Justified Love (The Southern Gentleman Series Book 1) (25 page)

“We didn’t even want you when we found out your mother was pregnant with you. If it weren’t for your decrepit grandfather, you wouldn’t even exist right now. He insisted we keep you in order to carry on the family name. I thought after high school you would actually make something of yourself in college, and then the NFL. I had such high hopes for you, but yet again, you were a disappointment,” he spewed venom from his lips.

              Not wanting Dad to know I had a copy of the will I just got from Bill, I tucked it back in my back pocket. He still thinks he has the upper hand.

“You know, Dad,” I started “I’m the one who’s disappointed. I’m disappointed I allowed you to treat me like this for so long. I’m disappointed in myself for staying here trying to make you happy. I can’t take it any longer. Dad, fuck you! Oh, and I quit. Find another monkey to train,” I laid it all out.

“Son,” he began before I cut him off. “Do. Not. Call. Me. Son,” I said enunciating every last word.

“Colton, you have nothing. I have every right to take away that trust fund you were counting on,” he said with triumph in his voice.

“Fuck it, I don’t need it. All I need is Carrington, and I’ll be fine,” I piped up.

“You think that she’s going to want you after all this is over? She probably already knows and thinks you are the captain of this ship,” he said with conviction. Backing up to depart, I was prepared to leave it alone and walk out until his mouth got him into trouble once again.

“Good! Walk out. Your nothing but a poor, white trash, bum, just like your girlfriend,” he said with a shit-eating grin on his face. He could talk shit about me all he wanted, but he wasn’t going to talk about Carrington that way. Rearing my arm back, I nailed him right in the face. Watching the blood spill from his nose was my personal victory. It never felt so good. No one talks shit about my girlfriend.

“You were defending my honor?” I said with a small smile.

“I would do anything for you, baby. I don’t know how to tell you so you’ll listen to me,” he said half smiling back.

“I swear I didn’t know anything. I think Dad had me working on other things so I wouldn’t notice. Too bad. When he flipped out and made me go to the printer that’s when I looked at the documents carefully. As soon as I figured it out and noticed what he was trying to do, I went to the office and confronted him. He didn’t deny anything, and also didn’t give a shit. I was prepared to walk away when he disrespected you. I couldn’t hold it back any longer,” he explained.

“He told me he was taking back my trust just out of spite. I told him to go fuck himself,” he said with a smile.

I couldn’t help but laugh myself; I’d love to see the look on Shep Wilson’s face when he said that.

“He must have been so pissed at you.”

“Well, he didn’t give me roses, that’s for sure,” he said with a soft smile.

“What about your after school program? You were counting on that money,” I said upset.

“It’s ok babe, we’ll figure it out,” he said with a smile.

“
We
will figure it out?” I said looking at him hopefully.

“You’re my better half. I can’t imagine doing this without you. Just as long as you’re ok with me being with a broke, jobless, bum,” he said half expecting me to turn him down.

“Yeah, we will. Just as long as you don’t mind being with a homeless chick if we lose this thing,” I responded.

“I can’t imagine my life without you in it,” he said coming toward me, breaking the barrier between us. Giving me a hug was exactly what I needed, but more than that I need his lips on mine. I’ve never yearned for a kiss so much in my life reaching for him. He tasted so good on my tongue, like strawberries.

“Colt, I don’t know how to win this case. I went to the historical society, and the property lines look legitimate. Without a discrepancy with the blueprints I don’t know what to do,” I said disheveled.

Taking my hand, “I think I have the solution. Looking at the documents Dad gave me, I noticed something seemed a little strange. My grandfather, Corbin ‘Papa’ Wilson was always on top of things. He never missed a beat. Looking at the will Dad had me copy, I noticed the will was from forty years ago. Papa would never let that happen. I called our previous family attorney and had him pull a copy of the last will Papa drafted. You are never going to believe what I found,” he said waving a manila envelope in my face.

Chapter 21

Getting ready for court the next day, I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. I never got nervous, but there was so much riding on today. Gathering my briefcase and bags, I plopped them in the foyer waiting for Daddy and Granny. A silent knock startled me as I tried to get myself into fighting mode. Opening the door, the most beautiful man stood in front of me.

“Hi, baby. You ready?” he asked leaning down and giving me a supportive kiss.

“Not really, but I guess I have to be,” I confessed. Pulling me in for a hug, he kissed me, immediately allowing my body to relax. Colt always had this amazing ability to calm me down. I’m so glad he would be there to support me. I need his strength.

“You’re going to knock it out of the park, killer.”

