by Karen Ward
Skye is here! As he approaches Barry stands and shakes his hand and Skye throws her arms around his neck and he hugs her tight. Tears are streaming down her face so he smiles and says, "It's going to be all right. I'm glad you're here."
Sitting next to Skye is Goose, Stump and Pinky and he shakes their hands. Jacob tugs on his arm and they move on to the defense table. Jacob leans in and says, "Remember, don't express any emotion. Once the jury is selected it will be extremely important not to express emotion. They will watch everything you do and it can cause them to form an opinion. You want their opinion to be based solely on the evidence not the fact that you smiled at a pretty woman." Dylan nods in understanding.
When the judge declares court adjourned for the day seven jurors have been selected, three men and four women. Jacob is pleased so far with the jurors.
From court they drive to the hotel and enter Jacob's suite where Barry and I are waiting with the other guys. When Dylan enters the room I fly into his arms and he wraps them tightly around me breathing in my scent and absorbing my warmth. Turning my face up to his he gently brushes his lips against mine and whispers, "Later."
Smiling I ask, "Promise?"
"I promise."
Pulling me to his side he greets the other people in the room. A short time later, Dylan is surprised when Evelyn enters the suite. Smiling he rises and introduces her to the group. When he gets to me he says, "Evelyn, this is Skye. Skye, this is my sister Evelyn."
Smiling warmly Evelyn says, "It is so nice to finally meet you. Dylan has told me so much about you. I can't wait to tell you how he used to torture me as a kid."
Laughing, I say, "I am all ears. I'll bet he was a real stinker."
When Evelyn walked in the room, Goose glanced at her then froze, his breath trapped in his lungs. He has never been affected by any woman as he is by Scoot's sister. His mouth is dry, he is tongue tied and can't think of a single thing to say plus he knows he blushed from head to toe when he shook her hand. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen with her long chocolate brown hair and dark green eyes.
Evelyn notices Goose too. He is so tall and handsome with light brown hair and eyes that match. He has to be at least six foot five and she feels petite next to him even though she is considered tall by most standards. When he took her hand in his she felt the tingle all the way to her toes. Wow!
The group enjoys a scrumptious dinner catered by the steakhouse downstairs. While they are eating Jacob updates everyone on how he thinks the trial is going. Just as everyone is finishing their meal, Tom Christensen enters the suite.
Grinning from ear to ear he announces, "I have fantastic news. We identified the man getting in the car. When we enhanced the video we found one shot where he was looking directly at the camera. It is Richard Thomas."
Dylan's heart leaps for joy and he squeezes my hand. Everyone gathers around the television in the suite.
Tom sticks a CD into the video player then hits play, "Watch."
Everyone has their eyes glued to the screen. When the man enters the picture you can see him headed toward the car. When he opens the door to get in he looks directly at the camera and his face is clearly visible. It is Richard Thomas.
When Thomas' picture comes on the screen, I tense and gasp audibly. Dylan, sitting next to me looks over at me and my face is white as a sheet. He says, "Skye, what's wrong?"
"Oh my God! That is one of the guys that raped me!" I exclaim.
Barry, sitting on my other side says, "Skye, are you sure?"
"I'm positive. I will never forget that face! I didn't know his name but he is the one that convinced me to go with them. He is the one that gave me the drink with the drugs in it!"
Jacob says, "You'll have to file charges in the county in which the offense was committed. Where was it Skye?"
"It was in Los Angeles. Some friends and I went to a hard rock concert. We got separated and that guy convinced me he would help me find them. He took me to a van and gave me a cola to drink. After that a lot of it is hazy. I was raped over and over. I think there were six of them but I'm not positive that was all of them. He is the only one I saw before I was drugged."
Dylan is furious. It's a good thing Thomas is in jail or he wouldn't be able to control his urge to tear him limb from limb. Taking slow deep breaths he tries to bring his emotions back under control. At least the counseling has helped her to be able to talk about it now. He is glad to finally know what has made her so afraid and he hopes that maybe now she can heal.
