Woes of the Wingmen

№ 25:

Thursday, February 1st

"Billy!" Samuel said to his son in excitement. Who had just gotten home from school. Kneeling down and shaking his shoulders.

"What is it, Dad?"

"The court...we're getting the case to court. They've contacted Calvin. And I'm defending Jacob."

Billy's heart pumped in fear. After what happened with Calvin. But he quickly covered it up with a bright smile.

"That's awesome, Dad. When is it?"

"Next week, Vance will be there. And I think Matty Kennedy will be too."

"As witnesses?"

"Yes, but only character witnesses? For Calvin and Nicole respectively. They have never been able to find an actual eyewitness. Which is surprising because it supposedly happened outside of a bar."

"Yeah, maybe they were both there in the dead of night."

"It's possible, we never found out the exact time because she had already been buried and decomposing when they found her. Anyway, your mother will watch you and Aaron for most of it. I don't see any reason you should be there. You had nothing to do with it."

"But-" 

"I know you and your friends helped us a bunch with this case. You guys are the reason it's actually gone to court this time. You found the missing piece, Bill." He kissed his forehead. "And for that we're incredibly thankful. I am so proud of you, my son. I love you."

Billy hugged him around the shoulders. Samuel got up and swung him around. Then setting him on the ground.

"Remember that, Bill. Whenever you feel like you're not enough."

"I will."

Sunday, February 4th

Prosecutor Showalter sat with his client, Jacob Hopper. Loved one of the deceased Nicole Hargrove. On the right side of the room. With Attorney Gladwin on the opposite side with Calvin Kennedy.

Who reeked of beer.

Gladwin himself was actually an acquaintance of Samuel. A decent redhead with curly, loose locks. From his memory, he had a son Billy's age who went by "Buzz."

Flags were on each side of the room. The Colorado one was on the left. A red 'C' wrapped around a yellow circle. Both in front of a three stripes, two dark blue sandwiching white.

Meanwhile the classic Star-Spangled Banner was on his side of the room, the right. With its iconic red and white stripes amongst the myriad stars against blue.

Samuel looked back to the benches. There he saw a couple of faces he recognized: Vance, Matty, and both of the Kennedy wives.

S: I wonder which side Matty will testify for. I have a feeling his testimony will be the quandary for him.

"All rise," the bailiff said. "Department One of the Superior Court is now in session. Judge Hopkins presiding."

Hopkins was a bald, old man with glasses. And one that Samuel knew.

"Please be seated."

Hopkins sat in the judge's bench. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the People of the State of Colorado versus Calvin. Are both sides ready?"

People in the benches nodded their heads and even smiled. Especially Vance. Who was waiting for this moment his entire life.

"Ready for the People, Your Honor," the district attorney said.

"Ready for the defense, Your Honor," Gladwin said.

They swore in the jury, made up of some civilians who were requested. Oaths were sworn on Bibles and a Torah. And then came the opening statements.