A Snowy Night

Part 13-14

By Kellie

"All rise," the bailiff commanded as the judge returned to the courtroom. As soon as the session was called back to order, Ross asked for permission to approach the bench.

"Your honor, I have some new evidence that I just came into possession of. I also have a witness that I need to add," Ross stated.

"Your honor, we’re ready for closing arguments. I think it’s a little late to bring in new evidence and new witnesses," Ms. Wolfe argued.

"If we can have a sidebar in your chambers for you to view the evidence, I think you will both see why I feel it is of the utmost importance that this information be introduced, this evidence can clear my client of any wrong doing," Ross explained.

The judge agreed and court was recessed for fifteen minutes while he conferred with Ross and Ms. Wolfe. Michelle rose from her chair and turned to Danny’s waiting arms.

"Michelle, Danny – What’s going on? Where did Ross get new evidence for the judge to review?" Rick asked.

"Rick, it’s a long and surprising story. I know you helped Danny and Ray get Pilar admitted to Cedars psychiatric ward this morning. You know what Pilar told Danny. All of this stems from what Pilar said. I really can’t tell you anymore," Michelle nodded as Carmen walked up behind Rick.

"Daniel, what’s going on this afternoon? What kind of new evidence and witnesses does Ross have?" Carmen asked.

Rick turned, grabbed Abby’s hand, and left the courtroom. Michelle knew he was ready to strangle Carmen after Pilar’s confession to Danny.

"Mother, you know as much as we do. Ross just got this evidence about five minutes before court began. He hasn’t discussed any of it with us yet," replied Danny tersely.

The courtroom and adjoining hallway was abuzz with voices. Reporters were unsuccessfully roaming around trying to get the scoop on this new evidence from any of Michelle’s family and friends they could get near.

Drew was sitting alone, staring daggers at Michelle. David came to sit beside her as she muttered, "I swear, if Michelle gets off because of some fancy footed legal maneuvering – I don’t know what I’ll do."

"Drew don’t worry, the DA has this one locked up. Based on the evidence and Len’s admitted perjury, there’s no way Michelle can walk for this – and this will go down as the first major conviction I’ve helped secure since making detective. For once, the Santos family is going to pay for their crimes," David remarked.

Finally, the judge entered the courtroom and court was called to order. "Mr. Marler, do you have any additional witnesses to call?"

"Yes, your honor. The defense calls Roger Thorpe to the stand," Ross replied.

"What’s this all about?" Carmen whispered to herself.

Roger entered the courtroom and nodded at Carmen as he approached the stand. The look on her face was a mixture of anger and fear. Carmen focused on looking strong and demanding as she watched Roger take the stand.
________________

"Mr. Thorpe, could you please explain to the court why you came to speak with me today?" Ross asked.

"Well, I had a conversation with Carmen Santos today. During that conversation, she admitted that she had framed Michelle Bauer Santos for the murder of Ben Warren."

"Mr. Thorpe, did you have cause to video tape this conversation with Mrs. Santos?"

"Yes, I did," Roger replied.

Danny glanced back to catch a glimpse of Carmen’s look of sheer terror at the prospect of being found out.

Ross began again, "Could you please explain to the court why you had arranged to videotape this conversation."

"A number of years ago, Carmen Santos and I were involved in a business deal that went badly. I recently learned that Mrs. Santos double-crossed me during that deal. I had hoped to confront her about the deal. I wanted the conversation on tape. The conversation took a different turn and she began confiding in me about the things she had done to her daughter-in-law. Since I had been friends with Michelle’s mother, I felt that I should find out everything Carmen had done to her. I hoped anything I learned would help her defense in this trial. I was shocked when Carmen confessed to shooting Ben Warren and setting Michelle up to take the fall."

"Your honor, the defense enters this videotape into evidence. With your permission, I would like to show it to the court at this time," Ross stated.

"Permission granted, Mr. Marler."

Ross hit play and Carmen’s face came onto the screen.

"Now, I wouldn’t do something like that – besides
that would be too easy for Danny to uncover. Michelle
will be convicted based on irrefutable evidence, thanks
to me," Carmen bragged.

"Roger, I killed Ben when I caught him forcing himself
on my daughter. Quite by accident, I found out that
Michelle had no alibi for the time of the crime when I
was eavesdropping on her and Danny. Since she had
publicly threatened Ben’s life, she was the perfect
candidate to take the fall. All I had to do was plant
the bloody gloves in her room and pay off a maid to say
she saw Michelle exiting Ben’s room around the time of
the murder. Perfect, wouldn’t you say."

"My dear, you are a master," Roger replied.

The tape ended with the waitress arriving at the table with lunch.

The courtroom erupted with voices of reporters rushing out the door to be the first on the air with the news from the trial. Carmen stood and quickly turned to try and leave the courtroom. The judge spoke, "Bailiff, please detain Mrs. Santos."

Drew and David sat in shocked silence.

"Your honor, based on Mr. Thorpe’s testimony and the evidence provided on this videotape, the defense moves that all charges against Michelle Bauer Santos be dismissed," Ross said.

"The State has no objections, your honor," Ms. Wolfe added.

"Case dismissed. Michelle Bauer Santos, you’re free to go. Members of the jury, the court thanks you for your time and service. Court is adjourned."

Michelle turned and rushed into Danny’s arms. "I told you I wouldn’t let you go back to jail." Their moment of joy was interrupted by Carmen’s shouts as David came to his senses and began to read Carmen her rights.

"Daniel, you can’t believe this nonsense. Roger Thorpe is not a man to trust or believe. He doctored that tape. I did not do this." Carmen ranted as she looked at Danny.

Danny calmly walked over to Carmen. Michelle knew that when Danny approached Carmen in such a manner, that he had been pushed over the edge. Danny coldly looked Carmen in the eye as he quietly said, "Carmen, Pilar told me everything you confessed to on that tape earlier today. Keeping your secrets has caused her to have a breakdown. Ray and I put her in the hospital this morning. After everything you have done to Michelle, Pilar and I – hate isn’t a strong enough adjective to describe how I feel about you at this moment. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to see you pay for everything you’ve done. Prison is too good for you. Michelle, let’s get out of here. I never want to see my mother again."

As they turned and left the courtroom, Danny and Michelle heard Drew begin ranting and raving at Carmen about killing Ben and framing Michelle.

"Danny, you know I think I’ve come up with the best possible way to make your mother suffer for every cruel thing she’s done."

"What would that be?"

"Let’s lock her in a room with Drew. It would be pure torture to be trapped listening to Drew go on and on with her whining."

"Interesting idea," Danny commented as they exited the courthouse.



Chapter 15

Home