AN: PLEASE READ THE VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER! THANK YOU, LDB.
It was the week before Thanksgiving. Adam, Dean, Ida, Seth, Roman, Shawn, Hunter, Megan, Shane and Nancy were at Saint Luke's Academy. It was time for the annual Pageant of Thanksgiving.
Jade and Jordan had roles of Pilgrims in the play. They had also helped Mr. Bowen paint the backdrop. Adam knew Jordan had a hand in the pink clouds in the sky. Jade had helped paint very realistic mountains.
James had gotten the solo in the song "Simple Gifts." Jan sat next to him and turned the music pages for him and she was proud to do it. She also turned the pages as he played along with the other songs during the play.
When the program was over, Adam was in tears and Dean was so puffed with pride, Roman feared his friend would literally burst. Shawn, Ida and Nancy had tears in their eyes. Megan and Shane whistled and clapped loudly as did, Hunter, Seth and Roman. Dean was extra proud, because in the program, the children were listed as Ambrose. It was the first time in print.
The problem was, the other parents were curious. Why had the Orton children been listed under a different name? They didn't know about Randy. A gag had been placed on all media, regarding the arrests.
As the parents stood around and waited for their children, Adam and Dean were the hot topic. Shawn picked up on it and told Hunter. They told Roman and Seth. The two couples formed a protective shield around Dean and Adam.
Adam was seated, his hips still bothered him if he stood for too long. Seth sat next to him and explained. "...so they are curious. I guess it would only be natural. It also shows the kids haven't said anything." Seth finished with a shrug.
Adam looked around. "See that lady over there? That's Missus Fletcher. She is very nice. Could you please ask her to come see me." He winked at Seth.
A few minutes later, Linda Fletcher sat next to Adam. "Linda, this is my new husband, Doctor Dean Ambrose. I want your help, please. Squash the gossip. See, Randy felt that since I'm remarried, and pregnant, Dean should adopt the children. Randy is making a new life for himself, and won't be around as much. We all thought it was best. So now you know. Will you help?" Adam asked with a smile. He trusted Linda.
Linda smiled at Adam. "You leave it to me. I think Randy did the right thing. Congratulations. Are you having four again?" She laughed happily.
"No, I am not! Just one this time. By the way, Tim and Mary sang beautifully." Adam praised Linda's children. They were excellent singers.
"Thank you, dear. They will go to an opera camp this summer. I will have you over when they get home. Show videos of the opera. James is fantastic too, and Jan will be once that cast is off. I loved Jordan's pink clouds. Jade's mountain looked so real. We are blessed to have such talented children." Linda was truly as proud of Adam's quadruplets.
"We will forward to that. I love the opera. Thanks for helping squash false stories." Dean added. He'd been listening to Adam and Linda.
No more could be said, the children had started to come out from backstage. Jan, Jade, James and Jordan were hugged and kissed.
Jan and Jade squealed when Dean handed them each a red rose. "For my beautiful daughters." Dean's eyes were moist when he kissed them.
"We love you, dad." Jan and Jade chorused as they hugged and kissed Dean in return.
"For my handsome sons." Dean then handed James and Jordan each a pack of six new Matchbox cars. One of the cars in Jordan's pack was a neon pink Volkswagen Beetle.
"Thanks, dad!" The boys chanted and also hugged Dean.
Hunter chuckled. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket. "Here, before you drown us all." He handed the cloth to Adam.
Adam took it and wiped his eyes and nose. "Thanks. I always forget to carry one of these. Weren't they just wonderful?"
Hunter sat down next to Adam with a sigh. "Yes, they were. I...Megan has never been in a school program. She's missed so much. Oh, I am just being so stupid. Meg doesn't whine about it."
Adam smiled. "No, she doesn't. But I understand. She will show Champion in the spring. We will be there to cheer her win!"
An hour later, everyone was at the Ambrose house. Ida had made cupcakes and Nancy helped serve them with milk and coffee. The house was filled with laughter.
