The next few months were incredibly busy and insane. The gym was doing better than ever, and I finally finished the paperwork for Tai. We had been doing well together and she had adjusted to her new life well. Every now and then she would ask about Tessa, and I promised that we would see her soon.
In speaking with the attorney about the trust he asked me if I wanted to act against the man who had killed her family. The thought had never dawned on me but if Tai could benefit financially even further why not, I would not live forever. I told the attorney to investigate it and get back to me. I also mentioned that I wanted to get Tai some good tutoring from someone to help her catch up. He told me that he knew a Vietnamese lady who was an excellent teacher and specialized in teaching Asian students. He told me he would have her call me.
Lexie had gotten her body back to where she was when we were together. She was also working again but she was restricted to the desk until Cody’s trial was over. Which was in about two months or so. She was still working out every morning with me and then going to the office. Tessa had returned Tai’s clothes and toys after spending an hour or so with her at my home. She made no mention of us in any way, so I knew that the chance of us ever getting back together was over.
I enrolled Tai with Ms. Tran on a full-time basis. I could bring her at seven in the morning and picked her up at two thirty in the afternoon. Ms. Tran taught her all the basic curriculum as well as her native language, Vietnamese. As Tai learned new words and phrases, she would teach them to me so we could attempt to communicate in another language. Ms. Tran charged nine hundred dollars a month, but it became obvious she was worth every penny. I was getting a check from the government every month for twenty-six hundred and fifty dollars. So, it was money for Tai anyway and I wanted her to have the best. Since she wanted me to teach her to fight and I decided to take her to see Doctor Hall who treated me when I was fighting. Even though he was not a pediatrician he was the best orthopedic sports doctor in town.
Tai and I arrived at his office a few minutes before her appointment. I had a complete case file which was huge on Tai injuries and her subsequent treatment at the hospital including x-rays which Tessa had brought home when we were together. The nurse came out and called us and we followed her to the back. We were put in a room and told Doctor Hall would be with us shortly.
Several minutes later Dr. Hall and one of his nurses came in to see Tai. I introduced Tai to Dr. Hall, and he spoke with her for a bit. I handed him her file and he began to look at the x-rays and read the case file.
“Tai how are you feeling now?”, he asked.
“I feel fine doctor, thank you.”, she stated.
“And you’re living with this big guy here, right?”. He asked.
“Yes sir, I live with Chwis.”, she replied.
“Chris, tells me you want to learn to fight.”, Dr. Hall
“Yes sir.”, she answered.
“Well, I’m going to look at you and do some x-rays to see how well you have healed up. But looking at you everything looks good.”, he stated.
I explained to him that Tessa Williamson was her pediatric doctor and the extent of her injuries. He sent Tai to radiology for some quick x-rays so he could see how she was healing. After about an hour he came back with the results.
“Everything looks good Chris. Tai’s wrist has completely healed and looks normal. I checked the legs and everything is fine for the time being. If things continued to progress the way they have she may be able to have some of the plates and screws removed in a year or so. So, what questions do you have for me, Chris?”, he asked.
“She wants me to teach her how to fight. Her father promised to teach her karate. I want to train her in Jiu Jitsu and Muy Thai. But I want to know what her limitations are as of now.”, I questioned.
“Honestly Chris, I don’t see where any type of training would hurt her now. Start off slow and monitor her closely. If she complains about pain, then take her to Dr. Williamson and I will consult with her if need be. But she should be fine.”, he answered.
On the way home, we stopped at the largest martial arts store in town and bought a Jiu Jitsu Girls Gi’s uniform. We found one in pink with a white belt that was close to her size. The lady took her measurements and promised to alter it and have it ready for the following week. We also bought her the smallest pair of sparring gloves they had. They were a little big if I tightened the wrist strap tight so they would stay on.
The following week Ms. Tai Lynn Nguyen made her debut on the mat. We started from square one showing her different stances and how to move out of those stances. To her credit, Tai was patient and learned very quickly. She would do exactly what you told her every time. At four years of age, she was a model student. On the third day after working on stances again, I decided to let her put her gloves on and do a few hand strikes. We had just started when Tessa came upstairs to work out. She walked across to where we were and knelt down as Tai ran to her and hugged her tightly.
