Chapter Eight
This weekend I decided to make the trip to visit my parents' graves. Jacob stayed with Mrs. Baker. I was heavy hearted as I laid flowers by both graves. "I wish you guys were still here," I said, softly. I kept talking to them as if they were still alive.
But I know they're in heaven, and I am still living on this earth trying to figure out how to raise Jacob the way my parents would have raised him. Sometimes the responsibility seems overwhelming. I started to think about the car accident which took my parents' lives. I can't understand why a young teenager, Jason Meadows, could be so irresponsible as to drive 100 mph in a 50 mph zone.
I was told by police that Jason was also arrested for driving under the influence. My father was driving his car at the time and had stopped at a stop sign when he was broadsided.
The car flipped over several times and both my parents died instantly. It was Jason's second time going to jail. I remember telling him how much pain he had caused me and my brother.
Jason was sent to jail for a maximum of twenty years with a chance at parole after ten. I remember marching out of the courtroom in pain and anger.
Even so, I told Jacob that we were going to be okay and would manage life together. I would always have his back. After having a good visit to my parents' graves, I headed back home and took the rest of the weekend to watch TV and just relax.
Monday has arrived and it is time to go back to work. Today I am going to visit a young woman in her mid thirties named Amanda Kiley who is currently being held in the county jail. I have an appointment to meet Amanda along with her lawyer at 3 pm.
Amanda is a former military officer who has been accused of being involved in drug trafficking . Amanda claims she is innocent. After arriving at the jail, I walked inside and I told one of the officers I wanted to visit with Amanda Kiley and that I was from the prosecutor's office.
Her attorney, Chloe Whitman, had already arrived and was waiting for me. Ms. Whitman wasted no time getting to the point of the meeting.
"My client says she is being accused of drug trafficking," said Ms Whitman.
"Yes, "I replied.
"She was caught with the drugs in hand. And, there is strong evidence that she planned to sell them to minors. Your client was high on drugs herself and there is camera surveillance showing her walking near the high school."
"That doesn't prove she was going to sell the drugs to minors," said Ms. Whitman.
"It just shows her walking in the neighborhood."
"No, your client knew she was going to sell the drugs to high schoolers and was on her way to do so at the time she was stopped by detectives," I replied.
Amanda once again insisted that she was innocent. "I didn't, I was just, I—"
"Don't say another word, Amanda," said Ms. Whitman. "I will do the talking. So how can you prove my client was going to sell drugs to minors?" asked Ms. Whitman.
"It's all circumstantial evidence."
"Well, as shown by my detectives, and according to surveillance cameras, Amanda was in the area of the high school with several baggies of coke. This should be enough to prove my case."
"But you don't have proof of the transaction itself," said Ms. Whitman.
"I don't think I need it," I replied.
It was obvious that Ms. Whitman was fishing for a plea deal. I thought to myself that the detectives should have waited until at least one drug deal was completed before arresting the defendant.
But I still think I have enough evidence to prove my case to a jury. "You know you're taking a chance without proof of actual exchange of money for the drugs," said Ms. Whitman.
"We would like to propose a plea agreement." I took a deep breath and slowly sighed before answering.
"My client is innocent. If she says she had no intention of selling those drugs, without proof of the actual transaction, I think you should take her word for it," said Ms. Whitman.
"No, I don't think so, I said.
"If I strongly believe that someone is guilty of a crime, I investigate it until I find the truth. In this case I feel your client is guilty. What's more, this is a very serious case because it involves children. I can't in good conscience offer your client a deal.
"Sounds like we have a problem," said Ms. Whitman, sighing.
"There is no problem," I said. "I am just doing my job and serving justice to the people. Your client knew what she was planning to do, and now she must pay the price. There is nothing you can say to make me think differently."
All of a sudden Amanda blurted out, "I'm sorry, I just needed the money." Ms. Whitman told her not to say another word, but it was too late. Amanda just kept talking.
"You planned to sell drugs to minors, Amanda. Don't you realize how serious that is?," I asked.
"I'm sorry," said Amanda, sobbing loudly.
"Yeah, I am sorry, too, but that doesn't help, "I said.
Ms Whitman pleaded for some kind of deal but I knew that wouldn't help anyone so I told her, "No deal." I was exhausted and quickly headed for home knowing justice would be served.