Life Sentence

by Carolyn Arnold

  Martin shot up. “Objection, Your Honor! Relevance.”

  “Objection overruled. I’ll allow the question.” The judge’s eyes fixed on Robins.

  Seconds of silence passed.

  “Answer the defense’s question, Ms. Robins,” the judge said.

  “I know him.” She twisted a ring on her finger, and her eyes darted to the floor.

  “From my knowledge, you knew Mr. Petrov on a carnal basis, is this true?” Bryan asked.

  “Uh, huh.” She sighed.

  “Please answer the question louder.” After she had confirmed it for all in the room to hear, Bryan continued. “So you were lovers, but Mr. Petrov left you for another woman. That must have hurt you, made you jealous, made you seek out revenge, so you exaggerate circumstances to fit your own—” His voice rose in volume.

  “Objection!”

  “Objection sustained. Continue with another line of questioning.”

  Bryan acknowledged the judge and addressed Robins, “So when Mr. Petrov left the apartment did you leave the hallway?”

  “Yes.”

  “When he was in the apartment did you hear the gunshots?” Bryan pressed her.

  “No, there was loud metal music.”

  “Then how can you conclude that Leroy was killed in the time period Mr. Petrov was in there? Maybe Leroy was already dead in the apartment?”

  “It was obvious Dimitre went in there for a reason.” Robins was getting annoyed that she was being put on the spot.

  “Speculation, Ms. Robins. Were you in the apartment?”

  “No.”

  “Then you cannot say with absolute certainty Mr. Petrov fired the deadly shots. You did not see him pull the trigger.” Bryan paused momentarily to let that fact seep into the minds of the jury. He repeated his earlier question. “You also said you left the hallway after Dimitre left, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then it’s possible that after you left another person came out of the apartment? Perhaps the woman whose DNA was found, possibly the real killer?” Bryan stared her down until she answered.

  “I guess, but—”

  “That’s all, Your Honor.” He didn’t need to hear her response. It was rhetorical, and everyone in the room could deduce the answer.

  Martin stood. “I would like to redirect, Your Honor.”

  Judge Flannigan gestured toward the floor. “Proceed.”

  Bryan admired Martin’s determination, but she would likely prove more detrimental, than helpful, to the prosecution.

  Martin gathered his thoughts in front of the witness box and a few seconds later asked, “Ms. Robins, how long were you involved with the defendant?”

  “Two years.”

  “For two years,” Martin repeated her words and turned to assess the jury. “In two years then, it’s safe to say you were close to Mr. Petrov?” Martin tapped his pen in the palm of a hand, almost keeping clockwork with its rhythm.

  “I knew him very well. We had even discussed children. I mean, I—”

  This wasn’t heading in a good direction.

  “Objection, Your Honor.” Bryan’s words came out as a roar in the otherwise quiet room.

  “Overruled. Continue, Mr. Andrews.”

  “So it’s safe to say you knew Mr. Petrov very well?”

  “Yes.”

  Martin paced the floor. “Having known him that well, you would recognize when he was angry, had determination, was planning to do something—”

  “Objection.” Bryan rose. “Calls for the witness to be a mind reader.”

  “Sustained. Unless the prosecution can proceed with another direction, I suggest you take a seat.”

  Martin nodded. “One more question, Ms. Robins. Do you know of any reason Mr. Petrov would have for murdering Leroy Adams?”

  “Leroy always owed him money.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Robins.” Martin addressed the judge, “That will be all.”

  Bryan watched Martin take his seat, but the man refused to return the eye contact.

  “Does the prosecution have any further witnesses to call?”

  “No, Your Honor, the prosecution rests.”

  “Does the Defense have any witnesses they would like to call?”

  “No, Your Honor. However, Defense requests to have all charges against my client dropped. These charges have been filed with prejudice and are based upon speculation and circumstantial evidence.”

  “Ludicrous, Your Honor. Forensics can put the murder weapon in Dimitre Petrov’s hand,” Martin said.

