*Author's Note*

Thanks for reading, faving, following, and reviewing.

New Character Face Claims:

Peggy Eldridge: Mira Sorvino

Shaw Eldridge: Luke Grimes

Todd Eldridge: Josh Hutcherson

Mary Eldridge: Lily James

I plan on using Shaw later on in this story and especially in the sequel that I have planned too. Muhahaha….

Law Meetings & A Will Read

Nova POV:

I was in the conference room with Tolbert and Uncle Perry. We were waiting on Pharmer to show up along with Randall and Sally. The silence was so strong in the room that you'd be able to hear a pin drop. It felt a bit awkward and unsettling. The silence loomed on til Tolbert broke it by announcin', "Ella's havin' a boy."

My uncle gave me a forced smile while tightly, but slickly remarking, "Oh, you are? That's nice."

"Yea…" I trailed off, feeling a bit uneasy at how uninterested Uncle Perry seemed about my baby.

"Uh, do we gotta wait til Pharmer, ma, an' poppy get 'ere or can we just start talkin' 'bout my part o'the defense?" Tolbert asked my uncle in a wary type of tone to his smooth timbre. Shrugging, he went on to suggest, "Maybe we can talk 'bout the laundry list of witnesses ya served too, Perry?"

Leaning back in his chair, my uncle answered Tolbert with, "I'd prefer to wait 'til everyone's present before talking strategies, Tolbert."

"A'ight." Tolbert nodded. Turning his attention to me, he asked, "How's Moses doin'?"

I let out a tiny sigh. "He's a complete mess, but thanks for askin'."

With a strong poker face, my uncle explained in a lengthy monotoned dialog, "Randall's pressin' for Moses to be charged. The only thing holding back the charges is Bad Frank's unwillingness to cooperate. He's dead set on declaring the entire thing a tragic; unavoidable accident."

A look of pure shock overcame Tolbert's facial features. "It was an accident tho. They were racin', my brother lost control, Mo accidently clipped him, an' Billy rolled his truck down the mountainside. Nothin' malice nor murderous 'bout it." Tolbert explained, much in vain since my uncle was siding with Randall's fucked up view no matter what, how the accident our brothers were involved in was just that, a tragic accident.

"Tolbert, it's not that simple. It's a case of vehicular homicide due to negligent drivin'." Uncle Perry told Tolbert in one of those informative, but stern tones. Like one a professor might use. Shaking his head, my uncle mumbled out a sigh of, "Now, if only Frank would get on board and change his accident report." From what Bad Frank told me, I doubt he's going to change his mind and rewrite the report. He had a soft spot for my brother; perhaps that'll be Mo's saving grace.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I cut my cornflower blues at my uncle incredulously while asking in a loud shriek, "Oh my god, Uncle Perry, are you even hearing yourself right now? How can you nonchalantly talk about Moses, your own nephew that you raised since he was a baby, needin' to be charged with a crime when what happened was a tragic accident?"

"Your brother, like yourself, aligned himself with Hatfields and he must pay the price for it." Of course, Uncle Perry feels that way. Shaking his head, he let out a half-sigh of, "At least you seem to have some reasons for your choices, unlike your brother who just went turncoat for a piece of pretty blonde ass."

Scooting closer to me, Tolbert muttered under his breath, "And ya wonder why yer the only one I trust t'raise Sally Elle in my stead."

I didn't say a word, just nodded at him. Okay, he was right, out of all of his friends and family I was the only one sane enough to raise a kid. Even tho I turned out alright, my uncle's way of child rearin' was strictly academic. I barely had any friends outside of the McCoy family either. And, unless it'd look good on a college application, extracurricular activities were a no no.

"Perry, hope this meetin' won't take long. Got a friend's funeral t'attend today." Randall remarked as he walked into the conference room, Sally and Pharmer trailing right behind him.

"I assure you, old friend, this won't take long." Uncle Perry told Randall as he took a seat at the large table. Sally and Pharmer didn't utter a word, just silently took their seats. Straightening his tie and sitting up straight in his chair, my uncle looked at everyone before remarking, "Well, I'd like to inform you that we've got quite a few witnesses that'll prove our case. Also, Rand'l, Sally, you'll be on the stand as character witnesses for the boys."

