Page 107 of Strictly Forbidden

“I hear you, bestie. I’ll do what I can to fight with you, but I can’t promise anything. Just try and remain calm.”

“I’ll try. I won’t promise anything either.”

The light knock on the door was followed by it opening quickly, the bailiff standing in the doorway. “They’re ready for you, Ms. Carter.”

“Thank you, Mike. We’ll be right there.”

He nodded and closed the door.

“There are some good people left in this world, Noel.”

“Oh, yeah? Tell that to the two women Joel killed before trying to remove me from this earth.”

She looked down, shaking her head. “Come on, girl. Let’s go.”

Just walking into the courtroom was horrific enough. I never wanted to see the inside of one again. I was told where to sit, but I moved directly behind the table where Zoe was sitting. As Kage was brought in, shackled like an animal, he found my eyes immediately. In his there was sadness and such remorse, but also love.

I could read that clearly.

Kage was settled and within seconds, the door opened and the judge walked in.

“All rise.”

I didn’t feel like honoring the man who had a smirk on his face, but I did as required, glancing around the courtroom and cringing. There were more reporters and people who hated him than supporters. I’d even called his father and the man had laughed at me, hanging up before I’d even stated my case.

Or Kage’s case, telling him about his son’s heroic efforts. How had things gotten this horrible within the system of family and the courts?

“Please be seated.”

Kage looked over his shoulder and when I reached up, squeezing his arm, I noticed a deputy about ready to drag me out of the courtroom. In turn, I gave him a nasty glare.

The judge motioned to have the bailiff get Kage to stand a second time, which meant the bastard was ready to sentence him. There would be no discussion, no one testifying on his behalf. Another railroad job as Kage had anticipated.

I’d been allowed to see him once. Only once, but he’d begged me to go on with my life. I’d refused.

“Ms. Carter. I have taken time to read over the affidavits provided, including the formal statement from Ms. Young. While I do agree that with Mr. Bronson’s heroic efforts, he likely saved the life of Ms. Young. I am also certain the Denver Police Department is grateful for his assistance in apprehending another criminal. However, that doesn’t allow me to ignore the fact Mr. Bronson did violate his terms of parole including being in the possession of a deadly weapon. Thereby, I hereby declare that his parole is revoked.”

“No! How dare you!” I jerked to my feet, shouting. “That man was railroaded in the first place by a corrupt system.”

My outburst was quickly drowned out by the judge smashing the gavel down several times. “Miss, if you cannot hold your tongue, I will hold you in contempt of court.”

“I don’t give a shit. I won’t stop here. I will tell the world about your old boys’ club and fake justice system.”

“Sit down,” Zoe said through clenched teeth.

“No. Not this time.”

“Bailiff, have her removed.”

I backed away, glancing around at the various reporters who were already scribbling in their notebooks or taping what I was saying. To hell with people.

Before the man had a chance to grab me, the door was thrown open. I think the entire room went silent briefly as Saldono Rinaldi and several of his thug-like soldiers walked in.

Kage turned, eying me and shaking his head while the mafia man continued to barge into the courtroom.

“Sir, this is a closed court,” the bailiff said.

“Not for me, kid,” Saldono stated.

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