A Long Road to Redemption

Chapter 15

Monday morning, the police transported Sidney across the street to the courthouse. The Warrenton Police Department was originally far from the courthouse. Years ago, the county built a newer, larger courthouse across from the police station. The old courthouse was still there but was used for the issuing of licenses and other county business while trials were held in the new building. Sidney, like many people on their court days, was shackled and walked across the street under guard.

Sidney's case was the fourth to be called that day. "Court will now hear the bail request of Sidney Lewis," announced the bailiff. She was brought forward, released from her handcuffs, and seated next to Luke Brady. They talked over a couple of details before Judge Corley began.

"Mr. Cooper, how do the people move on the matter of granting bail to Ms. Lewis?" the judge asked.

"Your Honor, the People ask that bail be denied on the grounds of the serious nature of the crime and the high media attention this case is starting to gain. We also believe the defendant may be a flight risk."

"Defense, what say you in rebuttal?"

"Your Honor, while we do not refute the serious nature of the charges, my client is looking forward to her day in court to fight these charges. She is not a flight risk since her entire life is here in this very town. Her family is here, and she would not abandon them. She is also a person of high moral character."

"The court finds that due to the serious nature of the crime and the high media attention this is likely to garner, the defendant shall be denied bail."

"Your Honor, you can't be serious," exclaimed Brady. "My client has never once been in trouble with the law and has no history of violence. How can she be a flight risk if there is literally nowhere for her to run to?"

Judge Corley banged his gavel hard, "Mr. Brady, another outburst like that, and I will find you in contempt of court." The judge looked over at Cooper and could easily see the satisfaction on his face. "Mr. Cooper, do the people have any further recommendations?"

"Yes, your Honor, the People request that the defendant be held here at the Warrenton city jail instead of the county facility, again due to the high profile nature of the case."

"More like so you can keep an eye on her Cooper."

Judge Corley banged his gavel hard again. "Brady, you are fined $250.00 for contempt."

"Your Honor, I protest this decision. My client..."

"$300.00 fine. Another word, and you can join her in the city jail for the rest of the day. The court agrees to the prosecution's request, and the defendant will be held in the city jail pending trial. Bailiff, call the next case."

Brady felt the sting of the judge's rebuke. The realization sank in at the near-hopeless situation that confronted the Lewis family. It was obvious now that they could only expect more of the same if they went to trial. It made him sick how one family so completely controlled the comings and goings of this county. He spoke some encouraging words to Sidney as the bailiffs arrived to escort her back across the street. After they had gone, he seethed in anger at the near-hopeless situation and felt frustrated for not knowing how to help Sidney. Pierson didn't know that Brady had a few secrets of his own.

Night in jail is a strange thing. No sunlight, clocks, windows, or anything lets you know it's dark out. The lighting stays the same with its fluorescent glow. Lights out would be at 10 pm, so it had to be sometime before then. Sidney was exhausted, and sleep was starting to take her. Before the lights were out, she drifted into a fitful sleep.

She didn't know how long she'd slept, but something wasn't right. Somehow, a light was on. She cracked open her eyes, and the light seemed concentrated in her area alone.