Looking at my uncle, Randall asked, "What sort of things will we have t'answer?"

"Just a few questions about Pharmer and Tolbert's childhood and their role in the community." Was my uncle's simple and logical answer to his friend.

Turning to me, Mr. McCoy stated matter-of-factly, "I reckon you'll be doin' most o'the questionin' 'bout Tolbert since ya dated 'im all yer teen years an' know what t'ask."

Before I could utter a word, Uncle Perry told Randall in a very slick tone, "Yes, as a defense strategy I planned on having Novella be the one to ask the questions about Tolbert." Gesturing to Pharmer with a slight wave of his hand, my uncle added in, "About Pharmer too since she was raised around him."

"What 'bout our testimonies? When will that happen?" Pharmer asked, looking a bit nervous about having to take the stand.

My uncle tapped his chin before answering Pharmer with, "I reckon next week you boys'll get called up since you're last on the list."

"Hell, this is gonna drag on an' on." Tolbert mumbled under his breath.

Since we had no idea of the exact timeline the trial would have, I told the McCoys, "It might not take that long tho. It all depends on how many witnesses the judge lets us run thru and how many of them the prosecution wants to cross."

"However long it takes, I expect my boys to get cleared of these 'ere murder charges." Randall told me while his wife just silently nodded, showing that she agreed with her husband's blunt words.

"I have a way that ensures even if the jury finds them guilty, they won't die or get life." I revealed, causing everyone to turn their attention to me.

With a curious look on his foxlike face, my uncle told me, "Please, Novella, enlighten us on your idea."

"I'm going to argue manslaughter. It was an accident; the death was an unforeseeable result of a fight and wasn't premeditated or intended. It can push that argument on a jury." I explained, hoping that everyone would be okay with my life saving idea. I mean it still meant jail time, but not as much.

Nodding, my uncle proclaimed in an impressed tone, "Yes, if worse comes to worse that could work since it means no more then 15-years with parole possibility in 5-years."

"Well, Nova, despite some of your poor choices it seems yer determined t'save my son." Mr. McCoy told me with a newfound respect evident in his Appalachian accented tone.

"Sons, Randall." I simply said, reminding him that he had not one, but two boys on trial for murder.

Looking between me and Tolbert, the old drunk rattled out, "I think we both know who you're tryin' so hard to save." Turning to my uncle, he said, "If that's all for the lawyerin', I need'a get goin'."

"Oh, yes, Randall, you may go."

"Thank you, sweetheart, for all you're doin'." Sally kindly told me, a soft smile on her face, before following her husband out of the room.

Pharmer didn't say a word, but he did raise a brow at me and his brother before following his parents out the door.

After leaving my uncle's firm we found ourselves grocery shopping at Food City. Tolbert, as I quickly discovered, mainly shopped from the frozen foods' aisles. Dear god, how was him and Sally Elle not a zillion pounds with all the Purdue dino nuggies and Swanson TV dinners he bought, I dunno.

Looking between the ice cream freezer and Tolbert, I told him, "I hope you plan on buying some fruits and veggies. All this processed shit's not very healthy."

Grabbing a carton of Blue Bell ice cream and placing it into the shopping cart, Tolbert nodded, "Yea, I'll get a few things 'fore gettin' some bread an' cookies from the bakery."

"Okay, but maybe you should buy some meat. I mean if you do, I can cook." I suggested as we walked down the aisle.

"Sure, but just keep it simple. No more fancy shit like that one-time ya made porkchops." He told me, stopping at the freezer that had popsicles in it and grabbing a box of Rainbow Pops. I think Sally Elle only ate them cause they had Sponge Bob on the box, but I could be wrong.

"Okay." I simply nodded as he placed the box into his cart.

"Usually ma brings me over meals that she's frozen, but lately poppy's stopped her from doin' so. Says ain't no use fillin' up my freezer wit' her food while I'm on trial; that it's a waste o'food that can be fed t'my siblin's." Well, wasn't Randall an A-1-Asshole?...