“Chris is teaching you to fight?”, Tessa asked, surprised.
“Yep, my daddy promised to teach me but he’s in heaven, so Chwis is teaching me.”, she answered.
“I love your pink suit.”, Tessa remarked.
“Chwis let me pick it out.”, Tai replied.
Amber came up just about that time to get Tai and take her to the locker room to shower. That was the one thing about having a young girl to take care of that made me uncomfortable. At the gym, Amber took care of her needs. At home, I would fill the bathtub up and let her take a bath by herself. I would leave the door ajar but never go in with her if possible. Tai followed Amber down the stairs and Tessa turned to face me.
“How are you doing?”, Tessa asked.
“Not bad, Tessa. The days pass by quickly with all the responsibilities with Tai now. She is doing fabulously with Ms. Tran. She has already learned so much. And now she reads me a story each night before bed.”, I answered, causing Tessa to laugh.
“It seems like you are doing a great job with her.”, Tessa remarked.
“She’s fun to be around. So brutally honest too. If she doesn’t like something she will tell you.”, I stated.
“Anything you need help with?”, Tessa asked.
“No, not really. But I’m sure she would like to spend time with you.”, I answered.
“I’m pulling doubles right now but as soon as I have time off, I will spend the day with her.”, Tessa replied.
“Sounds good. Have a great workout.”, I responded, walking away.
In the next few months, I put Tai through a range of training that included throwing, takedowns, leg sweeps, trapping, pins, joint locks, holds, and chokeholds. Tai was small and having to work with my physical frame was extremely hard for her. I also was teaching her how to strike with her hands and feet which was not used much in Jiu Jitsu. I went back to the Krav Maga origins with the striking.
The one advantage Tai had was she was extremely quick on the mat for a small child. But it was hard to see her progression because she didn’t have the strength to lock any of my joints and choke me out. But we trained hard every day after I picked her up from Ms. Tran.
Ms. Tran was a stickler for manners and grace. It was obvious from the first few weeks with Ms. Tran how polite Tai had become. Everyone she met and spoke with was ma’am or sir. I was the only person she didn’t address as Ms. or Mr., I was simply Chwis. Everything you did for Tai was rewarded with a thank you. She was becoming quite a young lady.
The lawyer called me a few weeks later and informed me that the man that had killed Tai’s parents and grandmother was trying to cut a deal with the district attorney. But because of previous DWI’s the attorney was not very agreeable to make a deal. The man owned multiple car dealerships in this town and in several other towns. He was well known for his hijinks in and around town. My lawyer had drawn up a civil suit asking for twenty-five million dollars in damages for Tai. Of course, he would challenge, and this would definitely go to court.
We were in the midst of summer when my final hope of any relationship with Tessa faded. I had heard she was engaged to Jason Patrick, and I did see her with an engagement ring on recently although she never mentioned it to me. We were at the end of June and Tai was preparing for the new school year that would start in several months.
Ms. Tran had helped me enrolled her in the Montessori School for Excellence nearby. In addition, Ms. Tran would continue to work with her for two hours after school in the evening to make sure she stayed on tracked. The tuition for school was twelve hundred a month plus uniforms and Ms. Tran was charging me five hundred a month for the after-school work. But it didn’t matter because Tai’s future was at stake, and I did receive enough money from the government to cover her educational costs.
I had dropped Tai off at school and had just arrived at the gym to workout with Lexie. Lexie Thomas had regained her form and her body had taken that powerful shape again. Lexie’s body fat was tremendously low and she was trying to eat as healthy as possible. Most of our conversation always revolved around Tai and how she was doing. Cody’s trial was about to start and Lexie mentioned that I was on the list of witnesses that might be called. I found it strange that Cody’s attorney would think I would help his case out and help him incriminate Lexie. But maybe he figured that I despised Lexie for the way she treated me and would be willing to get back at her.
“Hey Chris, my parents are having the Fourth of July thing again this year. Why don’t you and Tai come. I know Pops and Maw Maw would get a kick out of seeing you and Tai. So would my mom and dad. Tai could go swimming in the pool as well.”, Lexie asked.
“Oh, I um……... I guess we could pass by for a while. I would love to see Pops and Maw Maw again. Sure, not a problem.” I answered.
