Trials

Dear Readers,

Please enjoy the next installment of this Lyssa and Emmett story.

KemMyst

**********

The next day sent them back to the court.

Emmett was called back to the witness stand and reminded that he was still under oath.

The defense attorney approached him. “Mr. Forrester. I thank you for that demonstration yesterday.” Emmett nodded his head. “I have a question for you. When one of the women in the jury reached out towards you, why did you pull back?”

“I was not asked to let anyone touch me.”

“But what would it have hurt?”

“Do you let people you don’t know touch you without invitation? Just because I looked like a wolf does not mean I don’t still have the same sensibilities that you have. The fact that she reached out to pet me without asking permission shows that she didn’t think of me as a reasoning individual. It makes me think we won’t get a fair hearing here.”

Their attorney stood up. “I move for a mistrial.”

The judge stared at him, looked at Emmett and the jury. He motioned to both the attorneys. “Approach the bench.”

While to jury couldn’t hear what was going on, Emmett surely did, and Lyssa and Alex also caught a good deal of the whispered conversation. Emmett had called into question the fairness of the trial and the interaction in the other room had shown a decided bias of one of the jurors against them.

However, biases did exist in all jurors, conscious or unconscious, and the judge realized that that was part of what this trial was about. It would be precedent setting.

The judge sent them back to their tables.

“I do not find reason to declare a mistrial. The defense will continue cross-examination.”

The defense attorney looked thoughtful, then looked up. “Mr Forrester, how is it you ended up on Ms. Baker’s back porch?”

“I was injured in a fight.”

“Yes, thank you. But why her porch? Why were you in the area?”

“I had been in the area before, out for a run. I had seen her outside and wanted to meet her.”

“Did you know she had a boyfriend?”

“Yes.”

“And you thought you’d steal her away?”

“Objection!”

“I withdraw the question. The fact that she had a boyfriend didn’t stop you from trying to get to know her?

“Judge, relevance?”

“Speaks to the relation between the two parties.”

“I’ll allow it.”

“Mr. Forrester, the boyfriend didn’t dissuade you?”

“No.”

“So, you were just going to take her away from him?”

“If she’d have me.”

The lawyer went back to his table and checked his notes. He turned back to Emmett. “Lyssa Baker was not in her house when it burned down. Did you take her to your place?”

“Our den, yes.”

“Did she go willingly?”

Emmett swallowed, looked at Lyssa. Would this be a problem?

“Mr. Forrester? Did. She. Go willingly with you?”

The judge looked over the side of his bench, “The witness will answer the question.”

“Not really.”

“She didn’t want to go with you?”

“She’d found out what I was. We couldn’t allow that information to get out.”

“So you kidnapped her.”

Emmett made no answer. Their lawyers had told them not to volunteer information and no question had been asked.

The lawyer looked at him again. “How did her first few weeks with you all go?”

“What do you mean?”

“Did she like it there? Did she fit in with the rest?”

“There were some misunderstandings. She didn’t understand all our rules.”

“You didn’t teach her?”

“She was being taught but there is much to know. And she couldn’t smell like us, hear like us, or understand our body language. A guardian was assigned to her, to help keep her from making any mistakes.”

“So, you didn’t change her as soon as she was brought to your… den?”

“No. I wasn’t going to force her.”

“But you forced her to come live with you?”

“Yes. To keep her from exposing us, like I said.”

“And what did your friends, the others, think of her?”

“Objection. Speculation.”

“Sustained.”

“Did Ms. Baker express a wish to go home?”

“Yes. She said a couple of times that she wanted her old life back.”

“How long until she was changed?”

“She agreed to the change and to become my mate a couple of weeks later.”

“That’s a fast courtship. You only knew her a couple of weeks.”

Again, no question. “And, this was after her house was burned?”

“Yes.”

“So then, she had no place left to go?”

“She couldn’t go back to her home, no.”

“And, you didn’t see Ron Wilson after you took his girlfriend away?”

“Lyssa wasn’t his girlfriend anymore, she broke up with him.”

“Did you see Ron Wilson after that time?”

“Other than on the television? Only after he killed Jamie.”

“Objection. That has not been proven.”

“Jurors are instructed to ignore the witness’ last comment.”

“Mr. Forrester, did you like Ron Wilson?”

“What I saw of him I did not like.”

“And, what do you think he thought of you?”

“Objection. Speculation.”

“Withdrawn.”

“I have no more questions for this witness, your honor.”

