The Missing Piece in Ranger's Life

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Chapter 26

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Ranger's POV

We arrived at the courthouse in less than ten minutes. A small crowd had gathered, hopeful for some news, but not privy to the alert we had received. Bryce Milligan, our prosecution attorney, had privately alerted us with instructions to approach the courthouse from the southside entrance.

The security guards checked our IDs and inspected our bags before leading us to a small conference room for a briefing with Bryce.

"Ranger, Stephanie," he nodded to us and the rest of our team, getting straight to the point. "A decision is imminent. This is quicker than I was hoping for. It indicates that a unanimous decision has been made, so the likelihood of a hung jury is not an issue. As before, just like for members of the public, you will be required to leave your weapons and phones. I strongly recommend you are dressed with Kevlar. This situation has the potential to flare up as you can understand. I see you have your protection detail on standby. Morelli still has some fans out there as well as his family. Who knows how they will react. Crazy fans are unpredictable and irrational, as we all know. I'm sure you completely recognise that potential in these kind of circumstances. I, too, have my Kevlar," he directed at Stephanie's look of concern, which she accepted with some relief.

"Just a precaution, Babe," I reassured her. Once we were all dressed, Bryce led us to the security checkpoint where we were scanned and had our weapons and phones placed in a separate lockbox. Tank signed the paperwork on our behalf. Bryce had arranged special clearance with the Bailiff, and the MPs who were already securing the doors, to enable Zero, Zip Vince and Woody to stay, dressed including with Kevlar, in the waiting area. Tank, Bobby and Lester walked in with us, accompanied by Manny, Hector, Hal and Cal. Stephanie held my hand and nodded when I squeezed hers giving me a reassuring smile. We took up our usual seating behind Bryce and waited, covered from behind by our security detail.

Amid a flurry of whispers and excited chatter, the doors opened and the spectators quickly filled the courtroom. Most people were seated in much the same positions as before. The Mayor and the Chief of Police were joined by Carl Costanza and Eddie Gazarra, sitting behind Manny, Hector, Hal and Cal. On the opposite side Angie Morelli, once again in all black attire, sat with her family, who all looked despondent, with looks that indicated they would rather be somewhere else. This time Bella Morelli was with her, looking quite frail, but she still exuded that stoic Morelli pride and arrogance. No knitting this time. I suppose knitting needles could be classified as a form of weaponry in the wrong hands, like a deranged relative. The gallery was full to capacity. Sketch artists were setting up their equipment, confined to a limited space, basically the same size area as the usual seating. No one had any preferential seating for that matter.

The sound of the doors being locked and secured by the MPs instantly sent a hush over the courtroom.

A door at the back of the dock opened, revealing a haggard looking Morelli in his Leavenworth browns and that orange ball cap. The chains clinking and rattling were so audible as all eyes were on him. Morelli didn't look around the courtroom this time. That arrogance was conspicuously absent this time. Eventually, and a bit tentatively, he did take the opportunity to check with a quick glance, nodding briefly, acknowledging in appreciation his mother and the rest of his family. He knew he was done for since the decision was inevitable when it was made in such a short time. This time he removed his cap before being told to. Seeing him with that short hair took some getting used to, looking like any other regular prisoner. The MPs flanked him. His handcuffs were attached to the front railing without any resistance. He was ready, as ready as he'll ever be. He took a bracing deep breath, trying to compose himself, desperately trying to find his cop face. Evidently it had abandoned him. I could tell he was trying to centre himself with controlled breathing, inhaling with his eyes closed, breathing out through his nose.

He jolted when the door to the Deliberation Room from the opposite side opened by one of the MPs. All the jury members silently filed out, taking their seats as before.

"All rise," came the command from the Bailiff. Judge Matthieson entered and did a quick survey of the courtroom before he sat down.

Once everyone was seated, you could hear a pin drop as everyone waited with bated breath.

Judge Matthieson wasted no time.

"Members of the jury, have you come to a decision?"

"Yes, Your Honour," replied the foreman.

"Was this a unanimous decision?"

"It was, Your Honour."

"What is your verdict?"

"We find the defendant, Joseph Anthony Morelli, guilty on each and every charge, Your Honour."

