by Ciana Stone
"And I think he's in love with her."
"Then what can we do to encourage them to toss aside their fears?"
"I wish to heck I knew. Hey, you've met Cici's guy, Kal, haven't you?"
"Yes, I met him the week after his arraignment when he came here with Cici. He's really nice. I like him. I was amazed that DeLyn treated him so kind."
"She doesn't believe he had anything to do with Gramp's death. None of us do."
"Including your father?"
"I think, but he won't admit it – if for no other reason than to protect Heritage."
"Well, I bet everyone will be relieved when he's found innocent."
"Yeah, I just hope the implication of it won't ruin his reputation or cost him his fortune."
"Do you think that would matter to Cici?"
Mace shrugged. "I doubt it, but I could be wrong."
"I don't think you are. I think she's genuinely in love with him."
"Do you think he's too old for her? That was Dad's big issue."
"I think that's up to Cici and Kal, and I also think that age is just a number. Your grandparents seemed to have spent a lot of happy years together and there was a good bit of difference in their ages. Cici and Kal could be the same."
"And so could Dad and Naomie."
"I agree. If we just had a magic potion to bring them together and make them admit their true feelings."
"Well, you're the potion lady, so get busy, gorgeous."
Bailey laughed. "I'll get right on that. And speaking of your dad and Naomie, shouldn't they be here by now?"
"They'll show up sooner or later. Looks like Minnie's pooped. Want to put her on a pallet in the den and let her nap a bit?"
"Sure, if you don't think anyone will mind."
"I'm sure it will be fine, and we could always take advantage of the time and make out on the couch while we keep an eye on her."
"Why Mace Walker, are you trying to seduce me in your family home?"
"Is it working?"
"Like a charm. Lead the way."
*****
Naomie's phone pinged and she picked it up. A moment later she announced. "It's Mace. Cici and Kal just arrived."
Russell didn't respond so she looked over her shoulder at him. He stood in front of the window with his hands crammed into his pockets, watching the pregnant mare in the paddock.
"Mr. Walker?"
Naomie wasn't surprised at the annoyed look he gave her when he turned his head. "Don’t start with me. I'm not in the mood."
"Just making sure you heard me."
"I heard you."
She finished typing in a note and walked over to stand beside him. "Are you having second thoughts?"
"I don't know. Maybe. If the judge had dismissed the case, I would've been fine."
"Really? You'd have welcomed Kal into the family as your future son-in-law, and everything would have been peachy?"
"I told you not to start."
"And since when do you issue such imperatives? "
"I'm not issuing an imperative, I'm just saying–damn it all, Naomie, you know what I'm saying."
"Yes, I do, it just annoyed me that you'd take that high-handed stance with me. But let's start over okay? Do you not believe he's innocent?"
"I don't know. I've listened to what you and Mace and Nash have to say and even DeLyn, and it makes sense, but what if we're wrong? In case you haven’t noticed, there hasn't been any trouble since he was arrested and charged with dad's murder."
"And you think it's because he's under a microscope and can't make trouble for you now?"
"I don't know what the hell to think. I'm just worried. She could be making a huge mistake, you know."
"I do know. So does she. But she's in love with him."
Russell snorted, and she took his arm to turn him toward her. "Don't do that."
"What?"
"Dismiss her feelings that way. She's in love with him, Russ. Don't you get it? Or have you forgotten what it feels like to be in love?"
She saw the change, first in his eyes and then in the way that rock hard visage he wore like a shield, softened. "Believe me, I know," his tone was almost a caress and one that affected her as much as a physical touch.
"And that's where she is," Naomie put her hand on the center of his chest. "She loves him. And she loves you. Please don't make her choose."
He took her hand, lifted it to his lips and kissed it gently before trapping it beneath his on his chest. "I wonder if we deserve you."
"Of course not."
"Smart ass," he smiled. "Okay, let's go. I'll be nice."
"Promise?"
"Scout's honor." He held up his hand in the salute.
