Ch. 106..110: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 106-110

Chapter 106 Who abducted Ria Robert?

RIA ROBERT COUTURE

And ever since Ian received the call from detective Chad that Ria was being followed by some unknown men and now she was missing he couldn’t stay calm. Ian was almost at the store when detective Chad’s call came in and he couldn’t help the rate at which his heart was beating.

Detective Chad rushed into Ria Robert Couture. Brian had been shot on his shoulder while Bert was still unconscious. Earlier on the chase, Bert wasn’t shot with a real bullet but a drowsy bullet that would make him sleep for a couple of hours. Brian was shot with a real one but the second one fired at him when he tried to shoot back at the captor was the drowsy bullet. They didn’t know until Brian and Bert were rushed to the hospital.

The one who sent the captors already told the men that they shouldn’t kill anyone in the course of abducting Ria Robert. But they only fired at Brian because he fired their main shooter on his upper arm, a graze though.

It was very easy for the shooter to hit Brian straight in the head but they didn’t want to go against the boss orders. He doesn’t want anyone’s blood spilled because he wanted Ria Robert.

“Has anyone called you?” Detective Chad asked Ian.

“No… and she isn’t picking up her calls either!” Ian grimaced. He was angry. And he was mad that he had failed Ria. He had promised to protect her but now she was out of his reach. Ian regretted not listening to his mom’s advice of hiring about ten bodyguards to safeguard Ria. If Ria had not persuaded him to not hire more bodyguards then he would have done it.

“I found it in her car.” Detective Chad brought out Ria’s phone which he had taken from her car. He gave to Ian. The screen was broken.

“Did you find anything else?” Ian asked.

“Yes her bag is in my car.” Detective Chad responded.

“What about her abductors?” Ian screwed up his face.

“I am sorry, Ian. We lost them” Detective Chad replied in an apologetic tone.

“What?! What are you talking about?! You couldn’t catch just one culprit?!” He snarled.

“I am sorry.” Detective Chad apologized. “We just need more time.”

Ian relaxed a bit. “So what are you doing now?” He questioned.

“Derrick is with the search team now. We are going to find her.”

“You better find her.” Ian pointed at the detective. “If anything happens to Ria, I won’t spare you.” Actually, he won’t spare whoever abducted Ria.

“Don’t worry we will find her.” Detective Chad reassured him.

Ian couldn’t sit back and wait for them to bring him news about Ria. “I am coming with you.” He said.

“No Ian, it is not advisable for you to work with us. You have to stay safe for Ria.” Detective Chad replied.

“I can’t stay back knowing that-” A beeping sound from his phone interrupted him. It was his mom! Ian had called his mom immediately Detective Chad broke the news of Ria’s disappearance.

‘Hello mom.’

‘Ian. How is everything over there?’

“I’ll take my leave now.” Detective Chad waved him goodbye.

“Can I come with you to get miss Ria bag?” Ma’am Elise asked.

“Sure.”

They walked out of the store to Chad’s car. “Please make sure he doesn’t leave the store. We also have to protect him because we don’t know Frederick’s plans yet.” Detective Chad said after handing Ria’s bag to her.

Ma’am Elise nodded slowly but she knew deep down in her mind that she wouldn’t be able to stop Ian if he decides to leave and find Ria himself.

Ian told his mom the situation of things and she was worried about Ria.

‘What will you do now?’ Mrs Perla demanded.

‘I will try to call Frederick again.’ Ian replied.

‘I am sure he won’t pick up his call. I can’t believe this old rag is this wicked! How could he do such a thing and still show his face again?! Don’t worry Ria will be fine and please call me if you have any news okay?’

‘Sure mom.’ Ian disconnected the call.

He has been trying the line Frederick used in calling him the other day but it was switched off. Ian knew all this was Frederick’s doing and he swore that he won’t spare Frederick.

And he would never forgive himself if anything bad happens to Ria. Tears stings at the corner of his eyes at the thought of losing Ria and not seeing her again. No! He wouldn’t wait till the cops bring him news that she was dead!

Ian passed Ria’s phone to ma’am Elise. “Please take care of things around here. I will be right back.”

“Mr Ian-” Ma’am Elise called at him but he was already out of the store before she could say anything.

Ian wondered about Ethan too. He couldn’t reach him too. Ian wasn’t sure if Ethan was aware that Ria was missing if not he would have come to the store. Where could he be? Perhaps is he searching for Ria too? Is he searching for her alone? He pondered deeply.

Ian had no idea of where to look for Ria but all he did was pray over and over again for her safety.

*****

“How could you make such a mistake?!” Frederick yelled as he threw the glass across the room.

“I am sorry boss.” Biggy apologized.

“Sorry?! Sorry for losing her?! Now someone else has her! And you were so foolish that you didn’t even follow the abductor!” Frederick snarled at him.

Fury crashed over him and he clenched his fists so hard that he could almost feel his knuckles cracking. He had sent Biggy and two other men to kidnap Ria without leaving a trace. He ordered them to bring her alive at all cost. He had hoped to see her and end her life once and for all but things didn’t work out as planned.

Biggy came with the sad news that someone else took Ria away. He had followed after Ria’s car the moment she was leaving the store to the institution and same thing with the other gang. The one who took Ria in the end was quick to notice Biggy and it didn’t take him much time to figure Biggy’s purpose of following Ria and he was also smart enough to change his plans. He informed his men in the other car to distract Biggy from reaching Ria. Somehow they distracted Biggy and his car was far behind when they took Ria.

When Biggy realized that he lost Ria, he came back to report to Frederick about it.

“The other party had more men.”

Frederick gulped down the bottle of whiskey. “Find her! I don’t know how you intended to do so but bring me Ria Robert and make sure you bring her to me alive!” He snarled in a commanding tone.

“Okay boss.”

Frederick wondered who wanted Ria too. He thought deeply but nothing occurred to him.

Chapter 107 Frederick Robert is a murderer

A pounding pain from her arm woke her up. She observed the surrounding through her blurred vision from waking up. “Where am I?” She pondered.

Ria was in a large room, laying in a king sized bed. She felt exposed and she looked under the bedcover only to find out that she was nearly naked beneath the materials. She was just on bra and panties.

“Who undressed me? What happened to me?”

Ria tried to sit up on bed but the pain on her upper arm held her down. Soon her gaze fell on her upper arm and there was a bandage wrapped around it.

“How did I get here?” Ria murmured.