The quadruplets sat at the kitchen table and the girls looked at their flowers, Ida had put them in vases. The boys talked about their new cars.
The adults were in the living room and talked about the plans for Thanksgiving dinner. Adam would host as he had the largest house. Now all they had to do was plan who would bring what.
Shane and Megan had gone to the den. They both loved the old comedy shows on the television.
"I know this sounds like a bad pun, but I love Lucy. She could say so much with just her eyes." Megan noted as Lucy and Ethel crammed chocolate into their mouths.
Shane nodded with a laugh. "Yeah, she could. Um…you know your birthday is coming up. I know the party is being planned, but, would you like to go to the movies and dinner that Saturday?" He really enjoyed Megan's company.
Megan looked at Shane. "Yeah, I would like that. Thanks. We'll have to ask my dads, but they won't care. By the way, you gonna let me drive again tomorrow when we go see Champion? You're a good teacher. Can we keep it a secret, for a while anyway?"
Shane laughed. "Okay, about both. You're doing really well at driving. Can I ask a personal question?" (Megan nodded) "Do you feel the pump when you drive? I wouldn't want it to hurt you." He asked with a worried look on his face.
Megan smiled softly. "No, I don't. The only time I ever notice it, is when I sleep on that side. But it doesn't hurt. It's really changed my life. Now I just hope Doctor Brock can figure out a way to help my heart. But if not, it's better than it was with incidents and needle angst. It's just a fact of my life." Megan gave a shrug and spoke matter of fact.
Shane smiled. "I admire you. You are a very strong young lady."
Megan blushed. "Thanks" She spoke softly. They both turned back to the television and laughed together.
"Okay, Roman. You can bring roast goat. After all, the day is about the way different cultures celebrate. At least that's what we celebrate in this house. I want the kids to learn, people are people, not a skin color. Well, did I say that right?" Adam looked at his friends with concern.
Shawn nodded. "I understand, Adam. I think it's a good time to teach about different cultures and to be thankful for the things cultures teach one another. So, I will do goose, green beans and bread...or Nancy will. I am not that good of a cook." He laughed.
"Hunter be sure to invite Justin, I'll call him too. What about Kenny?" Dean asked the Detective.
"I will. Kenny is going to Calgary with Bret and Jason. Bret is taking the time to visit his family. Jason said it's been a while. He also said all this mess with Orton and McMahon has shown Bret how important family is. There are some old wounds to be healed between Bret and his siblings." Hunter explained with a sigh.
Adam smiled. "That's good. I know Jason wanted Bret to try to heal things with his sister."
Everyone smiled when the quadruplets came into the living room. Adam spoke, "My darlings, you all did so well tonight. Daddy is so proud of you." He hugged and kissed each of his children.
"I agree with daddy. Alright you little lions, bath time. I will come read to you later." Dean spoke with true parental authority. After more hugs and kisses, the children went upstairs with Ida.
Roman stood. "We've got to go, Seth. Shawn and I have to be in court in the morning."
The Helmsley's also stood. Shawn spoke. "Yes, we do. If things go our way, we will at least be on the prosecution team."
Hunter called out. "Megan! Shane! We're ready to go." He smiled when his daughter and Shane came out of the den.
Megan laughed. "Lucy and Ethel remind me of Nancy and Miss Ida."
"Oh we do, do we?" Nancy laughed as she came out of the kitchen.
Hugs, handshakes and kisses were exchanged. Good nights were said. Ida locked up and set the alarm. Dean and Adam went upstairs to be with their children.
At ten o'clock the next morning, Shawn and Roman sat in Judge Lawler's court room. Three other attorneys were also present.
Michael Cole was there on behalf of the McMahon faction. He was as slick as oil at finding small loopholes. He'd managed to keep the McMahon's out of jail, with help from the dirty cop, Baron Corbin. With Corbin arrested, he had a lot of work to do.
