Miranda: Nashville Justice, #8

By Cole Steele

In "Miranda", an aging man is catapulted into a maelstrom of accusations and intrigue following a deadly home invasion. With the nation watching, Eldon Lemke's fate hangs in the balance, and it's up to Lori Tolliver, a razor-sharp defense attorney, and her dogged brother Shaun, an ex-con turned investigator, to seek justice.

Delving into the heart of a crime that's more than meets the eye, the duo confronts a web of secrets and deception. They uncover unsettling truths and face trials that challenge their skills and kinship.

A gripping, fast-paced courtroom drama, "Miranda" plunges readers into an intricate plot, where every revelation could change the game. This thrilling story of loyalty, risk, and the pursuit of truth will leave you captivated from start to finish.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SteeleShots
• Release date: Jun 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223523123

Cole Steele

Cole Steele is a versatile and talented author residing in the United States. With a vivid imagination and a knack for storytelling, Cole Steele has successfully created two enthralling book stories and a captivating short story series. Cole Steele is deeply grateful to the writers who first ignited his passion for storytelling and provided the inspiration to embark on this creative journey.

Book preview

ONE

The shrill trill of Lori Tolliver's cellphone shattered the early morning tranquility, its persistent ring echoing through her quiet apartment. Bleary-eyed, she fumbled on the bedside table, the caller ID casting a soft glow in the dim room. It was a call from her office's after-hours answering service, and it was barely 6 in the morning.

A pang of anxiety twisted in her stomach. Emergency calls at this hour were rare, and they were seldom good news. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, Lori swiped the screen, her voice still heavy with sleep, Lori Tolliver.

Ms. Tolliver, the operator's voice, crisp and professional, came through. We've received a call from a Mr. Eldon Lemke. He’s in the county jail. He said it was urgent.

A bolt of adrenaline shot through Lori, instantly banishing any lingering drowsiness. She sat up, her mind racing. What's he been charged with?

It’s a shooting case, the operator relayed. Mr. Lemke claims he was defending his home against two teenagers who broke into his house while he was asleep. Both teenagers, aged 18 and 19, are dead. This is his one call from jail.

The severity of the situation hit Lori like a punch to the gut. This was far more than a small claims case or a legal consultation - this was life and death, with the potential for a high-profile trial. She scribbled down the details quickly, her heart pounding. I’ll be there as soon as possible. Thank you.

Ending the call, she sat in the quiet of her room, her mind spinning. Eldon Lemke, a name she hadn't heard until now, and a case that was set to change the course of her career. From the first light of dawn breaking over Nashville, Lori knew this day would be different.

Eldon Lemke's plea for help had reached her, and she wouldn't let it go unanswered. An innocent man was facing the fight of his life, and Lori, along with her brother Shaun, were about to step into the ring. The city was beginning to stir, oblivious of the storm gathering momentum inside a modest law firm office. Justice might be a tireless pursuit, but so were Lori and Shaun, and they would leave no stone unturned in their quest to unravel the truth of that tragic night.

TWO

The Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County Criminal Justice Center was a stark contrast to the vibrant city that encircled it. By the time Lori arrived, the morning sun cast long shadows across the entrance. Tension was palpable in the air as officers, attorneys, defendants, and the occasional family member hurried through the imposing doors. Today was no different.

Inside, Lori was led to a sterile, tightly enclosed space, divided by a thick glass panel, and dotted with phones for communication. On the other side of the glass sat Eldon Lemke. His white hair was unkempt, the lines on his face seemed deeper, and his piercing blue eyes, although clouded with worry, sparkled with a sense of defiance.

As Lori picked up the phone, their eyes met, and she offered him a small reassuring smile. Mr. Lemke, I'm Lori Tolliver, the attorney you called this morning.

Over the next hour, Lori listened to Eldon recount the horrifying ordeal. His voice, though shaken, remained steady as he claimed self-defense, insisting that he had acted out of fear for his life when the teenagers broke into his home.

In the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense, a ripple of anticipation flowing through the audience as the judge made his way to the bench. Lori stood by Eldon, her presence a pillar of support as the prosecutor read out the charges - double homicide. The words hung heavy in the air, echoing ominously around the room.

Eldon Lemke, how do you plead? the judge's voice cut through the silence.

Eldon's gaze flicked to Lori, who gave him an encouraging