She closed her eyes and memories flooded her mind. The chase, the attack on her bodyguards, the man who carried her into a car, she tried to get out and then he stopped her and he covered her nose until she slipped into unconsciousness.

Ria became dizzy immediately as she thought of Ian and her family and it ended. A door opened and closed slightly.

“Are you up?”

Ria eyes opened when she heard the raspy voice. She gasped in shock when she saw who it was. Drake Robert was there! He was dressed in a short. His chest was bare and his hair was wet. He walked closer to the bed.

Ria held the sheet tightly to her body. And she didn’t want to believe what was going on in her head. She woke up naked in bed and he was coming from the shower. No! Her heart beat accelerated.

“Don’t… don’t come closer…” Ria stuttered.

Drake stopped and raise an eyebrow. Ignoring the pain from her arm, Ria managed to sit up still holding the sheet around her body. Ria cursed under her breathe at the pain.

“You have to be careful.” Drake muttered.

Anger welled up within her. “Don’t tell me to be careful!” She yelled at him as a tear slid down her cheek in the process.

Drake stared at her in shock. “What.. what.. did.. you do… to me?” To even know that he was the one who abducted her made her really furious. And she was annoyed because she couldn’t get out of bed to hit him.

Ria was naked and she couldn’t risk getting out of bed just to hit him without the sheet falling off her body. And how much had he seen? She mused. No! don’t let it be that he touched her.

Drake chuckled interrupting the train of her thought. “Ria, what do you think? What do you think I did to you after waking up naked in my bed?” He pointed at her.

Ria cringed at his words. “I am close to being naked too and just coming out from the shower. What message does that send to you?” He smirked.

Ria couldn’t utter a word. “You are not a kid anymore, Ria.” He snorted. “I know Ian would have had the best of it and I also wanted the taste a beautiful woman like you.” His tongue trailed over his lower lips with a devilish smirk playing on his expression.

Ria couldn’t believe his words but she heard herself saying to him. “Drake… perhaps did… you-” Her voice trailed off and she clenched her fists.

“Come on, Ria, we had sex.” He spat.

Ria closed her eyes. Her heart broke into pieces as she was weak beyond words. And she couldn’t do anything but stare into space. Tears dropped and she couldn’t control the flow. He did it. She wouldn’t have slept with him if she was conscious. He took advantage of the fact that she was unconscious.

“Listen Ria, It is not a big deal. I am sure you are used to having men in your life. Mostly those who can’t seemed to control that strong desire to get you in bed… I am one of them. You know, ever since I met you I couldn’t stop imagining stuffs like this… I mean seeing you unclad in my bed. And I am so glad that I got what I wanted.” Drake laughed.

“He forced himself on me.” Ria said within.

Another Lucas in her life. She never thought of it that Drake was the real abductor. She had her mind on Frederick.

“How could he do this to me? Didn’t he read the news? We are cousins!” She bantered internally.

“Well I abducted you to get back at Ian for cancelling the deal. He breached our agreement. You know I would have filed a lawsuit against him but I couldn’t do anything about it. That deal was my life! I worked so hard to get him to sign that damn deal but what did he do in the end? He cancelled it! I was even more furious because it was pointless to sue him knowing that I may not be able to win against him in court. So I opted in for the perfect option; Ian Bryant’s weakness which is Ria Robert. I decided to come for you. And I just thought of getting something from Ian… just one thing that will make him feel troubled; You.” He seethe his teeth in anger.

“And… you have no… idea what… you have just done.” Ria whispered.

“Tell me what I don’t know.” Drake chuckled darkly.

“You don’t know?”

Drake was silent for some seconds. “I don’t know? Maybe I really don’t know what you are driving at.” He shrugged.

“You didn’t read the news?” Ria swallowed hard.

“Damn the news.” Drake cursed under his breathe.

“I have nothing to discuss with you. I am going to keep you here for a very long time.” Drake started to walk away towards the door.

He wants to lock her up just like how Lucas did to her. “Wait Drake!” She stopped him. “I’ll tell you everything you need to know.” Drake turned around to look at her.

She didn’t want to be locked up in this room. The thought of it alone made her really sick and it almost brought back the days she had spent in Lucas’s den.

“All my life I wanted just one thing; happiness. I didn’t want anything else than to be happy. I was happy when my parents were alive. Despite being blind, nothing ever bothered me because I was happy and I had the best parents in the world. And never for once… did they ever complain or… say that I was a burden to them.” She wiped her tears. “But it was just so sad that I lost my happiness the very day my parents died. Do you know what it means to lose a loved one? Or to watch your loved one die right in front in your presence and… because of you and… you couldn’t do… anything about… it?” She cried.

Drake didn’t respond. He couldn’t relate to what she was trying to say because he has never lost a loved one.

“No you don’t… know what it means. My eyes were gone and I was alone. And each time I try to be happy… then my past keeps standing in the way. It reminded me of so many things today. It was horrible. A past filled with pain, guilt, sorrow and sadness and it also left me with a scar. A big scar and a fear. The greatest fear which I am still trying to overcome and… I just want to forget everything.” Ria looked at up at him.

“And everything you and your father ever did was cause me pain… too much pain. Frederick Robert was the architect of my horrible past!”

Drake looked stricken. “What do you mean?” He demanded with a serious face.

Ria couldn’t tell if Drake knew what she was talking about or he just wanted her to keep talking.

“Don’t act like you haven’t read the news or that you don’t know who your father is!” Ria glared at him.

He was silent.

“Take me back home. I don’t want to be locked up in here in like…. what happened to me… eight years ago.” Ria whispered.

“What did he do to you? I mean… my father. Tell me the truth.” Drake said.

Ria sniffled. “He killed my parents.” She blurted out.

Their gaze met and no one looked away. “You are joking right?”

“It is the truth. And I keep wondering why he had to go to such extent of killing my parents because he wanted my dad’s inheritance.”

“No.” Drake covered the steps from where he stood to the bed.

“Stay away… from me.” Ria moved away from him.

“Ria, I am not going to hurt you okay?” He said innocently.

“You are a bastard! Acting all innocent after you raped me! Don’t touch me!” Ria gritted. She couldn’t even touch him because she had to secure the sheet tightly around her body. There was nothing she could do to him. Even though she felt dirty at the moment the deed was already done.

He had his way with her!

“Okay… I won’t touch you but I need you tell me everything.”

