Divine Verdict: The Trial of The Butcher

By Kerry Fowers

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury. The Butcher has been caught and her trial is set. She’s going to show Jake and his team of detectives that it doesn’t matter if she is in prison, she can still get to anyone and to prove this, she hires some help to throw a wrench into the prosecution’s case by taking out some of the witnesses they have lined up.

You will hear testimony that Jake and his team are assigned to protect the witnesses, however The Butcher’s associates get to a few of them, so Jake and his team are forced to rescue them. As they try to keep the witnesses safe, Ashaki, the new A.D.A who is assigned The Butcher’s case, is kidnapped and tortured. Can Jake and his team find her in time to try The Butcher’s case and put her away for the crimes she committed or will The Butcher escape and continue to grow her criminal empire in Avalon City?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kerry Fowers
• Release date: Dec 2, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310512629

Kerry Fowers

Greetings and Salutations! My Name is Kerry Fowers and I was born in Ogden Utah, in 1977. I grew up in a small town called Hooper, and has lived in Utah most of my life. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I am married to the love of my life and we have been married for 3 years. We are currently in the process of getting licensed so we can be foster parents. I'm an avid reader and I love the stories that the great authors have told throughout the ages in the written word. I have also published my first book. It's a mystery/suspense novel called Divine Help. My second book "Divine Verdict: The Trial of The Butcher" will be published later this year.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Simon Kane entered the Avalon Federal Prison like he owned the place. He made the attempt to acknowledge everyone he came into contact. Everyone knew he was a big shot defense attorney. Everyone catered to his every need. It was as if he was some celebrity that had come to grace them with his presence.

He walked up to the front desk and announced that he was there to see his client, The Butcher. The officer behind the desk asked him to take a seat while they got the prisoner. He was shown to the visitor’s room and is asked to take a seat. After the officer left, he took out the files and waits for The Butcher. A few minutes later, The Butcher was led into the room handcuffed and shackled. Her face was half way covered with her long brown hair. It was her eyes that told the story. Pure hate filled her soul and her eyes showed that hate and she glared at every officer she passed. She sat down in the seat, and then the officers left the room.

Simon spoke first. How are you doing?

The Butcher’s eyes grew dark and dangerous. How do you think I am doing, you shmuck?

Simon swallowed hard and then looked back at Nicole. I have your defense all ready to go. You shouldn’t have to spend a day in prison. We have everything in place.

Good, did you contact my ‘family’ like I told you to? asked Nicole.

Simon nodded. They know what to do.

At least you did that right, I swear, I don’t know why I pay you so much.

Simon looked down and thought to himself. If it wasn’t for me, you would have been rotting in prison a long time ago. He closed up the files, dismissed himself, and headed back to his office. As he got to his car, he hoped that Nicole believed the crap he just fed her. He said to himself. I need to get a new employer. It will be a cold day in hell if she actually believes that she will get off scot free.

***

Out in California, there was an up and coming Assistant District Attorney named Ashaki Kingston. The criminal underworld feared her. She had tried some very tough cases and convicted some very high ranking criminal masterminds in the process. She was the best ADA the state had ever seen. She took the cases no one else wanted because she knew she could win them.

In the eyes of her boyfriend Aaron, she was the most beautiful woman in the world. She was a beautiful young African woman, tall and slender, but very strong for her size. Ashaki was on her way home, when her boy-friend, called her up. She answered the phone. Hey babe, I was just leaving the office. What’s up?

I have some great news. How about we meet for dinner.

Sounds good. Where would you like to meet?

How about at the place we met, in say, fifteen minutes?

See ya then. Ashaki hung up the phone and headed to the cafe.

As she drove, she couldn’t help but think back to the day they met and how he had swept her off her feet. Out in the darkness of the night, she walked into the nearest café and sat down, happy just to be out of the rain. It had rained all day long, and she was cold and wet. There was a man in the café who caught her eye. He called with a voice that she would never forget. He was a vision she couldn’t believe. He came up and wrapped his arms around her, told that he would never leave and that he cared about her. He took her to places that she had never been. After that day, they were with each other as often as they could be.

A smile found its way on to her face as she pulled up to the cafe. She walked inside and found that Aaron had gotten them a table. She joined him, and a few minutes later, the waitress walked up and took their order. They looked at each other in silence for a moment before Ashaki broke the ice. So, what is this great news you have to tell me? He glanced down at the table just for a moment, as he collected his thoughts. I’ve been offered a really good job. It pays really well, and I would be a fool not to accept it.

