CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE
(part three)

“Can they charge me with all of this?”

“Yes,” Samantha said. “I doubt they could convict you on all of them. They can easily add them to this case. Or they can open a new case against you in Federal Court. We’d be held up in court for… years. If they grant our motion to dismiss, the entire case will shift to Federal Court. If we proceed…”

Samantha looked over Aden’s shoulder for a moment. Her eyes were vague and thinking. When she turned back to Aden, she was present.

“I think we should allow him to try this case,” Samantha said. “We lose our right to an appeal, but only over judicial prejudice due to family relationship. That’s okay. Your goal is to get this over with right?”

“Right,” Aden said. “I want to get on with my life.”

“Then let’s move forward,” Samantha said. She gave him a vague smile. “Sorry I lost my cool. I never imagined something like this might happen. But I can do this. And if I can’t, I know people who can help.”

“Let’s move forward,” Aden said.

They turned back to the court just as the prosecution was returning to their table.

“Your honor,” Samantha said. “The defense agrees to allow you preside over this assault case. Mr. Norsen waves his right to appeal on the grounds of judicial prejudice due to familiarity with the victim.”

“Thank you, Ms. Hargreaves. Please let the record show that I will preside over this hearing,” Judge Alberts said. “Is your client aware of the repercussions of this agreement?”

“Yes, your honor,” Samantha said. “My client understands the nature of his crime and is anxious to get this matter settled.”

“Good. That’s good news. You’ve changed quite a bit, Mr. Norsen.”

“Yes, your honor,” Aden said.

“You have received a written plea agreement?”

“Yes, your honor,” Samantha said.

“Your honor,” the Federal prosecutor said.

“And where do you stand with the plea bargain, Ms. Hargreaves?” the judge asked.

“The defense accepts the plea bargain. We signed the documents and have filed them with the District Attorney’s office yesterday.”

“Good girl.”

For the first time, the judge sat back in his chair. He even smiled at Samantha.

“Does the District Attorney’s office agree to terms of the plea bargain?”

“Yes, your honor.” The District Attorney stood with his body shifted so that his back faced the Federal prosecutors. “The City and County of Denver signed the plea bargain and entered it into court record first thing this morning.”

“Perfect,” the judge said. “This court hereby accepts the plea bargain including the stipulation that no further charges will be added to this case or this defendant.”

When the Federal prosecutor began screaming at the judge, Samantha leaned over to Aden to whisper:

“The DA added that to the plea last night. Did I tell you?”

Aden shook his head.

“Sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t think it was any big deal. He called. I was surprised he wanted to add it. I mean, at the time, I had no idea they wanted to add all these charges. Anyway, it seemed to suit our purposes. Is it all right with you?”

Aden nodded. And Samantha smiled.

“Now, we just have to get through sentencing.”

Aden looked up just as the District Attorney yelled at the Federal Prosecutor:

“You left this man on our streets! Your callous lack of regard for the citizens’ of Denver well being is unprecedented. You didn’t even bother to include the Denver Police Department until it was too late. YOU created the line Mr. Xavier. We are simply using your line to protect the citizens of Denver.”

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…