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 new reports, all mistakes are mine and mine alone.
**Tissue warning** This chapter is very emotional, so grab your box of Kleenex.
Chapter 24: Justice is the Truth in Action - Joubert
EPOV
A month. One freaking month. It is now the middle of March, and I'm about ready to say 'fuck it all', jump on the first plane to Texas, just so I can get away from this shit.
My parents already sold their home. All of our belongings are, for the most part, in Texas on the ranch. Evidently, Bella told the guys to unload the storage containers, so now our things are in the climate controlled storage units.
My family is down to just the Suburban for a means of transportation. It's a challenge, but we are managing as best as we can. However, there is times when we're getting on each other's nerves, or more accurately, Emmett is getting on everyone's nerves.
Tomorrow cannot come soon enough.
The trial for Tanya is starting tomorrow, or so I'm told. The media circus has not let up, and my family and I are being followed everywhere we go. Both, Emmett and Rose, have already shouted at the reporters, on more than one occasion. I can't blame them because I've wanted to scream at them a few times, myself. They're relentless, and the perpetual shouting of disrespectful questions is grating on my very last nerve.
Both, Judge Baker and Laurent Henry, are working with investigators by turning over any tangible information and incriminating evidence they have on Eleazar and Tanya, in exchange for a plea bargain.
Eleazar, it seems, has been blackmailing Judge Baker for some time now. This is how he was able to get the original criminal case against Tanya dismissed. Eleazar is still working with the impression that Judge Baker is under his thumb. The investigators are keeping up the ruse with hopes of gathering further evidence on the mayor.
Once Eleazar found out that Judge Baker cheated on his wife, he threatened to expose him. Since then, Judge Baker has come clean with his soon-to-be ex-wife, and feels as if he has nothing further to loose.
Tanya's puppet, Laurent, fell for my ex-fiancé, but is now singing like a canary in order to save his own skin. When the case is complete and the verdict is finally read, both Judge Baker and Laurent will have to pay hefty fines and will be placed on probation for a lengthy amount of time.
A week after the arraignment, we learn that Carmen had filed for divorce. She isn't standing behind her husband or daughter, which leads us to believe there is more going on than what we are aware of. The media is split on the opinion of the Mayor's wife. One part of the media hates her for abandoning them, while others are praising her for standing up for herself.
Per the prosecuting attorney, she was not aware of their misdeeds, and therefore, was free of any wrongdoing. I am very interested in finding out why Tanya acted in the fashion that she had. I still don't understand it; she has money. Well, rather, her mother has money.
I'm sitting on the couch, thumbing lazily through a book that Alice had just finished. She is praising its worth when my phone rings.
"Hello, Mr. Jenks. How are you, today?" I answer, knowing that it's him. He's the only one that calls anymore.
"Good, Edward. Listen, Mr. Shaw called. Tanya's attorney asked to meet with them. She apparently has evidence against her father and wants a plea bargain. If the state agrees to a plea, it would mean no trial and you would be free to move on. As soon as I have more information, I'll let you know. Also, Mr. Riley contacted me and the money was wired to your account this morning. Once it clears, you can close out the account," he tells me without taking a breath.
"Um, ok. So, if they agree to a plea, the charges against her wouldn't just be dropped and she gets to go free, right? I mean, is she still going to be held accountable for her crimes?" I ask, wanting to make sure she isn't going to get away with this again.
"I don't see her getting away with anything. The feds have a lot of man hours and resources invested in the Denali family. It's highly unlikely that they will simply let her walk, but we will just have to wait and see what the evidence is that Tanya claims to have," he replies, sighing deeply. "Just, hang in there a little longer, Edward."
And, that is what we do. We wait. We wait for three long days. The media is in a frenzy speculating as to why the trial hasn't started yet. It's also a surprise that Eleazar's trial has been put on hold and that Laurent is arrested, again. However, this time, the charges against him have not been released. I'm beginning to lose my patience and I can tell that the others are as well.