“I hope you’re right, Colt.”

“I know I’m right. I have faith in you.”

●

Walking into the courtroom, I was shocked at the amount of people that were there. What shocked me the most was the amount of people sitting on my side of the courtroom. I guess Shep had pissed off a lot of people in Avery. Walking up to take our seats, Colt grabbed me for a good luck kiss.

This was going to be good. Colt’s dad is finally going to get what he deserves. He may be a father, but he wasn’t Colt’s anymore. He had burned that bridge, and there was no going back. Although I loathed his father these days, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the man that he had become. From what Colt tells me, over the years he had become bitter and resentful. He didn’t need to take it out on Colt though.

Sitting down in my seat, I could see Shep giving me and Colt a glare that ensued daggers in our chests. I knew he was ruthless, but I had no idea the depth of his hatred towards life and Colt. All Colt ever did was try to make him proud, but no matter what he did he could never please him.

Trying to pretend I wasn’t peeping, I leaned back in my seat listening to the faint conversation between Colt and Granny Bird.

“Colt, I hear you’ve taken quite a fancy to my granddaughter,” Granny asked.

“Yes, ma’am. I love your granddaughter, and I’m so incredibly proud of her.

I could hear the smile on Granny’s face, “I love my granddaughter very much too, but if I hear you’ve broken her heart or wronged her in any way, I will harm you. I know how to hide a body.” Seriously! Granny scares the shit out of me! “I’m just joshing you, silly.”

“Somehow I doubt you are, Granny. Even if you are just kidding, I would never hurt your granddaughter,” he said.

Giggling to myself, I could see Harley and Skye walk in with Chuck and Wyatt, laying a hand on Colt’s shoulder as they took a seat behind me.

Leaning over the bench to great my girls Skye chimed in.

“Look how many people are here,” Skye said as we all looked around the room.

“I guess you’re Dad didn’t just fuck over Carr’s family, but this whole town,” Chuck said patting Colt on the shoulder.

“Look over there,” Skye pointed.

“It’s Paisley and her mama,” she said while we looked at them taking a seat behind Colt’s Dad.

“Figures she would sit over there, especially since her bank did the loan for Carr’s dad.

“She’s a crazy bitch,” Harley added.

“She’s more than a crazy bitch,” Wyatt interjected.

“She’s the most egotistical person I’ve ever met. I can’t believe your Dad made you go on a date with a monster,” Chuck said with a grimace.

“You and me both,” he responded.

“You’ve got this. Don’t doubt yourself. You are an amazing attorney, and sexy as fuck in that pinstripe suit. I can’t wait to see it on my floor once you kick my father’s ass,” he said swatting my ass. Damn he’s hot.

Taking our seats, I mouthed, “I love you” to him as he mouthed it back with adoration.

“All rise. Court is now in session. The honorable Judge Abernathy presiding,” announced the bailiff.

“You may be seated. Good morning, ladies and gentleman. We are all here for case number 112908; W&W Developments verses Earl T. Mason. Are both parties present?” asked the Judge.

Standing, “The prosecution is present, Your Honor,” Shep’s attorney announced. Pushing my chair back, I stood.

“The defense is present, Your Honor,” I responded with pride.

“Will the clerk swear in the jury?”

Watching the clerk approach the jury box, I noticed a lot of familiar faces that longed for justice.

“Do each of you swear you will fairly try this case before the court, that you will return a true verdict according to the evidence and the instructions of the court, so help you, God?

Please say, “I do," the clerk said raising his right hand. Waiting for the jury, “I do”.

“You may be seated,” Judge Abernathy requested.

“The prosecution, W&W Developments, may now state their case,” Judge Abernathy reported taking off his glasses, pointed them in Shep Wilson’s direction.

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Shep’s attorney responded smugly.

“My client, W&W Developments is prosecuting the defendant, Earl T. Mason for trespassing, and failing to vacate the premises of land that is no longer his, but my client’s,  Shepley Wilson. My client wishes to begin development on a shopping mall immediately.

“Today, I will present legal documentation stating Mr. Wilson has full custody of the land and will file an additional motion for emotional duress he has experienced,” he continued. That son of a bitch. He’s trying to take us for all we’re worth. Murmurs were heard around the room as I stood to make my statement.

“The defendant, Earl T. Mason, may now state their case,” Judge Abernathy said looking all together unamused. Everyone knew Judge Abernathy was a crooked Judge. Judge Abernathy plays golf with Shep every Sunday when what he should be doing is going to church. He was well known for taking the occasional, “under the table” bribes from time to time. I guess that’s how Paisley always seemed to get out of DUI. This was going to be difficult, but I had faith, my friends, and Colt by my side to give me strength.

