Bait by Viola Grace

Author:Viola Grace
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Shapeshifter, Sci Fi, paranormal, erotic romance
Publisher: eXtasy books
Published: 2012-07-15T01:06:24+00:00

CHAPTER 15

AS DIEGO ENTERED THE COURTROOM, his mom turned to him from the front row, her face pained with worry. Diego glanced away, ashamed for her to see him like this, being led like a criminal. The bailiff released him at the defense table, where he slunk down into the chair beside Ms. Delgado and glanced up at the judge.

“So, what do we have here?” Judge Ferrara asked no one in particular and read aloud from a folder. “‘Detention hearing for assault and battery.’” He adjusted his glasses and glanced at Diego, his eyes blinking with recognition. “Oh, I remember you. You’re the smart aleck who told the court you should be on probation. Am I right?”

Diego’s face flared red. Too embarrassed to answer, he glanced down at the table. From across the courtroom, Vidas replied for him: “Yes, your honor.”

“Let the boy speak for himself,” the judge grumbled, “since he’s so smart.”

Diego gazed up and tried to keep his voice steady. “Um, yes, your honor.”

“Well, apparently”—Judge Ferrara’s voice grew louder—“probation isn’t enough for you. What do you think you need this time? To stay in jail?”

Diego swallowed the fist-size knot in his throat. “I don’t know, sir.”

“Oh, so you’re not so smart anymore!” the judge said and turned to the prosecutor. “What does the county recommend?”

“As you’ll note, your honor”—the prosecutor stood to speak—“this is Mr. MacMann’s second assault. He clearly presents a danger to the community. For that reason, we request detention till trial.”

Diego listened in disbelief. A danger to the community?

“Counsel, what’s your response?” Judge Ferrara asked Ms. Delgado.

“Your honor”—she got up from her chair—“while we appreciate this is a serious charge, I’d like to point out that overall Diego is doing well. He makes good grades. He behaves at home. And Mr. Vidas reports that except for this incident, Diego has abided by the terms of probation, including restitution—which he paid out of savings from his weekend job. I believe that given these factors, keeping him out of his home, work, and school would do more harm than good.”

She sat down again and the judge leaned back in his leather chair. His somber gaze moved to Diego’s mom. “He behaves well at home?”

“Yes, your honor.” Her voice came out shaky and uneven. “He’s a good boy. He helps me a lot with his little brother.”

“His little brother?” Judge Ferrara scoffed. “You think he’s setting a good example?”

Diego withered in his seat as his mom replied, “No, not with this, your honor.”

The judge shifted his gaze across the room. “What light can you shed on this, Mr. Vidas?”

Diego’s legs began to jiggle beneath the table. Would Vidas keep his word not to say anything about what he’d told him?

“Your honor,” Vidas began, “as Diego’s counsel stated, overall he’s responded well to probation. Apart from this incident, he’s made progress in dealing with what I believe is the core of his anger. Unfortunately, as you’re aware, sometimes it’s two steps forward and one step back.”

Diego relaxed a fraction. Obviously Vidas was on his side.

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