The lawyer for the Randal Orton faction was a Texan named John Bradshaw Layfield. He too was an expert at loopholes, and had also counted on Corbin. Corbin's arrest had caused all kinds of problems.
Bob Orton's faction attorney was a young firebrand named Corey Graves. He was the son of one of Bob's associates. It drove Corey to do his best. Graves was worried, this would be his hardest battle ever.
Shawn and Roman talked quietly together. They both wished Shane could clerk for them, but that was impossible because Shane was a witness in the case. Shane had recommended his best friend, Kofi Kingston. Kofi was in his third year of law school at the UMKC School of Law.
Shawn had spoken to Kofi and immediately hired him to clerk. Kofi's main interest of study was on family law, but he was a great help to the team working on the international tax evasion angle Shane had started.
Kofi had also told Shawn he wanted to help Shane be a voice for those that had none. Family law would be important.
"Do you think we have a chance?" Roman asked as they waited for Judge Lawler. He was tied up in a legal meeting.
Shawn looked over at the three defense attorneys. "I think we just might. They may think because we are close to Randy we won't push as hard. Let them think that. They will be surprised at how hard we will push. It also helps that Kenny is behind us. There is precedent of prosecutors being close to the defense." Shawn gave Roman a shrug, and wished he was more sure.
"It could be, they just put us in charge of the McMahon case..." Roman was halted when the main prosecuting attorney and her assistant entered the court room.
The City Prosecutor was a woman named Brie Bella. She was as tough and powerful as she was beautiful. Her assistant was her twin sister, Nikki Bella, also a very formidable attorney. They had an excellent record of cases won for the city and the State. However, they had never beaten Shawn in court.
The Bella twins had a deep respect for them. They were also good friends outside of court. Roman and Seth knew the Bella's quite well as social friends.
The twins smiled and shook hands with Shawn and Roman. Brie and Nikki politely shook hands with Cole, Layfield and Graves. They then sat at a table in the middle, between the defense and Shawn.
When Kofi came into the court room, Shawn introduced him to the twins. Kofi was happy as he sat down next to Roman. He opened his briefcase.
"Here is the latest. If any money went through the mail either by post or electronic...it won't be too good for McMahon or Orton." Kofi handed the report to Roman.
"Thanks, Kofi. But shush, we are holding this back. We don't want them to know about this yet. If we wait, they won't have time to fight it as hard as they would if they had weeks to prepare for it." Roman gave Kofi a wink.
Kofi grinned. "Got it. Oh yeah, here. Shane said you were looking for something like this." He pulled a plastic spice bottle out his pocket.
Roman opened the bottle and sniffed. "Wow! This is exactly what I was looking for. How on earth did you get this?" He was stunned. Roman needed the spice rub for his Samoan roast goat. He'd been unable to find it anywhere.
"My grandmother makes it. She went to Jamaica from Samoa. She makes roast goat for Christmas every year. But, never tell about this. I raided her spice cabinet. She would not be happy. But, you can not roast a goat without it." Kofi gave Roman a sly wink.
Roman chuckled. "I will never say a word. Kofi, I can't thank you enough. I was about to give up. My uncle that made our rub passed away, and the secret went with him. My aunt had just enough left for their Christmas goat. I couldn't take it. Let me do something for you, please?" Roman paused and pulled out his wallet. He pulled out two fifty dollar bills.
"Oh no, Roman. I didn't mean for you to pay for it." Kofi didn't want Roman to think he was out to make money.
Roman grinned. "I know, Kofi. I don't mean to insult you. Take E out to dinner, on me. Just enjoy it, please?" Roman held out the two bills.
Shawn leaned over. "Take it, Kofi. Roman usually isn't generous." He gave Kofi a wink. It also told Kofi it was alright.
Kofi took the money. "Thank you, Roman. E will love it. Oh, save me a bit of goat." He gave Roman another wink.
No more could be said. Judge Lawler entered the court room. The eight attorneys stood as the Judge took his seat. The Bailiff called the room to order.
