Molly: House on Fire

by R. E. Bradshaw

  Molly giggled behind her coffee cup. All of a sudden, Triangle Tryster didn’t sound so bad, but Robbie’s next words stopped her laughter.

  “She has pictures of you too, Rainey. She calls you and that pretty girlfriend of yours, ‘the hottest lesbian couple in the Triangle’ and those babies are precious.”

  Rainey was alarmed. “No one has pictures of my kids.”

  Robbie disagreed. “She took pictures of you and their mother outside your pediatrician’s office, there’s one from the nursery at the hospital, too.”

  Molly saw Rainey’s face drain of color. “Rainey, we’ll deal with it as soon as I get back to Durham.”

  “Hell no, we deal with it right now,” Rainey said, reaching in her pocket for her phone and dialing a number.

  Molly and Robbie watched silently as Rainey put the phone to her ear. They could only hear Rainey’s end of the conversation.

  “Brooks… Yes, the babies are fine… Anytime, come on down. Hey, I need you to ‘interfere’ with a website until I can get it taken down.” She looked at Robbie. “What’s the site again?”

  “Triangle Lesbians,” Robbie answered.

  Rainey went back to the phone. “Triangle Lesbians. She has pictures of my kids on there… Yeah, I thought you might… Find out what you can about the owner… Thanks, Brooks. Talk to you soon.”

  Rainey hung up, smiling. “That’s not going to be a problem anymore.”

  Robbie gushed. “Molly, you are so lucky to have friends like this one.”

  Molly smiled at Rainey, knowing it was true. “Yes, I am, very lucky.”

  #

  “All rise. District 8C Superior Court of the state of North Carolina is now in session. The honorable Judge Gena Galloway presiding.”

  The judge took her seat. “Please, be seated. Good afternoon, everyone. We’re here in the matter of the State versus Joey Erickson. The defendant is present with counsel. Let’s get acquainted, shall we?”

  Stewart was on his feet before the words barely cleared the judge’s lips. “Jeb Stewart for the prosecution, your honor, assisted by James Beam.”

  Molly stifled a laugh. Jeb Stewart and Jim Beam, what a combination. The judge cracked a smile, too. Randy coughed to cover his amusement. He and Joey were seated at the defense table with Molly. In the gallery behind her, Rainey, Danny, Leslie, Brad, and Tammy shared the front row. Judge Whitehall had shuffled in, assisted by his grandson, Payton. He smiled at Molly, as if he had not a care in the world. Payton helped him take a seat on the second row. Leslie leaned over the railing to get Molly’s attention and whispered in her ear just before Judge Galloway entered.

  “Now, I get to see you in your element.”

  Molly was in her element and glad to be there. She stood to face the judge. “Molly Kincaid for the defense, your honor.”

  Randy followed. “Randy Ransom, for the defense, your honor.”

  Judge Galloway continued. “Ms. Kincaid, I have a motion before me for a change of representation for the defendant. Is the previous attorney present?”

  Judge Whitehall stood, with some difficulty. “Yes, your honor. I am present.”

  The seated judge eyed the old man. “You may be seated, Judge. Thank you for coming in today.” She turned her attention back to Joey. “Mr. Erickson, are you aware of the change in attorneys and do you object to this change?”

  As practiced, Joey stood and responded, “I have no objection, your honor.”

  Molly smiled. Joey had been staring at the clock on the wall above the judge’s bench, since arriving in the courtroom. She was not sure how he would respond, but he did very well.

  Judge Galloway proceeded. “Thank you, Mr. Erickson. You may be seated. Are there any objections from the prosecution?”

  Jeb stood again. “No, your honor.”

  Galloway signed the order, saying, “Motion granted. Now, Ms. Kincaid, I received quite a few motions from you this morning. Mr. Stewart, are you in possession of these motions and have you had a chance to review them?”

  Stewart sprang out of his chair. He had been waiting for this moment. He began with his spiel, which Molly had expected. “Your honor, I know Ms. Kincaid is not used to working in a small town, but if I didn’t know better, I would say she’s trying to bury my little office in paperwork.”

