Chapter 13: Trouble in Miami
A month had passed, and things were getting back to normal. Alex had not heard from Christy at all. He tried to call, email and message her with no luck. Cody, Matt, and Josh felt that Kevin had empty threats. Jennifer was not so certain. Two FBI agents walked into the ranger station and went to the front desk.
"How can I help you?" Jasper asked.
"I am FBI Agent Schultz, and this is Agent Freedmen" The two men showed their badges. "We are here to see Mrs. Jennifer McGovern Hawkes."
"Can I tell her what this is in regard to?" Jasper asked.
"No," Agent Schultz said.
"I will be right back," Jasper got up and went to Jennifer's office.
"Jennifer, couple of FBI agents are here to see you." Jasper said.
Jennifer's heart sank, Kevin's threat was coming true. "Can you let Josh and Cody know?"
"Of course," Jasper ran to Josh's office. Jennifer got up and went to the front office.
"Hi, I am Jennifer Hawkes, how can I help you?" Jennifer asked.
"Are you the Jennifer McGovern who worked at Miami Police Department and was married to the late Roy McGovern." Agent Schultz asked.
"That is correct," Jennifer answered.
"Jennifer Hawkes, we are placing you under arrest for evidence tampering in the case of the people verses Gonzales & Gonzales Shipping Company in Miami, Florida." Agent Schultz said as they started putting handcuffs on Jennifer and they read her Myranda Rights.
"I did not do anything. You have the wrong person," Jennifer pleaded.
Josh and Jasper walked into the room. "May I inquire where you are taking Mrs. Hawkes," Josh asked.
"We will be extraditing her to Miami, Florida field office immediately." Agent Schultz said.
"I am coming along," Josh insisted.
"Who are you?" Agent Freedman asked.
"I am Commander Josh Cutler of the High Mountain Rangers. And if you are taking one of my people, I will be going with you." Josh commanded.
"If you insist." Agent Schultz said.
The two agents escorted Jennifer out to a car and Josh followed. They loaded them onto a plane and headed to Miami before Cody could make it back to the ranger station.
"Where is she?" Cody asked in panic.
"Their gone," Jasper said. Matt walked in.
"Matt, they took her," Cody panicked.
"I know Code, Josh is with her. He will keep us up to date as to where they are. I want you to go home and pack a bag for you and Jennifer. Jasper is going to put one together for Josh for you to take. Robin is getting the kids from school, and you will have time to say goodbye before your flight."
Sometime later, Cody came down to Matt and Robins house with his bags for him and Jennifer. Cody was clearly upset, "Matt, I cannot lose her."
"We will do everything we can to help you get her back," Matt said. Just then Robin comes home with the kids.
"Daddy, where is mamma?" Hailey asked.
"Guys can we sit down, we need to talk. Earlier today two men from the FBI came and arrested your mom. They took her immediately to Florida, where she was arrested for evidence tampering. She did not do it, but the evidence points to her. Josh went with her so we can keep up to date on what is happening. I am going to be leaving shortly to Florida and catch up with them."
"Does this have anything to do with Mr. Janis?" Alex asked.
"I don't know but I assume so." Cody answered.
"I want my momma," Hailey started to cry.
"Hailey, I won't rest until I bring your mom home again. You guys are going to stay here with Robin and Matt until I get back home." Cody said.
"Will you bring mom home when you return?" Hailey asked.
"I hope so and I will do everything in my power, but it will be up to the judge." Cody said.
At the sheriff's department in Florida Jennifer is being processed. She must give over her personal effects, like her wedding ring. She is finger printed, mug shots are taken, she is stripped searched, showered, and put into a prisoner uniform. She goes to sleep in her jail cell.
The next morning Cody and Josh meet up. "The last time you saw Jennifer, how was she holding up?" Cody asked.
"Not good. She was incredibly quiet and emotionless. She looks like she is staring into the distance."
Cody had called upon an old friend who had moved to Florida to represent Jennifer. She is waiting to meet with her client. Jennifer is escorted into the room by the sheriff's department.
"Jennifer Hawkes, I am Lisa Elliot your lawyer. Cody has hired me to represent you in your bond hearing," Lisa said. "I am also an old friend of the family."
"Is Cody here?" Jennifer looked hopeful.
"He is here, but you will not be able to see him I am afraid. We have a lot of work to do to prepare for the bond hearing. We are hoping to get you out on bond so you can go back home until the trial. Now we need to get started."
Jennifer started to go through her story. Lisa asked several questions that Jennifer answered.
Cody receives a call from Matt, "Hey Matt."
"Cody, we have a problem on this end. Roy's parents have showed up and want to see Hailey. What do you want us to do? They have threatened to get a court order if we don't let them see her."
Cody was in shock, "They planned it, the timing. Getting us both out of town."
"I am sorry Code; I think you are right." Matt said concerning.
"Try to delay them a few days. Jennifer's bond hearing is tomorrow. And I hope to bring her home. I don't want her to worry about it. If we can't get her out by then, I will return without her. I want to look those people in the eye," Cody said.
"Got it Cody. I will try to delay them." Matt said and hung up the phone.
Jennifer spent the day preparing for the bond hearing with her lawyer and being questioned by the FBI. Jennifer was drained and felt beat by the end of the day. She was not able to see Cody since she had been in Florida. The next day was Jennifer's bond hearing. It was early in the morning, so she was not able to see her lawyer or Cody. Jennifer walks into the court room with her hands handcuffed. Lisa, Cody, and Josh were shocked when they saw Jennifer, her face was black and blue. During the night some of the other inmates ruffed her when they found out she worked for the Miami Police Department.