While not a hearing, it would be formally conducted. Everyone wanted every "I" dotted and "T" crossed.
Judge Lawler spoke "We are here today to decide if Mister Shawn Helmsley and Mister Roman Reigns will be named as special prosecutors in the matter of The State of Missouri verses McMahon and the matter of The State of Missouri verses Orton. Those cases also have sub-cases. How those will be heard will depend on the Federal case being built. Ladies and gentlemen, we shall begin. Mister Helmsley you and Mister Reigns will truthfully answer all questions asked." Judge Lawler flipped through the thick stack of papers on his bench.
Shawn stood and spoke. "We will, your Honor." He sat back down. He would do his best to stay respectful.
"Very well, Mister Helmsley. Mister Cole, you may question Mister Helmsley and Mister Reigns."
Michael Cole stood. He moved to stand where he could clearly see Shawn, Roman and Kofi.
"Mister Helmsley, please tell us why you think you're qualified to prosecute someone you once considered to be a close friend?" Cole asked with a smirk.
Shawn smiled. "Since I have never considered your clients, the McMahon's to be close friends, I would have no problems prosecuting them." He smirked back at Cole.
"But you do know the McMahon family personally, correct?" Cole rephrased the question.
"I do know them. But only through hospital visits with our daughter. So they are business acquaintances. Socially, I have only spoken to them long enough to make donations to Saint Luke's Hospital." Shawn remained respectful, but would not be pushed. Shawn knew it was going to be a long day.
Adam and Ida were at the grocery store, with the quadruplets. Adam had been allowed to go if Ida drove and Adam used an electric scooter shopping cart. He obeyed both. Adam was not about to halt his his rehab by being so stupid.
Jade sat on Adam's lap. Adam let her steer, with a little help. It was the best way to keep her from running amok. Jan helped Ida put oranges into a cloth bag. James and Jordan had been sent to get a bag of onions. Adam and Jade looked at apples.
James put the bag of onions in the basket of Adam's cart. "Now what, daddy." James asked politely. He loved being able to help his beloved daddy.
Adam looked at his half of the grocery list. "Let's see. Can you boys reach the celery. If so, get four packs. Make them nice and fresh."
"Yes, daddy. Oh, can we make ants on a log? Tim and Mary Fletcher bring them for lunch sometimes. They look really good." James asked with hope. It would make a good snack sometime.
"Okay. Get five packs of celery them. Jan you get the raisins, we will get the peanut butter." Adam instructed. He and Jade moved to the aisle with peanut butter. Ants on a log were stalks of celery stuffed with peanut butter with raisin "ants" across the top.
Later, they were all at the meat counter. Adam and Ida looked at the fresh turkeys. The butcher spoke to them.
"I saved you one thirty pound turkey or I have two twenty pounders. I wasn't sure this year." The butcher grinned. The older man really liked Ida, and he adored the children and Adam.
"Ida, I will leave it up to you. Nancy is doing a huge ham and a goose. Roman is bringing his roast." Adam knew nothing would go to waste so he was okay with her choice.
Ida thought for a moment. "I'll take the two twenty pounders. I know how much Jan loves turkey. I also need a nice leg of lamb for tonight. Don't forget my duck fat and goose liver."
"Certainly, Ida dear. I just got in some fresh lamb. Can you tell me where my lamb comes from, Miss Jade?" The butcher spoke happily. The family were his best customers.
"New Zealand." Jade answered with a grin.
The butcher laughed. "That's right, little lady. Okay, Ida dear, give me a few minutes and I'll pack your order and take it up to the front for you. Thank you, Mister Adam. Here you go little ones." The butcher reached into a box and pulled out four small lollipops. He handed one to each child.
"Thank you, sir." The quads chanted in their chorus. After more thanks and goodbyes, the family finished their giant shopping trip. After all they did have a small army to feed.
At the court house, Cole had finished and Randy's lawyer, John Bradshaw Layfield asked the questions.
