Strong Motive: Elizabeth Strong, #1

By K.C. Turner

She rose from the ashes of her past.

Now someone wants to throw her back into the fire.

 

In the small town of Silverton, Ohio, crime runs big. Court advocate, Elizabeth Strong, knows this all too well and doing everything she can to stop it. She has devoted her life to helping women escape dangerous, narcissistic men. She did it herself years ago sending a man to prison. And he's had plenty of time to plot his revenge.

 

While helping a prominent woman navigate the court system, Elizabeth falls prey to a mysterious stalker and Detective Martinez is assigned to her case. When it becomes clear that her client is the target of a murder for hire, Elizabeth and Martinez team up to catch the killer. The client's husband is rich, connected, and the number one suspect. Is he also sending Elizabeth a message to back off?

 

Although the one man Elizabeth fears is still behind bars, Martinez suspects he's somehow involved.  It wouldn't be the first time a prison inmate got to someone on the outside. As the evidence builds in her client's case, the danger escalates in her own. The tangled web connecting the two together begins to unravel and it's soon realized nothing is ever as it seems...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Two Ten Press
• Release date: Mar 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781736741504

K.C. Turner

K.C. Turner grew up in the small Lake Erie town of Sandusky, Ohio, which was the inspiration for the backdrop of her novel, Strong Motive. She began writing poetry in 1996 and hasn't stopped since. Her career consists of everything from legal briefs to a column in the local newspaper. She is currently working on her second novel.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was a mad Monday morning in the courthouse after the first nice weekend in Silverton, Ohio, following a dreadfully depressing winter. Once the trees began to show signs of life again and the lilacs were beginning to bloom, it seemed people would start to go berserk from being relieved of the cabin fever they’ve been suffering for months.

Elizabeth walked out to the busy courtroom lobby. The cathedral ceilings loomed as her heels made a powerful, intimidating sound on the marble floor. She stopped and as the echo of her heels faded, the voices of the innocent until proven guilty took over.

Man, can you loosen these cuffs?

"Sir, you have to go through the metal detector..."

Seriously? This is ridiculous!

"Just call my girl, I wasn’t there!"

Pen and court docket in hand, Elizabeth looked around the crowd and called out the first woman’s name on her docket sheet. Michelle Gardner? After scuffling through the human remnants of the weekend, Elizabeth saw her. Michelle sat alone on one of the antique wooden benches next to the security screener with a tissue in hand.

She had a gymnast’s build with short, wavy, dark brown hair snuggly framing her young, round face and hazel eyes; very big eyes, one of which was now bruised black and blue. Her face was streaked with mascara and screaming for Elizabeth’s help. She kept herself very neat and her clothing, not to mention the massive diamonds in her ears and colossal rock on her ring finger, suggested she held a position of above average intelligence and stature.

Unlike many of the victims Elizabeth had encountered, Michelle was obviously out of place. She looked scared, confused, and embarrassed to be surrounded by common criminals and local street trash. She wasn’t the typical ‘victim’ Elizabeth was used to. Elizabeth walked up to Michelle with a caring and comforting demeanor, remembering where she had once been.

Hi Michelle, my name is Elizabeth Strong. I’m a victim’s advocate with the Annapolis County Prosecutor’s Office.

Michelle immediately flooded Elizabeth with questions and excuses. Oh my God! What have I done? I shouldn’t have called the police; I completely blew everything out of proportion. This is a total misunderstanding. Is he going to prison because of me?

Elizabeth was used to this type of reaction and knew how to handle first timers. But frankly it was getting old. She was tired of hearing ‘It wasn’t his fault. I should have. He didn’t mean to. He was really drunk.’ She had heard it all.

‘God woman, wake the hell up!’ is what Elizabeth wanted to say but she bit her tongue. I’ve been doing this too long, she thought to herself.

Although Elizabeth had become somewhat jaded, she reminded herself that she could not turn her back on another woman again; even if it seemed she was just one of those traveling through the revolving door. The same ones in court every other week accusing the man of abuse and the next day or two ready to drop the charges because he swore it wouldn’t happen again.

Resting her hand on Michelle’s forearm Elizabeth said, It’s okay, I am here to help you through this whole process. What’s done is done. I know you don’t want to be here but you are, so take a deep breath and let’s take it from here, okay? Why don’t you tell me what happened.