Ria didn’t want to talk about it with him. “Find out from the news. I am sure you have lots of connections so you can call someone in Idaho to confirm it!” His presence irritated her so much.

“Ria-”

“Frederick Robert is a murderer. Your father is a criminal!” Ria grimaced in anger.

Drake stood up from the bed. “I want to believe you and everything I saw on the news. But this is so hard to believe.”

Oh! So he read the news!

“You saw the news… so why didn’t… you put things together to figure that we are cousins before…” Her voice broke and the tears flowed again. “… before you took advantage of me. I swear to you, Drake… I will put you and your father in jail for many things if at all I ever make it out of this place!” She threatened.

Drake snorted. “News flash; you are never going to make it out of this place until you tell me the truth! Everything that happened eight years ago!”

“Believed it or not your dad killed parents!”

Drake shook his head and laughed out loudly. She noticed the tear that strayed down one of his cheeks. “Unbelievable! I won’t believe you!” He went to the drawer and picked up his phone.

‘Dad. It is me. Drake.’

He was calling his father and then her heart skipped beats. Ria realized that Drake could be working for his father. What is he going to do her again?! She couldn’t hear what Frederick was saying on the other end.

‘Drake, how did you get this number?’

‘Mom gave me your number. I will give you details later. Can we meet up now?’ Drake said.

Ria thought of what to do at the moment. No idea!

‘No son… we shouldn’t meet up here in Chicago. I have to stay in hiding.’

‘You don’t want to meet me?’ He paused and looked at her. ‘But what if I say I have Ria Robert with me?’

‘Are you trying to play me?’

Ria looked at him as their eyes met. ‘I am serious.’

“Drake, were you the one who abducted Ria Robert?!’ He demanded.

‘Yes. I hired some men to do the job.’ Drake responded

‘What do you think you are doing Drake? You shouldn’t get involved in this case!’

‘Too late. I am involved in it now. I can send you pictures of her in my bed.’

‘Let me see her.’

Ria closed her eyes. He was going to take her to his father. She drew in a deep breathe and she had no idea why she suddenly became calm. She heard flashes as Drake took pictures of her and soon he was back on the phone.

‘I will bring her to you but on one condition.’ Drake stated.

‘What is it?’

‘I will be there with you while you do everything you want to do with her.’ He sniffed.

‘This is very dangerous. You shouldn’t-‘

‘Quit the lecture dad. I am in and I am not backing out now.’

Frederick sighed. ‘Alright. I will send you a location.’

‘I’ll bring her to you… alive.’ And Drake ended the call.

Ria refilled her lungs with fresh air. She wasn’t afraid to meet Frederick anymore. “You are taking me to him right?” She asked.

“Yes. He is my father and I can’t turn my back against him no matter what.” Drake answered with a cold stare.

“But… I will advice you do the right thing.” Ria murmured.

“Which is returning you back home to your family? No! Ian Bryant won’t spare my life. I lost everything! My company went down just in few days. Every partner in Limos stopped partnering with me, shareholders withdrew their shares and protesters stormed my office asking me to bring out my father.” Drake’s eyes held pain. “One thing I hate most in the world is not getting what I want. But look at me now, I failed! I have nothing and I can’t take this anymore.” He whispered the last few words.

“Well I went through worst fate than that… for months. I have been in pains for more than eight years now.” Ria said.

“So let us end everything. Let us all die together.”

Ria shook her head in disagreement. “No… I can help you Drake. I can persuade Ian to let things go and I can make him sign that deal again.” She rushed out her words.

“No.” Drake looked determined to take her to his father.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Okay. Take me to your father and let us end everything.” Ria whispered after a minute of silence.

She hate to say those words herself but she has no choice. There was no way to save herself. She was going to meet Frederick. But before he kills her, Ria would make sure he tells her why he killed her parents. Over time, Ria knew it wasn’t just the inheritance there was something more. She doesn’t want to accept that he did that because of the inheritance. She sensed there was more to it.

Drake grabbed a top from the single couch nearby and wore it. He threw Ria’s clothes at her and moved away from the bed.

“Change up and don’t try anything funny.” Drake said and turned his back at her.

Why did he turned away when he had seen her body while she was unconscious? And what he did pierced her heart the more. He wasn’t different from Lucas. It was pointless fighting him. She was already tired of this fight. So it was better to end things.

“Done?” He asked.

“Yes.” Ria replied.

Drake went to the drawer again and brought out a robe and tied her hands behind her back. Whatever happens in the end doesn’t matter to her anymore even if she dies in Frederick’s hands. She concluded.

But a part of her remained hopeful that nothing was going to happen to her and that she wasn’t going to die. And again she still doubted it.

 

Chapter 108 Who is guilty?

EPISODE HUNDRED AND EIGHT

THEME: Who is guilty?

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The drive to the location was silent. Ria sat at the front seat next to Drake with her hands tied to the front now. She was lost in thought of Ian. She knew how worried he would be knowing that she was missing.

Drake didn’t say anything even as he pulled up in a site. It was an abandoned house on an open field. No one would ever think of coming to this place to rescue her! Ria thought.

He came out of the car and opened the door and dragged her out of the car. Ria surveyed the surrounding. The land was more like a dessert.

He took out his phone and dialed his father’s number. ‘Hello dad.’ He said over the phone.

‘Where are you?’

‘We are here dad… at the location.’ Drake responded.

‘Bring her into the building.’ Frederick instructed.

‘No dad, I am not bringing her into the building. I suggest you step out from wherever you are and let us get things done once and for all.’ Drake declined.

Ria could hear Drake’s responses and she couldn’t help but wondered why Drake insisted that he doesn’t want to go into the building.

‘Alright. I’ll be out soon. Make sure she doesn’t get away.’

‘Sure. She is going no where.’

Drake ended the call and she watched him type the time away on his phone before dropping it in his car. They waited for about four minutes in silence before she heard him say, “Dad.”

Ria’s head snapped up immediately and she saw Frederick Robert made his way towards them with a well built up man behind him. He was quite older than the man in the pictures that she has seen. He has stubbles around his jaw that showed that he hasn’t shaved in a while.

Her gaze fell to his hand and her eyes widened, he was holding a gun. Ria breathed out heavily when Frederick finally stood in front of her.

“Wow! Who do we have here? Ria Robert, the surviving child of Nathan and Madison Robert. This is my first time seeing you in person… and I can’t say that it is nice to meet a relative of mine.” Frederick spat as he pointed the gun at her.