Jennifer entered the court room. Jennifer was emotionless. She briefly looked at Cody as she sat down next to Lisa. Josh had to hold Cody back as he just wanted to hold her.
"Will the court please come in session with honorable Judge Adams presiding." Everyone arose when he entered.
"Court is now in session," Judge banged the gavel and Jennifer flinched. "This is the bond hearing for the people verses Jennifer Hawkes."
"Your honor the people recommend that bail be denied," Cody closed his eyes. It was the worst-case scenario. He was afraid that the bail would be too high and that he would not be able to raise the money to get her out. "Your honor, the defendant is from the State of California. She spent eleven years in hiding, going from one town to another. Using aliases so she would not be found. The evidence that disappeared set a gun smuggler and money launderer free to start his business in a new location. There is no way to know the number of guns that were placed in the hands of criminals by the action made by Mrs. Hawkes. The state recommends that Mrs. Hawkes be held until trial."
"Your honor, I am Lisa Elliot, and I am representing the defendant. Mrs. Hawkes was running from an abusive husband. An abusive husband, that when he did find her, he nearly killed her. She was right to be in hiding all those years. When he found her, he threatened the life of her daughter Hailey, her now husband and step son. He beat her so badly he nearly killed her. He forced her to have sex with him in exchange for not hurting Alex Hawkes and her daughter Hailey. Your Honor, I am enraged to see my client this morning. It is obvious that my client was beaten in jail last night. I was not made aware of this incident until I saw my client enter the court room. I should have been notified and had time to speak to my client before this bond hearing. If the sheriff's department cannot keep my client safe and report these incidents properly. How can they assure her safety while she waits for trial? It could be a year before these charges come to trial and they could not keep her safe for two nights. Mrs. Hawkes' current husband is a federal officer. She can be under the supervision of Commander of the High Mountain Rangers, Josh Cutler. Which is a branch of the Federal Law Enforcement Office. Mrs. Hawkes is a wife; mother and she is gainfully employed. She is contributing to society."
"Let us take a thirty-minute break while I consider the matter. This court is in recess." Judge banged the gavel again.
"All rise," Everyone in court rose. Jennifer was taken back to a holding cell. Lisa, Cody, and Josh remained in the court room.
"Lisa, what of the chances we get her out today?" Cody asked.
"This is a tough judge; best bet would be if he sets bail high." Lisa said.
"We might need your help with a custody case as well. Roy's parents showed up in Tahoe yesterday wanting to see Hailey. Threating legal action if we don't let them," Cody said concerning. "I have not said anything to Jennifer. She was already afraid they would try to take her if they found out their son had a child. The timing of their visit is a bit suspicious. I asked my brother to delay the visit, so that I will be back in Tahoe with or without Jennifer for it."
"We will take one thing at a time. Get through today and hopefully get you all back to Tahoe. Then we start on defense," Lisa said. "Then if they try to sue for custody, we will work on it then."
Jennifer and the judge returned to the court room.
"I have weighed the details of this case. Evidence tampering may not be a violent crime in itself, but the crime in which the evidence was tampered could be serious and violent. In this case, the crime was around smuggling of guns and money laundering which are serious and violent crimes. The defendant's history of hiding under different names, making herself invisible for twelve years, is a concern. The defendant living across the country is also a concern. This is the defendant's first offence; she is married now to Federal law enforcement officer, and she has another who is willing to take responsibility for her return. I will set bail at ten million dollars. Court is adjourned."
"All rise."
Lisa leaned over to Jennifer, "Hang in there, we will get you out in a couple of hours. The bond will be covered, and you will go home."
"How?" Jennifer asked.
"Do not worry about where it is coming from," Lisa said.
A few hours later Jennifer came out of the holding area. Lisa, Cody, and Josh were waiting for her. Jennifer came out and looked lost. Cody came to her and hugged her tightly. "Jennifer, I love you."
"Before you all leave, we need to document Jennifer's bruises," Lisa said.
"Cody, I don't want to. I just want to go home," Jennifer pleaded.
"Jennifer, Lisa is right we need to document the bruises," Cody said holding Jennifer.
"Cody don't make me. I just want to go home," Jennifer was crying.
"Jennifer, this is only going to take a few minutes and then we can go home. I will be right here with you," Cody tried to comfort her. They all went into a conference room where they had a photographer waiting. Jennifer was crying.
"Jennifer, face me and lift your arms up," Jennifer followed Cody's instructions. He pulled her top off. "Just wrap your arms around me. Jennifer was facing Cody and she continued to listen. Cody undid Jennifer's bra so they could get a full view of the bruises on her back. Jennifer would not stop crying. He hooked her bra back up and helped her put her shirt back on. Then he had her turn around and lift her shirt up and undid her pants, so they could get pictures of her stomach and abdomen. "Jennifer, we need to check your legs too."
"Cody, can we just go home, please," Jennifer cried.
"Guys can you leave us for a second. I will look and if we find anything I will bring you back in the room." Everyone left the room and just left Cody and Jennifer. "Jennifer, we need to check you from the waist down." Cody pulled his shirt off. He knew it would be big on her and cover her up. Then he pulled her pants and underwear down and checked his wife's body out. She had several bruises on her legs and buttocks. "Jennifer did they hurt you anywhere else." Jennifer was exhausted and just shook her head no. "Are you sure they did not touch you anywhere else?"