We left the house around twelve thirty on the Fourth of July and drove over to Lexie’s parents’ home. It was odd walking up the sidewalk to a home that I had been to some many times before. I rang the doorbell and several seconds later Jennifer Thomas opened the door.
“Oh, my goodness, Chris. Come give me a hug baby.”, she stated, hugging me tightly.
“Jennifer, I’m sure you remember Tai from the banquet.”, I replied.
“Yes, I do. Welcome to my home Tai. It is so nice to see you again.”, Jennifer said.
“Thank you, ma’am.”, Tai remarked, causing Jennifer to raise her eyebrows and smile.
“I’ll explain later.”, I said, winking at Jennifer.
We followed Jennifer through the hall and to the family room where I had spent so many hours. There were several familiar people which I introduced Tai to. We then stepped in the sun room where Lexie’s dad, Jim and Lexie were preparing food.
“Nice to see you again Chris.”, Jim Thomas said, shaking my hand.
“Same her, sir. This is Tai Lynn my uh……. new roommate.”, I laughed.
“Nice to see you again, Miss Tai. Can I get you anything?”, Jim asked.
“No sir, but thank you.”, she replied, causing the same reaction from Jim.
“I’ll explain later.”, I told Jim.
I walked across the room and took a table close to the back windowed wall so Tai could see the pool. I took Tai’s IPAD out so she could read a few pages in her assigned book until everybody arrived. I got up and walked over to Jennifer and Jim Thomas who were working over the grill.
“Chris, you are doing a remarkable job with her. My god a young child that poised and polite.”, Jennifer stated.
“Well thank you but Ms. Tran has a lot to do with that. She is her tutor and has been working with Tai for almost a year. She insists on manners, studies and speaking Vietnamese. She is expensive but worth every penny.”, I replied.
Just about that time, Lexie came through the back door pushing Maw Maw in a wheelchair with Pops close behind. God, it was so good to see them again. I walked over and bent down, and kissed Maw Maw’s cheek then hugged Pops.
“I had no idea you were coming, son.”, Pops stated.
“Lexie invited me the other day. Come over here, I want to introduce you to someone.”, I asked, walking over to Tai.
“Tai, this is Pops and Maw Maw. They are Ms. Lexie’s grandparents. Pops and Maw Maw, this is Tai Lynn Nguyen.”, I said.
“Why aren’t you a beautiful young lady.”, Maw Maw stated.
“Thank you, ma’am. It’s very nice to meet you.”, Tai replied.
For the next thirty minutes or so, Pops and Maw Maw sat with Tai and I and talked. They were interested in Tai’s story of how she came to be with me, and Tai loved telling it. After finishing her story Tai looked at me.
“Chwis, I need to use the bathroom.”, she stated.
“Sure Tai, go ask Ms. Lexie to take you and show you where it’s at.”, I replied.
Tia got up slowly and walked across the room to where Lexie was standing and grabbed her hand. Lexie bent over and Tai explained what she needed, and they walked off.
“There is absolutely no doubt that you are raising that child. I have never in my life witnessed a child that polite at that age.”, Pops mentioned.
“Thank you, but Ms. Tran has a lot to do with that. She is Tai’s tutor and has spent almost a year with her. Tai still goes to her after school. I have my first parent – teacher conference next month on what to expect during the upcoming school year.”, I replied.
For the next hour or so everyone talked and then sat down to eat. Tai was definitely the hit of the party. After a while Tai asked if she could go swimming and I told her I would go get the suits from the car. I went out and got the bag from my car and went back inside. I handed Tai her suit and she changed quickly then waited for me.
We both went back outside and through the back door to the pool area. I took off my t-shirt and got in the pool. Tai slowly walked down the steps and sat down where I put her floaties on her arms. She then started to paddle around the shallow end of the pool as best she could. She would swim up to me and then push away in the other direction.
We had been in the pool for maybe fifteen minutes when Lexie appeared in a white bikini and a sheer cover up. Lexie removed the cover up displaying her rock-hard body which I had seen so many times before. She got into the pool and swam up to Tai and began to play with her.
After about an hour in the pool, Tai asked if she could get out and change. Lexie helped her out and took her to the bathroom and changed. Then Tai laid on the small sofa in the family room and fell asleep. I got out and changed as well, putting all the wet clothes in a bag. I then sat down with Jim, Jennifer, Lexie, Pops and Maw Maw at one table while Tai slept. At one point, Lexie’s situation with Cody popped up which I stayed completely out of.
