Escaping RiverCreek

Chapter 16

Chapter 16: The Trial and Outcome

The kids' senior year is well underway by the time a judge is ready to begin the pretrial process. Rumors spread rapidly that it'll be Judge Klifton, a well-known name in law and politics. This judge is a country club member who is extremely close to Frankie's family.

One day after school, Tara is home researching the details about the judge with Cory sitting behind her.

"Says here that he's an easy-going guy. Typical country-club-donating older white judge who's been accused of allowing the rich side of town to get away with quite a bit in the past."

Rolling his eyes, Cory's misgivings are clear. "Figures. Best lawyers from his dad's firm in Minneapolis, and now a family friend hearing it all. He's going to get off Scot-free!"

Her gut instincts churn when she listens to him rant. "I hope you're wrong. Kayla deserves to have him put away for life, if you ask my opinion."

Trying to move past the court stuff, Tara leans back in her seat. "Hey, let's go get something to eat. I'm starving. Besides, we've been cooped up over this way too much lately."

Cory runs his fingers through her hair. "Yeah, babe, you're right. Let's go. Oh, and hey, Kayla will get justice. I know it. I feel it."

Tara smiles as she gets to her feet.

"Let's take my car this time," Tara suggests.

Cory signals okay with his hand. He transitions his signal for Tara to lead the way so he can watch her shake her ass down the steps.

"Enjoy the view," she says, knowing exactly why he's a few extra feet behind her.

"Always have, always will."

She blushes, taking her keys from the hook by the door.

By the time the news story breaks concerning the case, the cold air from Canada has begun dropping the temperature in RiverCreek.

"Good evening, residents of RiverCreek. This is Gayle Anderson, reporting live from the steps of the courthouse. We're about to learn details concerning the Ford case in just a few moments. Hopefully, we will get an idea of when proceedings will begin."

Seconds later, the sheriff and the lawyers come bursting from the doors leading from the courthouse. They approach the microphone, and Sheriff Dubois introduces the gentlemen.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. From the pretrial proceedings, we have a bit of information to pass along. For starters, the press will not be allowed inside the courtroom. The families of those involved will be present. When the verdict is handed down I will read it to you then but not beforehand. That is all, other than announcing that the case will head to trial on October 1. Thank you."

The short press release travels swiftly around town.

"Hope he fries in hell!" Rick says, watching it live behind everyone else, trying to get questions to the sheriff and each of the lawyers.

A collective sigh cascades through RiverCreek as the times passes before the opening arguments. Frankie has since been released to home confinement, with a private tutor sent from the Board of Education. Rick has his own agenda, casing the house on occasion, hoping to find a way to get his hands on Frankie.

"I'm going to fucking kill you," he whispers every time he walks by there as a red fury blurs his judgement.

On October 1, the lawyers push their way by the reporters coming from as far away as California and New York, each reporter trying to gain access to any new information.