Chapter 14

Detective Wilson called me two weeks later to tell me the District Attorney’s office had accepted the plea deal from everyone involved and sentencing would be held at the end of the month. I had spoken to Lexie maybe twice and had a few text messages from her. By this time, I had hoped that she would have loosened up a bit, but it did not seem that she had. For the most part, I had given up on any long-term relationship with her. I spent most of my day at the gym either training or teaching.

My track record for relationships left a lot to be desired. First Cassie dumping me for a college student and now Lexie for what she thought she perceived of what I might do. Seems the only good relationship I had been in was the one with my mother, as screwed up as that sounded. Although a lot of that was my fault, I was not the most outgoing person when it went to socializing.

The end of the month came quickly and soon I found myself back in court for the sentencing of the six people present the night my mom died. At ten minutes to the hour, all six defendants came in with Chrissy’s dad and sat behind the defense’s table. The district attorney was already present as well as Detective Wilson. Several minutes later the judge arrived and sat behind the bench. He opened the folder and scanned the documents quickly then set them down in front of him on the bench.

“Gentlemen, I understand we have reached a plea arrangement?” the judge stated, glancing at both the attorneys.

Both attorneys nodded as the bailiff handed each of them a manilla file folder. Each opened the folder and read the contents then nodded back to the judge.

“Then pending this agreement, I am ready to sentence all defendants at this time if there are no objections.” he stated.

“Hearing no objections, will the defendants please rise and face the bench.” he commanded.

The lot of them stood up and face the bench hanging their heads gazing at the floor. I had absolutely no sympathy for the lot of them. Even though Josh caused my mother’s death, the rest of them covered it up for as long as possible. In my mind, they were just as guilty.

“Chrissy Haynes, Haley Mills and Jennifer Smith under the plea agreement you have plead guilty one count of obstruction of justice. I am placing the three of you on probation for a period of 24 months. If you complete your probationary period with no incidents, I will remove the charge from your criminal record.” he started.

“Darren Miller and Mark Boudreaux under the plea agreement you have plead guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and one count of tampering with evidence. I am placing the two of you on probation for a period of 30 months. If you complete your probationary period with no incidents, I will remove the charge from your criminal record.” he continued.

“Joshua Klein under the plea agreement you have plead guilty to one count of criminal negligence, one count of obstruction of justice and one count of tampering with evidence. I’m sentencing you to four years in the prison at Oakville starting immediately.” he ended.

I looked over at Detective Wilson who just hung his head. Everyone gets probation and Josh get forty-eight months which means in can be out in two years. That is what my mother’s life was worth ... two years. Inside I was out of control, but I knew I could not show it. I simply stood up and stared directly at the judge. After several moments of an intense stare down, he spoke.

“Do you wish to address the court?” he asked.

“I don’t believe you want to hear what I have to say.” I replied.

“What is your name, son?” the judge asked.

“Chris Williams...” I replied, still staring him down.

“You will address me as your honor.” he demanded.

“No sir, I will not.” I quickly answered.

“Son, I will hold you in contempt of court.” he growled leaning forward.

“You have no idea how much contempt I have for this court. Those six defendants killed my mother and threw her in a dumpster like trash. Five of them get off with probation and one might serve twenty-four months in jail. That’s what my mother’s life was worth ... twenty-four months?” I stated, very calmly.

Detective Wilson got up and moved next to me whispering into my ear that no matter what, I was only making things worst. Mr. Haynes stepped from around the table and informed the judge that I had threatened the defendants in a previous session in court.

“Mr. Williams, did you threatened the defendants?” the judge asked.

“I have never threatened anyone during this entire ordeal. The boys were the aggressors every time and the girls went along for the ride. That is why this case never went to court. Because each time there was an altercation, they started it and witnesses were available. I guess sometimes the only way to get justice is to take it for yourself.” I stated calmly.

“Are you threatening this court?” the judge growled.

“No sir, I am not...” I simply replied, turning around, and heading for the door.

I noticed that Lexie was standing against the back wall in a corner with another police officer. As I walked for the door, I really thought the judge was going to stop me, but he did not. I pushed through the doors and head into the lobby. Detective Wilson came running up behind me.

“Chris, hold on a second.” he demanded, grabbing my arm.

I turned and faced him as he tried to catch his breath from the sprint, he had just run trying to catch me.

