calm as I could, but he was sitting on the stand slandering Carlos and me both.
When it was over, the judge called for us to resume on Monday so that the prosecutor could question him. Carlos took my hand, helping me up. I glanced up at him and found his jaw clenched. He squeezed my hand as we left the courtroom.
When everyone was parked back in the garage at Rangeman, we all stood in pretty much silence. "How did the jury look while the cop was on the stand?" Carlos asked.
A few of the guys that had come with us had tasked themselves with watching the jury to see if they could figure out which way they were leaning.
"There were some that were conflicted. One that seemed to be soaking up what he was saying and regarding it as truth, the rest were appalled," Les said. There was a rumble of agreement from most of the guys.
"Take a break this weekend. Blow off some steam," I said, eyeing the guys. They were weary, tired, and pissed. Hell, we all were.
Carlos nodded and squeezed my hand. Together we walked to the elevator. Well Carlos walked and I waddled.
When we got upstairs, I groaned as I slipped off my flats. My feet and ankles were swollen. "You don't have to come to the courthouse every day," Carlos said softly, taking my shoes in his hand.
I shook my head. "I refuse to be weak in front of Joe."
"You're anything but weak, Babe," he said, sweeping me into his arms. I smiled and nuzzled into his neck. "Normally I would pick you up, wrap your legs around my waist, and carry you to the shower, but our kid is in the way."
I laughed softly and he grinned down at me when I pulled away. He picked me up, cradling me in his arms. I rolled my eyes at him. "One of these days you're going to hurt yourself picking me up."
He looked like he was going to roll his eyes at me. He carried me into the bathroom, setting me down to undress while he started the tub.
Monday Morning:
We entered the courtroom fresh off a good weekend. Carlos and I had gotten to make more arrangements for the baby, and the guys were calmer.
I was only hoping that Morelli wouldn't do anything to fuck up the good attitude we all had. Once again, I sat between Carlos and Rage.
Robinson turned in his chair and shot us a thumbs up. He was pretty sure we had this in the bag. I wouldn't be that confident until the jury made their decision.
Our good mood slowly soured over the day. With Robinson questioning Morelli, he spewed more shit with a confident and cocky smile, like everything was just right in his world.
When he finished questioning him, the judge called for closing arguments to start tomorrow. All in all, it should go our way, but Morelli had been trying to sway the jury to his side since he stepped foot on the stand.
Carlos kissed my hand as we walked out of the room. "It's going to be okay, Babe," he said. I nodded, hoping he was right.
Short and sweet... sorry for the cliffhanger. The next chapter will be coming tommorow. After these final three it should just be the epilogue. It will be a little slow going between carpal tunnel and a broken keyboard, but that's why they make wrist brace and bluetooth keyboards!