Before I could say a word, my phone started to ring. With a sigh, I dug it out of my bag that was slung over my shoulder. I glanced at the ID screen and saw that my uncle was the one calling. "Hey, Uncle Perry." I answered while walking next to Tolbert towards the produce section since we were done with the frozen foods.

"I hate to bother you, but I just got a call from Mrs. Eldridge and she needs her late husband's will read this afternoon right after his funeral and since you're the one that drew it up I figured it's best that you do it." My uncle told me in a tone that portrayed he was telling me, not asking me, to come in.

"Okay, but why does she want the reading so soon? Wouldn't she rather have us file it with the courts first and then do the reading in a month or two, like the normal probate protocol is?" I asked, finding it odd that a widow was requesting a will reading right after burying her husband.

"Her oldest son's a Navy Seal and only has a couple days furlough to attend the funeral. He's needed back in San Diego tomorrow; has to fly out right after the funeral."

"Oh, okay, well that makes sense as to why she needs the will reading ASAP."

"So, can you do it while I do some work I have backlogged?" He asked even tho I'm sure he knew my answer would be yes.

"Yea, Uncle Perry, I'll do it."

"Good." My uncle simply told me before giving me the instruction of, "The viewing for Mr. Eldridge is at noon and the service right after that, so I'd advice you to get here by 1-1:30 in order to wait for the Eldridges to arrive after the funeral."

"Okay, I'll be there in time." I assured my uncle before telling him, "Bye.", and hanging up.

"What'cha gotta do?" Tolbert asked as I placed my phone back into my bag.

"A will reading for the Eldridge family since I was the one to draw it up. My uncle has me acting as the executor of it." I answered as we strolled into the bakery.

"Oh, that butcher Peter died?" Tolbert asked, steering the shopping cart over to a large sweets display.

"Yea. He was really sick with cirrhosis when I drew the will up for him." I revealed while Tolbert picked up a large box of chocolate chip cookies.

"Yea, I ain't surprised he died from that. Him an' poppy were drinkin' buddies when I was lil." Tolbert told me, placing the cookies into the cart before heading over to the wall rack the various breads were on. Reckon that's whose funeral Randall's attending today. "His pain in the ass kid in town?" He asked while scanning the bread rack, looking for a certain kind to buy.

"The oldest one? Yea, but only til the will readin' since he's a Navy Seal and needs to get back to his base." I told Tolbert as he grabbed a large loaf of butter top bread and placed it into his cart.

"The shifty bastard's in the army? Hell, I never would've thought." The redhead let out in a sneering scoff as we walked away from the bread wall.

"You don't like him, do you?"

"Not really." Tolbert admitted as we walked towards the nearby produce section. While making our way over to a fruit display, he went on to say, "Thank god he was a Senior when ya were a Freshman otherwise he'd a pestered ya in yer teen years." We stopped at the fall fruit counter right as he crowed, Hell, he pestered me an' I'm a few years older than 'im."

"I think he pestered you cause your dads were friends and he was told to hang out with you when ya'll's families hung out." I pointed out while picking up and apple and checking it for any bruises or blemishes.

"Whatever, he was a pesterin' shifty bastard." Tolbert mumbled while grabbing a produce bag and opening it up for me.

"Well, after we get back to your place and put up the groceries I need to go to my uncle's office." I informed him while placing a couple of apples into the bag.

"Sure, just pick up Sally Elle after the will readin's over, will ya." Tolbert nodded, accepting my workload, as I picked out a few more apples.

"Yea, I'll pick her up." I assured him, placing the last of the applies into the bag before going over to where the pears where at.

It felt like an eternity sitting and waiting in the conference room for the Eldridges to arrive. I had no idea how long the funeral service for Peter Eldridge would be, but knowing Reverend Garrett it'd include a dramatic graveside sermon. I paused the game I was playing on my phone to check the time. My top banner of my screen read 2:15. Great…I've been here for over half an hour now. Whatever. I was about to go back to my game whenever the door opened and in walked the Eldridge family.

I placed my phone on the table and sat up, trying to look professional, as a middle-aged woman with a few grey hairs streaking her blonde updo walked into the room. Following right behind her was a tall muscular man with cropped golden-brown hair dressed in a Naval uniform. He was ushering a girl and a boy in front of him too. I reckon they're his kids. Behind the Navy Seal walked in a young man with dark hair who looked to be my brother's age and then a blonde girl that looked like she was still attending Pikeville High.