"Is that a real Scout's hand sign?""
"Eagle Scout, I'll have you know."
"Eagle Scout. Always prepared? Hmmm, we might have to put that to the test one day."
"Smart ass."
"You know it. Okay, come on."
She reached the door before she realized he wasn't with her, so she stopped and looked back. "Why are you just standing there?"
"You do know that what you do for a pair of jeans should be illegal."
"Why Mr. Walker, are you trying to tell me that I have a nice ass?"
"World class, Dr. Taylor."
She laughed and opened the door. "You sure know how to sweet talk a gal."
Russell chuckled and walked to where she waited. "You have no idea."
She smiled up at him. "Maybe not, but I can imagine."
"Is that so?" He held the door for her and then followed her through.
"You have no idea."
He laughed and offered his hand. She took it and together they started the walk to the main house.
*****
Cici and Kal entered the house to find it quiet. "Hey! Where is everyone?" she called out as they proceeded through the house. She opened the door to the small den and immediately stopped. "Oops, sorry!"
Mace and Bailey busily straightened their clothing. "I didn't hear you." Mace stood and finished buttoning his shirt.
"Clearly. And in your daddy's den. Mace Walker, you daredevil."
"Bite me, Little Bit," he replied in a tone that carried no rancor. "We were letting Minnie grab a nap before everyone arrived."
"Clearly."
"You're kinda stuck on that word, aren't you?"
Cici laughed and walked over to hug him. "Clearly."
"Smart ass," he hugged and released her, then offered his hand to Kal. "Hey, Kal. How'd it go today?"
"The whole thing's a bit like a nightmare I can't wake from, but your sister and my attorneys assure me the state's case is weak."
"That sounds encouraging."
"It is, and hi, Bailey," Cici looked around Mace and smiled. "I'm guessing big brother here has been keeping you busy in your downtime, and that reminds me, that stress oil you made up for me is amazing. I had Kal try it, and he said he could tell a difference."
"I can," Kal said. "You should go into business with that formula. You'd make a fortune."
Bailey smiled at them. "I'm just happy it helped."
"She's pretty amazing with creating formulas," Mace said. "We were lucky she agreed to come to work with us."
"That's what Naomie, Nash and even Dad say," Cici commented. "And I'm guessing you're the happiest of all. Didn't I hear you're converting a barn at Heritage South so Bailey can expand her operation?"
"That was the plan until someone set it on fire." He looked at Kal, "and no, I don't blame you. I don't believe you had anything to do with any of it."
"And I'm guessing I have Cici and Naomie to thank for that?"
"Let's just say they're two smart women."
"Amen to that."
"Where is everyone?" Cici asked and she put her arm around Kal's waist.
"Nash went over to his house to check on Rusty, DeLyn is rummaging through the attic for some bouncy seat for Minnie and Dad, and Naomie are on their way. Hey, why don't we go o
nto the patio? Bailey, you want me to get Minnie? We can fix her a place on the patio."
"I'll get her, thanks."
"Let me," Mace moved to where Minnie lay and gently lifted her into his arms.
"You look pretty comfortable doing that," Cici commented.
Mace smiled. "Minnie's teaching me. Come on, let's head out back."
They all headed for the patio and met Nash, who was walking down the stairs. "Hey, good timing," he said. "Rusty's finishing his homework upstairs and Gigi's helping. I was going to start the grill. Mace, what did Dad do with those hickory chips?"
"In the storage closet off the garage, I think."
"Here, I'll take her," Bailey offered, and Mace let her take Minnie.
"Thanks," he kissed Bailey softly then addressed Nash. "I'll go check."
"Okay, thanks."
"Oh, I should go turn on the oven," Bailey said and looked at Cici who sat beside Kal on one of the sofas. "Would you–"
"I will," Kal interrupted.
"Thanks," Bailey put Minnie in his arms and then headed for the kitchen.
"Wow," Kal looked down at the sleeping child in his arms. "So tiny and perfect."
