A WOMAN APART: Chapter 15 - COURT II

by tarskeewee08

"Bump"
Jon opened his eyes and saw that Evangeline dropped her bag. She was getting dressed in the dark. "What time is it?" he asked sitting up.

Evangeline kept buttoning her blouse without looking at him "Around 5 in the morning"
John rubbed his eyes and yawned "About last night…."
"I don't want to talk about it" she said as she retrieved her shoes.

John stared at her "I just wanted to say I was wrong to push you and that I'm sorry"
Evangeline grabbed her bag and headed for the door.

"Van" John said desperate for some reassurance from her. Evangeline turned around and looked at him "I'm fine John really" she said smiling softly and then walking out.

John listened as she exited the loft. She'd said the name Dennis several times in her sleep. Knowing this was the root of her problem made him more desperate to determine who he was. He lay back down and closed his eyes. Maybe Layla could tell him the story of Dennis or maybe even her mom. Somehow he would uncover the secret and help her get pass it.

Court

Evangeline walked into the courtroom. John sat toward the back so she didn't see him as she breezed in. She was as beautiful and poised in her gray pant suit than any other day. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders and her stride oozed confidence.

There was no trace of the emotional breakdown from last night. From what he saw of her face when she greeted Nora and the prosecutor her makeup was perfect. He loved seeing her like this. She was more than sexy in her element.

John saw them bring in Layla who looked crushed. The fire he saw in her the first night she arrived had extinguished some. He hoped that today's proceedings would restore it. There was something about Layla that he liked. Antonio walked in and saw John in the back and came over to sit next to him.

"What's up man?" Antonio asked
John nodded and observed Lisa walk into the courtroom. She sat not far from them. Antonio saw the way John watched her "Who is she?"
John frowned "Their mother, but why is she sitting back here with us?"
Antonio stared at Lisa. "Something up with that family man"
John looked at Antonio "Why you say that?"
"Say what?"

"That there was something wrong with them" John found the comment strange since Antonio knew nothing of Layla and Lisa.

Antonio shrugged "Paid Layla a visit and she seemed very hostile toward Van even called her a murderer"

John felt his heart quicken "She called her what?"
"She took it back of course but she kept making references to Evangeline being fake and no one knowing her really"

John looked back at Evangeline who was rubbing Layla's back and whispering to her. He was more determined than ever to find out the truth.

The bailiff walked out and stood before the courtroom "All rise, The Honorable Judge Mike Ellsworth presiding"

Evangeline stood along with everyone. She watched the judge walk to the bench and pulled on her strength. Last night with John had taken a lot out of her but she was determined to get through this day.

"Prosecutor Davis, I've read your motion and you are not contesting bail for this defendant" The judge said flipping through the folder in front of him.

Davis stood "Your honor at this time the government does not consider Ms.Williamson a flight risk"

The judge looked at Davis and nodded "And where does the state air on the issue of Bail?"

Nora stood "We are not contesting bail"

The judge looked at Layla "The crimes you are accused of are of a serious nature. Bail is is just a courtesy of the court to allow your prison walls to extend outside of your jail cell. You are not to leave the state of PA and are expected to appear before this court on your next court date. Failure to appear forfeits the bail granted and you will spend the remainder of your trial behind bars. Are we clear?"

Layla nodded "Yes your honor"
"Okay, bail is set at $50,000.00." The judge said signing off on her file "I am scheduling for a court date of September 22nd one month from today"

Layla hugged Evangeline and smiled. The judge slammed his gable and adjourned the proceedings.

Evangeline returned the hug. "Now we need to meet with Nora and see what we can work out."

Lisa rose and came over to her girls. "Well that went well" she said smiling
Layla looked up at her mother and said nothing. Neither did Evangeline. She was in no mood for Lisa. The guard came and got Layla. Evangeline smiled again at her sister "He will get you dressed in your street clothes and released then bring you to Nora's office to meet with us."

Layla nodded and left with the guard. She turned around and looked back at her sister "Thank you"

Evangeline winked. Then she turned to her mother "I need you to go and get Layla bonded out here is a number to call everything has been arranged" she said closing her briefcase and handing the number to her mom.

Lisa looked at the card "I need to be a part of this meeting you are having."
Evangeline rolled her eyes "Not going to happen. Just do as I asked please" she said pushing pass her and walking to Nora and the prosecutor.

Lisa glared at her and followed. She interrupted the exchange between Nora and Evangeline and stuck her hand out "Hi, I'm Lisa Evangeline's mom"

Evangeline flashed her mom an angry look and Nora smiled "Ms. Williamson it's so nice to finally meet you" Nora said smiling broadly

Lisa smiled warmly "Evangeline has mentioned you quite often and I'm pleased to meet you as well" Evangeline interrupted them and spoke to Nora "I'll meet you in your office in 20 minutes. She said walking off. As she exited the courtroom John stepped in front of her.

"That went well" he said searching her face to a gage on her mood.
Evangeline looked through him "Well it's not over yet" she said dryly trying to walk around him.

"Can I walk with you back to the station?"
Evangeline looked at him and tried to hide her anxiety "Sure"
John followed her out.

Lisa watched the exchange between Evangeline and that cop and frowned "Who is he to my daughter" she asked Nora

Nora looked up to see Van and John leave. "Their friends" she said smiling
Lisa looked at Nora "Close friends?"
Nora laughed "Well I don't know how close you might want to ask her about that. It was nice meeting you" Nora gave the prosecutor a look and they both headed out.

Lisa folded her arms. She knew that Cookie was acting strange and that concerned her. This man in her life may be a problem.
A distraction.
She would have to speak with him and determine what his intentions were. Lisa walked toward the door. Bailing Layla out was not something she looked forward too but she didn't want to aggravate the situation further. She was always there for her girls.

