C27 Chapter 27

Zane looked Amanda in her eyes the question on his lips. He wanted to ask it, no. He had to ask it, but he didn’t want to hear the answer.

No. He wanted to hear the answer too. He just didn’t want to hear what he believed it would be. But he needed to know for sure one way or the other.

“And?” his voice was almost a whisper.

Her eyes continued to search his. What she was looking for, he had no idea. He wished he knew. He wished his eyes could show her that. What she was searching for. He wished they could show her how much he loved her, how much he cared for her. That he wanted her to be safe and that even though he would leave here with a criminal record, they could still be together. Finally, she stopped searching his gaze and stilled her eyes meeting his gaze head-on.

“Sorry, Zane. I’m running.”

She gave him another quick kiss. The last kiss. The kiss he would remember for the rest of his life. She whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Then she was gone. Zane was left staring after her as she left. He wanted to cry out, beg for her to come back but he stopped himself. There was no point. She had made up her mind and was leaving. He couldn’t change it. He let her go.

“Hey, asshole!” Zane called out.

Terry opened the door. “What the hell’s wrong with you?”

“I’m glad you know your name. I’ve got my statement for Commissioner Loman.”

“So what do you want to do with it?”

“Give it to him,” Zane answered.

“Sure, give it to me and I’ll give it to him.”

“The hell you will. I’ll give it to him myself. In the presence of Judge Borth. And for this statement, they owe me something in return.”

“What’s that?” Terry asked.

“Got nothing to do with you,” Zane replied. “You want to call the Commissioner or do you want to explain to him why you didn’t call me when he’s waiting for this document right now? I told him I would only give it to him.”

“Okay,” Terry said and closed the door as he backed out of the office.

He returned a short while later. “Let’s go.”

“Where are we going?”

“Down to the courthouse. Commissioner Loman and Judge Borth are waiting for you. Bring your statement.”

Zane left the interrogation room and was led to a police cruiser where he was seated in the back. Terry climbed in the front and started the car. They headed for the courthouse just a few blocks away. When Terry arrived, he turned into the courthouse parking at the rear of the courthouse and parked the cruiser. He climbed out and opened the door for Zane.

“Let’s go,” he said looking around nervously. They entered the courthouse by the back door and found everyone in Judge Borth’s chambers. Zane left Terry to wait outside.

Zane greeted the judge and commissioner.

“Do you have the statement?” Judge Borth asked.

Zane reached into his pocket and withdrew it. He stepped forward slowly and offered it to Judge Borth who took it and began to read it.

Everyone waited in silence as he read Zane’s statement. Finally, he finished. Without looking up he scanned the document again, looking for something that was missing.

“What is it?” Commissioner Loman asked.

“There’s no admission of any involvement in drug trafficking,” Judge Borth stated flatly.

“And there won’t be either,” Zane stated calmly. I screwed up and got involved with a criminal instead of arresting her which obstructed the justice that could have been done. That’s enough right there to end my career and you know it. I will not admit to drug trafficking or possession. I am hoping I’ll find a decent job in the public world and with a record of trafficking and possession, I don’t stand much chance. You’ve got what you wanted, now set me free and I’ll walk away.”

“Why should we?” Judge Borth asked arrogantly. Zane could not believe that this man who he had considered a friend for so long had turned out to be part of the corrupt network within the justice system.

“Because that was our agreement.”

“No-one said we need to stick to it,” Judge Borth replied.

“Sure, and nobody said I need to sign my statement,” Zane smiled.

Judge Borth looked at the statement and realized it was not signed. He pushed it across the desk and said, “Sign it dammit!”

“Give me my release first, Judge.”

Judge Borth looked irritated but he grabbed the release form and signed it. Then he pushed it across the desk to Zane.

“There you go. Now, give me your statement, and let’s get this over with.”

Zane read the release form. Satisfied that all was in order, he nodded. “Okay by me. Everyone happy?”

Everyone murmured their approval.

Zane signed his statement and handed the paper back to Judge Borth. Then he greeted Commissioner Loman and retreated toward the door of the court. They watched him go but didn’t move. Zane reached the door of the court and opened it. He stepped out and closed the door behind him.

“Good thing the Commissioner pleaded for your ass,” Terry said from behind Zane. Zane spun around and before he could help himself he had Terry against the wall, his forearm crushing his windpipe. Zane eventually released Terry who doubled over as he gasped for breath.

“Come near me again and it won’t end well for you. Understood? Those people in there don’t give much of a shit for your stupidity. And I no longer have any respect for you.”

Zane left Terry gasping for air and walked away. He was free for now.