“Your Honor, the defendant, Earl T. Mason, is ruling to dismiss these allegations of emotional distress, as well as prove to the jury he is innocent of all charges. I will also argue that the land does not belong to W&W Developments, but the rightful owners, Ms. Birdy Mason, and Mr. Colton Tyler Wilson,” I said with a grin looking towards the prosecutions bench. Gasps and loud murmurs filled the courtroom.

“Order,” Judge Abernathy said slamming down his gavel on the podium as I continued.

“I also request the prosecution give my client, Earl T. Mason a personal and public apology,” I said looking directly at Shep in disgust.

“Fat chance that’ll ever happen,” he stated.

Pounding the gavel, “Mr. Wilson, you are a member of this court and I will not allow outburst like that. One more outburst and I’ll be forced to hold you in contempt of court. Do we have an understanding?”

Feeling my first sense of victory, I seated myself and drew in a deep breath. Round 1 goes to Carrington. Ding. Ding.

“Will the D.A. call the first witness to the stand,” Judge Abernathy stated looking down at his paperwork pointing aimlessly into the crowd of spectators.

“The prosecution would like to call its first witness Earl Mason to the stand.”

Seeing my father rise from his seat like a common criminal made my blood boil.

“Mr. Mason, please stand and raise your right hand. Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” the clerk requested.

“I do,” my father recited like a trained monkey.

“Please state your name for the court,” the clerk requested. “Earl T. Mason.”

“Thank you. You may be seated.” Seeing my father nervous upset me. He was a good man and didn’t deserve this.

“Earl. May I call you Earl?” Shep’s attorney asked.

“Actually, I prefer Mr. Mason, thank you.” He said with sarcasm and spunk. There’s my Daddy! Go get em!

“Right, Mr. Mason. On May, 10th you received a letter in the mail from my client, W&W Developments, correct?” he probed.

“I believe that’s correct.”

“What did that letter say?” Shep’s attorney pushed.

“I couldn’t say for sure,” my father responded honestly. Pulling out a document from his notebook, Shep’s attorney laid it out on the bench for my father to read.

“Can you read this letter out loud to the court room?” he said looking at the jury with a smug face.

“It has come to the attention of W&W Developments; you are residing on a property that is not legally your own. You have sixty days to reach an agreement with W&W Developments or be forced to vacate the property resulting in a court hearing,” my father resisted.

“Do you recall this letter, Mr. Mason,” he poked at my father.

“I do. I threw it in the trash. I’ve been paying on my property for over forty years,” my father replied.

“But you stopped making those payments a while ago? Correct?” he pushed.

“I did not intentionally stop paying the mortgage payments. I fell behind because I was paying my wife’s medical bills before the hospital sent me to collections,” he admitted ashamedly.

“Are you aware that my client has legal documentation and blueprints from Corbin Wilson, my client’s father, validating the property lines are legally his property?” Shep’s attorney asked.

“I know of these documents, but I had not seen them until today.”

Displaying the blown up documents of the property lines and will drafted forty years ago, I couldn’t help but get fired up at the allegations Shep was insisting. He thought he was so smart. He had never met a New York Attorney though. Watching the Jury’s faces I could see they were worried about my defense; however I wasn’t.

“The prosecution rests, Your Honor.”

“Does the defense have any questions for the witness?” Judge Abernathy asked finally making eye contact with me.

“Yes, Your Honor,” I said approaching my father, not before giving Colt a confident smile.

“Mr. Mason…” I started.

“You may call me Earl,” my father said with a chuckle. I couldn’t help but laugh on the inside myself.

“Right, Earl, before seeing these documents, had you made any attempts at contacting the prosecution, W&W Developments?” I asked looking Shep in the eyes.

“Of course. I reached out and wanted to make arrangements to pay my portion, and possibly work out some sort of agreement so we could keep the farm.”

“And, at that time were you granted permission to speak with anyone regarding this information?” I continued to stare down Shep.

“No, they kept telling me Mr. Wilson was busy,” Dad insisted.

“And when you went to Avery City Bank, did you ask to speak with a branch manager, Kiki Parker, in regards to the mortgage payments? The same payments you had been paying for forty years under the assumption that this was, indeed, your property?” I continued laying daggers into Shepley.

“That’s correct. I was told there was nothing that could be done at this point. They said I couldn’t even apply for a loan.”

“No further questions your honor.” Round 2 goes to Carrington. Ding. Ding.