John and Evangeline walked into the station. They'd made small talk on the way over but no mention of last night. "What's your plan?" he asked her before she headed toward Nora's office.

"To get my sister out and assist with bringing down the Barkers. They used her and I won't stand for that" she said fixing him with a determined look.

John smiled "You're beautiful today" he said reaching for her. Evangeline stepped away from him unsure of herself. "Excuse me" she said walking around him to Nora's.

Nora and the prosecutor just arrived as Evangeline walked into the office.
"Your momma's nice" Nora said to Evangeline who she noticed seemed a little wound tight.

Evangeline ignored the comment and went to the open seat. She felt Prosecutors Davis eyes on her and fought the urge to snap at him. She was getting angrier by the minute and didn't really know why anymore.

Davis looked at Evangeline and smiled "Okay what do you have for me councilor?"
Evangeline handed Layla's deposition to both Nora and Davis. "Layla met with a woman in Columbia that handled all the transportation matters to smuggle these drugs. She has a contact number for her and I think it's a valid lead. Also I met with my clients. I believe that there is some internal fighting and they are not involved in this drug trade. If they are its not a joint venture."

Davis frowned at her "Of course you would say that, their your clients"
Evangeline shook her head "I can't divulge much as you know but please open your mind to the fact that something big is going on. Think about it. Why would the Barkers use my sister to transport drugs? I've represented them for almost 3 years and won every case and motion filed against them. Why would they risk me dropping them as a client" Before Davis could answer John walked in with Layla. He pulled in a chair for Layla to sit next to her.

Davis looked at Layla "Is it okay if I ask her some questions?"
Evangeline nodded
"Ms. Williamson, I'm federal prosecutor Davis and I want to ask you some questions about this deposition"

Layla looked at Evangeline nervously "Okay"

"This woman you met in Columbia did she use any other names in your presence? Did she suggest anyone to you for when you landed in Llanview?"

Layla looked down "No, she only talked to me about acting. When we got to the place I met a girl who gave me a name to look up in Llanview"

Nora sat up "What was the name?"
"Eugene" Layla said weakly
Nora looked at Evangeline "That's your boy"
Evangeline looked at Nora "Eugene sleeps with every and anything in Llanview. That doesn't mean the operation was his. I think that the girl was a plant. Everyone around Layla spoke Spanish but one girl that directs her to the Barkers. It's not right. You're missing something"

John walked up "Can I say something?"
Evangeline and everyone looked at him.
Nora nodded.

"If The Barkers wanted to shut down another operation in Llanview it makes sense to expose them this way. Those two brothers are constantly fighting each other. Eugene wants to branch out on his own. What if he did this to force Evangeline out as their attorney. Most of your evidence is on Fat Fred. Maybe he's trying to make him vulnerable to you. I think that this is just the beginning of something else. It would be wise to dig deeper into this and Evangeline is the key."

Nora frowned "Are u suggesting Evangeline go under cover on her own clients?"

John rubbed his jaw. "I don't know but both Evangeline and Layla are really useful now. I am suggesting that we find out exactly what they are really up too"

Davis looked at Evangeline "Councilor what is it your seeking?"
Evangeline smiled "For Layla's full cooperation and mine. I would like the federal trafficking charges dropped and for her to face the 1 count possession charge. I want it handed to the state and a guilty plea entered with the suggestion of probation"

Davis raised his eyebrow "You do? Well here is what I want. I want you to agree to work with my office in untangling the Barker connection. I suggest you drop them as a client and be prepared to disclose anything you have going forward. I want Layla to wear a wire and meet with this Eugene. I want the Barkers handed over to me on a silver platter"

Nora frowned "I don't like this. Evangeline dropping them will make Fred Barker angry. And Layla is to inexperienced to be involved in something like this"

Layla sat up indignant "I'm an actress. I can do this. I can do whatever it takes to stay out of jail"

Evangeline squeezed her hand. "Nora we can do this. Will you draft a motion so we can get this agreement before the judge soon?"

Nora nodded.

Davis stood up "Like I said Evangeline if you ever want to come over to our team I'd be the first to hire you"

Evangeline smiled and shook his hand. She avoided eye contact with John and gestured to Layla to leave. They walked out and into the station finding Lisa waiting.

"How'd it go?" Lisa asked excitedly
Evangeline looked at her mother "It went fine," she turned to Layla "I got you a room at the Palace near mom. Your luggage is their and its under my name. Go get cleaned up and I will meet you two for dinner" she said walking away.

Layla and Lisa looked at each other and then at Evangeline trying to escape. "Are you trying to get rid of us?" Lisa asked nastily

Evangeline stopped but didn't turn around to face them. John walked out of Nora's office and silently watched the exchange

"I will be in court all day. Like I said I will meet with you two tonight" she said and then proceeded down the hall.

Lisa rolled her eyes and then saw John standing behind her. "Lieutenant McBain isn't it?" she said sweetly

John smiled at her. "Yes, how are you Ms. Williamson?"

Layla watched her mom and knew that this meant trouble.

"Please call me Lisa" she said looking him up and down.
"Okay, Lisa"
"How would you like to join me and my daughters for dinner tonight at the Palace?" she asked

John looked over at Layla who was shaking her head 'No' behind her mothers back. He looked back at Lisa smiling at him. She was a pleasant woman but her eyes betrayed her. They were cold and distant. "Sure what time?"

Lisa smiled wider "8 o'clock should be fine" she said turning and grabbing Layla's arm "Come on lets get you scrubbed up you reek from that jail cell" she hissed dragging Layla down the hall. Layla looked back at John and frowned.

John watched them go and knew tonight dinner would be very interesting.