“There’s no use talking about a situation that you created grandchild. You were told over and over he was trash. You had plenty of chances to leave him, but you always went back.”, Pops stated.
“I know Grandpa…… I get it.”, Lexie sighed.
“No, you never got it. That’s why you’re in this situation now.”, he remarked.
About an hour later, I woke Tai up and we decided to leave. Just about that time, Jennifer brought up the fact that she had heard I had bought a new house. I told her about the transaction but not too much about the situation with Tessa although they knew what had happened. I was carrying Tai out to the car and when Lexie walked up behind me. I put Tai in her car seat and buckled her up and then closed the door.
“It was nice to have you here today. Made it seem like old times.”, Lexie stated, softly rubbing my back.
“Yes, it was. Tai really enjoyed it, but I think the pool took it out of her.”, I laughed.
“Call me sometime when you get a chance. I would love to see your new place.”, Lexie asked.
“Come by tonight if you’re not doing anything. It’s Saturday night and I’m going in late tomorrow.”, I replied.
“That would work…... text me your address later. “How about seven o’clock or so?”, Lexie asked.
“Sounds good.”, I replied walking around the car.
I texted Lexie my new address when I got home as Tai, and I picked a movie on television to watch. I explained to tai that Lexie was coming over later, and we could order pizza. She seemed excited about that and said she liked Ms. Lexie. Tai took her bath around six o’clock and put her pajamas on then started playing some games on her IPAD. The doorbell rang at about ten after seven letting me know Lexie had arrived. I opened the door to find Lexie dressed in a short jean skirt and a pink tank top with tennis shoes.
I invited her in and started showing her around. She was in awe of the home, especially the professional kitchen.
“You have everything a girl could want in this kitchen.”, Lexie said, looking around.
As we went from room-to-room Lexie continued to compliment me on the house. We arrived at the home theatre room where Tai was in one of the reclining seats playing on her IPAD.
“Hi Ms. Lexie, how are you?”, Tai asked.
“I’m good Tai, thank you.”, Lexie responded.
“Chwis, can we order pizza now that Ms. Lexie is here?”, Tai asked.
“Sure Tai, you want double pepperoni and sausage?”, I asked.
“Yes, please.”, Tai responded.
I ordered the pizza and we all ate while watching a movie that Tai picked out about a dog. She really enjoyed the movie but by nine o’clock she was getting very sleepy. She asked me if I would tuck her in bed. I picked her up and carried her to her bedroom and put her in bed. I pulled up her covers and tucked them tight around her then turned her nightlight. I leaned over and kissed her cheek like I did every night. I turned on the monitor in her room so if something happened during the night, I could hear her. I left her door open slightly and walked back to the theatre room.
“Chris, you are going to be an amazing dad. I can tell you adore that child, and you are doing such a great job with her.”, Lexie stated.
“Thanks Lexie. Even though it’s only been less than a year I can’t imagine a life without her in it. She gives me a reason to wake up every day and try to make our lives better.”, I answered.
“Well, I don’t know how yet but my life is going to change as well. As soon as I clear myself from Cody for the last time things will get better. I have known him for a long time, but I would never have guessed he would try to frame me and ruin my career.”, Lexie said.
“People do horrible things to people they are supposed to be in love with. I think back when I was young how my mother and father treated each other. And how much my mother suffered when my dad died. I don’t think that type of love exists with our generation anymore. Relationships and marriages are disposable these days. First sign of trouble they call it quits.”, I answered.
“Chris did Tai have anything to do with you and Tessa splitting up?”, Lexie asked.
“No Lex, she didn’t. In fact, adopting Tai was originally Tessa’s idea. I only promised to help her as best I could. Tai and I went to the hospital to visit Tessa on Christmas Eve and we saw her making out with another doctor. Tai walked in on them. After the initial shock, we spoke, and she admitted that she was seeing him while we were together. Everything fell apart after that, but I couldn’t abandon Tai. So here I am.” I answered.
“How could Tessa walk away from that precious child?”, Lexie asked.
