There had been a light shower on the first of December which turned to sleet and froze before people could get home from work. Jason was concerned for his staff and asked all of them to call him and let him know they were home safely.
“Jason, my man, what could you do about it if we weren’t all right?” Greg teased him.
“If I didn’t hear from you, I would know where to start looking and ask the police to check for accidents. I’m not trying to keep you in servitude, just to make sure your safe.” he answered Greg.
“I appreciate it,” Beth spoke up as peacemaker. She knew Greg did not mean to be sarcastic and didn’t want Jason to feel badly.
“I do, too. Thank you,” Greg said.
Richard looked worried and Jason asked if he could do anything for him.
“No. Oh, maybe you can. Will you please check with Roberta and see if she and the baby are all right or if they need anything.”
“Richey, have you been seeing Roberta?” Jason asked.
He looked embarrassed. “Yes, I have. She’s a great gal and has had so much heartache that I’d like to help her have a better life.”
Jason clapped him on the shoulder. “Good for you. I’ll be delighted to check on her and the baby. Don’t ever hesitate to let me know if you need anything. I’m a friend as well as an employer.”
“I know and I’ve been so thankful that I’m with you.”
Everyone left carefully walking on the slick surfaces. Franklin walked around and took Grace home in his car. Darrell was waiting for Beth and Greg didn’t have far to go.
Jason reminisced about the lovely Thanksgiving wedding of Rebecca and David. Linda and I had a picture-book wedding. I haven’t been able to look at the pictures since her death. Some day I’ll get them out and go through them.
Steve and Jason spent a lot of time together. Jason would smile to himself thinking of how the couples were pairing off. He checked on Elaine often and set his mind at ease that she and Joe were all right.
Joe and Elaine went twice to Maurice Winston’s office to discuss his coming trial. Joe was getting more anxious and angry at himself for being so stupid. If I had just called for help as soon as Margaret fell, we wouldn’t be going through this. My precious Elaine is such a trooper. She’s holding up better than I thought she could.
Tucker called Jason to wish him a Merry Christmas and to ask about everyone else. “I’m sorry I’m not there for the Harpers. Basically they’re good people. Keep me informed about what’s going on?”
“I sure will, Tucker. You’re mightily missed, buddy. How is your mother?”
“She’s very weak. I don’t think she has the will to live after losing my dad. They were high school sweethearts and have been together all these years. That’s one reason I was never interested in marriage. I didn’t think I could find anyone that would mean the same to me. Maybe some day I’ll meet that person. In the meantime, give the Harpers my love and best wishes. Tell Steve I’m glad he’s staying. My jaw is dragging the floor hearing about Gary and Angelica and Nigel and Alicia. Haven’t you found a lovely lady yet?”
“No, Tucker, and I’m not trying. If it’s meant to be, I’ll meet someone in the future. The present time isn’t appealing. Take care, my friend. Keep in touch.”
* * * * *
Christmas was very quiet. The weather was bad and the workers and members of the dating agency were thinking of Joe’s trial coming up in three weeks.
The snow wasn’t as heavy as last year and left quickly, but the air was bitter cold. Everyone was bundled up and only going out when it was necessary.
January, named after Janus, the two-faced god, came in with a rush. Bitter cold winds whipped trees and bushes in a frenzy. Signs were blown down and the road crew were kept busy cleaning up tree limbs off the streets. Traffic lights were swinging alarmingly.
The Saturday before the trial, members poured into the agency to have a last well wishing meeting with the Harpers. Elaine didn’t cry, but she went around with moist eyes and tight lips. Joe was friendly but subdued.
“Friends, I hardly know what to say. I don’t deserve the loyalty you’ve shown me, but I’m thankful you’ve been so caring about Elaine. Please take care of her for me. I can’t find words to tell you how sorry I am for this whole mess. Margaret didn’t deserve to die like she did and she sure didn’t deserve to be placed naked in the dumpster. The only excuse I have is that I panicked and could only think of how heartbroken Elaine would be. It’s worse on her now, and I’m sincerely sorry. Thank you for being here and I hope you’ll carry on with a lot of love and success.” Joe walked out of the room wiping his eyes with Elaine leaning against Rose and crying.
A Sheriff’s deputy came to escort Joe to the jail on the night before the trial. He was kept in the holding room of the courthouse until the trial was ready to begin. The bailiff came to escort him to his seat in court.
Bailiff Markee was working this trial. He checked with attorneys from both sides to make sure they had all the supplies and water they needed. He admonished the people crowding the courtroom to remember this was a court of law and they must conduct themselves accordingly.
Finally he stood before the court looking splendid in his blue uniform, even with a pistol on his hip. He stood military straight and proclaimed, “Hear ye, Hear ye the court is now open and in session. The Honorable Judge Martin Sheldon presiding. All present having business before the court come to order. This is the case of the state of Ohio verses Joseph Harper. Would you all rise, please.”
Judge Sheldon came in with a smile. His light brown hair was getting thin, but his hazel eyes were sparkling with the joy of life. He was about six feet and a tiny bit overweight. He looked like someone’s lovable grandfather.
“Are all persons connected with the case present and prepared? Are the attorneys for the prosecution, and your witnesses, present?”
“District Attorney Morgan Crum for the prosecution, your Honor. We’re prepared.”
“Is the attorney for the defense, and your witnesses, present?”
