Dante's Trial

Today was my brother's trial for taking Bianca out of the state. Honestly, if it were me, I would have done the same thing. Although, if it would have been me, I would have gone to Mexico or China, or somewhere out of the country and never come back. I wouldn't have even risked my pregnant wife being locked up in jail. I would have taken her and left the country and never returned. That's what was important, being together. But now my brother couldn't even be with his new wife. It was something he'd wanted for so long, and now that he had it, he couldn't even enjoy it.

And all the while my brother's going through this, Abby and I have been a divorced, newly-engaged couple. She was dead set on not having sex before we got married again. I did't understand it, but there wasn't anything I wouldn't do for Abigail. I loved her. And today she was showing her love and support for me by coming with me to Dante's trial. Yeah, I knew she was doing it for Bianca as well, considering her sister was locked up in jail and couldn't be here herself. I appreciated it anyway. I mean, I wasn't the one in the hot seat, but she was still by my side, and that's all that mattered.

I walked into the courthouse with her, my arm wrapped around her waist, rubbing her stomach. We had left JJ and DJ with Momma and Pops and Auntie Tammy. The courthouse was not a place for children. Jacque and Bruno weren't even here. They both had their own lives and they couldn't be here. It was just Abigail and me, and that's all that mattered. At least Dante had someone. I kissed the side of her head, holding her closer to me as we walked. "Are you feeling alright, baby? Do you need some water or a bathroom break before we find the court room?"

Dad had made special arrangements for me to be here today. Not only was I arrested for Kylie's murder, the murder of Jacob, Dante's son. Yes, I resented them for it for the longest time, but I had really been trying to be Kylie's friend. And Jake was not to blame at all. He was an innocent child, just like the baby in my stomach. I had no idea if it was Dante's or Luke's, but Dante said he would love this baby even if it wasn't. I wanted it to be his, but it scared me that it couldn't be.

But I wasn't thinking about that today. And I wasn't thinking about the other reason I was in jail for: skipping bail. Yes, I had gotten married that day, and I was happy, but that happiness had been yanked away from both of us. I was just grateful that Dad had gotten the special permission to let me come today. He'd brought me a dress. Mama had to go pick it out so he could bring it. All of my clothes weren't fitting anymore, and I hadn't kept any of the maternity clothes I had when I was pregnant with DJ. But this dress was so cute. It was blue. Dante's favorite color. I looked good in it and it hugged my little baby bump just right.

Coming out of the bathroom where I had changed, I saw the officer who was to escort me while I was away from jail and tensed up. Dad stepped up to me, placing his hand softly on my back, telling me to relax and to smile. Dante needed me to be relaxed and happy for him. He didn't need to see me on end. I nodded my head and gave Dad a gentle hug before heading with him into the court room. We took the bench just behind the defendant's stand. I wanted to be right here for him to see when they bring him in. I hoped they'd let him change. He'd look good even in the jail clothes, but I had been able to change for him. I hoped he would be able to change as well.

I wasn't sure why the hell I was here, in fact, I should be far away. On the other side of the country. Yet, here my feet go, walking up the court steps, while flashbulbs go crazy in my eyes... I wasn't sure why I punished myself this way... and especially on the night I was sure Dante would be found innocent and let go and Bianca would still be dragged away begging to hold him one last time. I felt sick at the thought but kept my stupid feet moving, all the way straight to the courtroom. I walked inside, stopping at the doors and staring at Bianca. She was beautiful. She was always beautiful. But she sent off a glow these days that made her even more beautiful. "Ugh," I said under my breath, stuffing my hands in the pockets of my dress pants and sliding over into the last bench, sitting and waiting for the trial to start.

I felt so nervous, my stomach was flip flopping all over the place. If Dante didn't get out today, it would give my sister more to be upset about in an already tense situation. She didn't deserve that. She deserved to be free as a bird, off on her honeymoon, or at my place where I could yell at her for getting married without me... not here. "No," I told Jackson. "I'm okay. Can we just go sit down? My feet are hurting." They were extra sore these days, especially since they seemed to be ballooning up bigger than my entire body. I guess this sorta stuff happened when you were eight months pregnant and at the end of your rope. I was exhausted and my body was letting me know I was doing too much. But I wasn't going home to lay down and not support not only my husband but my sister too.

When we got to the doors of the courtroom the first thing I saw was Lucas' retreating back... he was here? Wow... I looked up at Jackson, taking his hand and walking in the courtroom with him. I saw B and found myself smiling. Daddy caught site of me and tapped B's shoulder. I waved to them both before heading over there with Jackson.