“You are excused, Mr. Forrester.”

Emmett breathed a sigh of relief, stood, and walked back to the prosecution’s side of the courtroom, his mate, and his packmates.

The judge again called for a break. Lyssa knew she was next and told Emmett she wanted to walk outside for a bit before being called up.

——-

Lyssa moved off to the side of the building, breathing deeply, eyes closed. She shouldn’t be nervous, but Ronnie was a bastard and enough of one that he shot an innocent young girl and killed a young man. Just to get back at her. If they didn’t make the case to put in him jail…

“Ron told me what a bitch you were.” Her eyes shot open though she recognized the voice. Ronnie’s father.

She turned and gave him a little smile. “I guess I am now. But he’ll always be an asshole.”

“He was good to you.”

“No. No, he wasn’t. And, if I was such a disappointment, why did he keep coming after me?”

Ron, Sr. grabbed her arm and started pulling. “He don’t deserve this. C’mon. And stay quiet or you’ll regret it.”

Lyssa was so shocked at what was happening that she let herself be dragged along for a few steps, and around the corner of the building. The crowd around the entrance took little notice; they were focused on the entrance and the possibility of seeing one of the werewolves. It seemed impossible that no one recognized her.

——-

The court was about ready to come back in to session as the lawyer turned around. “Where is she? She’s up next.” he asked Emmett.

[Mate? Where are you?]

Lyssa got the question as Ron wrestled her in to a car. If Ron Sr. wanted to kidnap here, she’d let him get himself in deep. Up to a point. [Kidnapped. Ronnie’s father.]

Emmett shot to his feet. The lawyer looked up, startled. “I’ll go check.”

“Be fast.”

Emmett quickly strode outside and followed her scent. At the building’s corner, he picked up the scent of the male, and growled. He turned around and quickly made his way back indoors, growling at the time it took to pass security.

He burst in through the doors. The judge looked up as he re-entered the courtroom. “Mr. Forrester, what is the meaning of this?”

“My mate has been kidnapped.”

Voices were suddenly raised in concern and speculation.

The gavel rose and fell. “Quiet! Quiet in the court.”

He gestured to Emmett and their lawyer. “Explain yourself.”

“Lyssa went out to gather herself before she was called up here. I went to see where she was and found her gone and her scent mixed with a male’s. It stopped in the parking lot.”

“You’re sure she didn’t just leave?”

“She wouldn’t. She’d be here. You need to find her.” Emmett turned. “Where is Mr. Wilson?”

He had to be careful since they hadn’t revealed their ability to mindspeak. But, he had to lead them to where she was. Had to get her back in one piece as soon as possible. She could probably match him in strength but, if he had a gun, or tied her up…

He’d sprout claws if they didn’t start after them soon.

“Bailiff. Get the jury out of here. And have the defendant removed.” The deputies scrambled to move people. Emmett stood, chest heaving, clenching and unclenching his fists.

[Driving north. Dark grey green Forester. I’m OK.]

“He’s getting away with her!”

“Mr. Forrester, we don’t know if your wife has been taken or by whom.”

Emmett vaulted the rail, stuck his nose in the chair Ron Sr. had occupied. “Mr. Forrester, please!”

“This is the male who took her.”

The judge watched as the last of the jurors was ushered out of the courtroom and looked at the spectators. “Clear the courtroom.” The gavel came down. “Court is in recess until tomorrow morning.”

The spectators grumbled as they left their seats and headed for the exit. The judge beckoned the lawyers forward. “Gentlemen,…”

The Wilson’s lawyer spoke up, “I move for a mistrial.”

The judge looked at him, considering. “At this time, Mr. Brody, I’m disinclined to grant one. I don’t think we have sufficient information to make that call.”

“This man has accused my client’s father of kidnapping his wife.”

The judge removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. “No, he has not made a specific accusation. We’ll poll the jury in the morning.”

Emmett watched the exchange, maintaining a low growl the entire time. He wanted to crush something, to rend and tear. He had, of course, become aware of the bailiffs and deputies who stood, watching him, hands on their weapons. They were afraid of him and what he might do.

“Mr. Forrester, will you step forward, please?”

Emmett woodenly approached the bench. “Does your wife have a cellphone?” She would have retrieved it before she left the building; Emmett nodded. “Call her.” He rushed to the security desk, yanked out his cell and punched the button for his mate.

Lyssa automatically reached for the ringing phone. “Don’t”

She put her hands back in her lap. “You can’t think this will work.”