On the fourth day, I receive a call from Mr. Jenks, telling me to turn the news on. He quickly gets off the phone, stating that he is on his way over. So, we all gather in front of the television as Jasper turns it on.
"This is Sandy with Q13 FOX news. We are going live to downtown Seattle, where John is joining us live at the US District Court Building courthouse. We have been told that Sergeant Turner, with the Washington State Police, will be making a statement shortly. We can only speculate that this announcement is in connection with the trials of former Mayor, Eleazar Denali, and his daughter, Tanya. We are turning it over to you, John."
"Thanks, Sandy. I am standing in front of the US District Court building, and it looks like they're ready to begin," the reporter states before the camera cuts to the courthouse steps. A podium, with a bouquet of microphones, stands with several state police and the federal prosecutor behind it, ready to speak.
"Thank you all for coming. I'm going to make this brief. Eleazar Denali has been indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter. I will not be going into the details regarding the case at this time. Tanya Denali has been charged with aiding and abetting in connection with this crime. We have also arrested Laurent Henry, with charges of blackmail and embezzlement. These new charges are in addition to the ones that the three accused already face. I will not be taking questions at this time. Thank you." Sergeant Turner states, turning away from the cameras and walking back towards the building entrance.
I sit here, just staring at the television, in shock. I can't believe what I have just heard. Murder! Eleazar has killed someone and Tanya covered it up. My family is silent. Even Emmett. No one's eyes has left the television, in hopes that someone else will come on and give us more details.
I hear my phone ring, but can't find it in me to answer it. I assume someone has because the ringing stops. I'm brought out of my thoughts by my father's hand resting on my shoulder.
"Edward? Look at me, Son," he demands gently, kneeling in front of the couch I'm sitting on. "Are you alright?"
"He killed someone, and she covered for him?" I clarify in a whisper, looking at him. "I didn't know her at all. I was going to...marry her?" I shake my head at the thought of being legally bound to her. Bile begins to rise in my throat, and I take a stuttering deep breath in order to control my emotions in front of my family. "What kind of person does that? How could she not report that? Does she have no heart? No soul?" I ask to no one in particular, as my voice rises with each new thought and question. "She is just as big of a monster as he is."
"She is," he agrees softly and I feel the couch cushion next to me sink a bit and I look over to see my mother with tears in her eyes.
"Jason should be here shortly. Are you going to be ok, Sweetheart?"
"Um, I'm not so sure," I answer. My eyes are beginning to sting from the tears gathering in them. I have so many emotions going through me right now, I just don't know what to feel. "How could I have been so stupid as to not see her for the monster that she really is?"
"Because, Son, she is a manipulative bitch, and a good one at that. You are such a great person that you don't want to see the ugliness that people try to hide. It is not a character flaw! I can see the look on your face, and I can only imagine what you are thinking to yourself." I shake my head at the entire situation; tears streaming down my face as my family continues to help me shoulder this...this...burden.
How can they possibly know what I am thinking, when I don't know what to make of this?
"You are not a bad person and I forbid you to take her crimes on yourself," my father orders me as I start to get up. "Now, go wash your face. Take a few minutes to compose yourself. I have a feeling that what Jason is coming to tell us is going to be any easier to hear."
After calming down, I head back to the living room where everyone is seated, along with Mr. Jenks and Detective Seeley.
"Sorry, gentlemen," I greet, sitting next to my parents. "I didn't mean to keep you waiting."
"It's ok, Edward," Mr. Jenks replies, clearly upset at the change of events as well. "I'm sure this is hard on you."
"First, I want to apologize for leaving you waiting for so long. I know these people have affected your lives long enough. However, we had to make sure that we had all the evidence in place first," the detective states. "The only reason I can share this information now is because Mr. Denali pleaded guilty."
A collective gasp sounded around the room at this information. Eleazar is a very stubborn man and I can only imagine that in order for him to agree to plead guilty, that the evidence must be very incriminating and solid.