"So you think, despite your close relationship you can be fair in your prosecution?" Layfield asked.
Shawn smirked inside. It was as he thought, Layfield banked on his relationship with Randy and thought Shawn would go easy on his client. If that's what Layfield wanted, that's what Layfield would get.
Shawn nodded. "Of course we will be fair. As much as I like Randy, he did wrong and deserves to be punished." Shawn used the word "punished", it was a lot less harsh than prosecuted.
Layfield smiled He turned to the Judge. "I have no objections to Mister Helmsley or Mister Reigns being part of the prosecution team, your Honor."
Judge Lawler nodded. "Very well. Thank you, Mister Layfield. Mister Graves, you may proceed."
Corey Graves remained seated. "I have no additional questions. We have no objection to Mister Helmsley or Mister Reigns." He would follow Layfield's advice. He was not as familiar with Helmsley and Associates.
Shawn looked at Roman and Kofi and gave them a wink. It had been easier than he thought. "We've got this." He mouthed his words in silence.
Judge Lawler made more notes. "Miss Bella, do you have any thing to add?" He looked at the lead prosecutor.
Brie Bella stood. "Because the defense team has no objections to the addition of Mister Helmsley and Mister Reigns being added as special prosecutors, it will give us time to prepare the Federal case. We will also take to care to monitor and keep personal feelings and relationships out of it. We would welcome Mister Helmsley and Mister Reigns to our team." Brie spoke firmly.
Judge Lawler made more notes, then stacked his papers. "Then I declare, Mister Shawn Helmsley and Mister Roman Reigns shall be named as special prosecutors in the cases of the State of Missouri verses McMahon and Orton. Mister Helmsley, I will not stand for your usual antics. No two hour summations. Am I clear, Mister Helmsley?" He gave Shawn a hard glare.
Shawn stood. "Yes, your Honor. I do understand. Thank you." He gave a nod of respect.
"Very well. The trail is set to begin at nine o'clock on the morning of January third. This hearing is dismissed." Judge Lawler spoke firmly and ended with a bang of his gavel.
Everyone gathered up their papers. The defense team left the court room in deep conversation. The Bella twins, Shawn and Roman remained. Kofi had to leave to attend a class.
"Congratulations Shawn, Roman. You played right into their hands. We have a strategy for you. We do want you to go easy on them at first. Don't press them on the stand. Ask vague questions, then just when they think they have won, we'll slam the sledge hammer down. The jury will wonder why McMahon and Orton haven't been sent to hell yet. We are going to press the death penalty for Finn Bálor, but I doubt we get it." Brie Bella explained how she wanted them to work the case.
"I figured as much. No problem. No hammer until you say so. Brie, what about Randy? Are going for the DP for him?" Shawn asked with a bit of concern for Randy…Adam and the children.
"I will be honest, Shawn. We don't know yet. I haven't finished reading the reports from Agent Omega. I will take into consideration the part he played in getting McMahon arrested. Shawn, Randal has killed people. Whatever decision we make, just know it won't be taken lightly. Also, remember just because we ask for it, does not mean the jury will grant it. I will let you know. Again, I promise, it won't be a lightly made decision. Okay, we have to meet with Hunter and Agent Omega. I'll call you." Brie shook hands with Shawn and Roman as did Nikki.
Shawn nodded. "Can't ask for more than that. We will be at the office if you need us. Take care ladies." He smiled as they all left the court room.
Later, Shawn sat in Roman's office. As the two lawyers ate a late lunch, Roman spoke.
"Sounds like Brie wants to push the DP for Randy. Are you prepared for it?" Roman knew how Shawn felt about the death penalty for anyone, but especially for Randy.
Shawn chewed his french fry and nodded. "Yes, as much as I do hate it, I understand it. If that's what Brie wants I won't fight her. I just hope Kenny does a good job convincing her not to. I'm thinking of the children. Regardless of the fact they are now legally Dean's children, Randy is still their father. It will deeply affect them." Shawn pushed away the last of his fast food lunch.