“Dad… hold up…” Drake muttered.

“What? Are you trying to stop me now?” Frederick demanded without looking away from Ria.

“I am not trying to stop you. As a matter of fact, I want all of this to be over so I can sail to somewhere far away and never return.” Drake replied.

“What do you mean?” Frederick dropped his gun and looked at his son while Ria heaved a sigh but not of relief but frustration.

“I am leaving the country and…” Drake looked at Ria this time. “I can help you escape too. The airport isn’t the perfect place for you but we can leave the country on a ship and never return until things die down.” He completed.

Ria knew Drake had everything planned out. They would end her life, bury her in a shallow grave or let her body rot under the sunlight for the vultures to feed on and they would leave the country on sea and never return until everybody has forgotten about her case. A tear streamed down her cheeks at the thought of not seeing Ian Bryant and those that she loves again.

“Good plan son! Good plan! You got the smartness from me. But I already have a plan too. And you are right. We should end everything.” With these words the gun was back at Ria.

“Wait dad… you didn’t kill her parents right? And everything on the news is not true. She and Ian framed you up after you threatened him for canceling the deal right?” Drake asked his father.

Frederick must have lied to his son!

“I told your mother via texts that they just want to destroy me for threatening Ian Bryant to reconsider the deal. I did nothing wrong! I was just trying to protect everything we have ever worked for my son!” Frederick replied.

No wonder Drake didn’t believe Ria’s words! “He lied to you.” Ria said. There hasn’t been enough time. As far as she know Drake only just called his father today since he attested that he got the number from his mom. Was he texting his father the whole time they were waiting? She mused. The truth is Frederick lied to his family.

“You stay quiet before I blow your head up! You should save up your energy for the afterlife.” Frederick snarled at her. But Ria wasn’t ready to stay quiet. “Don’t say anything!” He said again without dropping his gun.

“Aren’t you tired of killing people? Innocent people!” Ria yelled back at him.

Frederick was surprised by her outburst. “My parents, those false killers, Speedy-”

“It is none of your business! And don’t you ever talk back at me rudely! I get rid of whoever I want to!” He fired the gun in the air causing Ria to scream out. She was terrified. “I kill whoever gets in my way!” He blurted out.

Frederick didn’t realize his words until he remembered that his son was close by… very close to him.

“What?!” Drake gasped out.

Ria glanced at him. He was shock! Surprised to find out his dad was a serial killer only that he has goons doing the dirty jobs.

“What are you saying dad?!” Drake demanded.

“Stay out of this son!”

“No! You have to tell me what’s going on! I didn’t come this far to find out that you did those things you were accused of on the news!” Drake stepped right in front of Ria.

“Step aside son.” Frederick said in a low tone.

Drake didn’t move an inch. “Did you really murder… those people she mentioned? Did… you kill… her parents?” He asked shakily.

“Yes! So what?! Huh? I killed my step brother!” Frederick confessed.

More tears slid down Ria’s cheeks as she recalled the night her parents were murdered. Drake couldn’t believe his ears. He was trying to protect his father since his mom clearly stated that he claimed that he was being frame and he didn’t commit those crime. At first it didn’t make sense to him that his dad would stay in hiding if his claims of being innocent was true. But he had his reason, no one would believe his words. So he wanted to protect his father so badly with the hope that he was truly innocent.

“Why? Why… did… you-” Drake voice trailed and Frederick noticed the tears that rolled down his cheeks. “Why did you do it?” He completed.

The same question Ria has always asked herself. The reason why she didn’t fight Drake but agreed to meet his dad. She wanted to know. Ria stood in front of Drake. “I want to know why you did you.” She said.

Frederick stepped backward with his finger on the trigger again. He was ready to shoot her. Drake stepped right in front of Ria again. What is he doing standing in front of her like this?

“Move away from her!” Frederick yelled.

“No! You have to tell me the reason why you killed her parents? Your brother! I didn’t believe her at first… but I should have… and you did it because of inheritance right? Is that it?!” Drake demanded.

Frederick laughed wickedly but soon he turned serious. “It wasn’t just because of inheritance. I have always wanted to get rid of that fool… Nathan!”

“Why?” Ria whispered behind Drake.

“That bastard never regarded me as his own brother! He and his mother referred to me as the illegitimate one even though he was younger than I was and he still had the guts to call me names.” Frederick gritted.

“That’s not enough reason to kill your own brother.” Drake said in a low tone.

“I have one million reasons to end his life. And I would do it over again if he were alive! Nathan said I wasn’t going to inherit anything from our father and he degraded my being as a mistress child. And I hated him for that and promised myself that I was going to do better than him in life. And I did. The illegitimate one became the greatest one… and I also did my best to ruin Nathan. When I found out that my dad left him a huge amount of money I decided to stop him after I realized that Nathan was surely going to do well with the money… so I killed him. Disregarding me is enough reason to kill him! And everything would have remained a secret if that fool didn’t spare her life!” He was referring to Lucas.

“Is this really you? Dad?” Drake mumbled in a tone that expressed disappointment.

Everything Frederick said is never enough reason to murder her parents. He had allowed his anger and hatred towards his brother to take the best part of him.

“You should turn yourself in to the police.” Drake blurted out.

Ria could hardly believe his words. He was advising his dad to surrender to the police.

Frederick busted into laughter. “Never… I won’t surrender! I want to end her life too! Nathan’s offspring doesn’t deserve to live because I swore at my mother’s grave that I would destroy him.”

“No! I won’t let you do anything to her!” Drake countered.

Ria realized that Drake was on her side! Unbelievable!

“Then why did you bring her to me?” Frederick asked.

“I wanted to know the truth. I know you won’t see me if I don’t bring Ria along and that’s why I abducted her. But to be honest dad… I should have believed her! It is even more shocking that you don’t even feel remorseful after everything you did to her!”

Ria sobbed behind Drake.

“Remorseful?” Frederick snorted.

“I don’t understand you! Dad, I am so disappointed. How could you do such a thing? You want to end her life even after killing her parents?!” Drake was furious to find out that his dad was really a murderer. He thought it was being unfair that his dad was being degraded by the news. But to find out that his dad was exactly the same the news had painted him to be hurt him so badly.

“Yes I want to end her life! Now step aside… I don’t have much time!”

“No!”

“Drake step aside!”

“No dad!”

“Drake don’t make me do what I don’t want to do you!”