Michelle looked a little relieved to have a friend and tears slowly started to wash away the mascara that was already drying on her cheeks. She took a deep breath and exhaled. "We’ve been having problems for a while: More than a while. About a year ago, after I had my son, I could tell Richard was becoming distant. He would start arguments with me and was emotionally abusive. Tapping a tissue under her eyes, she continued. When I told him I wanted to go back to work he would brush me off, tell me I needed to be home with Cody. When I found out he was cheating on me, it all made sense.

It has progressively gotten worse over the past few months. Last month we got into a fight when he didn’t come home from work until the next morning. I told him if he didn’t tell his little girlfriend it was over, I was ready to leave. He had been drinking, he was yelling and calling me every name he could think of; he punched me in the side of head so hard I had to go to the hospital. Elizabeth, he - he busted my eardrum. I don’t understand!" The tears began to stream again.

Did you report that incident at all? Did you tell a friend or talk to a relative? Of course she didn’t, Elizabeth thought, they never do.

Not answering the question, she proceeded with excuses. Richard is really a good man, he loves his son, he takes very good care of us and we have been through so much, she claimed in her husband’s defense. I know he loves me but I just can’t take it anymore! I am so scared that eventually he will turn on our son.

Trying very hard to be sincere and console her, Elizabeth hoped that Michelle was not just another piece of ‘trailer trash’ trying to get back at her man for crossing her in some way or another, either because he cheated or he didn’t pay child support, or simply because. She thought at one time she was able to tell the difference, but she had learned not to pass that judgment. She was just tired of the justice system making the same assumptions she once did.

The kid, it was always the kid that did it for her. It’s not his fault his dad’s a piece of crap and his mother lets him get away with it. Pulling her thoughts together, she said, Okay, here is where we are and where we’re going: Richard has been charged with domestic violence. Considering this is the first time you’ve reported him, he’s only been charged with a misdemeanor. Due to the severity of the situation, he’s currently on a no bond, which is why he’s still in jail. However, that works in your favor if you decide that you want a protection order…

Looking confused she asked, A protection order? What - what does that mean…

For the time that this case is ongoing, you’re entitled to a temporary protection order. This is a court order that states Richard cannot come within 500 feet of you and your home.

Cutting her off, Michelle nervously said, I couldn’t possibly!

She paused momentarily on the legalities. "I understand this is all overwhelming. Everything is so fresh right now and emotions are running high. Getting a protection order can give you some time to clear your thoughts and figure out where you want to go from here. It can give you the space you need right now even if you later decide to drop it. We can request the order today, and once things cool down, we can reevaluate and discuss. It is only temporary and it’s totally your decision. The law is in your favor right now, Michelle, not his."

Reluctantly, she nodded her head and allowed Elizabeth to continue.

The judge is going to call Richard’s case and the bailiff will bring him into the courtroom to stand in front of the bench. The two of us will be there as well as his attorney if he has one.

Michelle’s bottom lip began to quiver. An attorney? Oh my God. Richard is going to be furious with me!

Hey, don’t worry. The bailiff and I will be in between the two of you. You don’t even have to look at him. She stopped for a moment to be sure her words were understood. "After Judge Bennett explains everything to him, he’s going to turn to us and make sure you understand everything that is going on. He’s also going to want to know if you want a protection order. This is the only decision you need to make right now."

Her face gave away her flailing thoughts. What should I do?

I can’t tell you what to do. And I’m sorry I cannot legally give you advice. What I can say is that if I were in your situation, I would get the protection order even if it’s only for a few days to figure out what your next step is.

Nodding her head she said, Okay. I just need to process all of this. What if I get the protection order and he shows up at the house?

Then you call the police and they will arrest him yet again for violating the order. Knowing she shouldn’t say it, the words pushed through her lips, He will not get out of jail tonight. We will figure this out.

Hesitating, a tear ran down Michelle’s cheek before nodding silently in agreement.

Slightly touching the woman’s knee as a comfort she said, Okay then.

The bailiff called Richard’s case and Michelle followed Elizabeth to the front of the courtroom. Elizabeth stood in front of the Judge’s bench in between Michelle and Richard, who had yet to retain an attorney. The bailiff stood next to Richard.

Your Honor, Mrs. Gardner wishes to get a temporary protection order at this time to keep the defendant out of the residence for the time being, said Elizabeth.

After the judge confirmed that was what Michelle wanted, he made a few notes on the paperwork. He ordered that Richard not come within 500 feet of Michelle or their current residence until the case was settled or until Michelle spoke with Elizabeth extensively, requested that the protection order be dropped, and Elizabeth agreed that it was wise.

Excuse me judge, but I hope you’re not intending on keeping me out of my own house and away from my son. Do you know who I am?