I stood when Dad patted me on the shoulder, using the banister in front of me to pull myself up. Not because I was huge pregnant already, but because I was weak. I tried to eat, but it didn't always stay down. I knew it wasn't morning sickness. That was gone a little over a month ago. I was sick because I was locked up, Dante was locked up, and DJ and our family were on the outside and there was nothing anyone could do about it. I came quickly to A, throwing my arms around her, hugging her tightly. I didn't even think about our protruding stomachs between us. It just felt good to hold my sister in my arms. I felt Jackson's arm slide around my back and I pulled my head back to smile at both of them. It was a weak smile, but I gave them all I had. "I'm so glad you're both here!" I knew they didn't know I was going to be here, I didn't even know until a few hours ago. I caught sight of Lucas and swallowed. I knew I should probably go talk to him... but I couldn't. I needed my family. I needed security, and going back to talk to him, I'd loose all that security. I turned my head down and rubbed A's stomach. It'd been so long since I'd seen her, she was practically ready to burst. "A! Has it seriously been this long? You look like you could go any moment!"

I rubbed Abigail's back. "It's been a while since we've seen you, it's true." I had already gotten over hearing my brother had gotten married through Abigail's father and then from the tube. I didn't need my brother to tell me. He had done what had made him happy, and that's all that mattered. Yeah, it had gotten him thrown in jail, but we all have to pay a price for happiness. Abigail and me, we were divorced and not having sex. I'd say that's a pretty big price in the world of Jackson. I looked down at Abigail. "Come on, let's get you to a seat." I let Abigail and Bianca walk around Steven as he stepped out and I shook hands with him. He and I hadn't always been on the up and up, but unless the kettle was burning, we could always tread the calm waters. We took a seat, and I wrapped my arm around Abigail's shoulders, rubbing her arm softly.

I hugged Bianca hard, as hard as I possibly could without hurting either of us. Tears bubbled in my eyes as she pulled back. I did my best to smile, because she was upset as is, no need to upset her more. "I wouldn't be anywhere else." I told her. Even if she hadn't been here, like we thought, I'd still be here. I brushed a tear away when I smiled at daddy and looked back at B. "It's been that long.." I told her. It felt like a billion years to me.. "You look like your getting somewhere too." I murmured as I rubbed her swollen stomach. "Okay," I told Jackson as we both took a seat on the bench. I took B's hand and waited for the trial to start.

Pops and mom had stopped by to bring me a suit and wish me luck, so I wasn't completely unprepared. Although I felt like it. I felt like I was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I just wanted to see my wife.. and my son... and my family. I just wanted to be home.. and I was starting to regret not leaving town for good. After I was dressed I was escorted to the courtroom, a cop holding my arm as we walked. I wasn't handcuffed but he told me if I even stepped any to the left he'd lock my ass up. No second thoughts.

I told him I'd behave and did until we got to the courtroom and I saw Bianca. I stepped forward to run too her, but he tugged me back, snapping at me that I was getting cuffed if I didn't cut my shit. "Fine," I mumbled, walking with him over to the table. I turned, looking at my family, most importantly my wife, who looked worse than I had ever seen her. She was sick. "Hi, guys." I said, staring at Bianca. "Hey, honey." I smiled at her, not daring to move my hand from my lap to touch her because the cop was already pissy.

I could see the wear in my brother's face. Aside from Abigail, there wasn't anyone in the world that I knew as well as I knew my brother. He didn't deserve to be locked up. And with Steven's help, he'd be out today. But I knew that didn't matter to him. Not without Bianca. She'd never been my favorite person in the world, but then again Abigail had never been Dante's favorite. But over the years, and especially recently, the two of us had learned that our wives were the most important person in our lives. We may not have liked the other when we each got together with them, but each of us knew that we were better with them than without them. And I knew that Dante was miserable being locked up away from Bianca, but even when he got out today, he'd still be away from her. I didn't know exactly how he felt, not in this situation, but I knew what it was like to be away from my soul mate. I'd destroyed myself being without Abigail. But I knew it was going to be Abigail and me who would have to get Dante through this. Hell, I'd even help him break Bianca out of jail, if he wanted me to. Then I'd pack up Abby and JJ and run away with him and his family. Pops, momma and Auntie Tammy would come with us too. Even Abigail's parents. Pops could buy an island in the middle of the ocean somewhere and we'd all live happily for ever. It would be perfect. I stood, reaching forward and patting Dante's back, ignoring the glare from the behemoth guard standing beside the table. "Hey, man! No one's made you their bitch, right?"