Drake pushed Ria behind him so his big frame would hide her. “What will you do?! Kill me like you killed your brother?! Come on fire it!” He coaxed.

“Come on, Biggy, bring her to me!” Frederick ordered the man behind him. He didn’t want to hurt his son.

Drake reached his hand behind his back and brought out a gun. The man stopped on track. Ria eyes widened again because she didn’t know Drake had a gun with him the whole time.

“Take another step and I will bury this in your head!” Drake threatened.

Frederick was surprised. “Bravo! Drake, so you came with a gun!”

Drake shook his head. “Yes… I just felt like I was going to need it to protect her.” He answered.

“Protect me?” Ria thought of the way he said those words. He intended to use the gun to protect her.

“So you were never on my side.” Frederick said.

“I just wanted to know the truth.”

“Son put down the gun. I don’t want to hurt you.” Frederick sounded sincere.

“No.” Drake disagreed.

Then Ria heard it. The distant sirens. Someone called the cops. Drake looked back at her with a smile of relief on his lips. “They made it here.” He murmured.

Drake Robert called the cops! Ria was confused. Drake wasn’t on anyone’s side but he just wanted to know the truth? She doubted it. There are other ways to find out the truth rather than abducting her and bringing her to his father. She remembered that he was typing away on his phone after he called his dad. Was he texting one of the detectives?! She pondered deeply as a glint of hope welled up in her.

“You called the cops on me?” Frederick was disappointed that his son had betrayed him.

“Yes dad… it is too late now. So please surrender. Let us stop it now… and admit to your crimes. You can’t escape your punishment anymore.” Drake pleaded with his father.

“You betrayed me!” Frederick seethe his teeth in anger.

And Ria heard the gunshot. She thought Frederick fired it into the air again but she was wrong!

Drake groaned in pain but he still didn’t hit the ground. He stood firmly to block his father from shooting at Ria.

“Drake.” She mumbled.

Drake couldn’t pull the trigger because he doesn’t know how to shoot a gun plus there was no bullet in it. “Run.”

Ria heard him say. She tried to untie her hands but it seems impossible. Frederick lowered his hand when he saw that he had shot his son.

“Drake…” Frederick called out to him as the gun dropped from his hand.

“Boss, we should get out of here! We can still leave!” Biggy pestered.

Drake pointed his gun to his father but he couldn’t shoot at him. The sound of sirens grew louder.

Ria doesn’t know if she should be happy the cops are here.

“Drop your guns and your hands behind your head!” A voice barked out. It was a familiar voice. Detective Chad!

The huge man with Frederick uttered a profanity. Immediately Drake heard the voice he hit the ground while Ria crouched down next to him. He was bleeding from his stomach.

Biggy tried to run but a cop fired a shot at his leg and he stood immobile but soon fell on his kneels.

“Ria, are you okay?”

She heard detective Chad’s voice next to her. Ria nodded as more tears flowed down her cheeks.

The cops came around to apprehend Frederick and Biggy.

Detective Chad untied her hands. “Drake.” She held him.

“I… am.. fine.” Tears slid down his cheeks as he forced a small smile on his face.

He had taken a bullet in her place. And she could hardly believe that Frederick shot his son… his own blood.

“Please don’t die…” She whispered.

“Son…”

Ria looked up and saw Frederick. His face was wet. Drake didn’t even pay attention to him as Detective Derrick took him away.

“We should get him to the hospital before it is too late.” Ria rushed out her words as her eyes pleaded with the detective.

Detective Chad helped Drake into his car. “I’ll meet you at the station.” Chad said to Derrick before he drove off.

Drake groaned in pains and Ria couldn’t stop crying. Detective Chad told her what to do to stop the bleeding. She was putting enough pressure on the wound. Drake’s head was on her laps and she pleaded with him to stay alive.

“I… am… sorry.” He mumbled.

“No… no… please… don’t say anything.”

“Try to have a conversation with him so he can stay conscious. We can let him slip into unconsciousness.” Detective Chad said.

“Drake.” She sniffed.

“Ria.” Drake reached out to hold her one of her hands while she was trying to put pressure on his wound.

“Ria, I must admit that you… do have a good heart. You didn’t yell at me for being the son of the one who killed your parents… the first time we met. You knew who I was right?”

Ria nodded. “And even the second time when I came to your… store… you didn’t try to…. get back at me for what my dad did to you. How did you manage to stay calm… after… everything he did to you?”

Left to Ria she didn’t want him to say anything but save up his energy to stay alive.

“And even when I said… we had sex… I know it hurt you so bad knowing that we are related… but the truth is we didn’t do anything.”

“What?”

“Yes… I didn’t touch you. After I read all the news I figured that we were cousins… but I wanted to be sure if everything was true that was why I abducted you. I clearly know that you wouldn’t want to see me… so that was my only option. I had to find out the truth. And I figured that you would pour out your mind to me if I said we had sex… lame right?”

“Drake are you… sure we didn’t-”

He interrupted. “I swear it… I didn’t touch you. It was the nurse one of the men hired that changed you when she wanted to treat your wound. Even though I was tempted to touch you but I resisted it because it wasn’t right… and I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“Drake.” She sobbed.

“That’s not all. I… I prepared for it. I planned… everything. I sent an anonymous text to the cops… even though I didn’t believe your words. I… didn’t want to believe that my dad could do… such a thing to his family. There was never… an escape plan… because why would he be in hiding if he was innocent? Because no one would believe him? That’s… bullshit. I was confused… I didn’t know… what to do… but I wanted to end… it all. So the location dad sent to me… I forwarded it to the cops just in case I find out everything is true.”

Ria cried. “Drake… I thought you were working for your dad.”

“No… I haven’t seen him since the news broke out. I just wanted to know the truth. And I was determined to turn him in myself if he was the killer. It was… all pretense… my attitude is enough to convince you that I was on his side… but no… even if I am a bad guy-” He chuckled. “I still know the right thing to do. My mom is aware of my plans…. and she is in support of me to turn my dad in. My mom has been in contact with him trying to find out his location but… he was so tight lipped. She didn’t believe him when he called and said that you and Ian framed him because he threatened Ian. She sensed it that there was more than that…” He winced in pains.

“That’s enough.” Ria said.

“I never would have imagined that my dad is a killer. But please… I hope you find it… in your heart to forgive my dad.”

“Drake…”

“Promise me that you will someday forgive him.” More tears streamed down his cheeks. He was feeling the excruciating pain.