As soon as everyone was seated at the large table in front of me, I introduced myself with a simple, but professional, "Hello, I'm Nova and I'll be reading Peter's will this afternoon. I must say I'm very sorry for your loss and I'll begin whenever you're ready."

Even tho I thought I sounded professional, I prolly didn't look it since I was casually dressed. Hey, to my defense it really was my day off and I didn't feel like wearing out and wrinkling good court clothes for a simple will read. Hell, I felt like I was being scrutinized under a microscope by the oldest son as his honey eyes looked me up and down, appraising me. Hmm, maybe I should've changed before coming here since the Navy Seal was tearing me down, metaphoric brick by brick, as his eyes penetrated thru me like a tractor beam.

"I'm not very sorry for my loss. Hell, that drunk bastard should've keeled over years ago." The oldest Eldridge son scoffed without an ounce of remorse in his deep timbre. His honey eyes were also hard and void of any and all emotion as he spoke. It was clear that there was no love loss between him and his dad what-so-ever.

I didn't know how to react to the man, who I noticed had a tan line on his left ring finger due to either being freshly divorced or widowed himself. His mother however was very upset by his blunt and tasteless outburst. Narrowing her honey eyes at her son, the woman scolded, "Shaw, show some respect for your father. I know you had your differences, but now's not the place to dredge it up."

"Differences my ass. That man beat us senseless when he was drunk, mom." Shaw, whose name I thought sounded odd and outdated, blurted out in a very bold, but heavy way.

"Shaw Hector, I said hush." His mother seethed, causing the Navy Seal to just rolled his eyes and shut up. Looking at me, the woman said, "I'm Peggy and I must apologize for my son's outburst. He's always had a temper; seems bein' in the Navy's only heightened it."

Shaw just gave his mother a dirty look, apparently feeling insulted by her remark, before telling me, "If you'd just read the will that'd be nice. I got a plane to catch so…" God, wasn't he bein' a cheeky lil bastard. How he could be so callous and nonchalant about it too was beyond me.

"Okay, I'll read Peter's last will and testament." I nodded, scrambling to open the folder in front of me in order to grab the paperwork out. Clearing my throat, I held the will in my hand and read the following:

Last Will & Testament of Peter Raymond Eldridge

I, Peter Raymond Eldridge, of Pikeville, Pike County, Kentucky, revoke any and all other former Wills and declare this document my legal Last Will and Testament.

Article I

Identification Of Family

I am married to Margaret 'Peggy' Eldridge and all references to my spouse in this Will refer to her.

The names of my children are Shaw Hector Eldridge, Thaddeus 'Todd' Peter Eldridge, and Mary Anna-Reese Eldridge. All references to my children in this Will refer to them and in order of their listing. Example first child refers to Shaw, and so on and so forth with the others.

Article II

Payment Of Debt & Expenses

I direct that only my outstanding debts, funeral expenses, and any outstanding medical costs be paid for out of my estate.

Article III

Distribution Of Assets

To my wife of 32-years I hereby leave ownership of our house and of my truck along with all funds in our bank accounts, my life insurance, and 401k retirement plan benefits. To my first child I hereby leave my '73 Dodge Challenger and my gun collection. To my second child I hereby leave my butcher shop and to my third child I hereby leave my orange tabby cat Tiger.

I choose not to read the part about his signature or the witness signatures since I felt that it wasn't needed. Looking at everyone seated across from me, I asked, "Does anyone have any questions?"

"Yea, when can I sell that piece of shit car I got left?" Shaw asked with an impatient edge to his voice. Oh wow, he must really hate his dad to view that classic Dodge Challenger, which I'd kill for, as a piece of shit. Bet he'd like it if Peter didn't will it to him tho.