  “Motion to dismiss—denied.” The judge briefly glanced at Bryan. “This court is now in recess until nine tomorrow morning when we will hear closing arguments.” He banged his gavel and left the room.

  As everyone stood up to leave, Dimitre patted Bryan’s back. “Well done.”

  Bryan hesitated to celebrate victory. Closing arguments tomorrow would be a real clincher. The true strength of his defense would have to be summarized and powerfully played. He needed to sway the jury to reasonable doubt, and he hoped to play out this role successfully. Dimitre’s innocence weighed in the balance of fifty-fifty, and Bryan needed to tip the scale in his favor.

  Bryan smiled. “That’s my job.” He shook Dimitre’s hand. “Tomorrow morning at nine then.”

  Bryan wanted out of the courtroom. He needed fresh air. His necktie was suffocating him. He had made it to the door before Martin caught up with him.

  “Bryan, quite the defense. It must take a lot out of you knowing your client is guilty, leaving you only one card to play.”

  Bryan would never expect a man like Martin to understand him.

  “Innocent until proven guilty isn’t that the American way, Martin?” Bryan picked up his pace, not caring about a response. He needed a stiff drink—at minimum a couple shots of whiskey.

  Bryan came out the front door of the courthouse and had to work his way through a crowd of reporters. He hurried down the stairs for the freedom of the street. His cell phone rang, and he hoped it was Jessica. He needed some time with her. It had been less than twenty-four hours, but he craved her mouth, her hands, and her warmth. He answered without looking at his caller’s identity.

  “Hello.” He heard a woman’s voice, but it was low. “I can’t hear you. Speak up.”

  “Bryan? Bryan Lexan?” Her words were anxious and out of breath.

  “Yes. Who is this?”

  “I’m Maxine.” The hushed, hurried tone of her voice caused Bryan to picture her glancing over her shoulders, making sure no one was within earshot. “I’m Dimitre’s girlfriend. I need to meet with you.”

  Bryan’s instinct told him this wasn’t a good idea. Anything she would have to say, he could live better without knowing. “I don’t think that would be wise.” He pulled his phone away from his ear ready to close it and hang up on her.

  “Please. At the bar Sneaky Pete’s, corner of Eighth and Springdale, tonight at nine o’clock.”

  Her entreaty had become stale in the air before Bryan answered her. She sounded so desperate. Maybe he would meet with her. At least, he could sip a good drink while listening to her. Possibly what she had to say would help his confidence for tomorrow’s closing argument. His gut told him otherwise, but he ignored it.

  “Okay,” he said.

  “I’ll be in the back corner booth.” She hung up.

  Shaking his head, he went to put his cell phone back on his belt clip, but it rang on the way down. The thought of it possibly being Maxine again angered him. He answered. “If this is you again, forget it.”

  “Bryan, are you okay?”

  He was relieved to hear Jessica’s voice. It was calming to his soul. “Well, it’s so nice to hear from you, stranger.”

  She laughed, igniting his curiosity.

  “What�
��s going on over there?” He asked.

  “The meeting with the new account went great this morning. We’re going out to celebrate, even though that could mean bad luck.”

  Bryan heard Nella prompting her to hurry and wrap up the call.

  “I’m treating Nella and Dominic to a night out and was hoping you could come.”

  “I’d love to.” Bryan’s smile quickly faded with the memory of his prior plans. “But I can’t tonight.”

  “Okay, another time.”

  He picked up on the disappointment in her voice.

  “I promise I’ll make it up to you, but I have to be in court first thing tomorrow and give my closing statement. I have work to take care of tonight.” Those words held enough truth he could justify saying them. “What about Friday night, just you, me, and take out?”

  “Sure, or I could cook.”

  Her disapproval was evident, but it was out of his control.

  “I love you, and I miss you.”

  “I love you too,” Bryan said, convincingly to soothe her, but his thoughts were otherwise occupied. They had traced back to Maxine. She had ignited his curiosity. He wondered what she had to tell him that was so important.