"Back in September of last year, there was a hit and run accident that killed a ten year old boy who was riding his bike over to a friend's house. The case went cold because there were no witnesses or evidence at the scene," Detective Seeley explains and a chill runs up my spine. My mind is racing as I try to figure out the link between this little boy and the Denali family.
"I remember that. His parents were on the news asking for any witnesses to come forward," Jasper interrupts. "Cole something, right?"
"Yes. Well, we obtained information that suggests that Mr. Denali was under the influence while driving, and is the one responsible for running him over."
"No!" my mother whispers as she covers her mouth, tears openly pouring down her cheeks. Similar reactions are heard around the room. However, Detective Seeley continues on.
"Phone records that we obtained via subpoena, confirm that he called Tanya, shortly around the time of the incident, and Tanya has admitted to helping him cover it up.
"Mr. Henry was a witness to the whole scene and instead of coming forward, he started blackmailing Mr. Denali. Mr. Denali couldn't go to his wife for the money because she would ask too many questions, so he went to the one person who has helped him through everything else. He had Tanya take it from you. Mr. Henry just so happened to work for the same bank that you use, so it made it easier for them to gain access to your accounts." he continues in an angry tone.
I stand and walk to the window nearby. Every little detail is starting to fall into place. That had to be the reason that Tanya was adamant about me using that particular bank. The reason for the money starting to be depleted slowly at first, and then the amounts becoming greater and greater each time. They were getting sloppy, and desperate.
"That stupid heartless bitch! I can't believe there are such callous people in this world. I personally hope that they all hang," Rose cries out as Emmett wraps his arms around her. She looks like she is ready to serve justice herself.
"There is one more thing," I hear Detective Seeley announce. I shake my head and move back to where I was seated before. "The family of Cole Cheney, the boy who was killed, they wish to thank you, personally." I'm taken back by this.
Thank me? For what?
"They firmly believe that if you wouldn't have stood up to the Denali's, they never would have found out who killed their son. I'm not sure if you are comfortable with that or not. They're also planning on leaving the state after the sentencing," the detective's voice is thick with emotion. I cannot imagine what their family is going through.
"Of course we'll meet them," I say, and am met with a variety of looks of disbelief written on my family's faces. I look around the room, and I'm sure that my family is thinking that I might have finally lost it. I simply shake my head and take a deep breath. "They are innocent in all of this tragedy, as well. If I can offer closure to someone that has been affected by the hands of the Denali family, then I will take that opportunity."
And that is what we do the very next day. We all meet at Mr. Jenks' office and I'm surprised to see that they Cheney's are close to me in age. I don't know what I was expecting, but I feel better knowing I was able to grant them this small request. As soon as introductions are made, my mother wraps her arms around Mrs. Cheney in a motherly fashion, and they both cry silently together. I feel at ease with them as soon as I shake their hands. It's like we are supposed to meet.
"We just want to thank your family for stepping up and taking on the monsters these people are. Your willingness to not back down brought out closure for our family," Mr. Cheney tells us, with tears in his eyes. "Now we can let our son rest in peace and try to move on."
"Where will you be moving to?" my father asks. "The detective said you were leaving the state."
"Um, we aren't sure yet. We have a little money saved but it has to be somewhere we can find jobs pretty quickly. We didn't have life insurance on Cole, and we don't want to accept any retribution from the Denali's, even though Mrs. Carmen Denali offered. It would be blood money to us, and we won't and can't be paid off. We aren't media whores," Mr. Cheney states with venom lacing his voice.
"Mr. Cheney," I start, but he interrupts me.
"Please, call me Ben and this is my wife, Angela," he pleads.
"Of course," I continue. "Ben, what is it that you and your wife do?"
"Oh, Angela is a nurse at the senior assisted living center downtown, and I'm a counselor at the Inner City Youth Center. I also volunteer to coach the kids in a variety of sports," he answers with pride.
"I might... know of something. Can you...excuse me for a minute?" I ask as a small smile graces my lips.
"Edward? What are you thinking?" my father inquires. "Are you going to do what I think you are?"
I answer him with just a smile, and walk out into the hallway, pulling out my cell phone.
This feels like the right thing to do.
