Read Online Killing the Secret by Donna Welch Jones - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Donna Welch Jones
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slight. “Cecil, this Sheriff Girlie has more problems than I do.” Wilbur’s lips formed into a twisted grin.
Cecil slowed his pace. “I don’t know anyone who has more problems than you do, Wilbur.”
Upon arrival at the courthouse, Lexie found an empty office for the pair to have their consultation. She spoke briefly to Assistant District Attorney Cower.
No one spoke to her, or even came near, as she waited on a long wooden bench outside the courtroom.
She predicted that finding alone time wasn’t going to be a problem anymore.
At five minutes before three, Cecil and Wilbur reappeared. The three made their way down the long aisle, passing rows of benches on either side. They separated when they reached the end. Lexie sat down at Cower’s table.
The court clerk announced, “Judge Marcus Simpson presiding.”
“DA Cower, state your case,” Judge Simpson commanded.
Cower read a long list of charges including child neglect; making and distribution of drugs; and withholding evidence in a murder investigation. Cower asked that no bond be granted since Wilbur might disappear into the woods for another three years.
Lansbury was then directed by Judge Simpson to speak. “My client pleads not guilty to all the charges. He wants to be released on his own merit so he can make a living for his family.”
Judge Simpson slid his glasses down to the end of his nose and looked over the top at Lansbury.”
“That’s absolutely ridiculous, Cecil.”
“I know Your Honor, but that’s what Mr. Langley requested.”
Cower stood up. “Your Honor, it has taken three years to apprehend Langley. If he’s released, he’ll disappear. Justice won’t be served and his drug clients will be.”
“Well, I need to be fair, Cower,” Judge Simpson said. “I set bail at one million dollars.”
“HELL!” Wilbur shouted. “No way can I come up with that kind of money.”
Judge Simpson banged his gavel. “Transport this man to county jail. His trial will begin two months from today.”
Wilbur’s ravings echoed throughout the courtroom. “It ain’t fair, havin’ to wait two months. You all have finagled me. You and Sheriff Girlie conspired against me that I’m crooked.”
Simpson bounded his gavel vehemently. “I don’t conspire with anyone, Langley. I’ve decided I need a vacation in two months, so I’ll see you again in four. Get this guy out of my sight.”
Officers grabbed an arm on each side and maneuvered Wilbur out of the courtroom.
Wilbur’s voice was heard from the hall. “THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP, ATTORNEY ASSHOLE!”
Cecil yelled back, “YOU’RE WELCOME!”
Chapter Twenty
The newspaper hit her front door with a bang. Lexie diverted her eyes from the ceiling that she’d stared at most of the night, and crawled out of bed.
Her hair was down and stray hairs stood up in the front. Pajamas that kept sliding down her hips and a tattered t-shirt were her apparel of choice. The growling of her stomach made her realize that she hadn’t eaten since Delia brought her the sandwich. Food was not an appealing thought, so she went directly to retrieve the paper.
The headline was three inches high:
MURDER VICTIM ABBEY
KING BURIAL TODAY
Adam wrote Abbey’s history including a list of her family members. At the end he quoted Lexie’s statement about the investigation continuing.
About mid-page was a one inch headline that read:
NOTORIOUS DRUG DEALER
APPREHENDED BY SHERIFF
Adam had done his homework on Wilbur to obtain information. He summarized all previous news stories about Wilbur, as well as covered the court proceedings from the day before.
Lexie went to her closet. She wasn’t sure what to wear. The black dress was appropriate but it made her feel feminine and vulnerable. Pulling her uniform off the hanger, she decided that she’d hide behind her sheriff’s badge. Too bad she didn’t have armor.
She pressed the blue slacks and shirt. After shining her badge, she
Cecil slowed his pace. “I don’t know anyone who has more problems than you do, Wilbur.”
Upon arrival at the courthouse, Lexie found an empty office for the pair to have their consultation. She spoke briefly to Assistant District Attorney Cower.
No one spoke to her, or even came near, as she waited on a long wooden bench outside the courtroom.
She predicted that finding alone time wasn’t going to be a problem anymore.
At five minutes before three, Cecil and Wilbur reappeared. The three made their way down the long aisle, passing rows of benches on either side. They separated when they reached the end. Lexie sat down at Cower’s table.
The court clerk announced, “Judge Marcus Simpson presiding.”
“DA Cower, state your case,” Judge Simpson commanded.
Cower read a long list of charges including child neglect; making and distribution of drugs; and withholding evidence in a murder investigation. Cower asked that no bond be granted since Wilbur might disappear into the woods for another three years.
Lansbury was then directed by Judge Simpson to speak. “My client pleads not guilty to all the charges. He wants to be released on his own merit so he can make a living for his family.”
Judge Simpson slid his glasses down to the end of his nose and looked over the top at Lansbury.”
“That’s absolutely ridiculous, Cecil.”
“I know Your Honor, but that’s what Mr. Langley requested.”
Cower stood up. “Your Honor, it has taken three years to apprehend Langley. If he’s released, he’ll disappear. Justice won’t be served and his drug clients will be.”
“Well, I need to be fair, Cower,” Judge Simpson said. “I set bail at one million dollars.”
“HELL!” Wilbur shouted. “No way can I come up with that kind of money.”
Judge Simpson banged his gavel. “Transport this man to county jail. His trial will begin two months from today.”
Wilbur’s ravings echoed throughout the courtroom. “It ain’t fair, havin’ to wait two months. You all have finagled me. You and Sheriff Girlie conspired against me that I’m crooked.”
Simpson bounded his gavel vehemently. “I don’t conspire with anyone, Langley. I’ve decided I need a vacation in two months, so I’ll see you again in four. Get this guy out of my sight.”
Officers grabbed an arm on each side and maneuvered Wilbur out of the courtroom.
Wilbur’s voice was heard from the hall. “THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP, ATTORNEY ASSHOLE!”
Cecil yelled back, “YOU’RE WELCOME!”
Chapter Twenty
The newspaper hit her front door with a bang. Lexie diverted her eyes from the ceiling that she’d stared at most of the night, and crawled out of bed.
Her hair was down and stray hairs stood up in the front. Pajamas that kept sliding down her hips and a tattered t-shirt were her apparel of choice. The growling of her stomach made her realize that she hadn’t eaten since Delia brought her the sandwich. Food was not an appealing thought, so she went directly to retrieve the paper.
The headline was three inches high:
MURDER VICTIM ABBEY
KING BURIAL TODAY
Adam wrote Abbey’s history including a list of her family members. At the end he quoted Lexie’s statement about the investigation continuing.
About mid-page was a one inch headline that read:
NOTORIOUS DRUG DEALER
APPREHENDED BY SHERIFF
Adam had done his homework on Wilbur to obtain information. He summarized all previous news stories about Wilbur, as well as covered the court proceedings from the day before.
Lexie went to her closet. She wasn’t sure what to wear. The black dress was appropriate but it made her feel feminine and vulnerable. Pulling her uniform off the hanger, she decided that she’d hide behind her sheriff’s badge. Too bad she didn’t have armor.
She pressed the blue slacks and shirt. After shining her badge, she
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