Chapter 143
Monday morning came entirely too soon for the family. The previous night they had moved several boxes full of Rafe's things over to Ava's apartment, leaving only a few for him to finish up with after Frank's sentencing. They would bring over Clara's few bags later in the evening before dinner as well as Isabel's since she would be staying in Ava's old room until they left for St. Louis, which would be on the Lewis jet the following morning.
Natalia had been surprised to wake up alone, but also knew Olivia usually had a hard time sleeping when she was nervous or stressed. After dressing and making sure Emma was up and getting ready for the day, she made her way downstairs to find not only her wife, but both of her older children as well as Doris, Isabel, and Clara already seated at the table sipping coffee.
Doris had decided to stay with Emma one more night, even though she said it was fine if she didn't. She knew Emma was still having a little trouble sleeping on her own and with the sentencing trial coming up, she worried. She was glad she stayed because Emma did have a nightmare, not as bad as before, but the kicking she did in her sleep, not to mention all the tossing and turning, told Doris she was having a bad dream at the very least. She had pulled the girl to her and held her tightly until the kicking and tossing stopped and Emma's breathing evened back out.
Making her way into the room, Natalia approached Olivia from behind, wrapped her arms around her neck and bent to kiss her head, then moved her lips to her ear and whispered. "It's all going to be okay honey." Olivia reached for one of the arms wrapped around her neck and squeezed while nodding her head. Natalia placed a sweet kiss just below her ear and stood to grab her own coffee.
"Morning Ma." Rafe said a little sullenly.
"Morning baby. Good morning Ava and Everyone. How did you all sleep?" Natalia asked, trying to smile as she took her seat beside Olivia and pat her thigh.
"Alright. Rafe and I decided to sleep in my bed together for his first night but he kept kicking me in his sleep." Ava said, looking pointedly at her brother.
"Hey, it's not my fault I sometimes kick in my sleep. Blame Ma, she does it too. I remember when I was little, I used to crawl in bed with her if I had a bad dream, but sometimes I would end up back in my bed cause she kicked too much and kept me awake." Rafe shot back.
"I do not kick in my sleep." Natalia said sternly.
"Um, babe, you kinda do, not often, but every once in a while." Olivia stated, leaning over to kiss her wife's cheek.
"Well, then I guess that's that, Emma must actually be yours Natalia because that child kicked up a storm last night. Not to mention all the tossing and turning she did." Doris added to the conversation.
"Oh no, that is all Olivia. I swear, some nights there isn't an inch of the bed she hasn't thrown herself across at one point or another. I remember back when she first moved in, I would go to wake her and she would be sprawled across the entire bed, just like Emma is most mornings." Natalia said with a genuine smile. Causing Isabel and Clara to chuckle at the family before them.
"You love me anyways." Olivia said with her first smile of the morning, leaning in to claim her wife's lips.
"Mmm. That I do."
Emma finally made her way to the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. "What's for breakfast mama?"
Before Natalia could answer, Olivia piped up. "There's a bowl of fruit in the fridge and you can pick out your cereal today Em."
"Aw, mama's not cooking today?" Emma whined.
"Not today Jellybean."
"Why not?"
"Well, no one else is all that hungry. And besides, you haven't had cereal in a while. I think you can live with it today, don't you?" Olivia said with a raised brow, letting her daughter know not to argue.
"Okay mommy." Emma agreed, kissing both of her mother's before slipping into the pantry to grab her cereal.
Natalia kissed Olivia's cheek and rose from her seat. She didn't care if Olivia wasn't hungry, she was going to at least have some toast so she could take her pills. In fact, everyone would be having toast. It might not be a lot, but it would be something on their stomachs. After everyone ate their toast, and Emma finished her cereal and fruit, they all loaded up to head over to the courthouse.
Pulling up to the courthouse, there was a growing crowd of reporters. Luckily, Phillip's security team had met them a few blocks from away and gave them an escort. Twelve men stepped out of three cars and surrounded the families SUV. The Spencer-Rivera's stepped out one by one and joined at the passenger side of the car near the courthouse steps. The twelve men split up, four on each side blocking reporters and four keeping the family close, as well as Phillip and Beth, Josh and Reva, Holly, Dinah, Blake, Ashley, Greg, and several others from town. There was no way a single reporter was going to approach any member of the family.
As they stepped inside the doors, several security members stayed outside to help police keep the crowd in order, only five entered with them, three going to take post around the actual courtroom and two staying close to the family.
Phillip took Olivia by the elbow and led her a little away from everyone. "Hey, how you holding up?"