“I won’t have you up there lyin’ about my boy.”

“You’re afraid of me.”

He glared at her and yanked the wheel back after he drifted off the edge of the road. “Watch it!”

“Shut your face.” He was angry and starting to get red in the face.

“Where are we going?”

“I said shut up!” He backhanded her, splitting her lip.

What would he do? Kidnapping her only meant that he’d be charged with a crime himself. Keep her locked away? Maybe.

Probably wouldn’t have the patience though, or want to spend any money on her. So, kill her probably. Maybe today. Maybe in a few days.

Thankfully, there was no smell of gun oil in the car so she didn’t have to worry about that…until they got where they were going. She had to get away when he stopped the car, before he pulled a weapon or tied her up.

[We’re in Sayreville. I’m running when he stops. No gun.]

Emmett explained that he could follow a scent trail and smelled him where she had been. That they went away together.

The judge looked at him for evidence of evasion and Emmett winced. Lyssa was a strong sender and the last one had more behind it than the distance warranted. And, while she could send for miles, he couldn’t answer her.

“Please, judge, before he hurts her.” His fists continued clenching and unclenching. He needed to do something. Couldn’t go to her. Needing to protect, and punish.

The judge, bailiff, prosecuting attorney, and Emmett went in to his chambers. The judge called the sheriff to report a possible kidnapping.

Emmett paced, growling under his breath. Ronnie’s father had taken Lyssa to stop her from testifying against him. They were obviously afraid. If he hurt her… He happened to hit the wall where the stud was, breaking skin and a couple of bones in his hand.

The judge and bailiff jumped at the impact and the judge asked Emmett to go back out to the courtroom. “Find her. Quickly. Or I will.”

Alex was pacing as Emmett came back out. “What’s happening?”

“The father has taken Lyssa.”

“Why are you, why are we still here then?”

“Have to let the humans do this. Again.” Emmett ground his teeth.

He needed to call the Alphas; the whole pack could be looking for her just like the last time, when… “Severn.”

[Is anyone from Severn pack nearby?]

“Beta?”

“Keep trying to contact a Severn pack member. Tell them Lyssa’s been taken by Ron Wilson, the father. I’m going to call Wyeth.”

As Emmett returned from informing his Alphas of the situation, Alex held up a finger.

[Got one of Severn. She can’t call right now but will get ahold of them as soon as she can.]

“I talked to Wyeth, they’ll call Severn, too.” He ran his hands into his hair, grabbed fistfuls and pulled, snarling. Claws started to push out.

“Beta!”

Deep breaths, push the wolf back. “Where is she?”

“Mr. Forrester, the two of you should go home. We aren’t continuing the trial today.”

“Do you have any word?”

“No. We’re looking into where he might be but, without without proof there is a kidnapping, we can’t do much more. We’ll call when we have something.”

Emmett nodded and they headed for the exit.

——-

Lyssa, meanwhile, still sat in the passenger’s seat of Ron Wilson’s SUV. She had sent a couple of messages to Severn pack, updating them on where she was. She didn’t want to jump out at the speed he was driving but they were getting farther away.

After her phone had rung again, Ron Senior had grabbed it and thrown it out the window.

Em, he had to be frantic. She wasn’t sure if she could reach him at this distance anymore, but [Em. I’m OK. Getting farther. Phillipsburg. Love you.]

Em stopped dead as they reached the car. Her last words sent a stab of fear through him. He knew she could take care of herself, against most humans. But she could be killed as easily as any, could be badly hurt, could be overpowered if there were two or more.

——-

Alex came around to the driver’s side and put a hand out. “Give me the keys, Emmett. I can drive.”

Silently, the keys passed hand to hand and Em went around the back of the car and got in.

“Drive to Severn.”

“Beta?”

“They’ll be looking for her. They’ll be first to hear what’s going on, probably first to get to her. Go.”

Alex didn’t drive as often as some of the others and, therefore, was a bit more tentative, particularly in traffic. This added to Emmett’s frustration and the damage to the car’s dashboard. He maintained a low growl as they drove on.

His cellphone rang and he visibly worked to remove it without breaking it, although creaking meant it would be damaged. “My Alpha…No. Not yet…. No. We’re going to Severn…… Yes, last she sent to me…. Of course…. Of course…. Yes, Alpha….. Goodbye.” He gripped the phone tightly and fought to breathe normally. Ragged breaths were punctuated with growls.