“Jesus, I can’t believe you just said that to old man Seiler and he let you walk.” he stated.

“He let me walk because he was paid off by Haynes. You know it, I know it, fuck ... everyone knows it.” I replied.

“Chris, if anything happens to any one of them, you’re suspect number one.” he said in an informative tone.

“Only if there are witnesses, detective.” I replied, turning and walking away.

For the next month or so, I did nothing but train and work. I didn’t go out of the house with the exception of the grocery store twice. Lexie and I talked on the phone a few times, but I restrained from mentioning the trial at all. To her credit, she never brought it up, but I was not sure if that was good or bad. I was sitting on the sofa watching tv when my phone rang. It was Lexie, I picked it up right away.

“Hey Chris, what are you doing?” Lexie said, in a cheerful voice.

“Watching a movie on tv.” I replied.

“Oh, ok ... well, I wanted to invite you to my house on Saturday night, it’s my mom’s birthday.” Lexie announced.

“Um sure ... what do I get her.” I asked.

“Well, she really loves a good bottle of Merlot.” Lexie stated.

“Ok, I will get her one. What time is it for?” I asked.

“Six o’clock and my dad will be cooking on the grill.” she answered.

“Ok, see you then.” I replied, hanging up.

On the way home from my work out on Saturday morning I stopped at a wine store in town having no idea what to script. Thankfully as I went in, a young woman asked if she could help me. I explained my predicament and she smiled.

“We have Merlot in every price range imaginable. How much are you looking to spend?” she asked.

“I don’t know..., um show me something really nice though, no ten-dollar bottles.” I replied.

“Ok, let’s go over here.” she answered, pointing to a large shelf in the corner.

“These are two very good merlot’s, one is Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard and the other is Leonetti Cellar Merlot. I have had these and they are excellent.” she admitted.

“Ok, give me one of each., I replied.

“Sure thing.” she replied, going back behind the counter and through a door into the large warehouse.

She came back quickly with both bottles packaged in a box and set them on the counter. She reached under the counter and pulled out two gold bows, peeled off the adhesive and stuck them to the top of the boxes. The total purchase came to two hundred and seventeen dollars. I paid her and left then deciding to go to the men’s store and get a new pair of jeans and maybe a shirt. I crossed town and pulled up into a local men’s clothing store that had just about everything. Once again, as soon as I walked in, a woman in her thirties came over and asked if I needed help. I followed her back to where the jeans were and started looking at the different sizes. I always had trouble because my waist size was thirty, but my legs would not fit comfortably in that size. She suggested I try a pair of Levi 508’s and handed me a pair in my normal size. I went into the dressing room and tried them on, and I had to admit they fit perfectly. I came out of the room and stood in front of the large mirror looking at the fit.

“That’s the one...” the woman stated.

“They do fit well.” I replied.

I told her I would take two pairs then went back in the dressing room and took them off. I came out and handed them to her then walked over to the shirts. Buying shirts was even worst due to the size I had put on above the waist. Most shirts were always too tight in the chest, shoulders and arms. The saleswoman suggested a line they carried call the Performance Bamboo shirt. She stated it was made for men who were muscular in their upper torso. I tried on a couple, and I did notice that I had a bit more room in them than a normal shirt. I purchased two as well then checked out and headed home.

I took a shower that afternoon and dressed leaving my home at about six o’clock. I arrived about twenty minutes later and parked in front of the house. I went up the sidewalk and rang the bell. Lexie answered the door quickly and invited me inside. She did give me a soft kiss on the lips that surprised me a bit. I followed her to the family room where her mother, brother, Pops and Maw Maw, Lexie’s grandparents.

“These are for you.” I stated, handing the bottle of wine to Jennifer.

“Oh Chris, you didn’t have to do this.” she said.

“Yes ma’am, I did.” I replied.

“Chris, these bottles are very expensive, you really shouldn’t have.” she said, a little choked up.

“Enjoy it Ms. Thomas, it’s your birthday.” I answered.

I sat down next to Pops and we started catching up since the last time we had talked. We talked for about thirty minutes before Lexi’s mom came back in and asked me to help her in the kitchen. I excused myself and followed Jennifer into the kitchen where she turned and faced me.

“Ok, what is going on with you two?” she asked.

“To be honest with you, I have no idea. I guess she still doesn’t trust me...” I answered.