There was a gasp and a few smothered mouths. Most conspicuously was Bella Morelli. She tried to stand up but her daughter-in-law firmly pulled her down, muttering in Italian to silence her. Instead, she banged her walking stick in a show of defiance, glaring at the jury members. Since none of them was a Burg resident, not one of them reacted. They did not fear her and it annoyed the hell out of Bella. Her eyes scanned our side, seeking out Stephanie. Before she started what might have been an incantation, she startled when she heard a distinctive clicking sound. Her eyes suddenly caught sight of Edna sitting further back behind the TPD team. Frank was beside her, watching, a look of satisfaction evident, almost smirking. Edna, however, was glaring intensely at Bella, daring her to make a scene as her chin lifted up slightly, eagerly showing that her fingers were twitching in readiness as she blew on her finger tips. Her eyes were intense, full of malevolence as she glowered at Bella, causing the old woman to submit under Edna's fierce, silent warning. Slowly and reluctantly Bella backed down and meekly sat beside her daughter-in-law. Angie breathed a sigh of relief before she chastised her mother-in-law.

Since the gallery was predominantly Burg residents, their wide eyes were riveted on Bella. There was an element of trepidation wondering what Bella would do. Then, upon hearing Edna's distinctive clicking sound, all heads turned her way and back to Bella. Seeing the powerful effect Edna's glare had upon Bella, there was a collective sigh of relief from them as well, when Bella submitted. Hm. It seems that Hungarian old woman power is stronger, and exceeds the Italian version. The Mexican stand-off was averted. Italian, Hungarian, Mexican. I shook my head at that. Edna winked at me and I returned the favour. Frank grinned at her and gave me a minuscule nod. All this did not go unnoticed by Judge Matthieson as he curiously watched the old matriarchs in their silent battle. He quietly acknowledged Edna. The jury witnessed this display of old world power, seemingly from a pair of old crones, and were confused.

However, all this drama and tension lasted less than a minute. Gasps and mutterings about the guilty verdict had others in various states of acceptance, denial, but mostly shock.

I watched Joe. His reaction was actual surprise, initially at least, given that the foreman declared his guilt on every single charge. But, then his shoulders slumped, his head dropped before he banged his head a few times against the railing. No explosive outrage this time. He had hoped for a different outcome, wishful thinking, but he already knew, especially with the calibre of the charges laid against him. He was done for, confirmed by the jury's quick return after having to peruse and visit all the evidence. It was final. He was doomed to spend the rest of his life behind bars, and then some more. Finito. Kaput.

Angie Morelli was rolling her rosary beads nervously in her hand, quietly whispering a prayer.

"Mr Morelli."

"Yes, Your Honour."

The courtroom waited with bated breath.

"Do you understand the verdict?"

"Yes, Your Honour."

"You have been found guilty on each and every charge presented by the prosecution."

Morelli nodded meekly.

The Judge banged his gavel firmly.

"Court is adjourned for two hours for sentencing."

"All rise."

Judge Matthieson strode quickly into his chambers, his robes billowing behind him, to contemplate the verdict for sentencing. Obviously, he had already considered the options. It was a relief that we didn't have to come back another day for the sentencing.

"Two hours? Hell. He has already figured it out. He's just giving everyone here, Morelli included, his family, and those few supporters, a moment to digest the seriousness and finality of his guilty verdict," Tank observed.

Surprisingly, no one left the courtroom. In silence, they watched as Joe Morelli's handcuffs were unclipped from the railing by the MPs. He looked shattered. Did he really think he would be cleared of these charges? Idiot. He must still be in denial.

Suddenly there was a shriek like a Banshee as a weapon was discharged at the same time as another yell. Twice.

"Gun!" Hector yelled at the same instant, just before the weapon was discharged. He had been watching the Morelli supporters and pointed at one of the women behind Angie Morelli as he leapt up to cover our backs. A pregnant young woman. Pregnant? I wonder. Before she could take a third shot, in Morelli's direction, she was pounced upon by the MPs as well as Carl Costanza and Eddie Gazarra in their police capacity.

How the hell did she get that weapon past security? She must have created a diversion. Rather attractive young woman, probably used that to advantage. Who knows? I didn't notice her previously.

Without a thought, Tank had spontaneously stepped in front of both of us, forcing me behind his broad back. Hector was covering our backs, literally and physically, since the shooter was from a few rows back on the other side. Hector was so fast. I'd already shoved Stephanie behind me as I turned my body to face the direction of the discharge, her small hands gripping my t-shirt tightly. Our security detail surrounded us while Bobby and Lester had swiftly leapt across the wooden railing already shielding Bryce and his legal team.

With a grunt, Tank stumbled back into me, his weight overpowering, but he steadied himself, hanging on tightly to the wooden railing in front of us while Cal and Hal were trying to support him. Bobby leapt into action when he saw that the MPs had taken control of the weapon and the shooter to check on Tank.

Everyone had ducked down with the first discharge. Screams and gasps of fear filled the courtroom before silence took over. Shock. Utter shock that this would happen in Trenton, going by the mutterings.

"It's all Morelli's fault," was clearly heard, many times. Now that's a refreshing change.

