Beyond Tomorrow by Linda Hudson-Smith

Author:Linda Hudson-Smith [Linda Hudson-Smith]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781467054263
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Published: 2012-08-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The tension in the hearing room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Price Sheldon looked grim-faced as he sat at the defense table alongside his attorneys. He knew this parole hearing would either set him free or possibly put him on hold for several more years before he could readdress the parole board.

Seven committee members, four women and three men, were there to conduct the parole hearing proceedings in the fairest manner possible. Seated at a long conference table, each member had a microphone placed before them. Two of the four women looked formidable and uptight while the three men seemed quite at ease.

Torri was the only adult Reynolds who was missing from the hearing. Asia sat in a metal chair in the second row between her husband and son, her heart leaden. Isaiah would rather be anywhere else, but he knew it was important for him to be seated right where he was. This man had wronged him in an awful way, nearly killing him and then walking away to leave him for dead…and he desperately needed to hear firsthand what Price had done for the sake of rehabilitation. Nicholas looked calm and self-assured.

Lenora would have come along in support of the Reynolds family, but there were only so many persons allowed to attend on behalf of the victim and the convicted felon. She had talked with each of the family members on the phone before they’d left home that morning, encouraging them to stay positive. Prayer had ensued before disconnecting.

The parole hearing was called to order. Each committee member introduced themselves and then briefly spoke of their credentials. The rules of the proceedings were outlined and also warnings were given regarding unacceptable behaviors.

Price’s attorney, Marc Schaeffer, was preparing to speak on his client’s behalf.

The prominent African American attorney was easy on the eyes. He was also well known in Los Angeles and had quite a track record of successes. Price had stacked the deck too high for Marc’s brilliant defense team to climb over. There was no way his dirty deeds could’ve gone unpunished. In this matter, Price was drenched in guilt.

Attorney Marc Schaeffer cleared his throat before addressing the parole board and all others in attendance. “My client, Price Sheldon is here before you to seek parole. Although you have a list of his accomplishments while he’s been a resident here at this California correctional facility, I’d like to go through a few of them, anyway…”

A female committee member halted Marc with her hand. “Sir, that’s all fine and good, but we’d like to hear that information from your client in due time. Thank you.”

Schaeffer looked a little bit put off by the chilly remark. No one had ever denied him the opportunity to speak on his client’s behalf. He could protest, but he was smart enough not to inflame any of the people who held in their hands the future of his client. Instead of challenging the remarks, he simply launched into a few facts of the case before reclaiming his seat; surely he would get to speak again later.

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