"Yes, I am sure. They pulled me out of bed by my hair, kicked and punched me," Jennifer was just numb. Lisa and the photographer came back into the conference room, and they took the necessary photos.
"I will be out in California soon so we can start defense prep. We have a long road ahead of us." Lisa said. "Now you guys need to go and catch your flight."
Jennifer slept the entire way home, leaning on Cody. He had wrapped his arms around her and would not let go of her. They had gotten a few stares on the plane due to the bruises on Jennifer's face. A few of the passengers were concerned that Jennifer was in an abusive situation, so they called the police when the plane landed. Before anyone could depart the plane, two sheriff officers came on board.
The first sheriff was new, so he did not know them. He asked Josh, Cody, and Jennifer to leave the plane. He went to separate Jennifer and Cody, "Ma'am if you could step over here."
Jennifer was confused and did not want to leave Cody's side, Cody knew it was best to follow the instructions of the officers, "Jennifer look at me, it is okay. We will get everything straightened out. Just stay calm, it will be okay."
With that the officer separated the pair, Jennifer was getting upset.
"Ma'am calm down," Officer Danton stated.
"Jennifer, it will be okay, we will get this straightened out," Cody tried to calm Jennifer down.
Then Officer Liam Avila boarded the plane. He had been talking to his sister Jessica and knew exactly what was going on, "Officer Danton, it is okay. I know them. There is no issue here. These gentlemen are part of the High Mountain Rangers and work with my sister. Jennifer also works with them and is married to Ranger Hawkes." Cody grabbed Jennifer's hand and the three went up to Officer Avila. "I heard what happened and I am so glad you made it back to Tahoe. We will escort you back to the ranger station."
"Much appreciated Officer Avila," Josh said. Liam shook Josh and Cody's hands, and he gave Jennifer a hug.
"Never thought I be so happy to see you," Jennifer said.
Matt was not able to delay the meeting with Roy's parents as long as Cody wanted. They had to meet with them the morning Cody and Jennifer arrived back home. He had to break the news to Jennifer that night. They returned so late the kids were already asleep, so Jennifer and Cody were to have a quiet night together at the lodge.
"Cody, I was so afraid I would never walk back in these doors again, you would never hold me, and I never see our kids again" Jennifer cried.
"Jennifer, we have to talk," Cody paused for a moment. "Roy's parents showed up the day after you were arrested."
"No… Cody no"
"They want to see Hailey; they threaten to get a court order if they did not."
"When?"
"I had Matt try to delay them as long as possible, so I could be back for it. We did not get as much time as we wanted. They are coming tomorrow morning at ten a.m. at the ranger station."
"They are going to try to get custody of her, Cody, I can't lose her." Jennifer cried in Cody's arms until she fell asleep.
The next morning, they got up early and headed down to Matt and Robins house. Jennifer went into the guest room where Hailey was sleeping and watched her sleep. Jennifer started to cry; she lay down in bed next to her daughter facing her. Hailey woke up.
"Momma is that really you?" Hailey thought she was dreaming.
"Yes, it is me baby girl." Hailey was excited and she jumped on Jennifer. "I love you so much."
"Momma, I love you and I missed you so much. I was so scared you would not come back" Hailey cried.
"I was so scared too; you are what I live for along with Cody and Alex."
"Are you home for good?" Hailey asked.
"Unfortunately, no. I am out on what they call bail. Means I am home until there is a trial. It maybe a year or so. Until than we must prepare for the trial." Jennifer stated.
"Momma, I hope the trial never comes." Hailey said.
"Me to," Jennifer said. "Hailey, we must talk about something else. This morning you are going to meet Mr. and Mrs. McGovern. They are your biological father's parents. They have come all the way from Florida to meet you."
"Do I have to?" Hailey asked.
"I am afraid so," Jennifer said.
"Will you and daddy be there?"
"Yes, we will be right there with you," Jennifer consoled her daughter.
Jennifer, Cody, and Hailey are at the ranger station waiting to meet the McGovern's. Jessica had helped Jennifer with her makeup to try to cover up some of the bruises. However, it did not cover up everything, but it helped. They had Hailey wait in Josh's office while Jennifer and Cody were waiting for the McGovern's, so Jennifer could talk to them first.
"Cody, I feel sick to my stomach," Jennifer said nervously.
"It will be okay," Cody tried to comfort her.
Gordan and Meredith McGovern walked into the ranger station. Jennifer took a deep breath, "Good morning Mr. and Mrs. McGovern."
"Jennifer, where is our granddaughter?" Gordan asked.
"I thought we could get re-acquainted first before I bring her out."
"We are here to meet our granddaughter and not to get re-acquainted with you." Gordan demanded.
Cody squeezed Jennifer's hand. "This is my husband, Cody Hawkes."
"Jennifer, we would like to meet our granddaughter or do we need court order."
"You don't need court order. I will go get her," Jennifer went to get Hailey. Cody stayed in the room with the McGovern's but did not say a word to them. Jennifer came back into the room with Hailey. "Gordan and Meredith, this is your granddaughter, Hailey."
"Hi," said Hailey. "Are you, my grandparents?"
"Yes, we are. How old are you?" Meredith asked.
"I am almost 12," Hailey said.
Meredith asked Hailey more questions, "tell me about yourself? What are some things you like to do?"
"I like to go fishing with my brother Alex, I like to ride horses, I like to explore the mountains, I love my kitten name Tiger, I have made a lot of friends at my school, I love to spend time with my mom and my dad. I am getting to know my grandma Jackie, Uncle Matt, Aunt Robin, and my new cousins."
