Carmen smirked, but did not interrupt. She knew that the DA would be pulling out all stops in trying this case. This was Carmen’s first big case and the DA was trying to make it seem like Carmen had defended John Gotti or something. Nancy Schwartz was declaring war on Kasheef and she wanted to first, draw blood. She wanted to be inside of the heads of the jurors, but she would have to do much better if she wanted to intimidate Carmen. Carmen tapped her pen against the desk and listened on.
“Don’t let her turn this trial into another one of her magic shows. Over the next couple weeks, the state will present you with the facts. We will give you an eye witness account of what occurred on the night of March 21, 2008. A courageous young woman, who can identify the killer of Ahmad Simmons, has agreed to share with you her account of what happened that night. There can only be one person to blame and the state will prove that person to be Kasheef Williams. Mr. Williams is the one responsible for the murder. It is his fault that a little girl will grow up without a father. It is his fault that a mother had to bury her son. It was at his hands that this tragic murder took place and now it is in your hands to bring him to justice. It is your responsibility to right this wrong.” District Attorney Schwartz gave Kasheef a smug look before she took her seat. Kasheef shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
He leaned over to Carmen, “Who the fuck is she looking at like that?”
Carmen grabbed his arm and squeezed it gently. “Don’t worry about it. I got this.”
Kasheef turned around and scanned the crowd. Norelle sat directly behind him as if it were her place to be by his side. He gazed past her when he noticed Alija sitting in the last row of the room. He winked his eye and saw her smile, then turned back around.
It was Carmen’s turn to deliver her opening statement and she was a woman determined as she approached the jury looking fly as ever. Her long, tailored, tan Dolce pencil skirt, a high rise design, stopped right below her bust line. She wore a silk tan blouse with a ruffled neckline and a sleeveless tan vest to accent her outfit. Her Giuseppe stiletto pumps click clacked against the floor as she walked.
“Hello ladies and gentleman of the jury, how are you all doing today?” she asked with a genuine smile. She decided to take the laid back approach with her jury of mostly women. She quickly scanned the faces of the jury. Two white women, five black women, one Hispanic woman, three white men, and one black man could either make or break her entire career. All that she had worked hard for was riding on this.
“I am here to set the record straight. Mr. Kasheef Williams is not a criminal, nor is he a threat to our society. In fact, the DA is right. He has contributed thousands of dollars to local charities and even political figures. In fact, I believe Mr. Williams contributed $50,000 to Judge Martin’s campaign when he was up for judicial election.” Carmen turned toward the judge who turned beet red at the public revelation. Several members of the jury chuckled and Carmen continued. “He’s never been in trouble a day of his life. It seems to me like he would work his way up to something as big as murder!” she said incredulously. “You know? Give himself a little bit of practice. Maybe commit a couple robberies, get himself an aggravated assault charge ... something. Murderers are not made overnight,” she argued. “Kasheef Williams is a law abiding citizen who does not have the stealth or the malice in him to commit a crime of this magnitude. He’s had no practice. No priors whatsoever. He is simply the wrong man and while the state is here wasting your tax dollars the real killer is roaming free around our city streets. The district attorney can call me a magician and try to put all of these biases into your heads to help her case, but the truth is I represent the underdogs. I speak for those who can not speak up for themselves, the men and women who would otherwise be trampled on and punished for crimes that they were not responsible for. All I’m asking you is to keep an open mind while you are hearing this case. Don’t let the state make your decision for you. This is someone’s future you are playing with. Be 100 percent sure that the man before you is your murderer. If you feel like he’s the perpetrator of this crime then by all means, convict him. If you have even the slightest sliver of doubt that leads you to believe that something just doesn’t quite add up then you are obligated by law to let my client go. None of my so-called magic is needed here. The only thing I need from you ladies and gentleman is an open mind. An open mind is all you need to render a fair and just verdict. I can assure you that Mr. Williams is innocent. Now I just have to get you all to see the innocence in this man that I see.”
The first day of the trial went by quickly. Both sides went through the coroner’s report of the body. The short man that sat on the stand gave a very detailed account of the decomposition of Ahmad’s body once it was recovered from the river. The prosecution used gory details to horrify the jurors and played the sympathy card by reminding them of the family that Ahmad had left behind. Carmen could tell that Kasheef was concerned about the affect that the coroner was having on the jury because his body was tense and his usually calm demeanor was now anxious as he tapped his foot against the floor.
When it was time for cross examination Carmen arose from her seat and walked over to the coroner. “Was there any evidence left on the body that would indicate that Ahmad Simmons contributed to his own death?” Carmen asked.
“Well there was a small trace of gun powder on the deceased’s hands,” the coroner replied.
“So the victim was not as heroic and innocent as the prosecution is making him out to be. There are no gun permits registered in Ahmad Simmons’ name. So it may be safe to say that the shooter, whoever he may be, could have been protecting him or herself from the deceased,” Carmen said.
“That is very possible,” the coroner replied.
“No further questions your Honor,” Carmen said and then returned to the defense table.