“I think it has more to do with Jason Patrick than Tessa. He’s much too ego driven to raise a child that is not his. I can’t see them making it but I not a great person to be in a relationship with either, so who knows?’, I laughed.
“Chris don’t say that. You’re a great guy and any woman would die to be with you.”, she repeated, taking my hand.
“Uh Lexie, I’m zero for five right now. That’s not a great average.” I replied.
Lexie got up from the sofa and faced me. She lifted her skirt slightly then sat down on my lap, her face just inches from mine. She had a look in her eyes that I’m not sure I had ever seen before. She leaned in slightly and gave me a very brief and soft kiss, then pulled away.
“What was that for?”, I asked.
“That was for you just being you.”, she replied, looking me in the eyes.
“Uh Lex……. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.”, I stated.
“I know how you feel about me and you have every reason to. I’m not even going to say how sorry I am because I treated you like shit for several years. But now, watching you with Tai, I see a man that would never intentionally hurt a woman he loves. The love you have for that little girl is how I want to be loved,” she said softly.
“Lexie, I loved you like that.”, I replied.
“Oh, I know you did, Chris. I was too wrapped up in myself to see it. All I was concerned with was my career and now exactly what I thought might happened has, but you had nothing to do with it. I know how different things would have been if I had stayed with you. My parents adore you; Pops and Maw Maw love you to death and I was the only one who couldn’t see it. Not I didn’t love you because I do. It was almost like you were too good to be true, if you can understand that.”, Lexie admitted.
“So, what are you trying to say to me, Lexie.”, I asked.
“What I’m trying to say is that I would love for us to start over and just see where it would go. I promise you I’m not the same Lexie that you knew. I know that you have every right to tell me to get fucked and I would not blame you. And if by any chance Tessa does come back to you, I will step away if that’s it what you ask me to do. Just think about it……. Please.”, Lexie said softly.
“Well once again Thomas, you caught me by surprise. But I’m very different as well. Right now, that little girl sleeping in her bed is everything to me. I’m not going to let anything or anyone come between us. I can’t have a normal relationship with you now because of her. She is always here, so there’s no privacy. I can’t give you my constant attention because she is always around. My schedule is hectic getting her to school, then Ms. Tran and finally into bed. That’s what you would be signing up for.”, I replied.
“How about we start off real slow and we see how it goes. If in anyway Tai disapproves, I will walk away. If it doesn’t work out between us at least we tried. Chris, you’re a very different man then the one I dated a few years back. I trust you completely and just want to spend time with the two of you.”, she stated.
“Spending time with us is not a problem Lexie. Just understand that there might be times when Tessa is here to pick her up. As far as loving you no matter how hard it was to say I didn’t, I knew I was lying to myself. We can spend time together and see what happens if you understand for now, Tai comes first.”, I reiterated.
“I am fine with that.”, she answered, leaning over kissing me softly once more.
She then got up and pushed her skirt down, taking the seat beside me once more. We talked for close to an hour before Lexie decided to head home. After I locked up, I laid in bed thinking about what had just happened. Was I ready to attempt another relationship, especially with Lexie.
The next several weeks flew by and soon it was time for Tai to start school. Ms. Tran had performed miracles and even tested Tai a few weeks before school. Since she was four, she was supposed to go into Pre K 4 but Ms. Tran set up a test for her at the school and she aced it. Even though she was going to be the youngest in kindergarten they admitted her.
So, my day consisted of getting Tai up at six thirty and giving her breakfast. I dropped her off at seven thirty in front the school then went to the gym. I worked out with Lexie at eight for about an hour then trained with the bags. I then showered and took care of my paperwork; paid bills then made a deposit at the bank.
At two forty-five, I picked up Tai and took her to Ms. Tran then went back to the gym. I finished up whatever need to be done then checked in with Amber for a daily meeting. I then went back to Ms. Tran and picked up Tai and we drove straight home. We would then sit at the kitchen table and Tai would show me the homework she had completed with Ms. Tran. It was mind boggling that kindergarten gave so much homework. After looking at all her paperwork we would repack her bag and she would go take her bath while I fixed something for dinner. After dinner we would sit in the theatre room and watch cartoons until eight thirty, which was her bedtime during the week.