  -

  Chapter 4

  NELLA AND DOMINIC APPEARED TO be enjoying themselves, but Jessica’s mind kept straying from the conversation. The prospect of landing the Knockturnl account thrilled her despite the number of hours it would involve. She realized there would be many revisions to make and more presentations to give. While she thrived on the challenges it would bring her and her team, it was still overwhelming.

  Her personal life begged for time with Bryan. They had just seen each other on the weekend, but in the previous two weeks had hardly spoken. Between her workload and his, she stung with jealousy for what occupied his time. When she did find occasion to call him, he was always rushed and distracted. Even tonight when she had asked him to come along, he said he had things to take care of, but there was no point in continuing to dwell on that. Tonight was about relaxing and helping Nella and Dominic to do the same. She had to pull herself from self-pity and have a good time.

  They were at a bar on the main strip close to the office. They had a Monday wings special so it was especially crowded. Business people, needing a break, still dressed in their suits with loosened or removed ties, were drawn in for a drink. The place had such a laid-back atmosphere that it provided a great place to unwind while sipping on a good drink.

  There were large televisions mounted on the walls around the wooden bar, which stood in the middle of the room. To the front of the place were high tables with tall-backed stools, and to the right a huge dance floor. A seating area to the left offered more tables and a larger dinner menu. The music was always good and catered to a variety of tastes—hip-hop, dance, heavy rock, and occasionally country. Tonight the loud and energetic beat should have put her in a better mood.

  “And poor Jess. You’ll have to hear from Mason on a regular basis if we get the account.”

  Nella poked her in the arm lightheartedly while lifting her martini glass with her other hand. She swigged back a big mouthful. “I know you’ll hate that.” She licked her top lip and smiled.

  “Come on, Nella, I have a man, thank you.” Jessica twisted her fingers around the base of her glass.

  Ever since she lost her parents at fourteen and Bryan had been there for her, she knew he was the one she’d end up with. Even after his father moved him away, there was a part of her that knew they’d end up back together.

  “I know, but Mason is so handsome and you’re not married, or even engaged, so you’re free and clear.” Nella downed the rest of her drink.

  “Nella, leave the woman alone. She knows she’s always got me here when the relationship goes south.” Dominic winked at Jessica.

  “Stop it!” She pursed her lips. “Both of you need to.” She broke out in laughter, giving little significance to what Dominic had offered. “But I concede. He’s not hard to look at.” Her eyes slit seductively, and her face flushed.

  “Why, thank you.” Dominic took a bow.

  “Not you. Mason.” Nella scrunched up her face and cocked her head.

  The truth was Jessica looked forward to seeing Mason again. The thought made her feel weak and lightheaded like a teenage girl with a crush, but the height of emotion delivered a twinge of guilt. For a woman who had anticipated a marriage proposal about twenty-eight hours ago, to be sitting here and even thinking of another man, what did that say about her as a person?

  Yet she could justify it and shift the blame to Bryan. He had been preoccupied with work lately. Maybe there was another woman? He was a handsome man, successful in his career, well respected in the community, and not to mention extremely wealthy. But the thought of him having an affair contradicted what she believed to be true of him. He had a giving, yet loyal spirit. He was there for her when everyone else shied away.

  “Okay, what’s your issue tonight?” Nella crossed her arms on the table.

  “Ah, nothing.” She didn’t feel like sharing her feelings—not like this and not in front of Dominic.

  “Hey, Dominic, check her out.” Nella pointed at a woman sitting at the bar. “Long legs, short skirt, tight top.”

  “Sweetness. Baby, your papa’s in town.” Taking his drink, Dominic slid off his chair faster than it took the full sentence to sink into Jessica’s mind.

  “There, now, he’s gone. Are you missing your man?”

  It was crazy how females could read each other’s minds.