"Grandma Jackie?" Gordan said.
"Cody's mom," Jennifer said.
"I see," Gordan was not too happy about that.
"So, Hailey, what has your mom told you about your father?" Meredith asked. "Is there anything you like to know about him?"
"Momma has not told me much about him, she used to tell me about how excited he was when momma found out she was pregnant, but I found out that was not true. He was very mean and hurt my mom, my mom was scared of him and so was I."
"More lies from your mom," Gordan said.
"No… I saw him hit my mom, he pulled her by her hair and shoved her into a table, I saw my mom be very scared and begged him not to hurt Alex and me. He tied us up and stuffed something into my mouth. He pulled a gun on us. He said he was going to take me away from my mom and said she would never see me again. She begged him to let her say goodbye, but he would not let her. I think he was planning to kill my mom. He was very mean to all of us. Those are not the traits of a father. That man was nor will ever be a father of mine." Hailey said very stubbornly. Jennifer had tears running down her face. She had not talked much to her daughter about that day.
The McGovern's were shocked by the things Hailey said about their son.
"I never heard such of thing," Gordan was angry. "Meredith, it is time for us to leave. She is no granddaughter of ours."
"Gordan?" Meredith pleaded as she did not want to leave, she wanted to know her granddaughter.
"Meredith we are done here, we are leaving." Gordan demanded as he left the ranger station.
"Hailey, it was nice to meet you," Meredith gave her granddaughter a hug. "Jennifer," she put her hand on Jennifer's shoulder as she walked out of the ranger station after her husband.
"Hailey, come here sweetie." Jennifer hugged her daughter tight and kissed her on top of her head. Cody hugged them both.
Matt walked in with a grim look on his face, "Cody." Cody looked up. "Can we talk for a minute."
Cody nodded, "Jennifer, I will be right back." Cody walked back to Josh's office with Matt.
Jennifer nodded and said to Hailey, "You are my brave girl. I am so proud of you."
"Momma, do you think they will try to take me away?" Hailey asked.
"I think that is the last we will hear from them." Jennifer smiled and hugged her daughter again.
Back in Josh's office.
Matt took a deep breath, "Like we suspected, the board has decided to suspend Jennifer indefinitely pending the outcome of the trial. Then depending on the outcome of the trial and Jennifer's level of involvement either voluntary or involuntary they will than hold a formal inquiry as to determine if they will reinstate her."
"So, a hearing after the trial?" Cody asked.
Matt answered, "yes. How do you think she will take it?"
"Honestly, I am not sure. The last few days have been hard on her."
"I should be the one to tell her," Josh said and then took a deep breath. "Shall we get this over with?"
Matt and Cody both agreed, "I would like to stay. As second in command and her husband."
"Okay, let me go get her." Josh said.
Josh walked into the front room where Jennifer and Hailey were waiting for Cody and were talking to Jasper.
"Jennifer, can I talk to you for a minute back in my office? Jasper, didn't you want to show Hailey the cats in the barn? I think we have a new set of kittens out there."
"Oh really!" Hailey exclaimed, "Momma is it okay."
"If it is okay with Jasper?" Jennifer asked.
Jasper looked at Josh and Josh nodded back, "Hailey, let's go take a look at those kittens. I don't think they are more than a couple of days old."
Jasper and Hailey left the ranger station and Jennifer followed Josh to his office. Matt and Cody were in the office waiting for them. "Jennifer why don't you take a seat next to Cody."
"I am suspended, aren't I?" Jennifer asked.
Josh was surprised by Jennifer's directness, "That is correct, the board has decided to suspend you indefinitely pending a formal inquiry after the trial."
"Jennifer are you okay?" Cody asked.
Jennifer was holding back the tears, "Not sure, but I understand. I would not want the integrity of this office to be called into question. You all work too hard for it."
"Why don't we give you and Cody a few minutes," Matt said. Josh and Matt left the office.
As soon as they left Cody just grabbed Jennifer in his arms. "I am so sorry honey. I wish this was not all happening to you. You can just let it all out, it is okay." Jennifer cried in his arms. Once she got it all out, Cody wiped the tears from her eyes. Cody tried to comfort her, "We have each other and our kids. That is more important than anything." Jennifer shook her head yes. "I love you so much. If I could bare your pain, I would."
"Cody, I am okay. I figured it was coming. I was arrested for evidence tampering. There is no way I could stay working here under those circumstances."
"Matt and Josh did try to plead to the board on your behalf."
"Cody, that means a lot," Jennifer gave a half smile. "On the bright side I can spend more time with our family. On your days off when the kids are in school, we can spend it together, just the two of us."
"I like how you are thinking Mrs. Hawkes," Cody gave Jennifer a kiss. "And after what Hailey said to the McGovern's, I don't think we have to worry about them."
"No, I don't think so," Jennifer giggled a bit.
Lisa Elliot has arrived in Tahoe to work on Jennifer's defense. They received the copies of the evidence that they had against Jennifer and all requested information. The evidence log showed when Jennifer entered the evidence locker with video tape that corresponds with the timing. The hand writing and images shows it is clearly Jennifer. The history file shows that Jennifer had taken the evidence for case B42759C and then changed it to B42899G. The video of her removing the evidence confirmed it.
"Jennifer are you sure you never handled the evidence for Roy?' Cody asked. "That maybe he persuaded you somehow?"