  The judge interrupted, “Sir, I simply asked you if you had the motions and have had time to review them.”

  Stewart was flustered. Molly guessed he had been working on that speech all morning, one designed to make her look like the big city lawyer coming into this small town to cause trouble. Galloway was not going to listen to it.

  Stewart answered meekly, “Yes, your honor, we have them and I’ve read them. I haven’t had time to prepare rebuttals.”

  Galloway leafed through the stack of motions. “Make the time, Mr. Stewart. Now, there are a few things here that I feel need to be ruled on right away, concerning Mr. Erickson’s well-being. The prosecution may object and be heard if you have issue with my rulings. First, I’m going to grant the motion requesting a clock be placed outside of Mr. Erickson’s cell. It must be large enough so he can clearly read the time twenty-four hours a day. I also am ordering Mr. Erickson be given the opportunity to exercise at least one hour a day. I understand these steps will lessen his anxiety. In my opinion, and based on the defense expert’s affidavit, I think it’s cruel not to do so. Also based on the expert affidavit, I am ruling in favor of the defense on the motion to give sufficient notice of any testing of Mr. Erickson, and that the testing be done in the jail, where he is acclimated. Any objection from the prosecution?”

  “No, your honor.”

  Molly glanced at Stewart. He was not a happy man. He was not going to be able to push this judge around or slap backs over drinks. She watched him and his assistant fumble through papers, trying to keep up, as the judge went through the minor motions presented at every murder trial. The judge was right. Stewart should have been prepared for those standard motions. Galloway breezed through them, but stopped before ruling on the last four.

  “Ms. Kincaid, this motion to allow the defense to physically inspect the scene of the Erickson murder is a bit unusual.”

  Molly stood to respond. “Your honor, the defense has employed a behavioral analyst, Former FBI Special Agent Rainey Bell, as an expert. A firsthand look at the scene by Ms. Bell is essential to her analysis of the crime in question.”

  “Mr. Stewart, to your knowledge, has the scene been preserved?”

  “Yes, your honor.”

  “Then I’m going to grant this motion, with the stipulation that any physical evidence discovered be turned over to law enforcement immediately. Let’s keep the playing field level folks. Now, this motion to sever three of the cases from the forth, I’m going to need to hear from both of you on that one and also the motion to quash the three severed cases. I believe this last motion to compel the prosecution to take steps to learn of any evidence favorable to the defendant is connected to your belief that the police have not reviewed all the evidence available, is that your point Ms. Kincaid?”

  “Your honor, I have Supervisory Special Agent Danny McNally of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit available for expert testimony in this matter. He is here investigating a series of murders and believes three of the murders my client is charged with are part of that crime pattern. The Waitesville police have ignored information given to them concerning this investigation from both the FBI and an area wide local task force. You have his affidavit verifying this information.”

  Stewart was on his feet in a flash. “Your honor, this is simply a ploy by a wealthy defense team to manhandle a small police department. We have every confidence that the police have delivered up the guilty party in all four of these cases.”

  Galloway held up a piece of paper. Molly recognized it as Danny’s affidavit. “Mr. Stewart, I’m going to give you the time to review Agent McNally’s affidavit before you comment further. I think it would be wise for you t
o remain silent on this issue until you have. If at that time, you wish to offer your own expert affidavit in opposition to this motion, then I will hear from both sides on the issue of severance and compelling the prosecution to investigate further. Both experts will be made available for cross-examination. Is there anymore business before the court on this case?”

  Molly stood again. “Yes, your honor. I have an exhumation request that directly involves this case.”

  Molly held up her request. The judge motioned her forward and took the paper from Molly’s hand. She read it and looked back at Molly.

  “I’m not sure I see the relevance of a twenty-one year old death in this case.”

  “Without going into detail, your honor, it is the defense’s contention that Cheryl Erickson was murdered because of an investigation into this cold case by Cheryl’s father, Joe Webb. He died on March 13, 2012, leaving behind evidence to suggest this is true. We need the body exhumed to confirm his suspicions.”

