Aednat and the Wolf

Chapter 27 Accused

Leg irons were fitted on the girls and hand cuffs that were linked by chain to the leg irons. They were wearing their jail jump suits and canvas shoes as they were taken through the tunnel linking detention center with the court. Aednat saw David and the entire family sitting in the court while they were led in. The chains were removed and they were instructed to sit at a table. Aednat looked about the room and saw several well-dressed men sitting in the court. Some she recognized as her kidnappers.

"I'm Jeremy Newens, your family hired me to be your lawyer." The girls nodded at him too frightened to speak. "I've read over the charges. You claim you were kidnapped?"

"Yes, we were trying to escape," Aednat whispered.

"I did carefully read through your statements, and those of the police and the witnesses," he said. "How do you wish me to handle this?"

"We did nothing wrong!" Aednat said.

"They said they were going to kill us and burn our bodies," Stacey added.

"Your story appears preposterous," the lawyer said. "Let me try a plea bargain..."

"No!" Aednat said firmly, "I alone hit that man. Let the others go!"

"I'm afraid it doesn't work that way. This judge is harsh on violent gangs." At that moment the court was called to order and everyone stood as the judge was announced. The judge walked brusquely into the court and took his seat. He then looked around the court then focused his attention on the six redheads sitting near his bench. Little was said at the preliminary hearing. The charges were read the girls were asked to declare a plea to which they plead not-guilty. The judge then bound them over for trial and denied a motion for bond.

"This court has little tolerance for gang violence," the judge said glaring at the girls, "If it were up to me I would simply lock you up and throw away the key. You took the life of an innocent man so you could steal a car. Nothing can excuse your actions. Consider yourselves lucky Michigan is not a hanging state."

The girls were marched out of court and back through the tunnel to the jail. They were then allowed to meet with family through a thick glass visitation window. There was a lot of weeping on both sides of the glass. David placed his hand on the glass as did Aednat palm to palm separated by the glass. "I love you Aediy," David whispered. The visitation time ended and the family watched as the girls were lead away.

"David, I have got to get back to Detroit," William said, "I've got a business to run. Are you planning to stay here?"

"Please, I can drive to Marquette for visitation and keep pressure on the police to investigate the kidnapping."

"It might be best if you came down with us and got your car," Ruth suggested.

"Good idea Mom."

"Can I go with you?" Eric said. David nodded.

"Me too," Ted volunteered, "You'll need an extra driver."

"I have plenty of money and more diamonds to sell," Eric said, "money is not a problem."

"I would appreciate all the help you can give," David said.

"Stacy, Gloria and Joanne's families are closer," William said, "in Kimberly and Appleton, we're way down in Detroit."

"David, I got the girls necklaces," Gert said, "You hold them. Rosie said they were allowed to have personal jewelry like rings and simple necklaces."

"I will pass it to them when next I see them. Nit already asked for her ring."

"When we get back I need to send my parents a message about Greta and Aediy," Eric said.