In the meantime, the shooter was being led away in handcuffs, screeching at being hustled out in this manner.

"You bastard Morelli. You promised to look after me and your baby!"

The rest of her garbled hysterical litany was lost as they dragged her into the waiting area to be taken by the MPs there to a secure cell. The rest of our other security detail stood at the door, concerned, especially when they saw Tank but then I noticed that their eyes were looking down in shock. Dios. What I couldn't see was Manny and Cal tending to Hector behind us while we were bearing Tank's enormous frame. She shot two of my men!

I signalled "Stand down, call 911." They nodded and stepped back, Woody remaining at the door until the MPs resumed their position, after handing over the prisoner. With a salute Woody disappeared from our sight as the doors were closed securely.

Bobby with the assistance of Hal, slowly had Tank seated, removed his shirt, removing the Kevlar, and checked for injuries. No blood. Thank goodness for Kevlar. He was winded, but okay. Fortunately, Hector was the same. Both were saved by wearing Kevlar. Both had put their lives in the direct line of fire for us. I am humbled by the lengths these men go to protect us. It is what we do, protection, and literally, we have each other's backs. I nodded my appreciation to Bryce for his forethought. He must have had an inkling.

Hector, while down was pointing at the other pregnant woman, talking rapidly in Spanish. Cal and Manny lifted him carefully into his seat. The courtroom attendants got the nod from the imposing Bailiff who was standing right near us, also blocking any further opportunists. Reluctantly, and defiantly, while glaring at Morelli and his mother Angie who was seated in front of her, she was escorted outside for questioning. Interesting.

"Those two women came in together," Hector said between gasps while still trying to catch his breath. "I was watching them," another gasp to steady himself, "and was suspicious when they kept looking at each other and then over to you, mi hermano and Stephanie. They were not here the other day."

In the midst of all this drama, Morelli stood still, watching this all, in wide-eyed shock, like most of the people in this courtroom. He was stunned. Was he disappointed that the shooter missed me? Or concerned that she may have shot Stephanie? As he glanced tentatively my way, I gave him a tight nod of assurance, which he accepted as acknowledgement, that Steph was fine. He nodded in reply, with a visible element of relief, releasing a huge sigh. He glanced, confused, in the direction of where the shooter had been sitting, behind his mother.

His eyes had widened in surprise when the second woman was escorted from the courtroom, before he hung his head in shame with another huge sigh. He must have been busy before Lula. Go figure. Then it hit me. Both women were brunettes, and you guessed it, with curly hair, but not blue eyes. Pfft. You idiot, Morelli. You became careless. Terri Gilman watched this exchange and glared at him, giving him the universal Italian gesture clearly saying, "You're a fuckwit, Morelli!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Remain in your original seats so we can tend to the wounded. That is a priority."

I knuckle bumped Tank and Hector in appreciation. No words needed to be said. They understood and just nodded in return. They'd do it over again it the situation required it. Just as I would for them.

The doors opened and the Bailiff indicated for Tank and Hector to be taken into the waiting room to be assessed by the paramedics whom we could see with Woody in the doorway. While Lester and Manny stayed with us, Cal and Hal went with Tank and Hector. Bobby followed. He was going to the hospital with them. Stephanie was so concerned, tears in her eyes, so appreciative yet visibly disturbed by their injuries. She hugged them both and made quiet affirmations before they sent her back into my waiting arms. I held her tightly, reaffirming that she was alright, reaffirming and reassuring her, but also myself, that she was safe. I kissed the top of her head, my hands tucked in her beautiful curls holding her close to me. Her heart was beating a healthy powerful beat. I realised I couldn't lose her. I needed her. She was my missing piece in so many ways.

Hal and Cal returned and sat with us, while Lester and Manny remained guarding Bryce. Judge Matthieson emerged from his chamber, after the Bailiff knocked on his door to give the all clear signal.

"Ladies and gentleman. Thank you for waiting. This is an extraordinary situation." He glanced at the jury and slowly scanned the courtroom. "Shortly, you will be allowed to enter the waiting room. No one will be permitted to leave the Courthouse, until after my sentencing report. I have arranged for some light refreshments. I ask you to abide by these requests. You will undergo the same security checks leaving this courtroom, one row at a time. Extra seating has been provided in the adjoining waiting area. No one will leave."

He glanced pointedly at Angie Morelli, indicating Bella. "Are there any other health concerns. We have paramedics on standby."

Angie nodded, thanking him for his concern, managing to convey that she could handle it. After all, she had her family around her.

The jury was led back into the Deliberation Room. Quietly we watched as Morelli was escorted to his cell to await the sentencing. We waited and watched as row by row people were emptying the courtroom. As we entered the waiting area the flurry of whispers stopped. Some ladies held their hands to their chests, relieved that we were alright. Many people were still in shock witnessing that drama at close hand.