  Galloway knitted her brow. “Has the next of kin for this,” she looked down at the paper to find the name, “Sarah Harris been notified?”

  “I am the next of kin, your honor. Sarah Harris was my mother.”

  The judge’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “This is your mother?”

  “Yes, your honor.”

  “And you believe her death is related to this case?”

  Molly responded with a strong, “Yes, I do,” and a glance at the now pale prosecutor.

  “Your request is granted. The body will be exhumed at your expense, Ms. Kincaid, and transported to the State Medical Examiner’s office.”

  Molly took a step back, saying, “Thank you, your honor.”

  Judge Galloway waved Molly back to the defense table, signed some documents, and then looked over the courtroom. “I have a feeling this is going to get ugly, people. My only interest is that Mr. Erickson receives a fair trial. I would like to remind both sides, I will not tolerate misconduct in my courtroom. Mr. Stewart, I’m giving you forty-eight hours to answer the defense motions still pending. I’m ordering a report be sent to me every day on the defendant’s mental and physical condition. Ms. Kincaid, can you arrange for your expert to get in touch with my clerk?”

  Molly turned and smiled at Leslie, who was nodding yes. She faced the judge again, answering, “Yes, that can be arranged.”

  “I look forward to hearing from you, Ms. Walker. The defendant has a right to fair treatment. You will help me see to that. Now, if there is no other business.” The judge was halfway out of her seat, when she said, “Court is adjourned.”

  “All rise,” the bailiff called out.

  Molly turned to Joey as they stood to let the judge exit. “How are you doing, Joey?”

  “Thank you for the clock, Molly Kincaid.”

  “You’re very welcome, Joey.”

  A deputy led Joey away. Randy stepped closer to Molly. “That went well. I think old closet boy is in a panic. Look at him.”

  Molly turned to see the prosecutor standing, staring into space. His skin was clammy and he looked petrified. Molly picked up her briefcase and started to leave, but could not resist a passing comment to Stewart.

  “Seeing ghosts there, Jeb?”

  He turned to her, seething. He whispered between clenched teeth. “You don’t know what you’re playing at, little girl.”

  Molly squared her shoulders and glared at him. She stepped close, so no one else could hear. “I know you’re up to your neck in this. I’m coming for you, Jeb, you and your cronies. And when I find out which one of you raped my mother and then had her murdered, this little girl is going to make sure daddy receives exactly what he deserves.”

  He was so angry spit flew out of his mouth and landed on Molly’s lapel, when he growled, “You little bitch. You’re in my town, now.”

  Molly reached and took the handkerchief from the breast pocket of Jeb’s jacket. She wiped the spit from her suit and carefully folded the handkerchief and stuck it in her pocket.

  She smiled up at Stewart. “You run along now and spread the word. By the way,” she patted her pocket with the handkerchief, “DNA doesn’t lie.”

  Randy took Molly by the shoulders, leading her away from her adversary. It was not necessary. Molly was not going to make a scene, not there anyway. She just wanted to make sure her message had been received. She was coming for them with both barrels. Jeb and his conspirators were sure to be stirred into a frenzy by now. The danger she was in could not compare with the elation at seeing Jeb Stewart nearly wet his pants when she said DNA. He was guilty of something. Molly sincerely hoped he was not her father. No rapist was going to be a joy to discover as her sperm donor, but the despicable Jeb Stewart would be a double blow of disgusting.

  Leslie was waiting at the railing with Rainey and the others. She spoke first. “What did he say to you?”

  Molly smiled and winked. “He is on his way to the restroom to clean his shorts.” Molly looked at Danny and Rainey. “The game’s afoot.”

  Randy went to pick up copies of the judge’s orders, while the rest of the group moved into the hallway outside of the courtroom. Molly found Judge Whitehead and Payton waiting for her. She tapped Leslie on the elbow.

  “I need to speak to him, wait for me.”

  Molly crossed to the alcove lined with standard issue government chairs from the forties. The judge was seated in the middle seat, facing the hall, as if surveying his domain from a throne. Payton sat at his right hand, the prince in waiting.