That’s wonderful, I am so proud of you! Your hard work has paid off. She smiled at him and then watched the excitement leave his eyes, and she knew something was wrong. What’s wrong, Aaron?

Well, there is one more thing I need to tell you about this job. He took a deep breath. The job isn’t around here. In fact, it’s in a completely different state.

She looked down so he wouldn’t see as the tears slowly made their way down her cheek. You’re going to take this job, aren’t you?

Yes, I have to. It’s what I have always wanted to do. I was hoping you would come with me. There are law firms there who would be lucky to have you.

She looked up at him. You know I can’t leave I am the ADA. I am needed here.

I guess this is where we part ways then, Ashy. I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but we both have a lot riding on our careers. A tear found its way down his cheek. Do you think we will ever see each other again?

She dropped her head and spoke so softly, that Aaron had to strain to hear her. If this is what you want, then it’s ok. Will we ever see each other again? The love we had only knows. If it’s special enough, then we will choose one another. If it’s not, then this is the end. They parted ways, with one last kiss, never to see each other again.

Ashaki continued trying cases and doing her best as the ADA. A few years after she had her heart broken by the love of her life, she worked hard trying to forget him.

***

Simon dialed Captain Williams. Is everything on your end ready to go?

Yes, I have everything under control. Jacob and his team doesn’t know that I am involved in everything, and I aim to keep it that way.

How are you going to keep them from finding out, Captain?

I have my ways, have no fear.

It’s not me asking. He asked me to check up on you, and after all, it was the Butcher who recruited you, and look what happened to her.

I’m a lot smarter than she is, so like I said before, I have everything under control.

Just make sure you keep it that way. I will contact you again, when he needs you to do more. Simon hung up the phone. I swear if it wasn’t for me, this whole thing would fall apart. I need to get paid more…

CHAPTER 1

Jaxon awoke in a cold sweat, screaming Jacob’s name. She tried to get her bearings as she reached for the gun she kept close to her bed. As she looked around her bedroom, she took a deep breath, and tried to slow her heart beat.

Sarah came rushing in her room. Jax, are you ok? Sarah got onto her bed and wrapped Jaxon in her arms as the tears started to roll down Jaxon’s cheeks.

After a few moments, Jax regained her composure and looked at Sarah. Yeah, I am okay. It was just a dream.

You were yelling Jake’s name, and then you screamed. That must have been some dream. Sarah looked in to Jax’s eyes and smiled. Would you like to talk about it?

Jaxon smiled back and placed her hand on Sarah’s cheek. Thank you for being here for me. She told her about the vivid dream she had. In the dream, Jacob and his family were killed and she was forced to watch it happen, but couldn’t do anything about it."

It was just a dream. It’s not real. Remember what you always tell me when I have nightmares? You tell me that I am safe and that you won’t let anything happen to me. Well, the same goes for you.

I need to call Jake and make sure he’s okay. She grabbed the phone, dialed the number, and prayed he answered the phone.

Jake answered on the third ring. Hello?

Oh, Jake, you are still alive. Thank goodness.

Well, yeah. What’s wrong Jax?

Suddenly embarrassed, she quickly detracts from the intense emotion the dream stirred. It was nothing, Jake, just a bad dream I’ll see ya at work. She hung up the phone before Jake could say anything else. Sarah saw how red Jax had gotten and started to giggle like idiots and talked away the early morning hours until Jax had to get up and go to work.

***

Jake hung up the phone a little perplexed about the call he had just gotten. Megan rolled over and sleepily asked who was on the phone. Jake told her it was just Jaxon and to go back to sleep. Jake laid in bed, staring at the darkness, and wondering what caused Jaxon to call him. She had sounded pretty upset. Jake knew he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep again, so he dressed and went for a run before having to leave for the day.

Jake got to work and found Jaxon at her desk going through the paper-work. He smiled and walked up to her. So, are you going to tell me about this bad dream you had?

Jaxon blushed and looked up at her partner and friend. Don’t worry about it, it was just a dream.

He looked at her with a look that asked if she was sure. She just smiled at him as if to say yes she is sure. Jake sat down at his desk and looked through some of the files that was cluttering up his desk. Jake knew that she would tell him about the dream; she just needed a few minutes to compose her thoughts first, just as she always did.