Ria inhaled and exhaled. Her chest was so tight as if she was slowly losing her breathe. “I will forgive him. I will forgive him.”

She doesn’t care about what Frederick did to her anymore since he is going to pay for him crime. Right now, she was concerned about Drake. Frederick has been apprehended and would be charged to court.

“Ria.”

“All I want is justice… I just want him to pay for his crimes then I will forgive him.”

Drake held her tightly with a small smile forming on his face. “He will… you have enough evidence right?”

Ria nodded. “I have one too.” He let go of Ria’s hands and slowly reached into back of his jean pocket. “Take this…” He gave her a black recording device. “You can use this against him in court. It has the recording of everything he said to us.”

Ria accepted the device and gave it to detective Chad who was driving at a high speed. “Thank you for deciding to forgive… my dad.” He whispered.

Ria sensed Drake losing consciousness. “No… no… hang on… Drake… please don’t die! Step on it Chad!”

“Mount pressure on his wound so he can stay conscious!” Detective Chad yelled back.

Ria was confused. “Please Drake…” On an impulse, she gave him a hard blow on his shoulder, then a hard push on his abdomen and his eyes opened slightly.

“Please don’t die on me.” She pleaded.

“I… I will… be fine…” Ria leaned down and held his head to her chest. And she prayed silently.

She prayed over and over again.

Chapter 109 Dropping all charges

THEME: Dropping all charges

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

AT SAINT ANTHONY HOSPITAL

It all seems too familiar but all in a bad way. It was the same rush to the hospital. Detective Chad and Ria made it to the nearest hospital and Drake was taken into the operation room to get the bullet out of his system. All thanks to the fact that detective Chad had his identity card as a detective with him and he briefed a doctor about the case.

Detective Chad and Ria waited outside the operation room. “Don’t worry he will be fine.” He placed his hand on Ria’s shoulder gently to stop her from trembling.

“Ria!”

She heard Ian’s voice. Ria looked toward the direction and Ian was there with Ethan walking towards them.

“Ian.” Immediately she stood up from the bench and ran to him. Ian hugged her tightly and she sobbed in his chest.

“I am glad that you are safe my love.” Ian heaved a huge sigh of relief. He hasn’t been himself since she went missing. Although it was up to twenty four hours but he couldn’t stay calm when his plan to search for her failed. There was no possible place he could think of that could be Frederick’s hideout. He drove down to the hospital immediately he got a text from Detective Chad that Frederick has been apprehended and Ria was safe.

“He was shot because of me. What do I do? What if he doesn’t make it?” Ria knew she would carry that guilt for the rest of her life if Drake dies.

“That’s enough. Relax.” He whispered.

Ria lasted few minutes in tears before she came out of his embrace.

“Are you okay?” Ethan asked.

“I am fine.” Ria nodded.

“What happened?” Ian questioned. He wanted to know everything.

“Can we talk about it later?” Ria requested.

Ian shook his head in agreement. “What happened to your arm?” A deep frown grazed his face. “Drake did this to you? He hurt you right?! I am going to throw that guy in jail!” He gritted.

Ria could see the anger in his eyes. “No… no… it is not Drake.” She stuttered.

“Then who? Frederick?” Ethan demanded.

“No. It was the shattered glasses from my car during the chase.” Ria replied.

Then Ian and Ethan relaxed a big. “You should see the doctor.” Ian suggested.

“I am fine. Drake hired a nurse to treat it.” Ian led her back to the bench so she could sit. His eyes kept screening her body to see if she was hurt anywhere.

After like an extra hour of waiting a surgeon existed the operation room with a nurse behind him. They all turned towards him.

“How is he doing? Is he okay?” Ria rushed out her words as her expression held a pleading look.

And deep down in her mind she prayed that everything was fine.

“He lost a lot of blood due to internal bleeding and the penetration of the bullet already damaged the spleen.” The surgeon replied.

Ria felt something shatter within her. “What are his chances?” She questioned frantically.

A sad smile formed on his lips. “We took the bullet out and had to remove the spleen completely so it won’t cause a rupture. The patient will be fine and can survive without a spleen. If he gets better we will tell him more about how to live healthily.”

Ria let out a sigh of relief although she wasn’t happy that a part of his organ was removed. “Can I see him?” She asked.

“Yes but that will after he has been transferred to the intensive care unit.” The surgeon replied.

“Thank you doctor.” Detective Chad said before the doctor walked away with the nurse. “I will call his mom with his cellphone to let her know about the situation.” He added.

“Okay.” Ria nodded.

“And Ria we already filed a charge against whoever abducted you. We didn’t know it was Drake and that he would save you from-”

“I am dropping every charges against them.” Ria said.

“What?!” They all gasped out.

“That’s impossible.” Detective Chad responded.

“I am talking about Drake. Are you saying Drake will have to go to court despite being shot in my place? He called the cops on his dad and took a bullet for me.” Ria stated.

“He abducted you.” Ethan countered.

“Yes I know… but he just wanted to know truth” Ria said in a low tone.

“You can only drop charges against Drake but not with Frederick. Remember this case is not only about your parents death but also Dane Julio and two others that were involved too. It is more like a national case now.” Detective Chad said in a calm and soft voice.

“Leave Drake out of the case.” Ria nodded slowly.

“Ria, are you sure?” Ethan asked.

“Yes I am dropping every charges against Drake Robert.” It is the best she can do to repay him for rescuing her and taking a bullet for her. If it weren’t for him Frederick would have abducted her and kill her and even get away with it.

“Okay I will tell Ava about it.”

“So what will happen to Frederick now?” Ian asked.

“Frederick Robert is guilty so he will be going to court.” Detective Chad answered.

“Chad, what if the judge claims that Speedy’s recording is an arranged statement?” Ethan requested.

“It won’t happen because we have enough evidences against Frederick. Firstly, Drake gave of a recording of his father admitting to the crimes. Secondly, Derrick found Matthew Alley and he is ready to witness against Frederick in court if he has to. Lastly a friend of mine who works in Idaho correctional institution as a warder rendered his help too, he looked into the case and Scorpion confessed that someone ordered him to kill Speedy. A warder and a nurse at the infirmary are involved in Speedy’s death too. Frederick paid them and currently they are in police custody in Idaho. We are bringing everyone of them to court with Frederick Robert.”

“And why didn’t you tell us about it all this time?” Ian asked.