“I heard what happened in the court room. That’s a joke ... everyone gets probation and Josh might get two years. I promised you old man Haynes paid off the judge. Oh ... I also heard Josh’s older brother is in town. You need to watch out for him ... He is the mean one.” she stated.

“I’ll be fine ... I’m not worried.” I replied.

“So have you two slept together lately?” Jennifer asked.

“Oh ... Um, well I “, I started before she cut me off.

“Well to answer your question ... No, we haven’t.” I replied.

“Hmmmm ... I guess we need to have a long talk.” Jennifer sighed.

“It’s ok really ... If she feels that she will be uncomfortable with me maybe it’s better we just let it be.” I suggested.

She shrugged her shoulders and pointed the way back to the family room. I walked back and sat down next to Pops who immediately leaned over my way.

“What was that about?” he chuckled.

“Well, she is concerned that Lexie and I are not spending much time together anymore.” I admitted.

“Oh, I see. Something happened?” he asked, getting serious.

“No sir, not really. She just believes that I may take things in my own hand and hurt the people that killed my mother.” I stated.

“I don’t blame you one bit if you do.” Pops replied.

“Lexie is a police officer and has to protect herself, I understand that. But if she can’t trust me ... not much I can do Pops.” I answered.

Just about that time, Lexie popped her head in the rear doors and announced that the food was ready. Everyone started getting up and I stayed behind to help Maw Maw. We eventually made it to one of the rear tables where I help her get seated. When I looked up, I noticed Lexie was looking at me with a smile on her face. She pointed to the spot on the other side of the table meaning that was where I was supposed to sit. I walked around the table and sat down across from Pops and Maw Maw. Lexie and her mother prepared plates for everyone and served them. Lexie poured large glasses of iced tea for everyone before sitting down next to me.

The conversation took a turn to the sixtieth wedding anniversary of Pops and Maw Maw which was coming up in early December. I did not contribute to the conversation because I had no idea what was going on. Obviously though, this was going to be a big deal for the entire family. I never really got to spend much time with Lexie talking with the entire family around. I left about ten that night and drove straight home. I had just gotten into bed when I got a video chat call from Lexie. I opened it up and found her sitting on the bed in her bedroom.

“Hey, what’s up?” she asked.

“Not too much, actually I was just getting into bed.” I replied.

“Alone?” Lexie giggled.

“Yep, alone.” I answered.

“I wanted to talk to you today but never really found the time to do so. I know that I’m not being fair to you ... God knows my mother reminds me of that all of the time. Sometimes, I almost think she wants to be with you.” Lexie sighed.

“Well, she is hot...” I answered.

“Oh, hush you ... seriously though, I care for you a lot. But I have to be sure that you feel the same about me. But more importantly that you care enough about me to steer clear of putting yourself or us in danger of being ripped apart. I’m not trying to be controlling but I have to ask you. Am I worth that to you? I understand if you say no, I can’t imagine being in your shoes.” she stated.

“Can I ask you a question?” I inquired.

“Sure.” Lexie replied.

“Do you think they got what they deserved knowing the situation like you do?” I asked.

“No, I do not agree with the judge.” Lexie replied softly.

“Thank you for that. Yes, I can promise you I will not do anything to put us in danger. For me to go to jail at this point would be adding insult to injury. I know my mom would not want that. But ... if they come after me again, I will defend myself.” I promised.

“That’s fair enough. It’s more than I could ask for. I’m off tomorrow then begin nights on Monday. So, if it is ok, I will come by tomorrow.” she replied.

“Sounds good to me.” I answered, hanging up.

True to her word, Lexie arrived a few minutes after eleven the next morning with two roast beef sandwiches and a large order of French fries. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a long sleeve cotton shirt. She had her hair pulled back in a ponytail and had no makeup on. We both sat down at the kitchen table and unwrapped the food.

“So, what do you think ... can we make this work?” Lexie asked.

“I am not sure ... I mean, it’s nice you brought me food but are you any good in bed?” I replied.

“Depends on what you call good.” she giggled.

“So, I’m guessing your answer is no...” I asked.

“Oh, you fuck ... You’re going to pay for that.” she shot back.

I could tell Lexie was in a good mood and perhaps I had eased her mind somewhat with the promise not to pursue the situation any further. But somehow, in the back of my mind, I truly felt that this was not over. Not that I would pursue it, but I really felt that several of these assholes just would not let it go.

