Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Stephanie Meyers does. I do own this plot and storyline. I own my own original characters and a sweet little Chromebook I just love.
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, products, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: I take full credit for all creative rights in regards to the court hearings and news reports, all mistakes are mine and mine alone.
Chapter 23: The Foundation of Justice is Good Faith - Cicero
EPOV
Tuesday morning I wake up and shower, dressing in a pair of old jeans and a t-shirt. As I start down the stairs, I feel like I have walked into the Twilight Zone. My mother is standing at the bottom of the landing, giving out orders with the precision and confidence of a drill sergeant. I haven't even reached the bottom before she is directing me.
"Good, you're finally up. You need to get some boxes out of the garage and start packing the kitchen for me. Everything is going from the cabinets. Get to it, times a wastin," she barks out, looking down at the notebook she is holding.
I really should have just did what she said, but no, I have to open my mouth. "Um, Mom? It's only seven-thirty in the morning. I haven't even had my coffee yet. What's going on?" I hear my dad groan quietly behind me.
"I know what time it is, and you're an hour late already," she grouses out with her hand on her hip. "I have two days to get this house packed up and in storage. Standing here is not getting it done. Now, off to the kitchen with you."
I decide it's best to just go to the kitchen and not argue. There is no reasoning with her when she gets like this.
I remember the last time she turned into Drill Sergeant Esme. It was Jasper and Alice's engagement party, and she had put us all to work as decorators and bakers. Emmett thought it would be funny to do the opposite. Mom went nuts, and we all thought she was going to skin him alive. No thanks. I will be the obedient son and go pack the kitchen cabinets. Besides, I can drink my coffee and pack at the same time.
As I'm coming back in from the garage with a few boxes, my father walks in the kitchen and grabs a bottle of water from the refrigerator. He turns toward me and explains, "The realtor called this morning and we accepted an offer on the house. The buyers want to close as soon as possible. Your mother has already located a short term rental house for us to move into."
"Oh, alright. Well I better get this done. I would like to make it to my next birthday," I laugh out, but he knows I'm not far from the truth in that statement. "Mr. Jenks will be here soon, and I want to find out what's going to happen. I just want this part of my life over with."
I have most of the cabinets packed by the time Mr. Jenks arrives. We all gather in the living room, which is still somewhat presentable. I sit next to my parents while Jason takes the chair across from us.
"I received notice this morning that Mayor Eleazar Denali, Tanya Denali, Laurent Henry and Judge Rodney Baker will be arrested today. The arraignment will more than likely to be tomorrow. Although the state is the one bringing the charges against them, it would look good for you to be there. Edward, you and your family are the ones that have suffered at their hands the most and this is justice for you and the people of Seattle," he tells us, clearly exhausted. He must have been up late last night, because you can physically see how tired he is.
"What are the charges being brought up against them?" I inquire, shocked that this is really happening again, and so soon after speaking with the state police.
He takes some papers from his briefcase and reads over them before stating, "Mayor Denali is being charged with bribery, blackmail, conspiracy, embezzlement, fraud and harassment."
"How did they get all that against him with just a video of him threatening me?" I ask confused.
"Well, apparently you aren't the only one he has threatened. The district attorney had already started an investigation into his activity, prior to you bringing charges against him," he explains, looking up from the document in his hand.
"Ok, sorry for interrupting you," I apologize, gesturing for him to continue.
"That's ok. I want to make sure you understand everything before the arraignment hearings," he continues, waving off my apology. "Tanya is being charged with extortion, embezzlement, fraud, harassment and stalking."
"I guess being a bitch isn't a criminal offense?" my mother asks in a serious voice, making us all laugh.
"No, not that I'm aware of," Mr. Jenks replies with a smirk in her direction. "Laurent Henry is being charged with embezzlement and Judge Baker is being charged with contempt of court, bribery, fraud and perjury."
"So, what is the point to all of this? I still can't figure that part out," Jasper asks, as we all look at him like he is crazy. "I mean, why? Why did Tanya need to take money from you? Why did Eleazar want her crimes to go away? Why is he badgering our family?"
"That's something I would like the answer to as well," I agree with disdain. "I mean, doesn't her family have enough money? Why would she need the two-hundred thousand plus that she took from me?"
