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Afterward

Lacey watched from the seats in the probate court. The room was crowded with reporters eagerly awaiting the verdict of the judge who heard arguments from lawyers on both sides. This day was a long time coming. Her mother's quick trip to Colorado on the original date bought them time. June was gorgeous in Denver, with the mountains dressed in deep green forests.

Anya's murder trial made headlines all over the northeastern states, but hadn't reached here, so the story which unfolded in the courtroom was fresh fodder for local reporters. What should have been a minor glitch in settling Stella Pemberton's will, was now big time news and all sorts of opinions ricocheted around the news for the last two days as evidence was presented and torn to pieces by differing theories.

"All rise," the court bailiff intoned.

A murmur of quiet comments rippled across the audience as they rose. The judge seated herself.

"Be seated, please. I will not tolerate any outbursts as I read my decision. Anyone who disturbs the court will be considered in contempt. Have I made myself clear?" Her annoyance with the media circus was clear, but her piercing stare met Pricilla Ellison's glare.

Silence greeted her words. She nodded as she shuffled the papers she brought in with her then proceeded.

"This entire case hinges on DNA evidence. I won't bore you with the long list of reports I have studied and the experts I consulted in making this decision. Suffice it to say, Zena Henderson is the true great granddaughter of Mrs. Elanor Pettigrew, her only child, a son, and granddaughter Elise. Stanley Ellison and his family have no claim. Especially since he is in no way related to anyone from the Pettigrew family. Stella Henderson's will, was never the issue here."

It comes down to the wording of Elanor's will. I quote: The estate goes to my granddaughter Elise, if she dies, her child. Eldest daughter first or her son if there is no daughter as has been the tradition since our ancestors came to this great country. This leaves out Anya Carson. She is Theodore Pettigrew's daughter, but also a convicted mass murderer. She has no claim either."

There was a smattering of applause, but the judge glared at the people seated in her courtroom. Silence settled again.

"The estate in its entirety is Zena Henderson's to do with as she pleases when she reaches her twenty-fifth birthday. Until then it remains in trust, governed by her adoptive father and the board established by the law firm of Pemberton et al."

Stanley Ellison rose to protest, his lawyer yanking on his sleeve.

"Mr. Ellison do not try my patience. Contempt of court is not easily defended."

He sank into his seat his eyes sending daggers at the judge.

"Bailiff, please escort Mr. Ellison and his family out first. Court is adjourned."

The judge rose and the audience rose with her. Excited chatter grew in volume as the losing party left. Priscilla glared at Zena and included Lacey in her malevolent stare.

Zena turned around to reach across the railing between her and her twin. Hugging her sister, she whispered, "It's probably not the last time we're going to have to deal with that family. But it's over for now."

"I know. I'll bet Anya won't go away either. I wish she turned out differently than she did. I wonder how long her mother spewed poison in her ears. Probably from the time she was a baby." She kept her voice low, aware of all the microphones around them.

Zena nodded. "Not that it helped her case much. All the expert witnesses on her side trying to prove she wasn't in her right mind, only made it worse for her. All of the people she killed, were after her eighteenth birthday and she's an adult in the eyes of the court. Life in a secured mental health facility is going to be hard to get away from."

"The only thing we can do is be there every time she comes up for parole. Her diagnosis isn't going to change. We'll have to hammer on that every time. Psychopath with no redeeming qualities. Uncle Theodore was definitely her father." Lacy said as reporters started to push toward them.

"No big deal. We can do that. What do you say? Do we celebrate here in Denver, or do we go home first?" Zee asked, raising her voice.

"At home in New Hampton. Let's get out of here." Lacey said so everyone could hear.

Cameras flashed as Zena pushed forward to escape the throng of interested spectators. Percy stood up and held out his hand, and she put hers into it. With her father on her other side, they left ignoring the microphones and cameras following their every move.

Lacey waited for her parents to gather the files on the defense table.

"Are we really done with all of this?" She asked.

"As far as Stanley Ellison and his wife, yes. When it comes to Anya? It will be a constant battle to make sure the courts are reminded of her record for as long as she lives. Five murders and threats of more if she is ever released, should be enough. It's a federal sentence. She's not going to get out as long as one of us is around to do the job." James Pemberton slid the files into his briefcase and snapped the lid shut.

"I can live with that." Lacey declared.

"You'll have to. It's the best we could do." Deanne said.

"Let's hurry up and catch up with Zee. She wants to go straight home to the mansion," she said.

"Best idea I've heard all day Tiger." James opened the gate in the rail ushering his wife out. He waved Terry down the aisle in front of them.

Family is everything, Lacey thought, as Terry dropped back to take her hand. Especially the one that chooses you.

THE END