We finished eating and cleaned everything up then went to the sofa where we sat down next to each other. It did not take her long to renew the conversation.

“Just so you do not hear this from my mom or anyone else, my ex-boyfriend has been trying to get back together with me. He told me that he felt leaving me was the biggest mistake of his life.” she stated.

“I can understand that ... You are a beautiful woman and fun to be around. A man could do a lot worse ... I guess maybe you need to think about that.” I answered.

“No, I don’t have to think about it. We were together for ten years and because I became a police officer, something that he knew I wanted for years then dumps me. Nothing, I need to think about. The only reason he wants to get back together is he found out about you.” she replied.

“How did he find out?” I asked.

“My mother and his mother have been friends for years. They still talk all the time. In fact, they will be invited to Pops and Maw Maw’s party. He might even show up...” she sighed.

“No big deal ... as long as you are sure about what you want.” I answered.

“So, you think I’m not?” Lexie asked.

“Why do women have to be so complicated ... I’m just saying that I want you to be sure.” I replied.

“I’m not really complicated ... I just see people every day who have in one way or another destroyed their life or someone else’s. I guess seeing that as much as I do makes me afraid that might happen to me.” Lexie answered.

“Lexie, most of my life I was scared. I was bullied through my childhood and into high school. Until I trained under master Garcia, I lived scared. But now, I am at peace because I no longer fear anyone. It’s a nice feeling.” I responded.

“I guess you’re right. Anyway, I have to run and get some sleep. I start tonight at eleven and have seven long nights. But I promise next week I’m off for four days, we will spend as much time together as we can.” she promised.

Lexie kissed me and left out of the side door quickly. I wasn’t sure if I liked Lexie being a police officer, but I was sure I did not like the hours. While sometimes she did string three or four days off in a row, the seven-day stretches were brutal.

I spent a great deal of time the following week at the gym to occupy my time. I missed Lexie a great deal although we did text and talk during the week. My mother had gotten the vice president at the bank to recommend a CPA and Financial advisor to help us with the money left had been left to us by Mrs. Gardener.

We had invested in several treasury notes and other financial vehicles that were earning just over three hundred thousand a year. Since everything I owned was paid off the checking account had grown to over a million dollars. I barely spent any money and had the money from the gym coming in every week.

I decided it was time for me to buy a new vehicle and trade in my small car. I would keep my mom’s SUV since it was still almost brand new. I rode around and looked at several vehicles not sure of what I wanted. They changed when I drove up to Wilson BMW. I found a white 2021 BMW 530i on the lot that was stunning. It had the light saddle colored interior and every imaginable option on it. After going for a short test drive, I was sold. Since it was a week day, the bank cleared my check right away and three hours later I drove off in a sixty two thousand dollar vehicle.

Since it was getting later in the evening, I decided to pass by Lexie’s sure that she was getting ready for her last night before having a few days off. I pulled up to her house and saw her unit was there, so I jumped up and went to the door. I rang the bell and Lexie’s mom Jennifer answered it quickly.

“Hey Chris, come in sweetie.” she offered, kissing me on the cheek.

I followed her to the den when Lexie’s dad was watching tv in his lounge chair. I took a seat on the sofa and leaned back.

“Lexie is in the shower, but she should be out soon.” Jennifer remarked walking back to the kitchen.

“So, Chris, you and Lexie are back on again?” he commented with a huge grin.

“Yes sir, I guess so. She made me promise her several things before she agreed though.” I replied.

“Lexie, is a piece of work Chris. You’re about to find that out. She’s beautiful, smart and talented but sometimes she drives me bat shit crazy.” he laughed.

“I enjoy being with her ... I think we will be fine, sir.” I answered.

“You better enjoy being with me...” Lexie stated walking into the room behind us.

“That’s the other thing she is good at ... sneaking up on you.” Jim laughed.

“You are in trouble dad ... but you said the right thing.” Lexie giggled, leaning over and kissing me.

She was already dressed in her uniform and ready to work the last night of her shift. She sat down next to me and took my hand in hers.

“I’m beat, these nights just take it out of me.” she sighed.

“I’m not sure I could work all night like you do. Something seems wrong about being out there early in the morning when everyone is sleeping.” I replied.

“Oh, trust me, everyone is not sleeping.” she laughed.