"I'm not sure, but I am willing to bet that it comes out in court. That is, unless they turn on each other before it goes to trial," Mr. Jenks tells us, smirking. "I know Eleazar didn't come from money. Carmen made him who he is today. His wife's where their wealth came from."
"I just hope that justice is served this time. With the state and federal authorities involved now, maybe it will be," my father says with venom in his voice.
"I will need you to meet me at the US District Court Building tomorrow. I'll let you know what time as soon as I hear from the district attorney. I'm sure there is going to be one hell of a media storm coming our way. Keep your mouths shut. It'll save us a headache later on down the road," he tells us all, as he gets up to leave.
Soon, we are all back to packing and cleaning. Jasper fills Alice in on the meeting with Jenks, and why the house is in complete disarray when she gets home after work. Emmett calls to order pizza for dinner since there is nothing left in the kitchen. We're all sitting around the living room eating and watching some sitcom on television when the news cuts in with a breaking story.
"This is Q13 FOX with breaking news. Less than an hour ago, Mayor Eleazar Denali was arrested by Washington State Police at his Mercer Island home. His daughter, who was released just last night from a King County jail for violating an Order of Protection, has also been arrested by state police. The arrests come just one day after reports that Mayor Denali threatened Carlisle and Edward Cullen in the front of their home. You have to ask yourself, is our mayor really the person we thought he was? Carmen Falls-Denali was not available for comment, but was seen entering the US District Court building shortly after the arrests. So, John, do you still believe that the Cullen family is out to smear the mayor and his family?"
"After hearing and seeing everything in the past week or so, I would have say the Denali's are the ill-behaved family. You don't see the Cullen's in the media, or being arrested. I believe there could be more going on here then what we were all let to believe."
"Thanks, John. I am being informed that Judge Rodney Baker has also been arrested along with Laurent Henry. If you will recall, Judge Baker was the one presiding over the original criminal case against Tanya Denali and Laurent Henry, which was dismissed back in October. Maybe those charges shouldn't have been dismissed after all. We will keep you updated as we receive information. Now, back to our regular scheduled program."
"Well, now isn't that something? Edward, I believe you're the winner, winner chicken dinner!" Emmett exclaims. My parents just shake their heads at his antics.
"You know, Emmett," Alice states, annoyed. "Sometimes, I just can't figure out how Rose constantly puts up with you."
He is fixing to respond when we all hear a throat clear behind us. "I don't know how I put up with him, either. That might just change considering I have been waiting at the airport for over an hour, to be picked up," Rose growls out, her stance full of anger. "Cab fare is not cheap, and why in the hell aren't you answering your damn phone?" Emmett goes pale as he turns to look at her whispering, 'Oh, shit.'
"Babe, I'm so sorry! I set the alarm on my phone. I swear I did! Speaking of which, I have no clue where it's at." Emmett explains as he is patting down his pockets and spinning around like a dog chasing his tail. "I must have left it in the bedroom when Jenks came over. I love you, and I'm so happy you're home," he tells her with big puppy eyes. Her face softens as he hugs her.
"Damn, I am so happy you are back! He acts like a lost child when you aren't here," Jasper tells her, as she comes to sit down with Emmett following closely behind her.
"How was the exam?" I ask her, hoping to avoid their bickering.
"It was good. It was more like a mini class and exam. But, it wasn't anything I didn't already know," she answers me with a soft smile. "Now, I want to know how you are and what I missed? I can never get a straight answer out of this big lug over the phone," she directs her question towards me with concern in her eyes.
"I'm ready to get the hell out of this crazy city," I reply honestly, as we all fill her in on everything that has transpired since she left Sunday.
"Well, I don't know about all of you, but I'm no longer a resident of Washington, look," she says, showing us her temporary driver's license with the State of Texas seal stamped at the top and the ranch's address as her own. I am completely jealous and I don't think I'm the only one.
"Well, we are glad you are back, Rose," my mother tells her. "Let's get this cleaned up and get some more packing done."
Just then, my phone rings. I look down to see Mr. Jenks' name and answer, "Hello?"