I bit my lip, the tears threatening to fall from my eyes. I had to stay strong in more than two ways. All I wanted to do was run into his arms, but with the guard who was escorting me standing at the back of the court room, and the one who escorted Dante into the room standing even closer like a vulture, I couldn't. And because of that, because I couldn't wrap my arms around his chest and bury my face into his chest or wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him until neither of us could breathe. And because I couldn't do that, all I wanted to do was cry. But I couldn't do that. I had to be strong and keep my tears at bay. I couldn't even get a "hi" out past my lips before my voice completely broke. I looked up as Jackson completely disregarded the guard. He never did care much for authority. But if I stepped out of line, they'd have me back in my cell quicker than you can say murderess. I held onto A's hand tighter for strength, wishing I could just have Dante's arms around me. I love you, I mouthed to Dante, swallowing the huge lump in my throat.

I walked out of my chambers and headed down the back hall toward the court room. I was hearing the case against NFL MVP Dante Frost today. I hadn't followed football since the days of Gretzky, so I wasn't even going to be swayed by popularity. I could choose to have him serve out his punishment in jail along with a fine. Of course, I could let him go with a warning and have him pay the fine as it is. But I was going to listen to his story and go from there. I didn't get where I was by not being a fair judge.

I nodded to the bailiff as he came out from the courtroom. "Ready, your honor." Nodding my head to him, I fixed my tie and smoothed down my tie. "Yes, Jeffrey." The bailiff turned and headed back into the courtroom. Inside, I heard him announce me. "All rise." I headed up the steps to my seat. "The honorable Judge Richard Philip Allen presiding." I took my seat and looked out over everyone. I hadn't wanted the press in here. They'd get what they want from the clerk when I released it to them. I didn't like all the flashing bulbs in my courtroom. I'd had other celebrities in my courtroom, and I had put a moratorium on press in the courtroom years ago.

"You may be seated," I told all of them and waited for them to be seated before looking up at Mr. Frost and his attorney. Double checking my papers, I saw that his name was Steven Samms. He was actually Dante's step-father-in-law. Way to keep it in the family. Lifting my head back up, I looked up. "We're here to hear the case of Dante Antonino Frost for charges of aiding and abetting a fugitive. Mr. Samms, I'd like to give you the floor. Tell is the basics, please."

"No," I said cracking a half smile at Jackson. "Lasting longer then you ever would." I joked, staring at Bianca. I mouthed I love you back before standing when the judge was announced. I sat back down and watched as Steven walked around the table toward the judge. "Mr. Frost was arrested with a charge of aiding and abiding. A charge he's chosen to plead guilty too. However, the invents didn't go the way some have said. And that's why he's here today, to tell his side of the story. So I ask the court that he be on the stand first."

My mouth fell open, my hand holding B's tighter when Daddy said Dante was pleading guilty. He was BEGGING to be tossed in jail for years! Was he insane??

Steven had to be shitting. There was no way my brother was going to plead guilty. Of course, Steven was a stand up lawyer, even when working for my father. But I really couldn't believe that Dante was going to plead guilty for just marrying his soul mate. This was bullshit. I almost felt like standing up and calling "bullshit" but I stayed seated. I didn't need the guard accompanying Dante to use that night stick in ways that would make me cry. Seriously, do you want to see Jackson Frost cry?

My mouth dropped open. "What?" My question barely came out in a whispered gasp. He couldn't plead guilty! I wouldn't let him. "Dante..." I barely spoke, but I knew he could hear me, even if Abigail was the only other person in the room who could.

I nodded my head, turning toward the defendant. "Mr. Frost? You may speak." If he was pleading guilty, I would be home in time for dinner and I wouldn't hear Chester complain about dinner being cold yet again. I didn't like upsetting him, and he understood my career, but it still hurt his feelings when I wasn't able to show up on time for dinner.

Dante stood, walking over and sitting down in the box next to the judge. I reached out with my free hand, taking Jackson's, looking at him before looking at B. I gave them both a gentle squeeze before focusing on Dante.

I stood up, walking over and taking a seat. "State your name for the record, please." The bailiff asked. "Dante Antonio Frost." He nodded, told me to put my hand on the bible and did all that truth shit I always saw on TV. When he was done he stepped back and I was told by Steven to tell what I needed too. "Okay, so I wanna start off by telling you that I didn't do anything because Bianca didn't. She didn't kill or allegedly kill Kylie and my son. I mean do you people honestly believe that I'd ever be with a woman.." The judge cut me off, telling me I was veering off topic.