Roman sighed. "It won't do Adam much good either. Well, Kenny did say he would try. Justin will report as well. I suppose all we can do is wait. " He too tossed away a few bites of food.
"If it does happen, Dean will hold them together. I swear, Roman, it's like Adam is a different person. Before Dean, he barely smiled. It was starting to worry the children. James even asked me once if his daddy was sick. I don't pray as much as I should, but I do have faith, Dean Ambrose was God sent." Shawn finished off his milkshake.
Roman chuckled lightly. "I could say the same thing bout Adam for Dean. Dean wanted Adam for a long time. Both Seth and I told him not to give up. Never were two people more meant to be together. Well, except you, Hunter, Seth and I. Well boss, I have cases I have clear before the first of the year. So get outta my office and let me work." He gave Shawn a wink.
Shawn stood with a laugh. "As you wish Esquire Reigns. By the way, look into that old Henderson case. Remember, the plane crash. The wife tried to sue the plane manufacturer, but we didn't think she had a chance. See if we can tie that into our case against Orton. Billy may get a bit of justice for his father." He gave Roman a wink.
Roman's mouth fell open a bit. "Shawn! I completely forgot about that. No wonder you're so brilliant. I will get Kofi to pull it and read it. I've got the Mathis case to finish."
"Good." Shawn gave Roman a thumbs up.
At Adam's house, it was a bit chaotic. There was a cold rain falling, so the quads were stuck inside. They were out of school for their Thanksgiving break and Seth was at a doctor's appointment for a check up.
Just as Adam was about to pull out his hair, Shane stopped by. Jade shouted happily and her siblings were almost as wild. Adam was very grateful when Shane walked into the kitchen.
"Hi, Shane. Welcome to the Ambrose Asylum." Adam laughed as Shane sat down at the table with Adam. Ida prepared a snack for the children, who also sat at the table.
Shane laughed. "Hi gang. I had an idea. Would anyone like to put on a puppet show for Thanksgiving, after dinner? I thought maybe Jan and James could write a song and Jade and Jordan could paint a scene for the background." Shane wanted to help keep the children busy so Ida and Adam could concentrate on getting things ready for the huge dinner.
Ida put a plate of Ants on a Log on the table. Then went to pour milk for the children.
"Tea or coffee boys?" Ida asked with a smile.
"Hot tea for me please, Miss Ida." Adam replied.
Shane nodded. "Me too, please."
"Thank you, Miss Ida." The quads chanted in their unique way.
Ida served the milk, then the tea. After more thank yous, Ida went back to preparing their dinner of roast leg of lamb. She also made red cabbage and would make mashed potatoes and rolls later.
"Now, Shane. I think that sounds wonderful. It's also a good way to finally do your puppet show. One at a time, James first. What do you think." Adam looked at his children, as they happily enjoyed their snacks.
"I like it. Jan and I have been writing a new song anyway. What do you think, Jade?" James looked at Jade, then took a bite of his celery.
Jade nodded. "Sounds like fun. We learned how to paint backflaps."
Jordan laughed. "Backdrop, sis. As long as I can paint pink clouds, I like it."
"Me too. I want to make a turkey puppet." Jan added her thought.
"Then by all means, Shane, proceed. And thank you. Are you sure you have the time? Don't feel like you have to entertain them." Adam spoke honestly and sipped his tea.
Shane laughed. "They aren't the only ones on a break. I will love having something to do. Megan can help when she's not riding."
Adam chuckled. "If Meggie Pops had her way, Champion would live in the backyard. She is a very brave young lady. Sometimes I think she's more the parent than Shawn or Hunter..." Adam went on to tell more about Megan.
"...so, she held Shawn together at the hospital, more than once." Adam finished talking and finished his cup of tea.
"Meggie likes you, Shane." Jade blurted out in her Jade like way.
Shane laughed. "I like her too, little lioness. She's the sister I never had." He too finished his tea.