I look at Barry and say, "I want to talk to him, face to face."
Dylan says, "I'll take you."
Jacob interrupts, "No, you can't Dylan. I know you're angry right now, but Thomas is still a witness against you in a murder trial. You can't be anywhere near him."
Goose says, "I'll take you Skye. You trust me don't you?"
Looking at Goose, I say, "Yes, Goose, I do trust you. Thank you."
"When would be the best time Jacob? We don't want to interfere in the trial," asks Goose.
"I don't see any reason you can't go tomorrow after court. He is not scheduled to testify until Wednesday. With the new video evidence it may not even come to that, we'll see how the prosecutor reacts to it tomorrow," answers Jacob.
After the guys depart for their own rooms, Dylan asks Evelyn to wait for a few minutes and he and I step into the bedroom for some privacy.
He pulls me into his arms. Gazing into my eyes, he says, "Oh Skye, I have missed you so much." Lowering his head he tenderly brushes his lips against mine. Pulling on his neck I open my mouth and he plunges into my warmth tasting my sweetness, tongues tangling in the dance as old as time. When Dylan moves his lips to my cheek and then down the graceful curve of my neck he says, "Oh Skye, you move me as no other. I hope this is over soon."
Breathing raggedly I say, "I miss you too Dylan."
Pulling away, he says, "I better go. Tomorrow is going to be a long day. Sleep well." Giving me one last brief kiss, we re-enter the suite and he and Evelyn head for home.
******
When Jacob and Dylan walk into court the next morning, the prosecutor immediately approaches them. "I got the video your PI turned up. It certainly proves the man getting into Ms. Drake's car was Thomas. I am going to drop the charges against Mr. Drake." Dylan's heart leaps for joy.
Smiling Jacob says, "I really appreciate that. When?"
The prosecutor responds, "As soon as the judge gets here. We should be able to take care of it in his chambers if that's all right with you."
Jacob answers, "No, I prefer a formal motion for dismissal after court is in session. I'm sure you've noticed the media that is covering this trial because of a few of Mr. Drake's friends. I also would greatly appreciate it if you would make a statement to them indicating the reason you are dismissing the charges."
Blushing, the prosecutor says, "Certainly. I am honored to have Barry Farrady in my town. I certainly don't want anything to reflect negatively on Amarillo."
"Oh, one more thing I think I should let you know. One of Mr. Drake's friends, Skye Reynolds, identified Richard Thomas as one of a group of guys that raped her ten years ago in LA. She is going to file charges against him but she wants to confront him here. Do you have any objections?"
"Gang rape? Mr. Thomas sure has had a colorful life. When he gets through with the justice system he'll be lucky to ever see the light of day again, especially if the media covers that trial."
"The media will be present. Ms. Reynolds is the daughter of Benjamin Reynolds, Academy Award winning movie director that committed suicide a few years ago. The Paparazzi follow her everywhere," assures Jacob.
Once the judge arrives at the courthouse everything moves swiftly. As soon as the judge calls the court to order, the prosecutor openly makes a motion for dismissal based on the new evidence. When Jacob agrees, the judge orders Dylan released from custody immediately. Relief flows over Dylan as he listens to the judge's order. The bailiff removes the ankle bracelet and cou
rt is dismissed.
Dylan shakes hands with Jacob thanking him for his representation and immediately turns to me and pulls me into his arms for a warm kiss. He then shakes hands with all of the Drake Security team and Tom Christenson. When they exit the courthouse, the prosecutor is answering the reporter's questions on the steps. When they see Dylan and Barry Farrady, attention is diverted to them and the prosecutor makes a quick escape. After answering a few questions, the guys all surround Jacob, Dylan, Barry, and me and escort us to the waiting cars and away from the horde of reporters.
From the courthouse the group makes their way to a local restaurant for lunch and Goose and I head for the jail. When we enter the visitor's area we have to sign a register. After I sign my name I glance over Goose's shoulder and watches him sign his name,
"Reginald Willingham?"
Blushing Goose says, "Yeah, now you know why I prefer Goose."