Lexie and I would talk every day at the gym and again at night on the cell phone. Lexie did seem different. She didn’t talk about her job nearly as much as before. She really enjoyed talking about Tai and how she was doing. Tai and Lexie got along well on the weekends that we spent together although Tessa still weighed on Tai’s mind.
It was sometime in early October when I received the subpoena to appear in court for Cody’s trial. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out why Cody’s attorney would think that I could help his case. Lexie was going to testify the day before so I would not be in court for that.
Lexie called me the day she testified, and it was easy to hear she was very upset. She told me that the lawyer accused her of being a long-time drug addict. He said that Cody had left her many times in the past because of her drug use. He also accused Lexie of stealing drugs from the evidence room at the station from time to time. She told me to be careful when I testified and that his lawyer was a snake in the grass.
I took the stand and was sworn in the next morning at nine o’clock. Martin Bale was Cody’s attorney and as Lexie had mentioned he did look shady. Cody’s parents were in court and well as Lexie sitting with her mother in the back of the court room. Cody’s lawyer wasted no time in starting in on me.
“Mr. Williams, how long have you known the defendant?”, he asked.
“A few years, I guess. We both dated the same girl on and off.”, I replied.
“Are you referring to Lexie Thomas?”, he asked, looking at the jury.
“Yes sir.”, I replied.
“How long have you known about Ms. Thomas’ drug problem?”, he asked, quickly.
“Objection your honor. Calls for speculation.”, the district attorney chimed in.
“Sustained, counselor you know better.”, the judge replied.
“Ok then, have you ever witnessed Ms. Thomas take any illegal substance?” Mr. Bale asked.
“No sir, never.”, I answered.
“Never ……………... Ok, we’ll get back to that later.”, he laughed.
“Mr. Williams, what do you do for a living?”, Mr. Bale asked.
“I own Power Fitness in town sir. It’s a gym and martial arts training facility.”, I answered.
“Well, I’m sure anyone in the court room can figure you don’t stray far away from a gym.”, causing everyone to laugh.
“Mr. Bale, you’re on thin ice.”, the judge advised.
“I’m sorry your honor. Mr. Williams, have you ever taken any anabolic steroids or see Ms. Thomas use steroids?”, he asked.
Lexie had told me this was going to come up during my testimony. He was trying to tie in the narcotics in the car to the fact that Lexie abused steroids as well. Lexie told me that she denied ever using steroids because of her job and I had never taken steroid in front of anyone. I was also alone when I gave myself injections.
“No sir, I never witnessed Ms. Thomas take anything as I had mentioned before.”, I said, calmly.
“How long did you and Lexie Thomas date, Mr. Williams?”, he asked.
“I’m not sure but I guess maybe two and a half years.”, I answered.
“And in all of that time, not once did you see Lexie Thomas possess and use drugs?”, he asked, sarcastically.
“Sir, I believe I have answered that question twice already. I did not realize that Ms. Thomas is on trial here.”, I answered.
“Son, please answer the question directly although my patience is beginning to wear thin.”, the judge instructed.
“I’m told you’re some kind of hot shot fighter. Is that correct?”, Cody’s attorney asked.
“No sir, I’m not a fighter. I own a gym.”, I replied.
“I’m sorry but were you not an MMA Light Heavy Weight Champion at one time.?”, he asked.
“Yes sir, once but I do not fight anymore.”, I answered.
“You’re honor, I reserve the right to bring back this witness at a later date.”, Martin Bale said, waving his hand at me.
“Agreed.”, the judge said.
The district attorney, who was an attractive lady stood up and adjust her jacket then buttoned it up and she walked towards me.
“Mr. Williams, my name is Nicole Gerretts and I’m an assistant district attorney. Thank you for giving us your time today sir.” she said, smiling.
“You’re welcome, ma’am.”, I replied.
“How well do you know Ms. Thomas?”, she asked.
“We were engaged to be married at one time.”, I replied.
“I see……... and why did the two of you not get married?”, she asked.
“Your honor, do we have a question in our future here?”, Martin Bale asked sarcastically.
“Counselor, you’re the one who brought up Ms. Thomas background and her history with both the defendant and now this witness. Once you open that door you just can’t close it. Objection overruled. You may answer the question Mr. Williams.”, the judge instructed.