“Attorney Maurice Winston for the defense, your Honor. We’re prepared.”
“Let the record show that all parties in this case are present and prepared.”
Judge Sheldon read from a paper in front of him. He looked at Joe Harper as if he would like to say something, but kept quiet.
“Counselor Crum, present your case.”
Morgan Crum stood and gave a chilling account of the death of Margaret Archer and of the body being left nude in the dumpster on a freezing night.
He told of the various times Joe was seen and of his “attack” on Alice Daniels.
This took a long time for Attorney Crum to tell of the charges against Joe.
Judge Sheldon listened carefully and took notes. After Crum was seated, the Judge wrote more notes. He then looked at Maurice Winston.
“Counselor, what say ye?”
“Thank you, your Honor.” Maurice stood and told of the unpleasant attitude of Margaret’s and of the times she was cautioned. He then told of the night of her death and the fact that it wasn’t premeditated murder. He then sat down.
He had talked so long that even the Judge took a glass of water. The bailiff had been standing quietly at the left side of the judge in front of the bench.
Judge Sheldon looked at Morgan Crum. “Do you have witnesses?”
“No, your Honor. We feel the facts speak for themselves. Mr. Harper did willfully take the life of a woman and then hid the body and obstructed justice during the investigation.” He sat back down.
Judge Sheldon then looked at Maurice. “Counselor, do you have witnesses?”
“Yes, your Honor. We have.” He nodded to the bailiff who read from a paper.
“Jason McBride, please take the witness stand.”
Jason stood looking very confident in a grey suit with a white shirt and a grey and black stripped tie. He walked tall and sure to the bailiff.
The bailiff held a Bible in his hand. “Place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in this case, under penalty of perjury, so help you God?”
“I do.” Jason stated firmly.
“Be seated.” Jason took the witness chair.
Maurice stepped in front of him and smiled. “Good morning, Mr. McBride.”
“Good morning, Mr. Winston.”
“How long have you know the accused Joseph Harper?”
“I’ve known Mr. Harper a year.”
“How well do you know him.”
“I’ve seen him and talked to him at the dating agency that he and his wife own.”
“Would you say you’ve known him long enough to form an opinion of him?”
“I think so. I know he’s a good business man and that he is devoted to his wife.”
“How well did you know Margaret Archer?”
“Not well at all.” Jason proceeded to tell of her calling his office and finally accosting him on the street. He told of the night she made a nuisance of herself.”
“Would you say that you could believe Mr. Harper when he tells of her attacking him?”
Attorney Crum jumped up. “Objection. The witness has no knowledge of what Mr. Harper was thinking or believing when Miss Archer was killed.”
“Sustained. Careful of the wording of your questions, Counselor.”
“Yes, your Honor.”
“Mr. McBride, do you have anything you wish to add?”
“Just that it would be a travesty of justice to hold Mr. Harper responsible for Miss Archer’s death.”
“Objection, your Honor.”
“Overruled. The witness has a right to voice his opinion as long as he isn’t quoting someone else or telling a hearsay statement.”
Maurice turned to the prosecutor. “Your witness.”
Attorney Crum jumped up looking very pompous. “Mr. McBride,” he hesitated and stared at Jason. “Have you had any training in the field of law enforcement?”
“No, I haven’t. I’m a CPA.”
“Where do you get off telling this court how to judge Mr. Harper?”
Maurice jumped up. “Objection. He’s badgering the witness.”
“Sustained. Counselor, limit your questioning to facts and to testimony that will give us a broader understanding of the case.”
“Yes, your Honor. My apologies.”
Mr. Crum kept trying to trip Jason in his testimony and finally saw that Jason was sticking to his facts. “That’s all that I want from this witness.”
“Counselor, do you have a cross-examination?” the Judge asked Maurice.
“No, your Honor. Thank you.”
“The witness may be excused. Call the next witness, bailiff.”
Eight more were called all telling about the same thing Jason had. They all told of Margaret’s nervous habit of talking too much and too loudly and chasing after the men. When Rose Schilling was asked if she believed Mr. Harper’s testimony as to what happened the night Miss Archer was killed, she answered “I was not present to hear or see what happened. I can only believe Mr. Harper and I certainly do.”
“Objection!” Attorney Crum said loudly.
“About what?” Judge Sheldon asked him. “The witness was only telling that she can not be a witness to those facts.”
Everyone was exhausted. There had been a sixty minute break for lunch and then the trial continued until six. Judge Sheldon looked at the bailiff.
“Bailiff, are there any other witnesses. If so, we’ll have to continue tomorrow.”
“No, your Honor. The witnesses have completed their statements.”
“Does either counselor have further business with the court?”
Both attorney stated that they had completed their work for the day.
Judge Sheldon looked around the courtroom and then at Joe. “The testimony I’ve heard today is not about a premeditated murder, nor is it about a man with a criminal mind. His actions following the incident demand a punishment according to our laws of this land. I will admit that I need to read the testimonies again and think about this. We’ll convene again in two days at nine A.M.” He rapped the gavel.
Bailiff Markee stood straight and tall. “All rise.” After the judge had left the courtroom, people began to talk and disperse. Joe was led by the bailiff back into the holding room to be taken to his cell later. Elaine was given permission to hug him and talk quietly for a couple of minutes. Rose and Alicia led her out to Rose’s car where they could take her home.