"Hello?" she answers immediately.
"Hey, Bella. It's Edward. Is this a bad time?" I ask, my voice faltering a little.
"No, not at all. How are ya?" she questions with concern.
"Um, to be honest, I'm pretty heartbroken right now," I tell her. I go on and briefly explain everything we had found out over the last few days.
"So, let me get this straight," she says with hatred in her voice. "Her father killed a little boy and she covered it up. Then, she turns around and steals from you to pay the other heartless bastard who was blackmailing them?"
"Yeah, pretty much," I answer her.
"I'm so sorry. You know I'm here for ya and your family, even if it is just to talk," she tells me with empathy. "I wanna get my hands around those worthless pieces of shit, though."
"Thank you. We greatly appreciate all that you are doing for us. But, I...uh, actually called for a favor. I can't exactly explain it, but I feel like I'm meant to help this couple, somehow. They want to move out of Washington, but can't really afford to just pack up without having employment established somewhere, first."
"What's their jobs now?" she asks with interest.
"Mr. Cheney, Ben, is a counselor for inner city kids and his wife, Angela, is a nurse at an assisted living center for seniors. I hate asking, but...um, do you know of any areas that are hiring for both?" I explore. With Bella being in the equine world and trying to expand various facets of her charities, as a result, knows a wide variety of people that specialize in just about anything.
"Well there's always jobs in big cities, but it's hard to get one unless you either know someone or are already established in the area. I know Sue is lookin' for a nurse, but I'd have to check around for a counselor type of a position. Do ya know if they're willin' to come work on the ranch until they find somethin'?" she inquires. "I can always put a word in with Sue."
"I can ask them. They're in the conference room with my family. Do you want to talk to them? And, before I forget, I really appreciate you even considering this. You really are a beautiful person," I say without thinking.
"Edward, I would do anything for ya and you're a beautiful person, too. You are taking a chance on this family, and you just met them," she finishes, as I walk back into the conference room.
Everyone looks up as I take a seat, "Bella? I'm going to put you on speaker."
I sit the phone down, putting it on speaker and turn to Ben and Angela, "I would like you to meet Ms. Bella Swan."
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Cheney. I wanna offer my deepest condolences to you on the loss of your son. After speaking briefly with Edward, I would also like to offer y'all a way outta Seattle," she states, and I hear gasps around me. I look up to see my family staring at me with smiles, tears and pride on their faces.
"I'm not sure I understand, Ms. Swan," Ben questions narrowing his eyes at the phone on the table.
"Well, Edward explained that you and your wife wanna move far from Seattle, is that correct?" she confirms.
"Yes, ma'am, as soon as we find jobs," he answers her hesitantly.
"Well, is Texas far enough for ya?" she challenges with a giggle. "I own a ranch in a small town in Texas. There's jobs 'round here, but 'til ya find one I'm offering for y'all to come work on my ranch. Is that somethin' you're willin' to consider?"
"I don't know what to say. This is a blessing," he states softly as his shoulders shake. I can easily see the toll that the stress of losing his son and learning about the Mayor's hand in it has taken on him, and his wife . He looks over at Angela, and she just smiles softly through her tears and nods. "Yes, Ms. Swan. We would appreciate that very much."
"Well then, I guess I'll see ya soon. Get with Carlisle and work out the details. Carlisle, ya there?" she asks of my father.
"Yes, Sweetheart, I'm here," he answers her, astounded by what has taken place.
"I'm overnightin' you a package today. Use it for whatever is needed to get y'all here, including the Cheneys. You'll understand once you receive it tomorrow. Y'all be safe and I'll be expectin' an elaborate feast soon, Edward," she says laughing.
"You got it," I exclaim proudly. "See you soon, Bella, and thanks." I pick my phone up off the table and disconnect the call. I look up to see my entire family staring right at me.
"Edward, I'm so very proud of you, Son," my father tells me with tears in his eyes. The love I feel from around the room is comforting and overwhelming, at the same time.
Through the storm, comes a ray of sunshine.
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