Todd bit his lip to stifle back his laughter while Mary looked a bit embarrassed that her older brother had bluntly asked what he did. Shaw's children, who were seated on either side of him, didn't say a word. They actually seemed to engrossed in their phones (yep his kids had iPhones) to give a shit. I didn't think they were old enough to be having iPhones since, by my guess, they looked to be anywhere between 9-and-11-years old. Sheesh, seems like he spoils his kids cause he wasn't spoiled by his dad. Hey, that's the vibe I'm gettin' from his snide remarks 'bout Peter.

Shooting her son, a dirty look, Peggy scolded, "Shaw, don't act like that."

"Why not? I don't want the damn car." The Navy Seal shrugged, acting like he was in the right to be showing out at his late father's will reading. Dear lord, I wonder how he behaved at the funeral?

Turning my full attention to Shaw, I told him, "Um, you'll be able to legally sell the car in a month or so after I officially file the will with the probate court."

"Yea, well, I'll give ya my number and you call me when I'm legally clear to sell it." Shaw told me in a tone that portrayed he wasn't making a suggestion, but a demand. Damn, bet he was one hell of a Navy Seal with his strong demeanor.

"Okay, just stay behind after we're done and I'll take your information." I professionally told the man who seemed to be a mysterious enigma.

Looking at his mom, Shaw told her a bit dryly, "Just Fedex me the gun collection."

"Of course, you'd want that, bein' a Seal and all." Todd piped up, his tone drippin' heavily with sarcasm.

"Todd…" Peggy warned her son with a pointed look. Turning her attention to me, she said, "If that's it, we'll go so you can talk with Shaw."

"Yea, you and your kids can go." I nodded, giving the woman my permission to leave the conference.

Quickly, Peggy and her younger children left the room. Shaw leaned forward and extended his arm across the conference table. "Can I have your phone to put my number in, babe?" He asked in a way that was blunt and very unprofessional. He even had this charming smirk on his face. In a way the smirk reminded me of my brother-in-law's the handful of times I've been around him. Weird, right?

"I'm a married woman, Mr. Eldridge." I informed him, waving my left hand in the air to show off my ring, while picking my phone up and opening up my input contacts screen.

"Too bad." Shaw sighed as I handed him over my phone. "It's Officer Eldridge or Petty Officer First Class to you, Nova." He told me while putting his information into my phone.

"And it's Mrs. Hatfield to you, Officer." I dryly deadpanned, holding my hand out in order for him to give me back my phone.

"Hatfield? Hell, and you work for Perry Cline?" Shaw's brow rose as he slapped my phone into the palm of my hand.

"He's my uncle and believe me, he's not too happy 'bout my marriage." I told him while placing my phone into my pocket.

"Ah, I see, you got knocked up and married to cover it up." Shaw said in a tone that was all too knowing. Before I even had the chance to ask him why he'd say that, he bluntly told me, "That's how I ended up married. I knocked her up durin' a furlough to the beach." Looking between his tan lined left ring finger and me, he sighed, "Recently divorced, but thankfully my service lawyer was better than her civilian one and I got custody of the kids." Um…okay…how the hell do I respond to that? Yikes… Thankfully I didn't have to respond since he stood up and announced, "I gotta get going, but call me once my dad's will's filed and squared away."

"I'll call you." I assured him before adding in a simple, but professional, "Bye, Officer Eldridge."

"Bye Nova." He told me before snapping his fingers and telling his children, "Silas, Lydia, let's go.", before walking over to the door.

Quickly, his children pocketed their phones and followed after him. Yea, they were definitely Navy brats, that's for sure by how well trained and disciplined they were when it came to listening to their officer dad. Hmm, bet they're in a military school too on base verses a secular one-off base by how they act so polished and obedient.

Once at the door, Shaw held it open for his children. After his kids walked out of the room, he gave me a wink and said, "Call me, babe, and not just 'bout the car.", before walking out the door and leaving me sitting at the conference table all by myself.

Holy shit, no wonder Uncle Perry had me do the will reading. Somehow, he knew it'd be a complete three ring circus. Well, looks like I better go file Peter Eldridge's will with the courts and go pick up Sally Elle.

AN:

Dun, dun, dun, more drama. Yea, Shaw Eldridge and his family (characters from my story Transcending Time) have been thrown into the mix. Oh snap…

Anyways, the trial will resume in the next chapter. Yay!