Free Only By Moonlight by Lynn Emery Page A

back a few steps?” Chase
grinned at her.
    “Yes, you did, Deputy Broussard. And in a
very good way,” LaShaun quipped with a grin. Before she or Chase
could continue flirting, the bailiff’s voice broke in.
    “All rise. Court is now in session. The
Honorable Patricia Robertson Barrow,” Danny boomed.
    “Thank you, officer. You may be seated,”
Judge Barrow said without looking at the audience after she sat
down. “Mr. Montgomery, the court has taken your request for a new
trial into consideration. I find no evidence to suggest the first
conviction would have been different had the jury known about Mr.
Young’s history of childhood abuse. Further, none of the facts
surrounding the investigation of his grandfather’s crimes show
evidence that Orin Young committed these crimes. Therefore, your
request for a new trial is denied.”
    “Yes!” Josh blurted out. He winced when the
judge glared at him.
    “Your honor, we wanted to question a witness.
Ms. Rousselle might have shed some light on the entire facts
surrounding the murders Mr. Young’s grandfather is alleged to have
committed. At the very least he seems to have instigated them.
Those would constitute mitigating circumstances that might change
his death sentence, or support the need for a new trial.”
    “Mr. Montgomery, I read your arguments and
your petition. According to the records, Mr. Emanuel Young never
implicated his grandfather. Mr. Orin Young never confessed to the
earlier string of murders. Request for a new trial denied,” Judge
Barrow spoke sharply as though her patience was being sorely
tested. She banged her gavel as a symbolic and emphatic end to
Montgomery’s attempts to debate.
    The audience in the courtroom set up a
growing buzz of conversation. The officer on duty firmly invited
people to find the nearest exit or keep quiet. His expression
clearly communicated he’d help them find the doors if they didn’t
comply. Chase gave him a wave. He and LaShaun followed the two
prosecutors out through a side door and into a side hallway.
    “Put one in the win column for the good
guys,” Chase said and gave a sigh of relief.
    Hazelton tucked a large expanding folder
under his right arm. “Judge Barrow surprised me.”
    “Surprised? I about broke my jaw when it hit
the floor,” Josh put in.
    “I’m just happy LaShaun didn’t have to
testify,” Chase said. His relaxed smile was back.
    LaShaun started to answer him when Montgomery
pushed through the doors. His female colleague came right behind
him. She had dark red hair that contrasted with her strikingly pale
skin. She followed Montgomery’s gaze and studied LaShaun. The woman
nodded at LaShaun before they strode off, hand in hand. Both seemed
to say they would meet again on their terms.
    “This issue isn’t over,” LaShaun said, her
voice cutting off the conversation between Chase and the two
men.
    “Sure. It’s routine for lawyers to file an
appeal, but we have a solid argument, especially if even liberal
Judge Barrow didn’t buy their attempt at a new trial,” Hazelton
replied with confidence.
    “Yes, and the important thing is Manny will
stay locked up for years while they fight a losing battle,” Josh
added.
    “Even more good news,” Chase said. Still he
glanced at LaShaun. “You okay?”
    “Yeah.”
    LaShaun watched the handsome couple stride
down the hallway and turn a corner. Both left behind traces of
their strong auras, two powerful personalities not easily
discouraged from a path once chosen. Their efforts on Manny’s
behalf weren’t over. LaShaun somehow sensed that it went beyond the
court case.
    “This isn’t over,” she repeated softly.
     
     
     
     

Chapter 5
     
     
    Two days later, LaShaun sat in the den off
her large kitchen enjoying a second cup of strong Louisiana coffee.
In her lap was a book of legends, but the morning news had
distracted her. The election campaign had turned hectic. Between
his duties as a chief investigator and visiting with