"Sorry, what I'm trying to say is, I wanted to marry the woman I love... I'm sure most all of you can understand what that feels like, right? Imagine after years of trying to get married, you finally are able to but a possible UNFAIR prison sentence is looming in the background and you don't have the chance to get married unless you take the chance right then and there. I took Bianca to Vegas to get married. All I've wanted forever is to marry that beautiful woman, for her to have my last name, to have our son's last name, and we finally got the chance.."

I caught site of Lucas in the room, his eyes burning bright with fire. I turned away and looked at Bianca. "Yes, I shouldn't have left town, we knew what we were doing wrong but it wasn't to run away. Because Bianca didn't do anything wrong and we both know it. I have no reason for her to leave town or run, we were just getting married, they even arrested us when we were coming back! Not leaving! We came back! We got married and came back here to face the gruel lies and accusations together. I left but it wasn't to leave forever.. I love that girl and all I wanted was to marry her. That's it."

I listened to the young lad speak. Everything he did, he did for love. Just like Chester and me. We had waited so many years just to be able to legally call each other husband. We had been one of the first in line just to make that legal for the both of us, because we loved each other and we would have gone through fire and brimstone just to be with each other. This young couple in front of me had done the same. They didn't know this, but I had already been slated to be the judge on Mrs. Frost's case as well. Yes, I would have to wait and hear the case against her and her lawyer's plea, who I was assuming was going to be her step-father, but I didn't mind. Family meant a lot to these people. I couldn't keep them apart.

"Mr. Frost," I spoke, directly to him, turning to face him from my seat above him. "I understand love, more than a lot of people would ever understand. But love aside," I shook my head, "Mrs. Frost's trial is still pending. And because those charges are still pending, she is by definition a felon, and she did flee. She broke bail, and you were an accomplice to that act. And if you are going to plead guilty, you will have to face your sentencing, what ever it may be, do you understand?"

This was bullshit! He said he understood, yet he's STILL going to throw Dante in jail? I felt Abigail's squeeze on my hand. I knew she knew me better than anyone, and I knew she knew all I wanted to do was jump up and cry out "This is a major injustice!" Yeah, even thinking about that, made me want to laugh. Standing on front of the table where Steven was sitting, yelling out at the judge that he was being a pompous asshole. Abigail's presence beside me and the image in my head calmed me. I was still infuriated, but I wasn't going to make an ass of myself. I did that often enough, right?

I couldn't stop them. The tears were falling. I slid forward, grabbing at the banister in front of me, trying to keep from bawling out. I knew they were going to lock me up for life, but I couldn't stand back and watch Dante be locked up. Yes, we broke the law. But Dante was right, I hadn't killed Kylie and Jacob. So he wasn't doing nothing with a fugitive. I only had that title now because I had been accused and I did run. I gripped onto the banister, trying to keep from crying. He couldn't sentence Dante to jail. He didn't deserve it. I knew what I was risking if I spoke out against what the judge was saying, but if he gave him anymore time in jail and didn't let him go home today, I wouldn't be staying quiet much longer.

"I understand completely your honor. I plead guilty." I didn't bare to look at Bianca because if I did I'd lose it. "But I still say I didn't do anything wrong. And that's not me saying I'm above the law. It's just me saying I didn't do anything wrong, your honor, because my wife didn't."

I reached forward, still holding Jackson's hand as my other rubbed on Bianca's back. I felt terrible for both of them.. and to be honest I felt a twinge of fear and sadness for Dante myself... and for DJ. They all didn't deserve this.

I kept my eyes forward, not making a move or sound, watching as Dante hung himself with a rope and dangled from a tree. I didn't feel sorry for him. He deserved it. If he hadn't stuck his penis in another woman in the first place, none of this would be happening.

I looked down at my hands folded in my lap in front of me. The man truly believed his wife didn't kill anyone. He truly believed that she didn't kill the mother of his child. But this wasn't her trial. We were here to determine the guilt of the man beside me. He had plead guilty, but if what he said was true, there was nothing for him to be found guilty of. Aside from the fact that Mrs. Frost had been accused of murder and fled bail. Whether she was guilty or not, they still left the state, breaking her bail and making him an accomplice to the act.

"I am in the position to hold sentencing until after Mrs. Frost's trial," I said, looking out over the room. "What I will do is accept Mr. Frost's guilty plea and impose the maximum fine of $20,000. However, there will be an addendum to this sentencing. If Bianca Parisi is found guilty in her pending case, then Mr. Frost will serve seven years in addition to the maximum fine imposed." Turning to Mr. Frost, I asked, "Do you understand the sentence as I have outlined?"