Betrayal - Fern Michaels [78]
How well she knew.
Chapter 23
Coleman couldn’t wait to give Alex and Kate his news. They would be on cloud nine. He’d worked extra hard on Alex’s case. There was something about the couple that reminded him of his marriage. They were as dedicated to one another as he and Suzanne had been.
He hadn’t wanted to make this call from work, so he waited until he got home. He took a shower, poured himself a glass of sweet tea. The view from the master suite terrace was remarkable at that time of day. He took his drink upstairs, along with the portable phone.
He dialed Kate’s number from memory.
“Hello.”
“Kate, it’s Coleman. How are you?”
“Coleman, hello. I’m well, how are you?”
“I couldn’t be better. I’ve waited all day to talk with you.”
“I’ve been home all day. I guess I didn’t hear the phone ring. Is everything all right?” He heard the worry in her voice.
“Actually, you didn’t hear the phone because I waited till now to call. I wanted to make this call from home.”
“Is it that bad?” Kate asked.
“No, it’s that good. I didn’t want my associates to see the look on my face when I told you the news. They already say my head is big enough for ten men.”
“Then spill it, Coleman.” He heard the joy in her voice. He was thrilled he had the ability to make her happy. She deserved it.
“I’ve hemmed and hawed around, not wanting to mention this to you or Alex until it was a sure thing. Today I learned it was a sure thing. I’m going to tell you. You can tell Alex when he calls you tonight.”
“Coleman! I’m on pins and needles. Tell me!”
“I got Alex a new trial. The appeals court has thrown out the original conviction on the grounds of ineffective counsel on the part of a lawyer who seemed to have a conflict of interest. His case has been referred to the bar for investigation.”
Silence.
“Kate? Are you there?”
More silence.
“Kate, I’d hate to have to jump in my plane and fly to North Carolina.”
“I’m sorry.” She sniffed, then blew her nose into the phone. “God! I can’t believe this. I’m crying, in case you’re wondering what that noise was.” She laughed loudly into the phone.
“I’ve heard a woman cry, Kate. I figured you would. Hell, I would cry after what you and Alex have been through.”
“So when is the trial? Can Alex come home while he waits? Give me all the details.”
Kate was on cloud nine.
“It won’t be on the court docket until spring. The court’s backlogged for the next few months. Alex will be out of prison within the next few days. From a legal point of view, he has not been convicted of any crime. He may have to stay in Collier County until his second trial is over, but he should be a free man. I don’t see how there will be any problem with his getting bail.”
“I don’t know what to say or do to thank you. If it wasn’t for you these past few months, I would’ve gone crazy. You’re a good friend, you know that?”
“Yes, I do, and I feel the same way, Kate. You’re good people. Now as to what you can do to thank me, I think a large check is in order.” Coleman smiled. He didn’t care if Kate or Alex paid him a penny. He was just glad that he was instrumental in seeking justice for a man who deserved it. He could feel Suzanne smiling down on him.
“You name it, and it’s yours. Any amount. Hell, I’ll sell my soul to pay you.”
“I’ll let the billing department send you a statement. And I wouldn’t want you to sell your soul. What I want you to do is this; hang up the phone so the line is free when Alex calls. You can call me back with his reaction.”
“Thanks. Dang, all I do is say thanks to you. Anyway, thanks, Coleman. I’ll call you after I speak with Alex.”
He placed the phone on the table next to him. He hadn’t been this satisfied with a case since Suzanne was alive. Sometimes life was good.
Instead of calling Gertie, Kate ran to the cottage, the portable phone in her hand. She banged on the back door. “Gertie, it’s me. Open up.”
She heard the old woman cuss. It was getting harder and harder for her to move around with her arthritis. Kate wished she would