"I'm okay. Today is the last day I will ever have to see that miserable bastard. I'm just ready for it all to be over."
"I can understand that." He glanced over his shoulder, checking to make sure Emma wasn't in ear shot. "Hey, are you sure Emma should be here? Her nightmares got worse after last time."
"I know. Natalia and I tried to talk to her about it last night, but, she insisted on being here. She wants to hear the judge tell him he is going to prison and for how long. She wants to watch him be taken away. As much as I fear for her back sliding, I think it would be worse if she didn't get to stay. She needs the security of hearing that he is being locked away for a very long time for herself, not second hand."
Phillip nodded his head. He understood why Emma wanted to be there, he just feared for her nightmares returning. "I know, I get it. I guess I'm just being a little selfish."
"How do mean?" Olivia asked, perplexed by the statement.
"Well, she stayed with Beth and Payton the other weekend, but I wasn't home. You've said she's been sleeping without Doris and is ready for her to leave the farmhouse. What if this sends her backward? I was really looking forward to getting to spend time with her again, away from the farmhouse or the Beacon. Not that I'm not grateful that you have allowed me to drop by whenever I want, it's just, well, I miss having some alone time with my little girl."
Olivia took his hand and squeezed. "I know. I'm sorry that you had to suffer in all of this. I know how much she means to you and how much you value your visits with her. I think it's going to be okay, and, if it's not, we'll figure something out so you can have her at the mansion. The mayor might be joining her, but, at least she'll still be with you, at your house and with your family."
"You are my family Olivia."
"You know what I mean Phillip."
"I do. I just never want you to forget that you and your entire brood are my family too."
"I won't. Thank you Phillip. For everything. I never thought I'd see the day when we were on speaking terms again, let alone be considering you my family, but you are, and I am very thankful for you." She looped her arms around his neck and gave him the biggest hug she could manage, trying desperately to make him feel how much love and gratitude she held for him.
Pulling back, Phillip kissed her cheek. "Alright, let's get this show on the road then." He said, as he noticed Mel and Doris approaching from behind Olivia, signaling it was time to go into the courtroom.
Phillip walked toward the group, but Olivia hung back to speak with Mel and Doris. "Hey."
"Hey, how you doing?" Mel asked.
"I'm okay. Look, I know you wanted Rafe, Natalia, and I to all speak today, but, I think only I should."
"What? Olivia, we talked about this." Doris said sternly.
"I know, I know, but, I think I can speak on all our behaves."
Before Doris could respond, Rafe, Ava, and Natalia stepped up beside Olivia. "You ready? We need to get in there." Natalia said, taking her wife's hand.
"Yes, we're ready, and we are going to do this exactly as discussed." Doris said, making eye contact with Olivia. "Rafe, Natalia, are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be." Natalia said.
"Uh, yeah. I know what I need to say." Rafe noticed his mom's uncertain expression. "You okay mom?"
Olivia shook her head, aside from not wanting Rafe to speak, out of fear of it effecting him negatively, something else was bothering her. She felt like she was being watched, and by more than the dozen or so reporters. She had felt it since they met up with Phillip's security team, like someone was following her. She didn't have time to think about that now though. She needed her head completely on the trial and her statement. "Fine. I'm fine. Let's get this over with."
Natalia kissed her cheek and squeezed her hand. "It's almost over honey."
Olivia gave her wife a small smile. "I know. Let's go finish it." With that, she led her family into the courtroom with her head held high. She and Natalia walked hand in hand with Ava, Rafe, and Emma, behind them. Emma in the middle holding tightly to both of her siblings hands. Isabel and Clara walked behind them and Doris and Mel brought up the rear.
As they reached the front bench, they stopped and hugged Ava, Emma, Isabel, and Clara, telling Ava to make sure Emma was okay and that Michael and Jane were both there if Emma needed to leave. Ava assured them both that she would make sure Emma was alright and gave them each, as well as Rafe, one more hug before taking her seat beside Phillip with Emma in her lap. Clara and Isabel sat beside her with Clara taking her hand, trying to give her just a little support.
The five remaining adults took their place at the prosecution table. Doris on one side, Mel on the other, with Rafe, Olivia, and Natalia between them. Olivia in the middle holding both her son and her wife's hands in her lap.
Frank was brought in and sat beside his lawyer, giving Olivia a glare, not that she paid him any mind. It had been agreed that their family wouldn't even look at the man if it could be helped. This was the end of the trial and they would be rid of him, there was no need in giving him the pleasure of knowing he was still effecting them. Especially since they had all been doing so well in moving on and not allowing what happened to continue to disrupt their lives.