Like clockwork, a few minutes later, she looked over at Jake and said. The dream was about you and your family. It was horrible. All of you were killed by a team of assassins. There were four of them, and they each killed a member of your family. It seemed so real, which is why I called you.

It’s okay that you called. You know you can call anytime. They both exchanged a smile, then decided that they better get back to work, because all those cases aren’t going to do the paper-work themselves. This is what they both hated about the job, the endless report writing, filling out of forms. As their pens scratched across the forms they yearned for some action to break up the piles of cases that still needed to be completed.

Detective Alexander, I need to speak with you. Yelled the Captain.

Yep, I’m on my way, Captain. Jake got up and Jaxon gave him a ‘you’re in trouble look.’ Jake just smirked at her and headed to the captain’s office.

You needed to see me, sir?

Yes, Jake, take a seat. I would like to commend you on a job well done with the Most Wanted Task Force.

Thank you, sir, but I can’t take all the credit. I had a lot of help.

The captain stood up from his desk and started pacing.

I’m glad that you took my advice and took the Lieutenant’s exam. He picked up a manila envelope. I have your test score right here if you would like to take a look at them.

Thank you, sir. Jake opened the envelope, removed his scores and read them.

As he was reading, the captain continued. I am taking you off the task force and promoting you to lieutenant.

Thank you again, sir.

You deserve it. You scored in the top one percentile. I will be putting you in charge of your own team of detectives and you will be working Major Crimes and picking up the slack in Homicide.

Well, I’m not sure what to say. I will accept this position on one condition. -I get to pick my team.

The captain looked at Jake. I don’t have a problem with that except there is one officer that you can’t have. I have assigned Sophia to take your place as head of the Most Wanted Task Force.

She is a good choice, sir. She will do well. I will get you the list of who I want on my team to you as soon as I talk to them.

All right, Jake, make sure you do. That will be all.

Jake walked out of the captain’s office with a big smile on his face. Jaxon looked up at him. Let me guess, you’re not in trouble?

"Better than that, Jax, the captain has given me a promotion and my own team of detectives and making me lieutenant.

Do you know who you will pick for your team?

Jake smiled. I have some ideas.

Well don’t leave me in suspense. Tell me who you’ve chosen. Jax bounced in her chair and trailed each of his movements with her gaze. Jake could tell she was definitely bubbling with excitement.

Jake held on to the quiet for a second longer to make her suffer in her anticipation. All right, he started. I choose you to be my partner, if you still want the position. If not, I’m sure Sophia would like to keep you on the task force.

You know I go where you go. You can’t get rid of me that easily.

I agree, it would take a lot more than that to get rid of you.

They both laughed at that, and then Jaxon got a serious look on her face. Who else have you decided on?

Well, I was thinking about a longtime friend of mine, Manu Kingston, from another police department. He’s let me know that he is bored with what he was doing, but his LT. wouldn’t give him anything else so I am considering asking him if he would be interested in working with us. I am going to give him a call right now and see what he thinks. Give me a few minutes Jax.

Jax nodded and returned to her desk.

Jake picked up his phone, Manu, it’s Jake, how ya doing bro?

Hey there, Jake. Long time my brother. I’m doing well, how ‘bout you?

I can’t complain. Hey the reason I called, I was wondering if you were still bored with what you are doing.

You know I am. Why do you ask?

Well, I was just promoted to lieutenant and was given the opportunity to create my own team for the Major Crimes Division. I was wondering if you would like to be on my team.

I would be honored to be able to work with you.

Good, then it’s settled. Hey I hear your sister is an awesome up and coming ADA now.

Yeah she is and she really enjoys it.

"Good, I am in need of the best ADA I can find, and with her skills I think she would be a good fit. Do you think you could talk to her and convince her to come with you?

I can probably help you with that.

They hashed out the particulars then ended the call.

***

Ashaki received a call from her brother, a police detective. Hey, sis. How are ya doing?

Busy, but doing good, Manu. What’s up?

I got a call from my good friend Jacob Alexander, you remember him don’t you?

Yeah I do. How is he doing?

He is doing well. Anyway he was telling me that he wants me to transfer to his department so I can be on a team he’s putting together.

That’s wonderful news, are you going to take him up on his offer?