“We were working on it. There has to be enough evidences before giving out the information. That’s how we detectives do our jobs because we don’t work on facts alone.” Detective Chad responded.

“Okay.” Ria sighed.

“I will come around some other time to check on Drake and make sure you see a doctor before leaving too.” Detective Chad said to Ria.

She nodded in understanding. “Thank you, Chad.” She sad sincerely.

“You are welcome.”

“Can I come along with you? I came in Ian’s car.” Ethan requested.

“Well I am using Drake’s car but I can give you a ride.” Detective Chad replied.

“Thank you. Take care Ria.” Ethan hugged her.

“Bye Ethan.” Ria waved as he left with the detective.

“Ria, I was so worried about you.” Ian said as he pulled her in for a tight embrace. “I was afraid that I would lose you.”

Ria soaked in the sweet scent of him. “I was scared that I won’t see you again.” She admitted.

After a few minutes, Ian let go of her and graze her cheeks with his knuckles. “I am glad you are alive.”

“Ian, what about Bert and Brian? They were shot and-”

Ian interrupted her. “They are both fine.” He explained things to her. The drowsy bullet used on Bert and Brian was rushed to the hospital by cops. Ria was happy that they are fine if not she would have blamed herself if it was the other way around.

“You are safe now.” Ian kissed her forehead.

Ria nodded in agreement with relief rushing in her system. Frederick was out of the picture so she was safe. She embraced Ian tightly.

 

Chapter 110 Justice Prevail

SIX WEEKS LATER

The Supreme Court of Justice in Chicago, Illinois was full of reporters, jurymen and spectators attracted by the sensational nature of the case. Today is the day Frederick Robert would receive his punishment for every crimes he had committed. He was charged for so many things with seven others.

Drake Robert was doing fine now after being shot by his own father. And it left Mrs Vivian Robert with a great shock that she could hardly believe that her husband had shot their own son.

And Ria never knew Drake was going to be a father until his baby mama. Bay Sanders showed up at the hospital with her mother Serena. They all came to the hospital with Mrs Vivian Robert the day after the incident. Mrs Vivian couldn’t stop apologizing to Ria on her husband’s behalf. She was innocent just like her son, Drake. Though Mrs Vivian was present at Ria’s parents funeral but she never knew Frederick had killed them to take over the million of dollars inheritance.

Several weeks has passed since the incident at the abandoned site. And while in police custody under strict surveillance and even during trial, Frederick requested to see Ria. Ian was against it but she had been the one to plead with him to let her go to Frederick. And Ian only agreed on the condition that a cop would be around to watch them have the discussion.

Ria went to see Frederick in cell and all he did was ask for forgiveness. Ria stated that she has forgiven him since the day he shot his own son who had tried to save her. And Frederick admitted that his hatred and anger towards Nathan made him do everything he did.

And to be honest, Ria concluded that it wasn’t Frederick’s fault. His late mother, Antonia should be blamed. Frederick said that his mom told him that he won’t gain anything if Nathan was more closer to their father. He confessed that his mom clarified that he didn’t have a chance against Nathan because he was an illegitimate son. Antonia poisoned her son’s mind against Nathan but it is so sad that she isn’t here to witness everything. The hatred and grudge that has been deep rooted in Frederick caused his downfall.

Ria felt pity for Frederick and she wished that there was something she could do. Ava said he has no chance for redemption and that his sentence would either be death penalty or life imprisonment.

Ria doesn’t want a death penalty for him. She made it so clear which prompted Ava to say that if the judge gives Frederick a death penalty, then the attorney in charge can file in for an appeal immediately and for court to reduce his sentence. But the chances of them accepting the appeal is very low.

Amidst clamor and heated discussion going on in the court, the chief of court and six other judges walked in.

“Order! Court!” The usher announced.

Everybody stood up and remained standing until the judges took their seats.

“Call the case.” Chief of Court, Hannah Brooks said.

A female registrar stood up. “Case of state versus Frederick Robert and seven others.”

The case was no longer Ria’s because Speedy and two other deaths are involved. The seven other accused are; the prison warder, the nurse, Biggy, David, the current commissioner of police who used to be Derrick’s boss and the two men that set Lint Corporation textile factory on fire.

Three cops lead the eight accused persons in and made them sit in front of the Jury. Frederick was asked to remain standing while the Registrar reads the charges.

“That you, Frederick Robert, on 13th of April 2014 ordered the killings of Nathan and Madison Robert and their only child. That you, Frederick Robert, illegally manipulated the evidences by paying a law official, threatened a witness and killed two suspected killers, an act which is contrary to the law. That you, Frederick Robert, recruited the commissioner of police, a prison warder, two bodyguards and a nurse and conspired to kill Dane Julio. You also recruited two thugs to set Lint Corporation textile factory on fire. And an attempted murder on Ria Robert and your own son, Drake Robert. Guilty or Not Guilty?”

The Counsel of Defense, a tall young man on wig stood up. “Not guilty.”

The Counsel of Prosecution, Ava, stood up and bowed to the seven judges. “Guilty.”

“What are the facts?” Chief of court Hannah Brooks requested.

“Your lordship and members of the Jury, the facts are these; Mr Frederick Robert paid the late money make life gang to forcefully get his step brother to sign the transfer of inheritance papers and kill him after signing it. And it was discovered that indeed Mr Frederick effectively covered up the case with the late gang members and the captain turned commissioner of police who was supposed to be the custodian of law. A situation which has made it impossible for the law to take it normal course on this man and his accomplices. But now the law has finally catch up with them.”

Ava stated other facts pertaining to the case.

“My lord with your permission I shall now call a witness to confirm these facts and I call the first witness, Detective Derrick.”

“Detective Derrick!” The usher said loudly.

Detective Derrick went into the witness box. The court clerk walked to the front of the box. He asked for his religion and Derrick answered. The court clerk handed a bible over to him. Detective Derrick took the bible in his right hand and repeated after the clerk.

“I swear by almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

The court clerk went back to his position.

“What is your name?” Ava asked.

“Derrick Thompson.”

“Occupation.”

“A Detective in the Criminal Investigative Department of Chicago Police force.” Derrick replied.

“Look at that man over there, can you justifiably say that you know him?” She pointed to the commissioner of police.

“Yes.” Detective Derrick answered.

“What is your relationship with him?” Ava asked.

“He was my boss when I worked as a Detective Inspector in the Criminal Investigative Department of the Idaho Police Force. And he assigned me to work on the Robert case.”