"She is beautiful, isn't she?" Cici asked.
"Yes." He looked at her. "Could we have a couple or ten of these?"
She laughed, as did Nash who stood at the grill. "How about we get through this trial and the wedding before we start talking babies?" Cici replied.
"We could talk."
"You're impossible," she teased.
Just then Naomie and Russell walked out of the house. Cici jumped up and hugged Russell. "Thank you for being there this morning."
"You don't have to thank me."
"Yes, I do."
"We do," Kal added, "and I apologize for not standing, but I'm not very experienced with this."
"That's okay, I'll take her," Naomie said and plucked Minnie from Kal's arms. "Come here, sweet girl."
"She obviously hates children," Kal said as he stood.
"With a passion," Russell agreed and shook Kal's hand. "Please, sit. I wanted to ask you about what we heard today in court and what's next. If that's not an intrusion?"
"Not at all," Kal sat again, and Cici joined him.
Russell took a seat across from them as Naomie stood behind him and gently rocked Minnie in her arms.
"So, what do you want to know?" Cici asked.
"The way I understand it, the judge has decided there's enough evidence that Kal committed the crime to proceed. Correct?"
"Yes."
"What evidence?"
Cici looked at Kal, and he spoke up. "They claim my fingerprints are on the weapon used to kill your father. That, combined with the fact that Mr. Walker shot me, is the sum of their evidence."
"That hardly seems like enough," Naomie commented.
"I didn't think so either, but that was the decision."
"So what happens now?" Russell asked.
"Now, the prosecutor has to file a document called "the information" and then Kal will be arraigned a second time on that information, enter a plea and proceed to trial."
"Okay, then what's your plan?" Russell asked.
Just then Mace walked up the outside steps of the patio, carrying a bag of wood chips. "Hey, Dad. Naomie. Bailey's in the kitchen getting stuff into the oven while Gigi helps Rusty finish up his homework."
"Thanks. Cici and Kal are filling us in," Russell replied.
"I'll go help Bailey," Naomie volunteered and walked around the chair to give Minnie to Russell. "Here ya go. Put those baby pacification skills to work while you talk."
"No need," Bailey walked out of the house. Everything that needs to be, is in the oven. We just have to put the salad together and cook the bread, and it will be a while before we have to do that." She looked in Mace and Nash's direction. "Right?"
"It's at least half an hour before the coals are ready and we have a lot to cook, so yeah about an hour."
"Then we have time." She peeked over Russell's shoulder at Minnie, who was peacefully sleeping in his arm. "You want me to take her, Mr. Walker?"
"No, we're fine, thanks, Bailey. Sit. Cici and Kal are bringing us up to speed."
Bailey took a seat in an empty chair and Naomie perched on the wooden arm of Russell's seat. "Okay," he said to Cici. "So, the prosecution has to tell you just what their evidence is."
"Yes and we're going into that phase now. The prosecution and Kal's defense team exchange information. That's called "discovery," in legal terms."
"So Kal gets to hear what they think they have on him?" Bailey asked.
"It's not quite that simple. Defendants are limited in what information they can see, but their lawyers aren't, because unlike the defendant, they're required by law to protect the identity of witnesses so that the witnesses aren't put in jeopardy."
Russell frowned. "But still the prosecution has to show their hand, correct?"
"Correct."
"And then?"
"Then either side can file pretrial motions, and the judge and attorneys from both sides can talk about how to resolve the case without going to trial."
"Do you think that's possible?"
"We won't know until we find out what they have other than his prints on that gun."
"I see and what are you going to do to try and prove he didn't do it?"
Cici looked at Kal, and then they both looked at Naomie. "Why are you two looking at her?" Russell asked.
"Because they're loathe to answer the question for fear of upsetting you," Naomie answered.
"Why would I be upset?"
"I'm sure you won't. As you know, in any suspected homicide, a thorough autopsy is required. Now, in a situation where someone dies at home, the autopsy is a tool to determine the cause of death, but in a homicide, it is a tool to provide evidence to either help convict or exonerate the defendant."