  “He said he was working again tonight.” She took a sip of her drink. “Maybe I’m being too possessive of him. We just saw each other on the weekend, but I just don’t feel like he’s always there for me. I don’t know how else to word it.” Her past experience with him warred with her present feelings.

  “I’m sure it’s nothing. He’s involved in a high-profile case, and he probably has to focus a lot on that. He might feel the same way about you. You’ve been busy lately, too. You’ve been putting in a lot of overtime hours preparing for Knockturnl.”

  “True. You might be right.”

  Jessica glanced across the room to watch Dominic use his finesse to score a seat next to the woman who was laughing at his pick-up line. Good sign. She smiled for him. He never did have difficulty picking up a woman. Hard to say whether it was the dimples or his Italian charm.

  “Of course I’m right. He loves you, Jess. You’ve got a good one.” Nella’s eyes had cast down for a split second before she smiled. “At least one of us does. Bob and I decided to end things a few hours ago, over the phone. But before you get into the ‘I’m sorry’ spiel, know it was my idea.”

  Jessica took a sip of her raspberry martini. “What happened?”

  “I need to get out more, not be so tied down. I’m young.” She laughed. “In fact, I think I’ll take my chances on the stud over there.”

  Her eyes asked for approval to leave the table.

  Jessica smiled and gestured with her hand. “Good luck.”

  BRYAN TOOK HIS TIME DROPPING off paperwork at the office before making his way over to the bar, Sneaky Pete’s. At least, they offered top shelf whiskey. He parked his car in a nearby underground lot. Taking off his tie, and tossing it onto the passenger seat, he got out and made his way across the street.

  His stomach told him meeting up with Dimitre’s girlfriend wasn’t advisable. The only thing helping to calm him was knowing that he wouldn’t frequent a place like this. It ran through the back of his mind whether this might be a test of loyalty. Would his lawyer prove trustworthy enough to get the job finished? If his lawyer couldn’t be trusted with his woman, how could he trust him with his life? Maybe he sent her to weave a tale to see where his allegiance laid. But if it were a test, Bryan figured Dimitre would have executed it a lot sooner.

  Ins
ide, Bryan scanned the room. Most of the seats were taken and people packed the dance floor. The two bouncers at the door eyed him and gave him a curt nod of acceptance.

  He saw the woman sitting at the back booth located near the washrooms. She was beautiful from a distance, and up close his first impression was confirmed, she was.

  She gestured for him to sit across from her. She nursed a drink, and Bryan guessed it wasn’t the first one. Her eyes were glazed over. She stroked the glass with her right hand. Her fingernails were French-tipped and professionally manicured. Her black hair reached well past her shoulders and was sleeked straight. It was shiny and healthy looking. Dimitre obviously took care of her. With a toss of her head, some hair that had been resting on her left shoulder fell behind.

  “Thank you for coming.” She took a small sip of her drink, her eyes avoiding full contact with his.

  Bryan took his seat across from her.

  “What can I get you?” A young waitress asked.

  Breaking his focus from Maxine, he turned to the server. “A Manhattan, and make it a double.” A low growl in his stomach reminded him that he hadn’t eaten much today. “And an order of twenty wings, extra spicy.”

  His attention went back to Maxine whose eyes were fixed on him. He waited a few seconds. “Okay, I’m here. What is it you need to get off your chest?” He stretched out his neck side to side trying to relieve some of the tension building there.

  “Again, I thank you, Mr. Lexan—”

  “Enough with the pleasantries, what do you need to tell me?”

  “Yes, sorry.” She took a swig of her drink. “I need to tell you what really happened that night, that night in Leroy’s apartment.” Her hands shook, huddled around her glass. Her eyes shifted around the room. “I had to sneak out to see you tonight. I was fortunate that Dimitre had other plans.”

  “Listen, Maxine, is it?”

  She nodded her head.

  “What do you have to tell me? Go ahead. I will consider it attorney/client privilege.”

  Her shoulders lowered, and her relief over him saying that made Bryan more apprehensive.