Once the judge came in, he looked over a few papers in front of him and then addressed the court. "We are here for sentencing of one Frank Achilles Cooper Jr. Before we proceed, is there any legal reason that sentencing cannot commence today?"
"No, you honor." Frank's lawyer said.
"Ms. Wolfe, Ms. Boudreau. Do you have any further evidence you'd like to summit at this time?"
"No, your honor." Doris said standing.
"I'm told you have victim statements that would like to be heard by this court."
"Yes your honor. All three of the victims in the case would like to make a statement before your sentence is handed down."
"You may proceed."
"Thank you your honor." Doris went and sat, motioning for Natalia to go up to the podium that stood before the judge.
As Natalia approached nervously, the judge looked down at her. "Please state your name."
"Yes. My Name is Natalia Spencer-Rivera. I am not only one of the victims in this case, but I am also the mother of Rafael and the wife of Olivia. I wanted to say that, although I can never forget what Frank Cooper Jr. did to my family, I have forgiven him. God teaches us that forgiveness isn't only for the guilty, it's for ourselves as well, and for that reason, I have forgiven him. I forgive the fact that he assaulted me, that he broke into my home and shattered the safety those walls used to represent. I forgive him for holding my son and my wife hostage, and for pointing a gun at my son. I forgive him for the way he brutally attacked my wife and nearly killed her. I forgive him for the nightmares that still plague every member of my family, myself included. I forgive him, because I needed to for me, and because I believe that justice will be served and there will be no reason for me to hold hatred and resentment in my heart. Frank Cooper Jr. has done unspeakable things, caused scars that are more than physical, but I forgive him. I forgive him and I pray that he is never allowed to walk freely again, never able to hurt another innocent soul, because although I forgive him, I have zero faith in him, and I believe that if he walks freely again, he will come after my family again, I believe it, and I fear it. Thank you."
Natalia wiped the tears from her eyes as she retook her seat, Olivia hugging her close and kissed her temple while Rafe reached across to grab her hand. "You did great sweetheart." Olivia whispered as she released her love, kissing her temple once more and then turning back towards the judge.
"Thank you Mrs. Spencer-Rivera. With the next victim please come forward."
Rafe kissed both of his mother's on the cheek and made his way to the podium. "Good morning your honor. My name is Rafael Spencer-Rivera. I am one of the victims in this case, as well as the son of the other two victims. That being said, I would like to add, that although they weren't involved physically, my sisters are also victims here. Mentally, they have suffered as much, if not more than the rest of us. I could say how I was effected, how Frank made me doubt and hate myself. How many of my nights are still plagued with nightmares. How I can't sleep without at least my older sister, Ava, in bed with me. But, I don't think any of that needs to be said again. What I do feel needs to be said, is that nothing can change what has happened to my family. Nothing can make us forget, but, a sense of security can be given back to us. The guilty verdict went a long way in returning some of that. I can't express how it made me feel to know that we received justice for what was done to us, however, fear still grips my family. We still worry that if Frank Cooper Jr. is ever released from prison that he will come after us again. To be honest, I fear that he could send someone else after us at any time. I guess I just want you to think about how far this man was willing to go to get what he wanted before you decide his fate. Thank you."
"Thank Mr. Spencer-Rivera. Will the last victim please come forward."
Olivia pat her son's shoulder as she passed him on her way to the podium. "Good morning your honor. I'm Olivia Spencer-Rivera, a victim in this case and mother and wife to the other two victims. I believe this court has heard more than enough about my life, as well as the injuries I've sustained. So, I have no intention of rehashing it. I only wish to say that, although I can overlook and forgive what was done to me, I cannot and will not overlook nor ever forgive what Mr. Cooper did to my wife and children. A mother should never have to listen to her children scream in horror on repeated nights. Should never have to constantly assure her children that she's okay, that she's not going anywhere, that no one will hurt her or take her away from them. No spouse should have watch their partner nearly fall apart every time you have a headache, or a cough. No one should ever have to constantly reassure their spouse that they are there, that they are alive. That is my life now. My family has made great strides in moving forward, in getting on with our lives, however, I don't think the day will ever come that my wife and children won't worry about whether or not I'll be here in the morning. Worrying for our loved ones is natural, we all do it, no matter their health or what has happened or not happened to them, but, my families fears became more then extreme after the night of January sixteenth. As my son stated, their sense of security was taken from them, and I believe the only way any of us will ever have even a smidgen of that back, is if Mr. Cooper is given the maximum sentence. Not only because of how many crimes he has committed, but also because he was not only an officer of the law, but the chief of police. What message will my children receive if he is not held to the highest standard and punished to the full extent of the law. Thank you for your time."