"Okay, out of my kitchen. Shane, there are some paper bags in the pantry. Adam, you will find a sheet for the backdrop in the rag bag. I haven't cut it for dust cloths yet." Ida stated as she cleaned up after snack time.
"Thank you, Ida. Boys grab some newspapers to put down and girls you get the smocks. You can work in the den." Adam spoke to his children with a smile.
Adam went to the den to supervise moving the furniture. With Shane doing most of the pushing, he and the quads moved the coffee table to make room to paint the backdrop. The boys put layers of newspaper on the floor while the girls got the tote boxes with arts and crafts things. Shane helped them get things ready. Adam decided he wanted to make a puppet. As he penciled a face, it was clear where Jade and Jordan got their talent for drawing.
At the county lock up, Cole met with Stephanie, Vince and Finn Bálor. Corey Graves and John Layfield met with Bob and Randy Orton. At the moment, they were allowed to speak to each other through video streaming. It was a unique situation and Judge Lawler had given special permission for the video conference.
Michael Cole spoke as the selected leader of the defense team. "So, we got our way. Helmsley is on the prosecution team. Randy, this is good, but more so for you. He won't push too hard. I'm sure he will be thinking of the children and not wanting them to see you suffer. We can turn that softness to the rest of you. It won't be easy, but it will be done. By the way, Jericho is back at his home with Ash. Do you want to do what we discussed?" Cole looked at Stephanie, brow arched.
Stephanie nodded. "Sorry, Randy but yes. Chris and Ash are going to testify on my behalf. Show my motherly side toward Ash. It also backs my credentials as the Head of the Children's Ward."
Randy spoke to the video camera. "That's fine, Stephanie. Is Jericho pressing further charges against us?" He let his words fade.
Stephanie looked at their camera. "No, I convinced him not to. I told him it would damage our truce. He will hold to it."
"Good. Thank you, Stephanie. So Layfield, you are not to use the fight with Jordan against Ash Jericho. Understood?" Randal spoke firmly to the attorney in the room with him.
Layfield nodded. "Yes, sir. I understand. I trust, Cole, that Jericho won't either?"
Cole nodded to the camera. "No, we won't. Of course you know the prosecution could bring it up. If they do, I will object my ass off."
Bob Orton slammed his hand down so hard on the table, it caused the camera to glitch. "How fucking stupid are you people? Why are we still rotting in here? Where the hell is our bail? Graves! What do I pay you for? What would your father say about this?" Bob Orton was furious. He wanted out of jail.
Corey Graves looked at Bob. "Sir, I have asked more than once. The Feds won't allow it. The told the Judge you were a flight risk. Sir, there is absolutely nothing and I mean nothing I can do about it." He tried not to sound as desperate as he felt.
Layfield spoke up. "He is right Mister Orton. We have done all we can. The Judge told Corey if he asks one more time, he will have him arrested for contempt of court. It is just something you have to put up with for now." John spoke firmly. He'd taken a liking to Graves and hated the way Orton senior treated him.
Bob sighed. "Whatever. Just get us out of this. I have business to tend to. What a bunch of fuck ups!" He was still furious.
"Father! Shut the fuck up! We knew the risks of the business. Just shut up and let the lawyers do their jobs and maybe, just maybe we will eventually get out of this." Randy spoke sharply to his father. He was fed up with Bob's attitude.
Corey Graves, Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield all sighed. It was the life of being a legal eagle to mafia faction leaders.
AN: There is a chance I will be getting a new lap top computer very soon. Until that happens, I will not be adding chapters to this story. I do not want to lose any chapters or data in the process of changing computers. PLEASE bear with me. You can look forward to the next chapter in two, possibly three weeks. There aren't many chapters left in this story, and I PROMISE, I am NOT going to leave you hanging. I just ask for your patience. Thank you so much for all the reviews and support. Writing is still my passion. Thank you so much again, be patient, and I will be back with you soon. All the best for a blessed day, Lady Dragonsblood.