Ava shook her heads “Mr Derrick during that time, did you make a report to your boss at any given time or date against Frederick Robert?”

“Yes I did. At first my boss told me to investigate the case properly so along the line I met a young guy named Ethan Dantes who is a close friend to the deceased at that time. He told me about Mr Nathan’s inheritance and how he suspected that his brother might be involved in the case.” He stated his own facts to the Jury. Everything he and Ethan did and how he got fired at work after turning in evidences that Fredrick Robert was involved in the case. The box containing evidences that he had gathered eight years ago was also presented in court.

Though the Defense Counsel tried to object his words but the chief of court ordered him not to question Derrick because everything he gathered wasn’t illegal.

“My lord, I have finished with the detective and he may step down.” Ava said.

Detective Derrick stepped down from the witness boss.

“My lord, may I call in the next witness, Matthew Alley.” Ava requested and the chief of court shook her head in agreement.

“Matthew Alley!” The usher said loudly.

He went into the witness box. The court clerk came to him and he repeated what he did with Derrick. An oath to only speak the truth.

“What is your name?” Ava asked.

“Matthew Alley.” He answered.

“Look at that man and all of the people with him. Can you justifiably say you know him or them?” Ava pointed at the accused.

“I don’t know him.” Matthew said referring to Frederick. “But I know the prison warder and the nurse. They came to the ward the day before Speedy died.” He added.

“Please tell us what happened on that very day.”

The Defense counsel stood up immediately. “My lord, objection my learned colleague is going beyond the case in hand.”

“Objection overruled. Please go on.” Chief of court Hannah Brooks said.

“Thank you my lord, now young man please go on.” Ava said with a serious look on her face.

“My late friend was stabbed by another inmate but before that day he told me about Frederick Robert. Not too much just that he used to work for him when he was with his gang and that Frederick promised to get him out of jail and fly him out of the country. Mr Frederick came to the prison that day and Speedy thought he was there to take him out. At that time, I didn’t know what they talked about but when he was in the infirmary he told me that someone wanted him dead.” Matthew recounted.

“Did he tell you who that person was?” Ava asked.

“Yes. He said Mr Frederick Robert. And he also gave me some stuffs to deliver a detective as soon as I get out of prison.” He related the story to Derrick and how he had searched for him.

“My lord, permit me to play the recording to shed more light to what he just said.” Ava played Speedy’s last recording to the Jury.

The Defense Counsel stood up and objected the tape. “My lord, this is an arranged statement to frame my clients. There is no true evidence that the deceased recorded it.”

Ava smirked. “My lord, certainly that is a very cruel thing to say by my learned colleague. The deceased knew who Frederick was and he was aware that sooner or later Frederick would come after him to cover up the truth. He recorded the tape as an evidence and wrote a note to Miss Ria Robert.” She tendered the note.

Ava did the necessary things by submitting all evidence to prove Frederick guilty and even the recording device Drake tendered that had the words of his father confessing to his sins.

The Defense Counsel called Frederick into the box and also tried to defend him. But the look on Frederick’s face was that of defeat. There was no way he was going to win the case with all the evidences gathered against him.

Then the prosecution counsel stood up gently with grace. Ava bowed to the judges and then to the jury.

“My lord, gentlemen of the jury, I commend my learned friend for cleverly weaving the evidence of the prosecution to confuse this court. I shall not waste time by going over the evidences because the issues are clear and raise no doubt. If the accused had not committed the crime as alleged, why should the deceased produce a tape? Why did Mr Derrick gets fired at work? Why did the accused set Lint Corporation textile factory on fire? Why did he try to stage an abduction? The issue is clear and needs no further debate. Again, when the accused were questioned, they each confessed that Mr Frederick ordered them to commit those crimes alleged. My lord, so what other evidence does this court need again to convict these dangerous people? The issue before the court are quite clear, the accused and cohorts must suffer the due penalties of the law.” She bowed before settling down.

“Gentlemen, the holy book of God tells us that the wages of sin is death. Members of the jury remember that justice comes first. You have heard the evidence of the prosecution and that of the accused. The defense counsel claimed that the evidences was fabricated. If you have no doubt in your mind that the accused did commit the offense for which they are being charged here today then you find them guilty but if the accusation is false and fabricated then you find them not guilty. Again do not let their status or sympathy get to you and just reach your verdict.” Chief of court, Hannah Brooks paused.

“You may retire.” She said to the counsels.

She stood up to leave with the other judges.

“My love, are you okay?” Ian asked as he weaved his hand tightly with Ria’s hand. They were sitting close to each other.

Ria sniffed as tears clouded her vision. “I am fine.” She answered. Just a little more time and everything would be over soon.

******

ONE HOUR LATER

The usher screamed again when the judges entered the courtroom again. Everybody stood up and remained standing as the judges entered until they were all seated.

Registrar stood up with paper in her hands. “Members of the jury, you have agreed on your verdict?” She asked.

“We have agreed on a verdict.” They replied.

“Is it guilty or not guilty?”

“Guilty.”

The registrar addressed the accused persons. “Suspects at the bar, you stand convicted of murder, bribery, abuse of public office, theft and thuggery. Do any of you have anything to say for yourselves why the court should not give you judgement according to law?”

“Yes… please be lenient with me and tamper justice with mercy! I have a two years old son that needs me by his side! Show mercy, my lord.” The nurse cried out. She has been in tears since her arrest.

“For the atrocities which you stand convicted, I find you Frederick Robert guilty as charged and therefore sentence you to life imprisonment with hard labour. In addition, you are to refund the sum of fifteen million dollars to the deceased child, Ria Robert. As for you, commissioner of police all I can say is that you are a disgrace to our noble profession, greed and love of money and power blinded you against the demands of the profession. You are sentenced to thirty five years imprisonment with hard labour for conspiracy, bribery and abuse of public office. To the nurse, according to your noble profession you are to save lives but you have committed a grievous crime with the warder to kill Dane Julio, you are both sentenced to twenty five years imprisonment with hard labour. The rest of the accused persons you have also committed a grievous crime which convicts you. I therefore sentence you to twenty two years imprisonment with hard labour. I commend Detective Derrick for trying to expose a crime, I am strongly of the opinion that this country must be protected against unscrupulous public officers, who abuse their positions and betraying the confidence reposed in them.” Chief of Court, Hannah Brooks looked sternly at the accused persons. “And I condemn you all for others to learn.”