Teasing I reply, "I don't know. I think Reggie is kind of cute."
Blushing even more Goose says, "Oh hush, and don't you dare tell Scoot."
While waiting for the jailer to bring Thomas into the room, I have an attack of nerves. Looking at Goose I say, "I'm not sure I can do this."
Squeezing my shoulder he says, "Sure you can. You're one of the bravest women I have ever known. If you can skin and gut a mountain lion, you can surely skin and gut a snake."
I turn back toward the door as Richard Thomas enters the room. Looking into his beady eyes, I ask,
"Mr. Thomas, do you remember me?"
Shaking his head he says, "No, I don't remember you. Why would I?"
"On June 30, 1999 you attended a hard rock concert in LA. You and five of your friends drugged and raped me in the back of a red van. I am here to let you know that I remember you and I am going to file charges against you."
As she is talking Goose watches Thomas' face and takes pleasure in seeing the color drain away. Thomas says, "That's ridiculous. That was ten years ago and there is no way you can remember who did what you said."
Smiling I reply, "Oh yes, there is something you don't know about me. I have a photographic memory and your face is very vivid in my mind. It was you and I will testify against you in court, that is, if you ever get to court after you stand trial for the embezzlement charges here and for the murder of Elena Drake."
Goose was surprised to see him turn even whiter. Evidently he hadn't heard about the new evidence in the Drake murder trial.
"That's all I wanted to say, have a good day Mr. Thomas." I stand up and walk out of the visitation room as regally as any queen. Goose was properly impressed and Thomas was left with his mouth hanging open and beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
CHAPTER 8
After my visit with Thomas, Goose and I head to a local Tex-Mex Restaurant where Barry has reserved a banquet room and the rest of the group is waiting. After a delicious lunch Barry asks Evelyn why she doesn't quit her job and move to Wyoming. He tells her Eric would love having the company and now that Damian will be coming to Wyoming to live with Dylan it will be the perfect place for her children to grow up. Jacob's daughter Dani needs a girl close to her own age to grow up with too.
Dylan implores her, "Please say yes, Evelyn. I don't want to lose you again. You are all the family I have left."
She says, "Well, let me discuss it with the kids. It's their life too. Can I let you know something in a few days?"
Barry says, "Of course, I can send the jet back for you any time. I'm sure it might take a little while to get your things packed anyway. Don't worry about furniture. Just bring your personal things, clothes and toys. I'll take care of everything else."
Goose says, "I'll be happy to stay and help you get things together."
Smiling Dylan says, "That would be great Goose. Make sure she comes, all right?"
"I'll do what I can to convince her," says Goose smiling. His heart is pounding with excitement. He can't wait to get to know Evelyn on a personal level.
******
The rest of the group heads to the airport. Stump, Pinky, Barry, Jacob and I are flying back in Barry's private jet. Dylan will fly back in the helicopter tomorrow. He is scheduled to pick up Damian at Child Protective Services at five o'clock this afternoon.
After Barry purchased the ranch next door to Jacob and Jason Murray's ranch, they built a state of the art airstrip for use by both ranches. It is lighted and the runway is heated for use during the winter months. Jason Murray flew back to Wyoming several days ago on the Murray's jet.
While they are waiting for the jet to be readied for the flight, I tell the guys about my visit with Richard Thomas. "He tried to tell me he didn't recognize me but he remembered the incident. He turned as white as a sheet when I told him the date and what they did. He tried to tell me I couldn't remember his face after ten years but when I told him I have a photographic memory he turned even whiter. It was a very empowering experience."
Barry says, "Skye, I am so proud of you. You have really come a long way since I pulled you out from behind that dumpster."
Frowning Dylan says, "I haven't heard that part. What happened?"