"Thank you Mrs. Spencer-Rivera, you may return to your seat. Does the prosecution have anything further to add?"
Doris stood and smoothed out her blazer. "Yes your honor." She walked to the podium and flashed the judge a smile. "We would like to let it be known that we are seeking the maximum penalty for the crimes committed against this family. A man, who took an oath to uphold the law, has left more than skin deep scars on this family. First, he mentally attacked them with lies and slander about Olivia Spencer-Rivera and his relationship with one Natalia Spencer-Rivera. Spouting these lies to her son, confusing him and making it harder for him to adjust to their relationship. He then proceeded to pursue Mrs. Natalia Spencer-Rivera, no matter how many times she told him she wasn't interested in a romantic relationship. Going as far as blocking her into a room and kissing her when she tried to escape him as well as showing up at her home and proposing. He repeatedly spoke slander against Mrs. Olivia Spencer-Rivera to anyone that would listen, including Natalia herself and her son. Once they were married his anger and resentment only grew, to the point that he physically attacked Mrs. Olivia Spencer-Rivera in her home, as well as holding Mr. Rafael Spencer-Rivera hostage at gun point and threatening him into helping kidnap a woman he views as his mother. All the while he was stalking this family, taking photos of them, from their family time out in town to intimate moments between Mrs. And Mrs. Spencer-Rivera in their bedroom. This man is not someone who should be trusted to make rational decisions, nor should he be allowed to walk freely, able to inflict this same pain onto this family again, or onto another unsuspecting victim. The prosecution thanks you for your time." Doris spun on her heel and walked back to the table, winking at Emma before she sat and faced the judge.
"Thank you Ms. Wolfe. Would the defense like to say anything before I hand down the sentence?"
Mr. Carter stood and buttoned his suit jacket. "Yes your honor. My client would like to make a statement."
"Very well. Mr. Cooper, you may step forward."
Frank raised from his seat and glared at Olivia before walking to the podium and plastering on a fake smile for judge Anderson. "Hello your honor. My name is Frank Cooper Jr. I would just like to say, that although I don't agree with everything said by the prosecution, I understand that I made some questionable choices and harmed the Spencer-Rivera family in ways I never intended to. For that, I am deeply sorry." He looked back at Natalia as he said this. "I was only trying to help a friend, I never meant to hurt any of them. I severely regret my actions and can assure you that I will never make these types of mistakes again." He turned towards the prosecution table and shot his best puppy dog eyes at Natalia. "Olivia, Natalia, Rafe, I am truly sorry. I swear, I never intended to harm any of you. For the rest of my days, this will be my deepest regret. I can only pray that you find it in your hearts to forgive my actions." He turned back to the judge. "Thank you for your time your honor."
"Alright Mr. Cooper, you may return to your seat. Do you have anything further Mr. Carter?"
Eric passed Frank on his way to the podium and gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Yes your honor. The defense would like to point out, that while a guilty verdict was found, not everything said by the prosecution was truthful. Several facts were altered to suit the prosecution's needs. My client admits that he made some grave errors in judgement, but he stands by his testament. He went out to the Spencer-Rivera home that night, not with intentions of harming anyone, but with the desire to fix, what he felt was, a valuable friendship. It has been proven time and again that Olivia Spencer-Rivera has a temper and is more than willing to lie, cheat, and steal in order to further herself. My client may have crossed a line in the way he approached her that night, but he was only trying to rebuild his friendship with both Olivia herself, as well as Natalia. Everything he did was with the best of intentions at heart. He was merely trying to protect someone he cares deeply for, as a friend, from being led down a path of deceit. We ask that the court show leniency for a man who has worked his entire life to build his career as police chief. A man, who the community sees, as a good man. He has sworn his life to this community, to serve and protect the people, and has done a fine job in doing so. This one incident of misjudgment on his part should not overrule all the good he has done in his life. Thank you." Mr. Carter returned to his seat, hoping he had said enough to keep Frank from a lifetime in prison.