"Edward, I know it's late, but I want to let you know that the arraignment is set for nine o'clock tomorrow morning. Meet me inside the courthouse at eight-thirty, and we will go in together," he tells me tiredly.
"Yes, Sir. We'll be there," I confirm, glancing up at my family's faces. "Goodnight, and thanks for everything."
After hanging up, I tell them when and where we need to be in the morning.
"Well, I'm glad I took tomorrow off. I cannot wait to I get the chance to laugh at the bitch and her whole family," Rose states with repulsion lacing her voice.
"I think after court tomorrow, we will need to have a family meeting and decide how we are going to handle everything," my father starts glancing my way before directing his attention to the center of the room. "Your mother would like to have everything packed and out of the house by Thursday so we can have it cleaned. I already reserved the rental house for us starting tomorrow and I spoke with Bella. She said for us to take care of everything here and not worry about when we make it to Texas. So, just think about what needs to be done, and we will discuss it tomorrow." He heads upstairs for bed shortly after.
I am close behind him and am completely exhausted. Tomorrow is going to be an absolute nightmare.
This morning finds me in one of the few suits I own. Nervous is an understatement. I just want to get on with my life. I head downstairs where everyone is already waiting. They're always there, standing beside me no matter what. I couldn't ask for a better family.
We all ride to the courthouse in silence. As we arrive, there is a mob of reporters blocking the front of the building. I just keep my head down as we navigate through them while they shout out questions at me.
"Edward, do you have a vendetta against Tanya?"
"Does this have anything to do with the criminal case that was dismissed?"
"Are you here to support the Denali's?"
That one catches my attention and my head shoots up. Emmett is quicker grabbing my arm and ushering us inside.
"Don't let them get to you. They want a reaction and you almost gave them one," he whispers to me heatedly.
After going through security, we meet Mr. Jenks and he leads us into an empty conference room.
"Remember, you are not legally bound to be here. Some of you will more than likely be subpoenaed by the state as witnesses for the trial. We will just sit in there and listen, got it?" he affirms as we follow him into the courtroom next door.
I zone out until the judge starts to speak, "In the matter of the State vs. Mr. Eleazar Denali, case number: thirteen dash one dash seventy-eight twenty-nine dash four, how does the defendant plea?"
"Not guilty, your Honor," Eleazar's attorney states. "We would like to request bail at this time."
"Your Honor, Mr. Denali is not only a danger to society, he has the means to leave the state and country," the prosecutor argues.
"Bail is denied," the judge answers. "Mr. Denali will be held until trial."
Eleazar hangs his head as he is lead off through a side door while his attorney gathers his papers and moves towards the back of the room.
"In the matter of the State vs. Mr. Rodney Baker; case number thirteen dash one dash seventy-eight thirty dash four, how does the defendant plea?"
"Guilty, your Honor," his attorney answers clearly. "Your Honor, we would like to make it known Mr. Baker is willing to cooperate with the state."
"Very well. Bail is set at fifty-thousand dollars," the judge replies, a frown marring his face. I'm sure it can't be easy seeing a corrupt judge when you are one. I wonder if they were close colleagues.
Judge…or Mr. Baker and his attorney are both led through another door on the opposite side of the room by the bailiff.
"In the matter of the State vs. Mr. Laurent Henry, case number thirteen dash one dash seventy-eight thirty-one dash four how does the defendant plea?"
"Guilty, your Honor. We are also willing to cooperate with the state," his attorney answers.
"Alright, bail is set at twenty-five thousand dollars," he tells them, waving the bailiff forward and handing him more papers.
They too, are led through the same door as Mr. Baker.
"In the matter of the State vs. Ms. Tanya Denali, case number thirteen dash one dash seventy-eight thirty-two dash four how does the defendant plea?"
"Not guilty, your Honor, and we would like to request bail at this time," her attorney enunciates.
"Your Honor, Ms. Denali also has the means to leave the state and country. We also believe her to be a danger to society," the prosecutor objects.
"Bail is denied. Ms. Denali will be held until the trial," the judge firmly states.
"I AM NOT STAYING HERE! DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? ARE YOU CRAZY?" Tanya starts yelling at the judge.
"Order! Order! Get your client under control, or I will hold her in contempt!" the judge demands, as her attorney tries to get her to be quiet.
