Alexander slapped his cell phone down on the desk and leaned back in his chair tugging on his tie. He had just ended the call with the DA’s office. This has created a shitstorm like no other. Fortunately, he prevented them from searching Chase’s car and apartment. That could buy them some time.His jaw hurt from clenching his teeth and he was so damn tired. There had been no sleep for him at all. Erica stayed with Christine last night and he called Raven and Ellen to come as soon as possible. The twins stayed home from school to keep them out of publicity, if word got out. He needed to safeguard them from noxious people. It was the least he could do.He needed to talk to Chase before he says or does something stupid in his current state. At least the Captain informed him in which hospital he was being detained. Knowing Christine would like to see him for herself, he thought it best not to take her with him.Family members weren’t actually allowed to visit an accused person in hospital

Chase’s eyes widened with shock. His mouth dry as a bone as he tried to form words to speak. The photos were shocking, to say the least.“Where… Where did these come from?” he managed to speak at last. The look on Christine’s face made him want to scream that this wasn’t him, he would never betray her like this. But the man in the photos were unmistakably him. He could only look at them in disgust.“They were delivered to the office.” She answered without meeting his gaze.Alexander picked up the photos. He would have to enter them into evidence. It didn’t look good for Chase. The prosecutor could argue motive.“I don’t have to tell you how bad this looks, do I?” he narrowed his eyes at his son.“Dad, I… I only know there was someone else there, they injected me with something. It must have been heroin.” He remembered the sudden rush of euphoria he felt as the drug took effect. “Whoever was there must have taken these…” he couldn’t even bring himself to name them. He turned his face a

“I want to see the warrant.” Alexander told the officer in charge. He looked it over and handed it back reluctantly. Chase had signed the document. He sighed. Why would he do that?Christine stood shivering outside the apartment still in her nightclothes.“Mr. Ward, why would they want to search Chase’s apartment? He has nothing to hide.” Christine’s blue eyes pierced him. He couldn’t answer her.Alexander thought about the packet of drugs he destroyed. He hoped to God they don’t find anything else. He should have searched the whole place like he wanted. What the hell was his son thinking? His fears were soon realized when he heard the officer call him.“You are Mr. Ward’s attorney, am I correct?” he looked smug.“Yes?” Alexander stroked the back of his neck, his muscles ached from tension.The officer showed him the baggies he found. Alexander fought back the curses on his tongue.“We have to take the lady in for questioning. Are you her attorney too, Mr. Ward?” The man asked his fac

Mason dropped Christine off at the Wards’ house, promising to come fetch her when she was done packing.Erica and Ellen watched Christine as she hastily packed the few things she brought with her.“Are you going back to Chase’s apartment?” Erica asked, worried. She didn’t like the idea of Christine being all alone in her condition, especially when her parents couldn’t be here now. She has become fond of the girl.Christine felt awful for doing this, but she couldn’t wait any longer. She knew they would probably hate her what she was about to do.“No, I’m going to stay with a friend.” She answered, watching Erica’s frown deepen. “I’m sorry, Erica. You’ve all been so good to me, but I just need some time alone. To get my head on straight.”Ellen, who looked so much like her mother, but had her father’s direct grey eyes, shook her head. “You sound like you want to leave my brother now that he needs you so much.”“Ellen!” Erica warned her daughter. Ellen was just like Chase; she didn’t mi

Alexander’s face tightened he was expecting this reaction to the news. There was no way he was going to let Chase do that.“No. No fucking way, Chase. You’re not going to change your plea. You’re upset. Let me speak to Christine first before you make any rash decisions.” His hand closed over Chase’s balled fist. His son pulled away from his touch.“Dad, as your attorney you have to do as I say.” Chase let out a deep breath.Alexander slapped a fist on the table, “And as your father I forbid you!” He got up from the chair, stalked away from Chase and leaned against the wall, trying to calm his breathing and the pain in his chest.“I can’t handle anymore betrayal, Dad.” Chase said, his voice sounded tired and unemotional.Alexander round on him, his grey eyes flashing with anger. “Did I raise a coward? Hmm? Did I raise a weak individual who just goes belly-up without a fight? Damn you! I have not raised you like this.” He raised his hand to slap Chase but caught himself just in time. In