25th January, 1999
Undisclosed Location
Lana
I'm free. That's the first thought that came to my mind immediately I woke up this morning. I could feel it. Today makes it one month exactly since I was kidnapped, a month of tears, anger and sadness. At a point, I didn't even know if I'll be released.
Joel sure surprised me when he told me that I'll be going home. That came as a shock, a big one at that. Stretching my tired limbs, I stared at the window looking at the sun which had come up so early. Today was going to be a good day, I was sure about this.
There was a light knock on my door. It could either be Joel or one of his goons. I wasn't ready to face them yet. Damn! I'm still in my pyjamas. Rushing to my feet, I quickly made my way to the bathroom, splashing water on my tired face. I quickly made my way to the door. Throwing it open, I came face to face with Lionel. Ok... I didn't expect him to be here this early. The memories of our last encou
25th January, 1999(evening)The Safe HouseFreddie RawlingsI can't believe she's back. My daughter is finally home. This morning, a hooded figure accompanied her to a spot very close to the safe house. I was confused as to how they knew where the safe house was located, seems like Joel knows everything going on around him. I wouldn't put it pass him to even know where my extended family lives.Lana arrived in a black van with a bunch of JG's goons, talk about typical cliché. They dropped her off with one of the secret service agents who then brought her home. I still wasn't allowed to go out until after my trial. When I saw her, I was a bit surprised that she was looking somewhat healthy. Apart from a few scratches here and there, she was actually fine. I would forever remember the joy on Samantha's face when she saw Lana, the tears of joy streaming down her eyes as she held her in a crushing embrace. I could tell from the look on her face that sh
26th January, 1999Undisclosed locationJoel "Has Gregor received the money?", I asked, facing Lionel who was acting a bit awquard at the moment. I didn't know the deal with him or what his problem was. " Yes boss", he said, a bit nervous.I sighed, knowing I'll have to find out one way or the other. "Lionel, what's the matter?".He was a bit startled, surprised that I asked after his well being. "Its nothing boss. I'm fine", he said.I sighed, yet again. He was hiding something that I'm sure of. This behavior of Lionel's was very strange and disturbing. This is not the Lionel I know, the boy I trained singlehandedly. I had no idea where this attitude and nervousness was coming from but I couldn't dwell on that, there was work to do. A whole lot to do so he better get his shit together or face my wrath.
27th January, 1999The Safe HouseLanaHome felt so good, so relaxing and so at peace. I've never felt so at ease in a long time. The clock above me struck 8 as I lazily got out of bed, heading to the bathroom to do my business.When I was done, I made my way downstairs as the pleasant smell of bacon wasfted in. On getting to the kitchen, I met mum and dad on the kitchen island, drinking steamy coffee. "Morning mom, dad" I beamed, so happy to see my parents. "Morning honey. Did you sleep well?", mum said, smiling as she handed me a cup of tea. " Yes", I said.I turned to face my dad but the look in his eyes told me that something was very wrong. "Dad, what's wrong?", I asked, setting my tea cup aside.He looked everywhere else, avoiding my eyes altogether as his gaze fi
28th January, 1999(a day before the trial)The Safe HouseFreddie RawlingsNumb. That's how I felt at this moment, this feeling of nothingness around me. This feeling of hopelessness. Tomorrow, I'll stand in court before the whole world, testifying to my sins as I watch the whole world condemn me with their eyes.I was beyond exposed now, with no where left to hide. The law has finally gotten me, my sins has finally come knocking. It was time to pay. This morning, Lana had already left for her grandmother's house. Lord knows she's still too young to experience the rigours that associates the courtroom. I wouldn't want her to see the judging eyes from the spectators, their evil tongue as they spew harsh words at me. No, I don't want her to experience any of that. She's to young, much too young.I was so nervous and scared at the outcome of tomorrow's trial, it will determine if the whole trial will go well or not. From my subconscious mind, I
29th January, 1999(The trial)Federal High CourtUnknown POVFew hours before the murder trial of Freddie Rawlings was to begin, Room 4 in the Federal courthouse in Washington DC was overflowing with spectators. The courthouse was an enormous white building that took more than half of the land where it sat peacefully. The inside was another story entirely. The 50- year old building was one of the biggest in the state and was responsible for most trials.It was an imposing structure which sends shivers down the spine of anyone who comes in contact with it and this was the same effect it had on Freddie Rawlings who sat in the first row of benches with his lawyer, Brooks Davies who was known for his wittiness, sharp tongue and his unrelenting attitude. Suffice to say, he was one of the best in the whole of Washington DC and even in the whole country.A tall man with light freckles on his cheek, graying hair and deep set eyes that barely missed nothing. He
30th January, 1999Federal High CourtUnknown POVCarl Greenwood rose to make his opening address to the jury. He was a skilled and able prosecutor, hardly was there any he lost. He was always in the know, got his facts and figures right and he was known for bringing up surprises even at the last minute.Freddie's hands were shaking as he began his address. He talked about how he murdered Anna, giving the spectators a picture they could think about. He described each event like he was present. By now, Freddie could feel the hatred in their eyes. "Before this trial has ended", Carl said. " the state will prove that Freddie Rawlings cold bloodedly murdered Anna Gustav by drowning knowing fully well the poor Lady could not swim. We shall prove beyond a shadow of doubt... "Carl kept his address short and to the point then it was the turn of the Attorney of defense. The spectators in the courtroom watched Brooks Davies as he
31st January, 1999Undisclosed locationJoelThe reports that Lionel was sending in was not encouraging at all. I never knew that Brooks could pose a problem. If I had known ever since, I would have taken him out. I don't want any thing to spoil my carefully laid out plans. Brooks was posing a threat now, a big one. The problem now is that it won't be easy to take him out now when the whole world already knows that he's defending Freddie.That was a silly mistake on my path. I'll let him be for now. After the trial, I can take him out. After all, he won't be of any use again. In the mean time, my whole focus will be on Freddie and his family. I must acknowledged Carl, he's really doing a good job. Speaking of the devil, he walked in at that moment, walking majestically like he owned the place. I had called him earlier so we could have a meeting but I didn't expect him to be this fast. "Morning J", he hollered.
2nd February, 1999Federal High CourtFreddie RawlingsToday is the day we call in the witnesses, today will determine how the rest of the trial will go. To say I'm scared would be an understatement, I was downright terrified. Who knew the tricks Joel could pull, I wouldn't be surprised if he's already influenced their decisions. "We thank you all for converging here this morning as we begin the cross examination of the witnesses. This honorable court wishes to appeal to you that no matter what happens during this cross examination, we beg you to hold your peace. Without further ado, may we have the first witness please", the honorable judge said.Carl lifted himself out of his chair with a sigh and slowly walked over to the first witness who was earlier ushered into the witness box.A tall broad man with salt and pepper hair stood in the witness box as he watched Carl approach with a bit of fe