"Your men are very brave, Mr Manoso," the Mayor remarked with the Chief of Police beside him. Carl and Eddie joined our group, nodding in agreement. "That was most unexpected. Your team was formidable."

"Yes, very impressive," the Chief of Police added.

Frank and Edna came over and hugged Stephanie, Frank shaking my hand with a firm pat to my upper arm. "I'm so glad you're alright, Pumpkin," her father said lovingly.

Edna was remarkably subdued, with none of her usual "hot-diggity" nonsense. She squeezed my hand and her glistening eyes just nodded her appreciation. Yes, it could have gone so bad, really bad. I gave her a reassuring hug and she sighed before releasing me with a reassuring pat on my chest. It is rare that Edna Mazur is speechless.

While coffee, tea and water were provided, they also had served sandwiches, and surprisingly, some biscuits and brownies, which pleased a lot of people. The tone of the room eventually seemed more relaxed with the sustenance. I noticed some paramedics waiting on standby. A wheelchair had been acquired for Bella, which she initially resented but once seated she was asleep in no time. People used the facilities, a little daunted by the guards inspecting bags as they went in, and came out. Security was tight.

Our Rangeman security detail remained on alert. Manny and Lester filled them in on all the events that happened behind the closed doors. They conceded how difficult it was to remain on the other side of the door when they heard the gun shots. They were not permitted to storm the doors as Woody felt compelled to do. They had to abide by the MPs' protocols.

Almost an hour later, the entry doors opened to reveal Tank and Hector returned from hospital checks, both with an arm in a sling. Bobby looked content. The people instantly gave them a round of applause for their bravery and there were many acknowledgements of appreciation.

"Just a scratch," they both said together when I questioned for a report. They chuckled and fist bumped each other. Good to see them so good-humoured about it all.

"Fractured clavicle," Bobby explained, "the collarbone. Bruising. Kevlar saved them from serious injury."

Within ten minutes we were all summonsed into the courtroom. A more subdued atmosphere this time was evident. Tight security protocols remained.

"All rise."

Morelli entered the dock on the left and the jury emerged from the Deliberation Room from the right. Once everyone was settled you could practically hear a pin drop. The only sound I detected was the subtle sound of Angie Morelli's rosary beads.

Judge Matthieson appeared from his chamber, nodded to the jury and the attorneys before he sat down. He held a sheet of paper in his steady hands.

"Mr Morelli."

He eyed Morelli, who stood straighter, prepared to accept his fate.

"Yes, Your Honour."

"Mr Morelli, you have been charged with multiple criminal offences, serious crimes, most of which are fourth degree crimes. It is my duty to consider a variety of aggravating or mitigating factors. These include whether you, the defendant, has committed the same crime before, whether you have expressed regret for the crime, and the nature of the crime itself. Throughout this trial you have displayed a complete lack of remorse with your arrogance and denial, including your dismissal of your defence attorney. Your disregard for the law is deplorable in committing these serious crimes, especially since you, as a former police detective, are very familiar with criminal law.

For the following crimes you have incurred six months: breach of trust; bringing disgrace to your badge; coercion of junior officers; misconduct; obtaining information by questionable means; harassment, times two; and stalking, times two. That makes a total of four and a half years.

Watching Morelli, he was rather complacent with that total. But this was just the beginning. The Judge went on relentlessly, not giving him a chance to get too cosy.

Eighteen-month sentences each for reckless endangerment; attempted extortion and blackmail; possession of illegal firearms and conspiracy to murder. That totals six years.

Fraud and embezzlement are three years each, adding a further six years. For false accounting, tax evasion and financial havens the penalty is five years each. That's another fifteen years.

In total, Mr Morelli, you have accumulated thirty-one and a half years to serve in jail. After you have completed your federal sentence, you will be transferred from Fort Leavenworth to serve these thirty-one and a half years in the New Jersey State Prison. I have not made you eligible for parole due to the nature of the multiple crimes against people and the state."

He banged his gavel as the murmur of shock and surprise spread around the room.

"I have added another six months penalty for contempt of court. This makes your total sentence thirty-two years."

Morelli stood frozen to the spot. He was too shocked to respond. How does one respond to something like that? Obviously, the gears were turning, probably calculating the combined sentences. That's a lifetime, his lifetime, if he survives that long, and that is another issue altogether.

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TBC

That was quite a saga. Morelli has plenty of time to consider.

A lot of research in this one about NJ criminal law, just to keep it close to authentic. It is fiction after all.

The characters you recognise belong to Janet. Bryce and the Judge are mine, as are any mistakes.

What next?