Yeah, I am. My career here is going nowhere, and this will be a great chance to jump start it. He paused a moment. Ashy, there is one more thing. Jaxon was telling me that there is an ADA position open, and she asked if I thought you would be interested in it. I told her I would talk to you, and would get back to her. She says the position is yours if you want it.

Umm, I don’t know what to say. Can I have time to think about it?

How much time were you thinking about needing?

Just a day, Manny, please?

That should be fine, Ashy. I will call you tomorrow. Oh, I almost forgot, you will never believe who his partner is.

Who?

Jaxon Strong.

That is great. She is a wonderful woman and a great detective I hear.

Yeah she is, well I will talk to you more tomorrow.

She hung up the phone, totally blown away. She decided to go to the gym and work out while she thought about the offer that has just been presented to her. She finished her workout and headed to the showers. As she soaked in the hot spray of the shower, she ran the offer through her head one more time. She had been thinking about leaving California for a while now, maybe this was the opportunity she needed. She left the gym and headed to her office to call her brother.

***

"I just heard from him, and his transfer went through. He will be joining us.

"If I may be so bold as to give you a recommendation as to who you should also add to your team.

Of course. Who do you have in mind?

His name is Blake Knightington. I knew him from my days in VICE. I was thinking that you could place him with Detective Manu Kingston. I think they would be a good fit together.

Jake nodded his head in agreement, knowing the background of Manu Kingston.

How many are you planning on having on your team?

I was thinking about having five members, you and I, Kingston and Knightington, and Kingston’s twin sister Ashaki Kingston, if she accepts my officer. She would be the best ADA this city had ever seen and we will need her on our team if we expect to ensure that The Butcher pays for her crimes.

I love the team and if anyone can make sure she pays, it will be us. Announced Jaxon.

***

She got to her office, and there was a note stating that her boss needed to speak to her as soon as she got back. She knocked on her boss’s door, and he signaled her to come in and take a seat. He hung up the phone; then looked at Ashaki before he spoke. Thanks for coming in. There is something I need to speak to you about.

All right, then there is something I need to speak with you about as well.

He nodded. Well, Ashaki, you have served this office with dignity, and I am very proud of you. However, as the country is still in financial hardship, it affects everyone and no one is exempt from it, not even us. This is why I have called you in. I am sorry but I have to do some spending and budgets cuts and in so doing, I am going to have to lay you off of work.

Well, then I should tell you what I needed to talk to you about. I got a call from my brother this morning, and he was telling me that he had a job offer in another state. He plans on taking it and his friend wants me to come and be their new ADA. There is a big trial coming up, and he wants the best. So, if it’s all the same, I would like to transfer to the Avalon office without resigning here first. I am pretty much guaranteed this position.

He looked at her and smiled. I am so happy for you Ashaki. That will be a wonderful boost to your career. Of course, I will let you transfer. I will draw up the papers right now and have them on your desk by lunchtime. I really didn’t want to have to let you go, and now, I won’t have to. However, I am sad to lose such a wonderful lawyer and person from this office. You have my blessing.

"What about my on-going cases, sir?

Finish the one you are currently working, give me the rest of them, I will distribute them around the office.

She smiled her dazzling smile with her perfect teeth, a smile that captivates you with one look. Thank you again, sir. She left his office and went back to her office so she could call her brother.

She called Manu on his cell. Manny, I’ve made my decision.

Well, out with it, don’t hold me in suspense here.

She laughed. I have decided to take the offer. I talked to my boss, and he has agreed to let me transfer. I just have to finish the case I am working right now, and then I can leave.

That is awesome, sis. We are going to have a blast working together.

Speaking of having a blast, didn’t you date Jaxon for a while?

Yes, and how is that any business of yours?

I just think you and Jax should get back together. I’ve never seen you as happy as you were when you with her, just an observation.

***

Jake looked at his watch, hoping it was lunch time because the paper-work he was doing was really getting to him. All right, let’s get going, we are supposed to meet the team for lunch in thirty minutes. They both headed out to the café and walked in to see the other three had already gotten a table. They sat down, and Jake started the introductions. Hey, everyone, this is my partner, Jaxon Strong. Jaxon, this is Blake Knightington, and you already know his partner Manu Kingston. This is Manu’s sister Ashaki, the newest and arguably the best ADA.

Ashaki blushed at the compliment she was given, and then smiled. Hello Jax, it’s been a long time. She