"NO! I WILL NOT SHUT UP! I WILL HAVE ALL YOUR ASSES! MY MOTHER WILL NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!" she continues, screaming as the judge bangs his gavel on the bench.
"Ma'am, this is not King County nor is it the City of Seattle. This is a state and federal court. I don't care who your family is. You are in a lot of trouble, young lady. I suggest if you don't want more, you better calm down or you will be held in contempt," the judge orders her with venom in his voice. "Now, court is adjourned."
I always thought it was going to be Emmett who wouldn't be able to control his mouth. But, I was completely mistaken as Rose stands up and shouts, "Tanya, prison orange will look so good with your fake tan."
We hear Tanya still shrieking as we walk out. Alice and my mother are laughing so hard that Jasper and my dad have to hold them up.
"Come on, guys. Let's go in here and wait for the prosecutor," Mr. Jenks directs us back into the empty conference room. We are only there a few minutes before two gentlemen I haven't seen before, walk in. Following close behind them are the same two detectives from the house, along with Mr. Riley.
I was not expecting to see him here.
"Damn, that woman has some lungs on her," Detective Seeley comments, laughing.
"Thanks for coming today. I'm the lead prosecutor, Damian Shaw. This is Sergeant Ellis Turner with the Washington State Police. I would like to go ahead and deliver these subpoenas to you while you are here, if you don't mind?" Mr. Shaw implores. "Mr. Jenks explained that you are planning on leaving the state. However, I would if you could stick around for a while. I want to get this trial underway as soon as possible."
Sergeant Ellis steps up then, "Sorry to be so formal, but Mr. Edward Cullen, you have been served," he orders, handing me a subpoena and signing the acceptance log.
"I'm also serving Jasper Cullen," he states, as my brother comes forward.
"Next is Carlisle Cullen," he continues, as my father steps forward.
"Esme Cullen?" he asks, turning towards my mother.
"And last is Emmett Cullen," he says, handing one to my smirking brother.
"I'll need to ask you all some questions, as well. We can do it now or you can come down to my office tomorrow?" he inquires.
"I think now would be better," my mother answers, as we all nod in agreement.
"Very well then, let's take a seat," he urges.
We sit in that conference room for over two hours before all their questions were answered. We stop to have lunch, and pick up more boxes before heading home. We only have one day left to get the entire house packed.
"Hey, Dad?" Emmett calls, getting my father's attention. "Drop me off at that U-Haul place on thirty-fifth. I'm going to rent a truck so we can start moving the upstairs tonight. The girls can start to move the things we need into the rental so that we can stay there tonight."
"Sounds like a plan," my father agrees, turning at the next light.
"I think my road trip idea is off. I was really looking forward to the Cowboy Museum," Jasper grumbles from behind me.
"Really, Jasper? The Cowboy Museum? I'm not sure I'm liking this road trip you are planning," Alice tells him sarcastically.
We drop Emmett off and go home to finish packing. My mother and sister in-laws take our personal things to the rental house, while we load the furniture into the truck.
We get as much of the lifting done as we could, before heading to the rental to shower and eat. The rest will have to wait until tomorrow, per Emmett's stomach.
The rental is small, or cozy, depending on your perspective. It has three bedrooms and two baths. The sofa folds out which is where I'll be sleeping. As we sit around eating Chinese takeout, my father asks for ideas to make this move easier on everyone.
"Um, I have an idea. Instead of continuing to pay for storage units, I suggest we rent a couple of those pack and ship containers. We can go ahead and ship everything we don't need to the ranch. Then, once the trial is over, we can just drive to Texas in the Suburban," Rose suggests, glancing at us all.
"That sounds very economical. Does everyone agree with that?" my father asks, as we all nod in agreement. "Then, we can take care of it this weekend. I'll let Bella know what the plan is."
Everyone goes to their rooms, it is late and I'm sure we're all tired from the long and emotional day. I seat back on the couch and look around. The living room is so small that if I was to fold out the couch into the bed, my bed for the unforeseen future, I would not be able to walk anywhere. It would literally take up the whole room. I decide to just sleep on it without folding it out into a bed.
I better get use to the closeness because I have no idea how long this is going to last.