"The court has herd testament as well as statements from both the victims and the accused, at this time, I am prepared to hand down sentencing. Mr. Cooper, please stand." Frank and Eric both stood at their table, nervously awaiting Frank's fate. The Spencer-Rivera's were all huddled together, Natalia, Olivia, and Rafe's chairs scoot as far back as possible so they could hold hands with Ava and Emma as well. "Mr. Cooper, you were found guilty on eight of the eleven counts against you. As an officer of the law, you committed these acts, knowing full well the consequences. The court feels that as a sworn officer, you must be held to the highest standard. For these reasons, this court has decided on maximum sentencing. Thirty years for home invasion with an added fifteen years for involving a firearm. Five years for the aggravated battery against one Olivia Spencer-Rivera. Five years for the aggravated stalking of one Olivia Spencer-Rivera. Ten years for the two counts of aggravated unlawful restraint against Olivia Spencer-Rivera and Rafael Spencer-Rivera. Three years for the unlawful use of a firearm. These six counts are all felonies to be served consecutively in a maximum-security facility. You also have two misdemeanor charges of assault against one Natalia Spencer-Rivera adding an additional eleven months to your sentence and the violation of parole adding two-hundred and forty hours of community service to be served upon your release. Serving consecutively, this amounts to a total of sixty-eight years and eleven months with the eligibility for parole after the minimum sentence of forty-five years has been served. This court in adjourned."
The crowd erupted in loud cheers, hugging, and kissing those near them as the gravel was brought down and Frank was taken away in cuffs, screaming that this wasn't over but unheard over the happy cries of relief. Olivia and Natalia both had happy tears in their eyes as they held one another tightly. Rafe, Ava, and Emma all jumping and hugging around them. Isabel and Clara embracing with tears in their eyes for the relief they felt for their family. As Olivia pulled back slightly from her wife, she took her face in both hands and crashed their lips together in a heady kiss. As the kiss ended, three sets of arms wrapped around them.
"It's over moms, it's really over." Rafe said in relief as he wrapped his arms around both of them.
"Yes, my son, it's over." Olivia replied, kissing his cheek while reaching a hand down to rub Emma's back.
"It's really over mommy, Frank is going away for a really long time?" Emma questioned.
Olivia released her wife and eldest children to kneel down in front of her youngest. "Yes my little Jellybean. We never have to worry about Frank again." She stated firmly, bopping Emma on the nose with her finger.
Emma launched herself into her mother's arms and squeezed as tightly as she could. "Yay! Now he can never hurt you or mama again."
"No, he can't." More tears slid down her cheeks as she embraced her daughter, turning her face into her hair and breathing in her scent. "No one will ever hurt me like that again."
The two pulled apart just as Natalia joined them, helping Olivia to stand and lifting Emma into her arms. "Everything is going to okay now Em."
Emma hugged Natalia tightly and buried her face in her neck. "I know mama. Frank was a bad man and now he is gone forever."
"That's right sweetie."
Olivia wrapped an arm around her wife's waist and reached for Ava, who quickly joined her mothers' and sister with Rafe coming up on Natalia's other side. "I think ice cream Sundays with all the fixings are in order. What about you four?"
A collective shout of 'yes' was heard from the rest of the family as Buzz approached them. "Did I hear something about Sundays?"
Emma's head popped off of Natalia's shoulder at his voice. "Yup. Will you make them?"
"Of course, I will. In fact," he rose his voice. "Ice cream Sundays all around, on the house." Several people cheered and headed for the door, intent on taking Buzz up on his offer over at company. Buzz leaned in close to Olivia and whispered in her ear. "I'm glad justice was served. Don't ever feel bad about any of this. You hear me?" At Olivia's nod, he kissed the side of her head and stepped back. "Alright, I guess I better head out, it seems I'm going to be up to my elbows in ice cream Sundays."
Olivia watched him go for a second and then smiled at her family. "We ready to blow this pop stand?"
"More then." Natalia said as Isabel and Clara joined them, as well as several others. The family stayed locked together, Emma in Natalia's arms, Olivia beside her, and Rafe and Ava on either side of their mothers' as they walked toward the exit. Isabel and Clara following close behind with Doris, Mel, Phillip and Beth, Josh and Reva, and several others. Greg met them at the back and smiled at his Boss and her family as he turned on his heel and led the way, holding his hand out as reporters attempted to get close until Phillip's security team surrounded them and made it impossible.
Just as Olivia was getting into the SUV with her family, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up and the niggling feeling of being watched returned to her stomach. She quickly scanned the crown outside their vehicle but saw nothing which should cause concern. She brushed off the feeling and leaned over the console to kiss her wife. Attempting to push all of the joy and relief she felt into this kiss. As it ended and Natalia put the car into drive, two figures emerged from the side of the courthouse, piercing, deep brown eyes following the SUV as it drove off.