"I understand that. Again, why would I be upset?"
"Because a lot of photos will be presented during the course of the trial and the medical examiner will give testimony as to the entry and exit wounds, the angle and distance from which the shots were fired. He or she will describe the photographs being shown. The description of the gunshot wounds will start with the entrance, then will trace the internal structures through which the bullet passed and conclude with either the location from which the bullet was recovered or a description and photograph of the exit wound."
"I see, and you think because it's my father's body I would be squeamish."
"I doubt anyone would think that, sir, but it's not an easy thing to sit through, and I think Cici was just trying to keep from causing any discomfort."
"Is that it?" Russell asked Cici.
"Yes. This is Gramps, Dad and we're going to have to sit and see all that and–and I don't know if we're prepared for it."
"Well, I guess we'll have to be, won't we?"
"Yes, we will. Just like we're going to have to hire our own expert to interpret the findings."
"How do we go about finding someone like that?"
"How about you?" Cici looked at Naomie.
Naomie shook her head, and Cici protested. "But didn't you teach for a year overseas on pathology and procedure?"
"Yes, I did."
"So, you're qualified."
"Yes and no. Yes, I have the expertise, but no I can't. I'm too close to this. Robert was my friend. I'd have to recuse myself on that alone, but also I don't practice or have a license in the state of Texas. I do, however, know the perfect person."
"Can you get him?" Kal asked.
"Her and I think so. She's a good friend. I'll give her a call if you like."
"Yes, please."
"Consider it done. In fact, I'll call her today."
"Naomie, thank you." Cici took Kal's hand. They looked at one another and then Kal looked at Russell. "Sir, I understand you have to be careful about making a public statement about my innocence or guilt, and I respect that, but I want you to kno
w, God as my witness, that I didn't shoot your father or commit any acts of vandalism or arson against Heritage.
"Right now, I'm inching closer to financial ruin than I ever imagined possible and I hope like hell I can reverse the damage being done to my reputation with this false charge. I also hope that when I'm exonerated, you'll do me the honor of giving your permission for me to marry your daughter."
Russell looked from Kal to Cici and then at Naomie. He then looked at the sleeping baby in his arms. "Not so long ago, someone said to me that it's a miracle to find love at all in this fucked up, crazy world."
He looked at Cici and Kal and nodded. "That's true, and if you've found it together, then you have my blessing, but know this. If you hurt her, I'll rain hell on you like you can't imagine."
"I'd expect nothing less, sir. Thank you."
"Don't thank me, yet. You might find out she's a whole lot more of a handful than you imagine."
"I wouldn't argue with that," Kal agreed and looked at Cici. "Or have it any other way."
"Well, I'd say this calls for a toast," Naomie said. "But since we don't have anything to toast with, I think I'm going to go see if I can get up with my friend. Will you excuse me?"
"Sure," Cici agreed.
Naomie got up and walked into the house, and Russell watched her go.
"She's really something," Cici commented.
"Indeed, she is, and whoa, hey now, someone just sprung a leak." He lifted Minnie away from his body, revealing a big wet patch on his shirt.
"Oh shoot, I'm sorry," Bailey hurried to take the baby.
"Why? You didn't pee on me. And it's okay. It's not the first time a baby's wet me and if I'm lucky it won't be the last. Excuse me while I go get a dry shirt."
Cici waited until her father had entered the house before speaking then directed her comment at her brothers. "What the hell did I miss? Was that our dad?"
Mace chuckled, and Nash just grinned and shook his head. "That's a little something we like to call the Naomie Effect," Mace replied.
"Well, damn. Thank you, Naomie."
To which Mace added. "Amen to that."
Chapter Six
Cici's mind started compiling a list of things to do before her eyes were fully open. She turned her head to find Kal already awake and watching her. "Good morning," she snuggled closer and kissed him. "How long have you been awake?"