  The judge began to speak, at Molly’s approach. “That was quite the gauntlet you threw down in there. I’m not sure Jeb was as prepared for you as he thought.”

  Molly was going to let the judge lead the conversation. She replied with a non-comment. “Thank you for coming down today, Judge.” She turned to Payton. “It’s good that you accompany your grandfather to court. It will be to your advantage in law school.”

  Payton smiled at the attention. “We’re on break for a few more days. I try to come to court with him when I can.”

  “Payton’s been fascinated with the law since he came to live with me as a toddler. A drunk driver killed my son and Payton’s mother when he was four. He sat through his first murder trial in middle school. He’s a computer game developer, too, but I’m glad he’s choosing the law as a career,” the judge said proudly.

  Payton jumped in. “I didn’t develop the game, Grandpa. I just wrote the story.”

  No coincidences, Molly reminded herself. “Did Joey help you with your game, Payton?”

  “No, not really. He did answer some questions for me, but he does the military stuff and my game is a courtroom drama. Not as technically challenging as Joey’s programming. It’s not ready, yet. We’re still working out the bugs.”

  “That sounds promising,” Molly answered. “Let me know when it comes out.”

  Payton seemed pleased. “I will.”

  The Judge interrupted, patting the seat beside him for Molly to sit. “Payton, will you give Molly and me a moment alone?”

  Payton stood, smiling at Molly. “It was a pleasure to watch you in court, Ms. Kincaid. I can’t wait to see how this all plays out.”

  Payton left them alone. Rainey and Leslie were watching from just down the hall, the rest of the group had gone on to the parking lot. Molly waited for the judge to get to the point of this meeting. It did not take long.

  “Molly, I received a call from Mr. Jones at the bank. Seems you have the key some people have been after for years. I will be there as requested. But know this, you are in grave danger.”

  “What is in the box, Judge? What am I about to find out?”

  “You are a very smart woman. Exhuming your mother’s body — well, I imagine you’ve put the pieces together by now. A great conspiracy is about to unravel. Your mother would not want you to die, trying to prove she was murdered. Even if you do succeed, your story is going to come out. Evan Branch’s murder will be investigated, and it was a murder, wasn’t
it Molly?”

  “Yes, Judge, it was, but it had nothing to do with me. So, dig him up. I really don’t care.” The judge looked surprised. Molly stood to go. “I know you’re involved in all this, somehow. Come clean now, before it’s too late.”

  The judge looked up at her. “I hope it’s not too late for you.”

  Molly walked away, leaving the old man staring after her. When she reached Leslie and Rainey, they were waiting anxiously for her to explain.

  “He wanted to warn me that I was in danger.”

  “Did he threaten you?” Rainey asked.

  They started walking together toward the stairs. Molly looked back at the judge, whom Payton helped toward the elevators. “No, he’s too smart for that. He’s playing it as if he’s just an innocent bystander. I don’t buy it, not for a minute.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Back at the bed and breakfast, Molly exited her car, waiting for Leslie to turn into the drive. She made Randy ride with Leslie, because she did not want her alone. These men were going to become desperate and anyone Molly cared about was in danger. Molly was not worried about being alone. She had Rainey and Danny tailing her, with James out there somewhere, ever watchful. Rainey pulled in, driving her newly tricked out Dodge Charger. She lost the last one in a battle for her life. Rainey’s Charger was a small armored tank. It made Molly smile.

  Danny pulled in and got out of his car, in time to hear Molly say to Rainey, “So, have you ordered your armor plated soccer mom van yet?”

  Rainey answered seriously. “I’m looking into it.”

  Danny and Molly both cracked up. Rainey looked at them, mystified, which made it more amusing. She had no idea how paranoid she really was.

  Molly patted Rainey on the shoulder. “You’re a good mom.”

  Tammy pulled her van close to the back door. Brad got out on the passenger side, opening the sliding door. He looked through the van windows at Molly and the others, calling out, “Let me get these groceries in for Tammy, and then we can talk. It’s all over town already about the key.”