Both sides went back and forth for a few hours before court ended for the day. Kasheef exhausted and more worried then ever, retired to his hotel room for the remainder of the day. He lay in bed with his hands behind his head. He thought of his trial as he felt the stress build in his shoulders. He couldn’t ask for a better lawyer. Carmen was great and was doing a damned good job, but there was only so much that she could do. The prosecution had it out for him. They portrayed him to be this horrible monster and he could see their words taking its toll on the jury already. They wanted a bad guy and Kasheef was it. A small knock at the door interrupted his thoughts and he walked somberly over to it. When he opened it up, Alija stood before him in a black BCBG jogging suit that hugged every curve on her voluptuous body.
“Hi,” she said in a low voice. “I just came to check on you. I could tell by the look on your face that you weren’t happy in there today. I thought you could use a friend.” Alija smiled half-heartedly as she looked up at Kasheef.
Kasheef moved to the side to let her in, but peeked his head into the hallway to be sure no one had seen her come to his room.
“Don’t worry, I made sure I was low key,” she said, knowing that they were not supposed to be associating with each other. “Now what was wrong today? Tell me what’s on your mind.”
“They are trying to put the noose around my neck.”
“Why are you so worried?” she asked. “You have the entire thing in the palm of your hands.”
“I know but when I’m sitting in that courtroom I feel like I’m choking,” he admitted. Being vulnerable in front of other people was something that Kasheef did not do often. He was surprised that he was opening up to Alija in the way that he was. “How’s li’l mama doing?”
“She’s good. I went to see her after I left the courthouse. She’s still not ready to come home yet though.”
He walked over to sit down on his bed. With his face buried in his hands he sighed deeply. Alija was shocked at this new connection she felt with Kasheef. He was her enemy, but here she was in his room. She was beginning to view him as one of the only friends she had. One of the only people who could understand what s
he was going through. If he only knew, she thought regretfully. She sat down next to him. “Everything will be fine. We just have to get through this. Once this is over we can go our separate ways,” she said.
“What if I don’t want that?” he asked as he turned his head to look at her.
Tears filled her eyes and she willed them away, but didn’t respond. She wrapped her arms around herself as if she were cold. “I don’t think you know what you want Kasheef. Not long ago you wanted me dead ... now you’re saying you want me here with you? I think you’re just alone right now and you think that I’m what you are looking for. You just found out all that stuff about your girlfriend and you are searching for a quick replacement, someone who you can trust. Or maybe you just want to play with my head and get involved with me because of our agreement. I don’t know what is up with you, but if you think I am who you want or what you want in a woman. Believe me, I’m not. You have no idea who I am. You don’t know anything about my past or what I’m capable of. I will be nothing but heartbreak for you.”
“I’ve been alone my entire life, ma. I just see something in you. When I look at you, I respect you and I have never felt that way about anyone. I can kick it with you, nah mean? I see you with your daughter and it just feels right. It all feels right when I’m with you,” he admitted.
“But it would be so wrong,” Alija whispered as she touched Kasheef’s face with her hand. If it had been under different circumstances, she may have given him a chance, but the way that their paths had crossed would forever haunt her. She just could not take it there. She could not allow herself to. “I have to be honest with you. You scare me. Just the way that we met and—”
Kasheef cut her off, “I would never hurt you.”
“My heart seems to know that. I mean for these past few days you have been the only person I can talk to, but my mind ... my mind is telling me that not too long ago, you wanted me dead. What if I had not gotten away from your goons that night?” she asked as she stared into his face. “I would be dead and quite possibly my daughter would be dead.”
The way Kasheef looked at her as she spoke caused her to blush. He stared at her so intensely that she had to break his gaze. He intimidated her. “That was then,” Kasheef whispered as he brought his face toward hers. She pulled away, he pulled her back ... taking control of her, commanding her to come nearer until their lips touched. He kissed her slowly. “Now I’ll kill anybody who tries to bring harm to you,” he said as he gently sucked her bottom lip into his mouth. Alija resisted, putting her hands up against his chest and pushing him away. “No, this isn’t right ... you’re not for me,” she whispered, but the softness of Kasheef’s full lips drew her back in each time she pulled away. “I’m sorry ma,” he said to her repeatedly as he kissed her smoothly; his voice like a classic melody to her ears as she gave into him with regret. “I’m sorry ... I need you. Don’t tell me no.”
Aljia’s heart raced as she returned his kisses passionately, their tongues intertwining like a slow dance. “Kasheef,” she moaned knowing that she should stop. This was not apart of her plan. He was getting to her and he was a completely different person than what she had first expected.
“Shh!” he said as he pulled her shirt over her head. His kisses trailed from her mouth to her neck to her hard dark pearls as he moved from one breast to the other, circling her erect nipples with his tongue as he palmed them softly.
Alija’s back arched and Kasheef stood then picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and the womanly crease between her legs was soaked in anticipation. Kasheef’s hands massaged her round behind and his fingertips melted into her skin causing a wave of pleasure to pulsate through her body. He put her on her feet and reached down between her legs. When he brought his fingers out they were dripping wet. “Do you want me to stop?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said as she backpedaled toward the door. Kasheef watched her walk away and as she opened the door he came up behind her and closed it, pinning his body against hers.