The ride continued in virtual silence for a time. Alex really couldn’t think of much to say to his Beta, whose fear for his mate he could smell.

[She’s resourceful and strong. She’ll find a way out.] Emmett turned eyes to Alex, briefly, then turned back to stare out the windshield. The thing that bothered him most, that he couldn’t figure out, was how Ronnie’s father had gotten her to go with him in the first place.

——-

Lyssa had seen the threat Ronnie’s father had represented. To her, to the pack, to their continued welfare – particularly if Ronnie was put away.

He had no idea how strong she was or what she could do as wolf. No one knew that they could speak to each other telepathically. They’d been very careful to keep that quiet.

So, if she got him caught for kidnapping her, not only would Ronnie look guilty, but his dad would go away for a while, too.

She hadn’t engineered this situation, but she would take advantage of it.

She just wished she could hear Em.

——-

The sheriff wasn’t sure there was anything going on, anything to worry about. Adults weren’t considered missing for 24 hours. This lady, ha!, lady, was barely gone half an hour.

But, the chief wanted this done since it was a high profile thing. Werewolves. Bah! He still wasn’t sure he believed there were such things.

So, Ron Wilson, Sr. Vehicle – 2016 Subaru Forester. Sage Green. License – ### $$$$. Property – House with 5 acres east of Phillipsburg that he was two months late on. They’d start there before looking further afield for relatives and their holdings. Five acres was enough land to hide a bunch of things in.

——-

Lyssa was getting ready. Ready to run as soon as he slowed down. They’d find her phone. She’d recorded some of the conversation, what little there had been, using an app she’d loaded on to it.

Ron Sr. had to have some sort of plan. To keep her? To hurt her? To silence her? He had to know they’d suspect him.

Em would have scented Ron; would have told them. But, human justice moved at glacier speed and those who hated werewolves and knew her one might be less likely to put in a best effort. Not to mention, they might think she’d just run off, maybe worried she’d be found out for lying. There were still enough misogynists in the world who would think she was at fault for the breakup and Ronnie’s behavior. Sometimes she wished she could hear what people were thinking.

——-

Joanna was pacing at the entrance to the Severn compound when they arrived. She and Lyssa were very close. Joanna’d been fascinated by the human brought in to the pack. She’d mated into the Severn pack a few years later so they didn’t see each other as often as they’d like. But, still, Joanna was concerned to the point of distraction upon hearing that Lyssa was missing.

She rushed over as the car slowed and grabbed for the door handle. “Em. What happened? Where is she?”

The door groaned as it opened and she threw herself at him. “Jo, oof. I don’t know. I don’t understand it.”

She heard the worry in his voice. “She’s gonna be OK, right?”

“She didn’t sound upset or anxious when she sent to me. I don’t get it. She should have been able to get away from him. She didn’t call for help. What is she doing?”

“But we know where she is, right?”

Nathan walked up and wrapped his arms around Joanna’s waist. “Jo, honey, she can’t be officially listed as missing for a day and, unless they have a clear reason, we can’t go onto a property and search it.”

She twisted in his arms to look at him. “But we know who’s got her and where she is.”

“But the human police don’t know that.”

She pounded a fist into his shoulder. “I hate human justice.”

“Me, too, Jo.” Emmett says.

“Oh, Em, what do we do?”

Many of Severn pack were members of the local police force. A force who had an enviable record of criminal arrests, if not convictions. They knew, full well, how slowly the human system of justice ground along. Werewolf justice, by contrast, was swift and often violent, sometimes deadly.

Nathan looked at Wyeth’s Beta. “She didn’t sound like she was in distress, Emmett.” Lyssa was a very strong sender; her messages carried for miles.

“No, no she didn’t. Do you have any idea why she’d let herself get taken? She said nothing about a gun.”

“Honestly, I’m not sure. Especially in the middle of the trial.”

——-

There he was again. She’d been surprised to smell a wolf at her favorite watering hole. He hadn’t approached her, hadn’t seemed to pay much attention, just sat at the bar and had a couple of beers.

She was out with some of the guys from the gym. She’d long since found out that a female, alone in a bar, caught no end of horny male companionship, looking for a hookup with any reasonable looking, halfway interested woman. So, yeah, she usually came with some of the guys. Nobody but the seriously inebriated would dare approach her with them around. That’s not to say a couple of the guys at the gym hadn’t hit on her.

She’d actually taken a couple of them up on the offer.

Jake got his rocks off and had little interest in satisfying her. Wham, bam, thank you, ma’am.