Barry says, "When Skye didn't come home and her friends said she had gotten separated from them, Skye's father, Ben, asked me to go and look for her. I was still a relative unknown in LA so I went down to where the concert had been and started looking. I talked to a lot of people but no one had seen her so I started searching the area. I found her unconscious behind a dumpster. I thought at first she was dead. Not only did they rape her, they had beaten her and left her to die behind the dumpster. I carried her home and her father brought in the best medical team he could find to take care of her. Her room looked like an ICU room for weeks. It was touch and go for a long time but eventually she pulled through, at least physically. I worried then that she would never fully recover emotionally. But now, I think she is well on her way to a full recovery."
Tears in his eyes, he turns to me and raises our clasped hands to his mouth kissing my palm. "You are one tough lady. I am proud of you too."
Barry and Jacob exchange knowing looks. They have both been exactly where Dylan is and know where he is headed even if he doesn't know yet.
Dylan watches as the jet takes off headed back for Wyoming. It is time for him to go and collect his son. He can't believe after all these years he is actually going to have Damian with him every day. He is so happy. He knows they will have a period of adjustment but he is confident they will make it through. He is grateful for the short visits he had with Damian thanks to his friend Bobby Feldman. At least they won't be total strangers.
When he pulls into the Child Protective Services office he feels like butterflies have taken up permanent residence in his stomach. When he walks in the door, Damian pulls away from the social worker and bolts toward him. He pulls him into his arms and swings him around. Holding him tightly he looks at the social worker and sees her smile.
She says, "Mr. Drake, I am very happy to see that Damian is comfortable with you. We had been led to believe you hadn't seen him for some time."
Blushing, Dylan says, "Well, Damian and I met on several occasions at the mall and played video games. His mother wouldn't allow formal visits so we met whenever we could."
She says, "To be honest I am very relieved to know that. I was worried that you were going to be strangers to each other. I can now comfortably allow you to take Damian back to your home in Wyoming. I will be sending my files to the agency in Cody. I'm sure you will be contacted by them in the near future. We packed all of his things at their home. I'll have our clerk help you load them into your car. Here is my card if you should need to contact me. Good luck."
Dylan plans to spend the night at a hotel in Amarillo and fly back to Wyoming in the morning giving he and Damian some alone time to get to know each other better. After checking into the hotel, they head down to the restaurant for an early dinner. Sitting at the table he asks,
"Damian, how have you been? Have they been t
reating you all right?"
Damian says, "They were nice enough to me. Why did they tell me you weren't going to come get me? After they told me Mom had died they said you wouldn't be coming to get me and that I was going to have to stay in Foster Care. I didn't understand why you wouldn't come." He looks at Dylan with hurt showing in his eyes.
Dylan says, "They didn't tell you they had arrested me for your Mom's death?"
Damian says, "What? They thought you killed Mom? Why didn't they ask me? Richard killed her. I could have told them that."
Dylan asks, "How do you know that?"
Damian answers, "Easy. Mom was taking money from him and it made him really mad. I heard him say he was going to kill her. I didn't like him at all. He was mean."
Dylan asks, "When did you hear him say that?"
Damian answers, "I heard him talking on his cell phone at the mall on Saturday. He said he had it all worked out that he was going to kill her and blame you."
"Did you tell anybody what you heard?" asks Dylan.
"I told the guy that came to tell me Mom was dead. I think he said he was a pro see cuter," answers Damian.
"Well, that explains why they wouldn't let Jacob talk to you," replies Dylan.
"So, did they finally figure out that Richard did it? Is that why they let you come and get me?" asks Damian.
"Yeah, they figured it out. I'm sorry Sport that I couldn't come sooner. I wanted to be there for you when they told you about your Mom," says Dylan.
"So, tell me about the ranch where we are going to live. Are there horses and cows and stuff? Are there other kids for me to play with? Will I be able to play baseball? How long will we have to drive to get to the ranch?"
"Whoa, slow down. The ranch is in Wyoming and yes we have both horses and cows. A boy named Eric who is a couple of years older than you lives on the ranch with us and a girl the same age as Eric named Dani lives on the ranch next door. Your Aunt Evelyn and Janie and Jeff are going to come live with us on the ranch too in the near future. You can play baseball and ride horses any time you want to. We are going to fly to Wyoming in my helicopter tomorrow."