"Cody, I did not take it. Do you believe me?'' Jennifer was clearly getting upset.
"Jennifer, the evidence is right there before our eyes." Jennifer's heart was breaking, Cody did not believe her. "Did you ever remove it for any situation?"
"I never had anything to do with it, I never touched it," Jennifer cried.
"Jennifer, I believe you, but the evidence does tell a different story," Cody remarked.
Jennifer and Cody were so tied up in the emotions of everything, they could not see anything in the evidence that could clear Jennifer. They went home that night. Jennifer was quiet and did not want to be around Cody. She was hurt thinking he did not believe her. Cody said he believed her, but Jennifer did not believe him. Cody tried to snuggle up on the couch with Jennifer, but she just walked away. She was rummaging around the cottage doing anything she could to stay away from Cody. When they went to bed, Cody started to hold her and kiss her.
"Cody, stop. I can't do this tonight."
"Jennifer, are you mad at me about something?"
"Cody, I don't want to talk about it. I just want to be left alone," Cody let her go and stopped kissing her.
"Jennifer, I won't touch you, but we need to talk about it."
"Cody, not now."
"No, Jennifer we need to talk now. Look at me."
Jennifer just snuggled deeper into the covers on her side of the bed with her back to Cody. Not saying a word. Cody grabbed Jennifer by the shoulder and rolled her onto her back. "Dam it! Talk to me."
Jennifer quickly jumped out of bed and cowered against one of the walls in the bedroom. She was shaking and crying.
Cody quickly followed her. "Shit… Jennifer I am sorry, I did not mean to hurt you." Cody knelt beside her. "Jennifer, I am sorry."
"Please… please don't hurt me," Jennifer was shaking.
"Jennifer, I am sorry, I am not going to hurt you. I am so sorry," Cody had tears coming down his cheek.
"Cody, are you going to leave me?"
"Of course not. Why would you think I would leave you?"
"Everyone always does," Jennifer wiped tears from her eyes. "First my parents, then your family, my grandfather, then Roy took almost everything from me, even beyond the grave he still taking my life from me. Now…. now you think I am guilty. I am losing you too." Jennifer begins to hyperventilate.
"Jennifer, calm down. Slowly take a deep breath in and out," Jennifer followed his instructions. "Jennifer, I love you so much. I would never leave you. In our vows we said for better or worse. Worse just came sooner for us." Cody put his hands on her cheeks. "And you are wrong. I do believe you. Somehow, they made the evidence look like you are guilty. We need to figure out how they did it."
"The way you talked earlier, I… I… thought you did not believe me. I thought I lost the one person I thought would believe in me. If you stopped, why would anyone else believe me."
"Jennifer, I am sorry. I will never attentionally hurt you. You can trust me to keep you safe and will always love you and believe you. When I gave you my name, I gave you my heart, body, and soul. I would never stop fighting for you or us. Why did you not want to talk earlier?"
Jennifer was crying but was able to get the words out, "Cody, I love you so much and I was afraid…. I was afraid history was going to repeat itself. I kept fighting my inner demons, kept telling myself it was not happening again. I was afraid I was going to lose you too, like everyone I ever cared for. That night at the Janis house everything started falling apart for me. Every time I feel like things are getting better, something happens, and I feel like everything is spinning out of control. I not sure how much more of this I will be able to handle. I just want to run as far from here as I can. Maybe your mom was right about me. I will bail on you the first chance something goes wrong."
"Jennifer, you have not bailed on me. You're still here, you're still fighting. Earlier when I said you looked guilty, it triggered it didn't it?" Cody asked. Jennifer nodded yes. "Jennifer I am sorry. I guess once we started things just kept spiraling. I just wanted to make sure we were giving you the best possible defense. I want to do everything in my power to keep you out of jail. You have lived in a prison, and you don't need to live in another. I have thought about running too. We could go up in these mountains and no one would ever find us."
Both Jennifer and Cody sat there silently, "Jennifer is it okay if I hold you?"
"Yes," Jennifer said.
Cody got up and reached out his hand to Jennifer and helped her up. Cody crawled into bed and drew Jennifer into bed with him. Cody just held her. Jennifer was able to fall asleep in his arms, but Cody stayed awake, trying to figure out the best way to help Jennifer. What options did they have if they did decide to run? Could they leave the kids? Or would that be too much for Jennifer as well? Hailey was nearly twelve, same age Jennifer was when she lost her parents. Could she do it to her daughter? Cody decided that would never work and Jennifer would not want to do that to her daughter. One parent would be better than no parents. They had to find a way and maybe it was hunting down Kevin. He will ask Alex to try to connect with Christy again.
Back at the ranger station, Josh was on duty that night. It was a quiet evening. He kept reviewing the tapes repeatedly. He kept looking for anything that might help Jennifer. Kelly walked into the room and started to watch the video with Josh. "It is no use. There is nothing there." Josh said, looking frustrated and tired.
"Josh, wait, play that back," Kelly said. "Look, when Jennifer walks into the room, there is trim down by the floor boards. When they zoom in on the evidence box, you don't see any trim in the background, but it should be there. You don't see Jennifer's face, just the jacket she is wearing."
"What?" Josh looked at the video again. "Eureka!"