“Don’t leave ma,” he whispered in her ear as he planted kisses on the back of her neck. She closed her eyes, her hand still on the door handle. “Make love to me ma.”
“No,” she answered softly, her eyes closing as she felt his hands on her body.
“Stay,” he coaxed.
“No,” she moaned as she felt his hand palm her soaking love box through her jeans. It felt so good that her breath got caught in her throat.
“Yes,” he whispered as he turned her around, looking her in her steamy bedroom eyes. “Say yes.”
“No,” she whispered as she reignited their kiss.
Kasheef removed her pants and picked her up by her behind, her legs wrapping around him again.
“Say yes for daddy,” he commanded.
“Yes,” she finally moaned. He lay her down on the bed, where she spread her legs and invited him into her warmth. He filled her up with ease. Her walls contracted against the width and size of his manhood. Her fingernails dug into his back as their bodies moved in unison to an inaudible beat. Kasheef rolled into her gently and she matched him thrust for thrust. He admired her while he sexed her body. He had never had a sexual experience like the one he was having right now. His emotions were attached to his actions. He felt something for Alija and because he had never loved another person in his life he could not say that love was what he was feeling. He just knew that it was different. It was better. He kissed her nose, her forehead, her collarbone, anyplace that his eyes graced his lips followed. She was perfect. Every inch of her body, of her soul, of her heart was perfect. It wasn’t that she was without flaws, but he was blind to them. She had a few stretch marks here and there just like every other chick in America, and her attitude could match that of a lioness, but to him these things were flawless. He did not want to change a single thing about her. To another man she may not be the total package, but Kasheef was finally realizing that when you find the one person that was built for you, you are blind to their imperfections. Alija was the perfection and companionship that he had been searching for his entire life. The same way that he had fallen in love with her baby daughter while she was sick in the hospital; he was falling in love with Alija who was now beneath him in his bed. Their passion intensified as a slow grind became a fast pace as their carnal passion took control. Kasheef felt the tension building up in his toes and when she moaned, “Kasheef I’m cumming.”
“Me too ma, me too,” he whispered as he plunged in and out of her honey pot while she dug her nails deep into his muscular behind. “Ooh shit,” he whispered. Alija had to have the best pussy ever. He closed his eyes and slowed down while going in as deep as his tool would take him.
“Kasheef!” she moaned as her body shuddered. He felt her warm womanly fluids break through her dam and flood onto his shaft. The feeling was so incredible. It was so warm and wet that he reached his peak and came with her.
Exhaustion wreaked her body and Alija inhaled deeply as she tried to catch her breath. She could not believe what she had just done. The heat of the moment had taken her life in a direction she had never anticipated. She could feel a tear slide down her cheek and Kasheef wiped it away while looking her into her eyes. They were deep with emotion and he felt as if he could stare at her forever.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Alija silenced him with her finger. She shook her head and said, “Don’t. Don’t say anything to ruin the moment. Just hold me. We’ve only known each other for a few days ... so this can’t be real ... so please don’t say anything. Just be here in this moment.” Kasheef couldn’t stop staring into her eyes. He felt lost and in her eyes he found the path that he should take. He lay down and brought her into his arms. Just being in the same room with Alija was like playing with fire. If the state knew that the two had been in contact, they would charge him with witness intimidation and no matter what Alija said on the stand, people would think he coerced her testimony. Kasheef could feel the rise and fall of her chest as she br
eathed deeply. The rhythm of her heartbeat was soothing to his damaged soul. He didn’t know what she was thinking or what would become of them, but he did know that he cared for the woman lying in his arms and if he had his way he would never let her go.
Daylight came peeking through the curtains of the hotel and Alija stirred from her peaceful slumber. She was still wrapped in Kasheef’s arms and she reluctantly slid from underneath him. What am I doing? She thought frantically. I’m not supposed to catch feelings for this man. Where are my clothes? She found her belongings folded neatly and placed inside one of the drawers of the armoire. She tip toed as quietly as she could around the room and slipped into her outfit from the night before. Finding a pen and paper on the night stand she left Kasheef a note.
I can’t do this with you. I wish that I could, because no man has ever made my body feel the way that you did last night, but it is not right. I know that you don’t understand, but just trust me. Everyone involved would just end up getting hurt.
She didn’t sign her name and left the note on the vacant pillow in Kasheef’s bed. She kicked herself all the way to her room. Now she would have to keep her distance from Kasheef. She had to admit that it was hard to deny his charm. There was a swagger about him that lured her in. Every time she was around him she felt jittery, like a school girl who had a huge crush but she couldn’t fall in love—not with Kasheef. She picked up her cell phone and dialed Mickey’s number. Her sister answered on the first ring.
“Where have you been?” Mickey asked. “I came by the motel to make sure everything was all right and you weren’t there!”
“I checked out of the motel. I’m in a hotel in Midtown,” Alija explained.
“Midtown?” Mickey questioned. “Bitch where did you get Midtown money from?”
“Never mind all that. You’re not supposed to be coming to see me Mick! Don’t fuck this up!” Alija yelled the words as she sobbed into the phone. She was overwhelmed and she just needed her life back.
Black Friday: Exposed Page 12
