Read Online X Marks the Spot (Executioners MC Book 1) by Kimmie Easley - Free Book Online
Authors: Kimmie Easley
Tags: General Fiction
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has nothing tying him down, no family, spouse, or children making him an easy flight risk. He’s a common gang banger.”
The man’s loaded statement was like a knife to the heart, a dull, rusty fucking blade too. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Jolene writing on the pad again.
‘ Mind games. DO NOT react .’
“Ms. Miller?” Judge Weese directed his attention to the defendant’s table.
Jolene tugged on the bottom of her shirt, pulling it tight across her chest. She held her red pen in one hand and ‘talked’ with the other.
“Judge Weese, I’m not going to spend a lot of the court’s time chipping away at Mr. Garner’s list of bullet points. What I will say is that Mr. Steele has had his share of legal trouble over the years, none of which were even remotely close to this serious in nature. As far as having nothing to tie him down, clearly Mr. Garner is unaware on how community works. He’s also unfamiliar with the vast difference between a gang banger and a Sargent at Arms of a motorcycle club. Mr. Steele is a proud member of a club where he is relied upon daily, not only by the members, but by the families as well. He takes his commitment very seriously. This club does a lot of good within the community, working with programs to collect food, clothing, and school supplies for those in need. They also own a legitimate business where they hire veterans and the homeless to help within the community. Mr. Steele is a big part of this town. He doesn’t own a passport and he hasn’t spent more than a weekend out of the state in the past ten years. He’s a citizen and earns his income right here in Jericho building custom motorcycles involving an impressive clientele list. Yes, the murder of Mr. Numar was horrific, and possibly even premeditated. But to say that my client spent years plotting and planning a murder that he has yet to be convicted of is overtly premature. I’m sure there’s no need to remind Mr. Garner of the old adage, innocent until proven guilty. I ask the courts to please grant reasonable bail as we move forward to adequately prepare the next stage in our defense.”
I sat dumbfounded, staring at the woman I thought I knew. What a fucking powerhouse. My gaze moved from Jolene to the judge, who was staring at her with his face creased in deep thought. The prosecutors appeared to be as caught off guard as I was. Shit. She managed to blindside the entire fucking courtroom.
The judge pushed his wire-rimmed glasses up on his nose before slapping both palms down on his desk.
“Sounds like you feel quite strongly about the matter of club vs gang, Ms. Miller. You also seem to be familiar with the going-ons, more so than Mr. Garner, as you stated. Is that correct?”
Jolene never broke character. Strong and poised. “I’d like to think so, your honor. And what I feel strongly about is proving my client’s innocence while protecting him from being treated like a murderer simply because he wears a patch.”
I wasn’t positive, but I thought I saw a grin creeping in the corners of the Judge’s mouth.
“Well then, I say we put it to the test.” He glanced down at his files, flipping through papers, and picking up a pen.
I fought the urge to ask Jolene what the hell was going on. She never looked at the prosecutors or me.
The judge cleared his throat. “Alright, bail is set for one million dollars. Ms. Miller, I am holding you personally responsible for Mr. Steele and it is up to you to ensure that he follows through on your word and show up for court. Mr. Steele?”
Jolene nudged my shoulder with her hip, sending me to my feet.
“Mr. Steele, you are not to leave this county. You will show up for court or your bond will be revoked and you’ll be sitting behind bars before sundown, understood?”
I nodded. “Sure thing, Judge.”
“Good. Don’t make me out to be a fool, boy. I’d hate to have to do the same. One million dollars bail. We’ll meet back here on October 13
The man’s loaded statement was like a knife to the heart, a dull, rusty fucking blade too. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Jolene writing on the pad again.
‘ Mind games. DO NOT react .’
“Ms. Miller?” Judge Weese directed his attention to the defendant’s table.
Jolene tugged on the bottom of her shirt, pulling it tight across her chest. She held her red pen in one hand and ‘talked’ with the other.
“Judge Weese, I’m not going to spend a lot of the court’s time chipping away at Mr. Garner’s list of bullet points. What I will say is that Mr. Steele has had his share of legal trouble over the years, none of which were even remotely close to this serious in nature. As far as having nothing to tie him down, clearly Mr. Garner is unaware on how community works. He’s also unfamiliar with the vast difference between a gang banger and a Sargent at Arms of a motorcycle club. Mr. Steele is a proud member of a club where he is relied upon daily, not only by the members, but by the families as well. He takes his commitment very seriously. This club does a lot of good within the community, working with programs to collect food, clothing, and school supplies for those in need. They also own a legitimate business where they hire veterans and the homeless to help within the community. Mr. Steele is a big part of this town. He doesn’t own a passport and he hasn’t spent more than a weekend out of the state in the past ten years. He’s a citizen and earns his income right here in Jericho building custom motorcycles involving an impressive clientele list. Yes, the murder of Mr. Numar was horrific, and possibly even premeditated. But to say that my client spent years plotting and planning a murder that he has yet to be convicted of is overtly premature. I’m sure there’s no need to remind Mr. Garner of the old adage, innocent until proven guilty. I ask the courts to please grant reasonable bail as we move forward to adequately prepare the next stage in our defense.”
I sat dumbfounded, staring at the woman I thought I knew. What a fucking powerhouse. My gaze moved from Jolene to the judge, who was staring at her with his face creased in deep thought. The prosecutors appeared to be as caught off guard as I was. Shit. She managed to blindside the entire fucking courtroom.
The judge pushed his wire-rimmed glasses up on his nose before slapping both palms down on his desk.
“Sounds like you feel quite strongly about the matter of club vs gang, Ms. Miller. You also seem to be familiar with the going-ons, more so than Mr. Garner, as you stated. Is that correct?”
Jolene never broke character. Strong and poised. “I’d like to think so, your honor. And what I feel strongly about is proving my client’s innocence while protecting him from being treated like a murderer simply because he wears a patch.”
I wasn’t positive, but I thought I saw a grin creeping in the corners of the Judge’s mouth.
“Well then, I say we put it to the test.” He glanced down at his files, flipping through papers, and picking up a pen.
I fought the urge to ask Jolene what the hell was going on. She never looked at the prosecutors or me.
The judge cleared his throat. “Alright, bail is set for one million dollars. Ms. Miller, I am holding you personally responsible for Mr. Steele and it is up to you to ensure that he follows through on your word and show up for court. Mr. Steele?”
Jolene nudged my shoulder with her hip, sending me to my feet.
“Mr. Steele, you are not to leave this county. You will show up for court or your bond will be revoked and you’ll be sitting behind bars before sundown, understood?”
I nodded. “Sure thing, Judge.”
“Good. Don’t make me out to be a fool, boy. I’d hate to have to do the same. One million dollars bail. We’ll meet back here on October 13
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