The judge looked up at Richard from beneath his bifocals, I’m very much aware of who you are Mr. Gardner and frankly, I really don’t care. Judge Bennett snidely looked back down and continued making some notes.

After hearing Richard drop the Do-you-know-who-I-am-card, Elizabeth knew she would have to work a little harder for Michelle’s sake. Your Honor, I understand that there will be an order in place and I mean no disrespect to the Court, but please, I understand you have to issue a bond -

That is right Miss Strong, I do and this is my Court and I will address the issue of bond as I see appropriate. The Court orders a bond in the amount of $5,000.00. Surety, property, or cash; ten percent.

Elizabeth always despised when the judge ordered a bond. That meant that the worthless guy that just beat his girl could get out of jail and be back on the streets when he paid the court $500.00 or 10% of whatever amount the judge decided; no get out of jail free cards here.

Either that or the defendant would have to get a bail bondsman. Elizabeth hated them too. They would take a generous amount of cash from the defendant and basically write an insurance policy, which would guarantee their appearance at the next court date; layman terms for surety. If they owned property, they could simply put that up for collateral.

You can’t be serious your Honor! Elizabeth so courageously announced. You mean to tell me because he’s a first time offender you’re going to give him a ten percent bond?

When Elizabeth questioned the current bond, the look on the judge’s face was not that of admiration and he quickly tried to diffuse the advocate’s disrespect for the Court. You are walking a fine line here Miss Strong.

Elizabeth was obviously more concerned for the safety of the victim she was trying to assist. Well it’s about time someone did!

Miss Strong, may I remind you that I am the man with the long black robe sitting significantly above every one else in this court room?

Well you would think your Honor could be more creative in ways for the Court to make its money. Did I just say that? Elizabeth was as surprised with her reaction as the judge.

That’s it! You are in direct contempt of this Court and you’re ordered to pay a fine of $500.00! Bailiff would you kindly escort Miss Strong to her cell? The judge’s patience was wearing thin. Is that creative enough for you? Next case!

The judge never used his gavel in court before but this time he did. Actually Judge Bennett was typically a tranquil man. Surprisingly so in his line of work. Of course, he was a criminal defense attorney before being elected municipal court judge; everyone felt he favored defendants and second chances.

Elizabeth Strong was twenty-eight years old with long blonde hair and blue eyes but as fiery as a redhead, a direct result of her Irish-German decent from her mother’s side. At only 5’5" and 110 pounds, she looked as frail as when she herself was being abused. She was intelligent and very easy on the eyes, although she didn’t realize how pretty she was. Actually, she had no interest in men or trying to appease their need for visual stimulation. She wasn’t a man hater as some defense attorney’s claimed. She was just finally happy with herself and didn’t want to complicate her life. She tried that once when she was only nineteen-years-old and he beat the hell out of her for two years practically killing her spirit.

As were most people that worked in her field, she was somewhat socially awkward and although she suffered from anxiety, she was confident and as turbulent as a tornado especially when she was passionate about something. Elizabeth was definitely passionate about her victims.

Contempt? Are you serious? Elizabeth thought to herself. Just because she wanted to protect her victim, the court sees it as disrespect. Disrespect the court and pay. She thought it was ironic that in attempting to protect a victim, she had to pay the court the same amount that the wife beater had to pay to get out of jail. Unbelievable! Elizabeth’s belief in the justice system was dwindling now more than ever.

Before the bailiff could respond to the judge’s order, Elizabeth looked at Richard who was waiting to be escorted to his own cell, his green scrubs slightly revealing the orange T-shirt underneath. Elizabeth glared at him and he glared back with a smug grin of victory on his face. As he rubbed his chin the shackles around his wrists clanked, giving Elizabeth a chill on the back of her neck.

She thought to herself, That’s okay. This is far from over you worthless piece of - As he walked past Elizabeth he looked at Michelle and said, "I’ll see you tonight." Elizabeth had a gut feeling he would follow through with his promise.

Elizabeth was not only taught never to promise anything to a victim but she was also told to never give out her personal phone number. After Richard’s announcement, this was the one time she could not resist.

She was not going to leave Michelle knowing he would be out on bond in an hour and completely disobey the protection order. She thought she could give her at least one night of peace and a sound sleep. She wished someone had given that to her years ago.

Handing Michelle a piece of paper while the bailiff clasped her arm she said, "Michelle, this is my cell phone number. Please, if you need anything do not hesitate to call me! Remember, you have a protection order in place."