Kelly and Josh continued to watch the videos to establish a timeline as to when that trim appeared and when it was not there. Jennifer had been wearing a department issued jacket. They reviewed the logs to see who all went in and out wearing that jacket. They were able to narrow it down to one person that was wearing that same jacket, but when they went in and out of the evidence locker the trim was gone. They printed out the picture of the person and her information. When they looked up the background there was nothing in the system on this person after that time. The person just vanished from the face of the earth. The case that person was pulling was the case next to case B42899G. When they looked up the case information. The case files had not been returned according to the log. Josh called the Miami PD and they stated the evidence was still there.
They watched the tapes of Jennifer picking up evidence at other times. There they noticed that Jennifer had a freckle on her right hand on her pinky finger, but the tape when the evidence was being removed clearly did not have it.
Josh and Kelly hugged in celebration. Then the two kissed. It came out of left field.
"Kelly, I am sorry, I don't know what came over me," Josh said apologetically. Josh sat back down in his chair.
"I am not sorry," Kelly went and sat down on his lap and started kissing Josh again. "It is about time; I've been a patient woman. And I am not going to wait anymore, you have taken your sweet time about it."
"Kelly, we can't do this. I am your boss, and your dad is my boss."
"Then fire me. I think you would be worth it. Besides, it worked for my parents."
"This is true," Josh started kissing Kelly more. After a couple of minutes Josh came up for air. "We need to stop; I am on duty."
"Always a ranger," Kelly said. "You have like an hour left? When your replacement comes. Come find me in your office." Kelly got up and left.
Josh took a deep breath trying to collect himself. He knew something between him, and Kelly would be wrong. He really liked her; she was his type, and he would have asked her out years ago. But at the time she was dating a local banker seriously. Then he became second in command, he was afraid of losing his position. He felt that Matt would not be too happy with him if he started dating his daughter.
Freddy came down to replace Josh for the morning shift. When Cody or Jennifer arrive can you page me? I am going to finish some paper work and then head to bed. Josh walked back to his office, not sure what he was going to do with Kelly. He opened the door and found Kelly just sleeping on his couch. He woke her up, "Kelly why don't you go back up to your room and get some sleep. I want to do this right and take you out on a date."
"Okay, if you insist," Kelly went and kissed Josh some more. Both were breathing heavily, with obvious attraction between them. Kelly left Josh's office and headed up stairs. "Can you let me know when you talk to Uncle Cody. I want to be there."
"I will text you," Kelly left and headed upstairs to get some more sleep. Josh laid on his couch to get some sleep before Cody, Jennifer and Lisa Elliot were due back.
A few hours later Lisa and Cody met in the conference room before everyone else joined them. Jennifer was taking the kids to school and Josh and Kelly were sleeping. Lisa said, "Looks like you got run over by a bus."
"It was a bit of a late-night last night. Jennifer and I got into it a bit, we are all good now, but it was a long night."
"Have you told her yet about the money?" Lisa asked.
"No, I have not told her about it," Cody said.
"You should, enough people know about it. It could come out," Lisa said.
"You know I did not want anything to do with that money. Just never thought it was right to spend money I got because my wife was murdered. But when Jennifer was arrested, I was grateful I had it to post her bail and bring her home." Cody said.
"You should tell her soon," Lisa suggested.
Jennifer walked into the conference room, "Tell me what?"
"Lisa, can you give us a moment?" Lisa left the room.
"Jennifer, we need to talk about something," Jennifer looked worried, "Can you sit down." Jennifer sat down. "When Lizzie was murdered, I received a settlement from the bank for two million dollars." Jennifer was not expecting that. "I only spent some of the interest if we absolutely needed it. It never seemed right to spend any of the money, until you were arrested. I contacted Lisa who had been managing the money and is a defense attorney. We used it to post your bail and will use it to pay for your defense."
"Cody, I am speechless. I don't know what to say."
"Jennifer, I love you so much."
"I love you too," Jennifer responded. "But am I worth it? I feel like all I do is bring you nothing but trouble."
"Jennifer, you met the wrong person; he was a monster, and you were treated in a way no one should ever be treated. You are strong and a survivor. We will get thru this together." Jennifer just started to cry. Cody started to hold her. "You are worth everything I have. We will get thru this, and our lives will be back to normal or at least normal for us."
Josh, Kelly, and Lisa came into the room to go over the findings that Josh and Kelly discovered. Jennifer wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Josh, what did you find?" Cody asked.
"Jennifer, can you hold your right hand out." Jennifer held her hand out. Josh took her hand and flipped it. "The freckle on your hand. How long have you had it?"
"As long as I can remember, why?" Jennifer asked confused.
"Well, we found a couple of things. Here is the video we were watching yesterday." The video showed Jennifer picking up the files. "Did you notice anything." Jennifer, Cody, and Lisa shook their heads no, "I did not either. Kelly found it. Kelly, can you tell them what you saw."
They played the tape back; Kelly explains what she finds. "If you watched the background. You look closely and you see the trim by the floor boards. When they show the shot of the evidence box being picked up, the trim is no longer there." They all looked closer. "Then in the next frame where you see Jennifer leaving. The trim is back."
"They edited the video," Cody said with a big smile on his face.
"That is not all," they played the video back. Kelly explained further, "When the woman in the video picks up the package you don't see the freckle on her right pinky."
"Would it even show on video?" Jennifer asked. Jennifer was not as hopeful as Cody. Jennifer had lost her faith in many things and her freedom was one of them. The whole experience has really broken her.
"Well, we reviewed other videos that freckle is clearly visible without a doubt." They played some of the examples. "Now the trim. We reviewed many hours of videos and figured out the timing when the trim was and was not there. Once we figured out the timing of when the trim was removed. It was before Jennifer had any authorization to remove any evidence from the evidence locker, but she worked at the station."
