Word quickly spread in the media about the abrupt end to the Chandler trial even before it had started. Next morning the number of media agencies present at Carol Robinson's pre-trial press conference had more than doubled from the day before.
"My client has been under intolerable pressure. His first day released from hospital and he finds himself in court. It is understandable that he got so emotional so close to freedom. I want to assure you that this fight isn't over. I take my role very seriously, I intend to see JR freed and reunited with his son however long it takes!"
Carol had intended to end the conference with a poignant statement about the state of mental health care in the United States. Her aid had given her a list of statistics but the only one that stayed in her head was the unhelpful fact that Egypt spent the largest percentage of it's health budget on mental health than any other country. So instead she smiled at the press pit and finished lamely.
"I have every faith that today justice will be done!"
She stepped from the podium and hurried out into the corridor in order to escape the baying questions that followed her from the reporter from the Times. She was stalled by a couple of women waiting in the wings. They were glamorously dressed and looked very out of place in the Courthouse. The taller one spoke first.
"I have a question…" the woman asked, a southern twang to her voice. "I want to know why you began this vendetta against my daughter and her family?"
Carol didn't have a clue what was going on.
"Your daughter?"
Now she came to think of it, the smaller woman who was staying silent did look vaguely familiar.
"Marissa." said the woman. "You have encouraged the papers to demonise her. And do you have any idea how your actions have unsettled my grandson. AJ has had enough traumas to deal with after his father's violent behaviour and mental breakdown and his mother's coma and amnesia. Your words and actions actively vilified his mother's lifestyle and his new family for the world to see."
"That is no less than she did to his father. Turning the boy against him!" protested Carol. She recognised them both now Krystal and the Erica Kane!
It was Erica who responded this time and she spoke with venom.
"Woman, you don't a have clue what you are talking about. AJ has a warm and loving home. And he is the one who chose to avoid his father and I doubt there is a person in the world who, knowing the truth, would blame him. Only you seem to be doing your best to try and hide the truth. And we know all about you and keeping secrets, Miss Minchin! Just like now, you haven't been half as clever as you think you were. " said Erica, her eyes narrowed. "This is a friendly warming. You leave our girls alone to be the happy family they deserve to be or you might find more muck raked up than you can comfortably deal with!"
"Are you threating me?" Carol asked.
"I'm sure I said a friendly warning." said Erica smoothly. "When I start feeling unfriendly there won't be a warning!" and with that she turned on her heels and stormed away, clearly used to making a dramatic exit.
Krystal however still stood in place.
"My warning is less friendly." said Krystal. "I have been led to understand that you have a certain video that was made illegally by JR Chandler. If the video, or even a single frame from that video wind up in the press after today, there will be no place on earth that you will be safe from me!"
Carol smiled.
"I think you might find you are too late for that threat!"
Krystal's face dropped.
"What do you mean?"
"I would check out this morning's Inquirer. You'll find the new editor is much braver when it comes to dealing with controversial stories!"
Her smile grew more wicked as Krystal's face went white in shock. Leaving the dumbstruck woman in her wake, she marched sharply down the corridor in the opposite direction to the one Erica had taken. Carol didn't have time for this nonsense; the threats were meaningless, they had nothing because there was nothing to find! She'd made sure of that.
Those two old bats didn't matter; she had a case to win!
Winning was the only thing that mattered!
…
Oh I feel so mean leaving it here!
Sad to say this week and next week are so full of travelling and training, I cannot promise a new chapter until next Saturday 9th March. Sorry!
Thank you to everyone who has been reviewing and reading this tale. I want to ask a favour.
After the trial the next big plot is Erica's wedding only I'm not sure what kind of wedding to have. I have two very clear but very different ideas.
So in true choose-your-own-adventure style the choice is yours. Please put in your review or PM me with your preference – The one you pick will affect the end of the story!
Below are the two options.
A : A grand wedding in Pine valley inviting the whole town – for Minx that involves bridesmaid's dresses, Kane women, David, ball gowns and slow dances.
B : An intimate family wedding in the tropics – for Minx that involves kids, Kinks (The Kendall and Bianca variety), sandy beaches, cocktails and optional grass skirts.
The choice is yours.