"So, it was removed before?" Cody asked. "Is that enough to get the evidence thrown out?"
"I am afraid not," Lisa said. "It will be hard to prove that the video was altered if we don't have testimony from the woman in the video."
"We think we figured out who it was," Josh said. "Jennifer, do you know a Sandy Harris?"
"That name does not sound familiar," Jennifer said.
"That is because shortly after the video was recorded, she left the police force and there is no records of her since then. You made have even replaced her. Here is a picture of Sandy." Josh pulled out a picture of Sandy.
"That is Helen Janis, isn't it?" Jennifer asked.
"I think it is," Cody answered.
"Kevin Janis's wife and Christy's mom?" Josh asked.
Cody and Jennifer said at the same time, "Yes."
"If we can get her to collaborate then we have something," Lisa explained. "Otherwise, we must go to trial and prove there is any doubt of Jennifer's guilt with this evidence. But good job, we have an excellent start."
"I will have Alex try again to get ahold of Christy. He has had no luck so far."
Alex tried again to get ahold of Christy. Cody had told him what to say. Alex explained what they found. He was begging Christy to tell him where she was. Jennifer's freedom depended on it. He told her how broken Jennifer had become and how much he was worried about his step mother.
Lisa was wrapping up the work she had done on this trip. Cody was driving her back to the airport.
"Cody, if you hear from Christy, please let me know. I will have the investigator continue to search for the Janis family, but I am sure they hidden themselves well."
"Lisa, I can't thank you enough for everything you have done." Cody said.
"Cody, your wife seems like a lovely lady. Take good care of her, she is going to need you to get through this. We will stay connected and when we get a trial date we can talk some more."
Cody got a call from Freddie, "Cody, there are two FBI agents here and they are trying to take Jennifer away."
"Don't let them take her, we will be right there." Cody said. "The FBI is at the ranger station, and they are trying to take Jennifer." Cody and Lisa raced back to the ranger station.
Freddie was doing everything he could do to stop the FBI agents from taking Jennifer. Josh was out on a call with David and could not help this time. The FBI agents were getting annoyed as Freddie was making them wait. They had handcuffed Jennifer. Just then Cody and Lisa ran into the ranger station.
"Where are you taking my wife?" Cody asked the agents.
"Unhandcuff my client," Lisa demanded. "What is your reason for detaining her?"
"We need to question your client on an ongoing investigation."
"Are you trying to talk to her without her lawyer present?" Lisa stated.
The agent uncuffed Jennifer. "Here is a summons for your client to report to the FBI station by 9am tomorrow."
"What is the reason for the summons?" Lisa asked.
"You will find out when you get there," Agent Schultz said. "I suggest you don't be late."
The FBI agents left the ranger station empty handed. Cody went over to Jennifer, and she collapsed in Cody's arms. He picked her up and carried her over to the couch and laid her down. Kelly came over with some smelling salt and Jennifer jerked awake.
"Cody?" Jennifer was discombobulated.
"Jennifer, I am right here. Do you know what they wanted?" Cody asked.
"They would not say," Jennifer said.
"Tomorrow we will go together and find out what they want," Cody said. "Lisa, would it make sense to bring the evidence?"
"Yes, we will bring it. I will be right there with the two of you," Lisa said.
Kelly jumped in as well, "I would like to go too." Kelly's feelings about Jennifer had changed since Josh explained about her grandmother. She could see that Jennifer and Cody really loved each other.
That evening Jennifer and Cody had to explain to the kids that they would be going to Sacramento early in the morning to speak to the FBI. Both Alex and Hailey were upset and did not want their parents to leave. Hailey did not want to leave her mother's side. That night Hailey snuggled in bed with her mom, Cody was snuggled close to Jennifer, and Alex managed to squeeze himself into the bed next to his father. They did not know what the day would bring. If they will be together again as a family under the same roof.
"Jennifer, I think we might need a bigger bed," Cody whispered.
Jennifer laughed quietly, "If these kids get any bigger, we will."
Cody, Jennifer, Lisa, and Kelly left before the sun was up in the morning. The four of them headed to Sacramento. Robin stayed with Hailey and Alex.
They arrived at the FBI headquarters in Sacramento. They placed the four of them into a conference room. "Jennifer Hawkes, I am agent Turner, and this is agent Schultz who I believe you have met a few times. Who else do we have here."
"I am Cody Hawkes Jennifer's Husband; this is Kelly Hawkes my niece and Lisa Elliot our attorney."
"Nice to meet you all. Do you know why you were summoned here?" Agent Turner asked.
"We were not given any information in regard to this summons," Lisa stated.
"Mrs. Hawkes was arrested a couple of months ago for evidence tampering. Some new evidence has come to light, a witness has come forward. This witness does not exonerate Mrs. Hawkes but does bring up some more questions."
"Who is this witness?" Lisa asked.
"We cannot divulge that information at this time. I understand you have some information you would like to share as well?" Agent Turner asked.
"If we provide you our information, will you divulge what you have?" Lisa asked.
"If it is relevant, then yes."
Kelly went through all the information she and Josh had gathered. The agents took in the information.
"This information is extremely useful. We will need to consult with our superiors and will be back," the agents left the room.
"Thank you, Kelly, for everything you have done. Whatever happens here, I am grateful," Jennifer said.
Cody smiled at his niece as he held Jennifer in his arms.
About three hours later an agent came in with some food for them. "It will be a few more hours. Sorry for the delay." A couple more hours later agent Schultz, Turner, and two other agents came into the room.
"We reviewed the information Ms. Hawkes provided to us and reviewed its relevance to our witness statement. With the combined information we will be dropping the charges against Mrs. Jennifer Hawkes." Jennifer turned to Cody and gave a look of disbelief. "With the information Kelly Hawkes provided, it was enough proof to confirm our witness's statement. In the last hour Kevin and Hellen Janis were arrested for evidence tampering. Our witness was Ms. Christy Harris. Daughter of Hellen and Kevin Janis. The two had been working together for a while. Christy discovered that her parents had been lying to her. Kevin Janis was her biological father. She was born in Miami and was about five years old when her and her mother moved to Vegas and then to Tahoe. Her mother had changed her name to hide her tracks. Kevin joined her in Vegas and then they moved to Tahoe. To keep their identity secret Kevin pretended to be her stepfather. Christy was able to get into her email one day while at a local library. She had found the email pleads from your son Alex Hawkes. She came into a local FBI office and turned in information about her parents and provided information as to where to locate them."
"Where is Christy now?" Jennifer asked.
"She is at a local FBI office from where her family was hiding. But she will be moving in with an aunt of Her's," Agent Turner said.
"Can we talk to her?" Jennifer asked.
"That is not advised Mrs. Hawkes," Agent Turner said. "We have forms for you to sign and you will be free to go,"
"All charges dropped, and they won't come up again?" Cody asked.
"That is correct Mr. Hawkes," Agent Turner answered.
Lisa looked over the paperwork and it was okay for Jennifer to sign.
"Lisa thank you for everything," Cody said, and Jennifer nodded and gave a half smile.
"You take care of that lovely wife of yours. Once I have everything wrapped up in Miami, I will let you know." Lisa said.
Since it was late by the time everything wrapped up. Cody, Jennifer, and Kelly decided to spend the night. Once they settled into a hotel, they called home and told them the good news. Then Cody took them out for a late dinner to celebrate.
"Jennifer and Uncle Cody, I have a confession to make. This may sound weird, but when it was obvious that the two of you were getting involved, I got jealous of Uncle Cody's affections toward you," Kelly looked over to Jennifer. "I never wanted Uncle Cody to get involved with anyone after Aunt Lizzie died. Uncle Cody never took an interest in dating, so it was never an issue even when others tried to set him up. When you first came, I really liked you, but once you and Uncle Cody started to get involved, then got engaged and married so quickly, I began to get jealous and dislike you. I walked in on the two of you in the barn one day. You were having sex in the hay loft and Jen; you were talking about Uncle Cody paying your hospital bills. After I brought Uncle Cody some lunch, I called Grandma and said Jennifer was using Uncle Cody. I am the reason Grandma came to town and why she treated Jennifer the way she did. I did not know she was going to try to set up Uncle Cody with Haley Dawkins. I was not happy about that either, I still did not want Uncle Cody to have a woman in his life. I got caught up with Grandma's dislike and plans to get rid of Jennifer. She thought that Jennifer was just after Uncle Cody's money and that you were just using him. I never saw grandma for who she truly was. Never seen the relationship how it was different for my family than was for his. Until I heard Uncle Cody in the conference room yelling at Grandma. I could not believe what I was hearing. Josh had walked over and said it was about time Uncle Cody told her off and he clued me in on a few things. Now I know everything that you did to save Alex and Uncle Cody from Roy. You did not know about the money, and I can now see how much the two of you genuinely love each other. I am sorry and I hope I can make amends for everything I did."
Cody and Jennifer both got a little red in the face, "Kelly, I am sorry you caught us in the barn that day. I had not known Cody had paid the hospital bills and he worked a year to do it. I was so grateful to him, and we were in the bit of honeymoon phase were we could not get enough of each other and got carried away a bit."
"Kelly, I am so sorry for anything you heard or saw that day. I promise it was the only time we did that. We have tried to stay professional at the ranger station. Something your parents really worked on, and I am trying to follow their example," Cody stated.
"No worries, I am sure you're not the first to do it up there." Kelly commented and got a bit red in the face as well.
"Kelly, thank you for the apology, some things make more sense now. I did not know about the other money until a couple of days ago. I had no idea. I do love Cody and love Alex as if he was my own son. I told you before I was so grateful for everything you did to get me free. I probably be going to jail if it was not for you. I would like it if we were to start over and be friends. Are you okay with that."
"I am." Kelly and Jennifer both got up and hugged each other.
Then Cody got up and hugged his niece, "Kelly, I love you. Nothing will change that."
Back at the hotel that night, Cody and Jennifer were able to make love to each other, something they had been struggling with for the last few weeks.
"Jennifer, I have missed us," Cody said.
"So did I," Jennifer said.
"Now we can go back to a boring life," Cody chuckled.
"I would love that," Jennifer said.
"Do you think she told anyone about us in the barn?" Cody asked.
"Well, I am guessing your mom." Jennifer smiled a bit.
When they returned home, there was a welcome home celebration for them. They celebrated Jennifer's freedom. Life went on as normal for a while.
Jennifer did not return to the rangers, Cody and Jennifer decided the stress Jennifer was under was just too much and she needed to take some things slower. The temporary replacement while Jennifer was suspended was working out well for everyone. Josh and Cody decided to hire the temp to replace Jennifer. Jennifer may come in here and there to volunteer, but just if she needed to get out of the house a bit. If Jennifer felt better, she may look for some work outside of the ranger station.