“While I was in high school there were a group of guys that would not leave me alone. So, I joined the gym to get stronger and began to train in Krav Maga, Jui Jitsu and Muy Thai. A few times in the following years I had run ins with that group, and it never ended well. They were involved in an incident that killed my mother. Ms. Thomas was always afraid that I might take things in my own hands. With her being a police officer, she was worried about how that would affect her reputation. So, she broke off the engagement.”, I stated.
“She was that serious about her career?”, Nicole asked.
“Yes, ma’am she was. In my opinion, she would never do anything to harm her career. There is no way she was ever involved in drugs.”, I answered.
“Your honor, please………”, Martin Baled shouted.
“The jury will disregard that last statement.”, the judge ordered.
“Mr. Williams were you not involved in an incident a while back where you stopped to help a female police officer in distress?”, she asked.
“Yes ma’am.”, I replied.
“Can you tell us what happened?”, she asked.
“My memories are a little vague from that night, but I will try. As I was driving by, I noticed the officer struggling with a large man with two other on-lookers. I pulled over and got out and headed in that direction. By that time, the man had the officer on the ground beating her. If I remember correctly, I knocked the first one out. The other was able to cut me with a knife before I was able to incapacitate him. I then got to the man who was assaulting the officer and put him down. I did not see the other man come to and he was behind me with the knife. The officer drew her weapon and shot him. That’s about it from what I remember.”, I stated.
“They say you used the officer’s radio to call for help and when they arrived you were holding the officer. “You were also pointing her weapon at the suspects.”, she said.
“I really don’t remember that part ma’am to be honest with you.”, I reiterated.
“Mr. Williams, how well do you know the defendant?’, she asked.
“I have seen him perhaps a dozen times while I was dating Officer Thomas.”, I answered.
“Did you ever see him use narcotics of any kind?”, she asked.
“No ma’am.”, I responded.
“Did Ms. Thomas ever mention to you that he used any illegal substance recently?”, she inquired.
“No ma’am, however she did say he had been fired from his job for theft.”, I replied.
“Mr. Williams, I know about your on and off again relationship with Ms. Thomas. Is that even a remote possibility that she would be using drugs.”, she asked.
“No ma’am, I have known Lexie for quite some time and never once did I see anything out of the usual regarding that issue. Lexie loves her job too much to risk losing it over drugs.”, I replied.
“Thank you, Mr. Williams.’, Nicole said, turning and returning to her table.
“Redirect your honor?”, Martin Bale said standing.
“Go ahead Counselor.”, the judge agreed.
“Mr. Williams, it seems like you’re a violent man. Is that why Officer Thomas broke off your relationship?”, he smirked.
“Yes sir, at least that is what she told me.”, I replied, looking over at Lexie.
“Then why would you intentionally lie for her and paint her as the model police officer?”, he asked, raising his voice.
“First of all, I do not lie. And secondly because in my opinion she is a very good police officer.”, I replied.
“In your opinion…...”, he laughed.
“You wouldn’t still have feelings for Officer Thomas, would you?”, he asked, with a smile.
“Objection your honor. Mr. Bale is trying to place the blame on this case to a veteran police officer and now an upstanding young man who probably saved a police officer’s life. Officer Thomas took a drug test immediately after being detained and passed. The defendant refused a drug test and still has not consented to one. Mr. Bale is simply trying to distract the jury and try to implicate anyone associated with the defendant,” Nicole said.
“Ms. Gerrets, please save your closing argument for the end of the trial. However, Mr. Bale I am growing weary of this parade of witnesses you keep calling who seem to have little to do with this case. Can we just please move along?’’ the judge ordered.
“Just one more question your honor.”, Mr. Bale said.
“Make it short.”, the judge replied irritated.
“Are you seeing anyone right now. I mean as a girlfriend?”, he asked.
“No sir. I was dating a doctor from Methodist Memorial, but she broke it off a few months ago.”, I answered.
“And you’re not seeing Lexie Thomas in a romantic situation at this time?”, he asked.
“I see Lexie almost every day, sir. I help her train at my gym. I would like to think we are very good friends. But there is nothing romantic going on at this time.”, I replied.
“Mr. Williams, I know better. You do understand that lying under oath is perjury and you can be punished.”, he threatened.
“Yes sir, I do understand.”, I responded.
“Then why do you continue to lie to this court?”, he said, raising his voice.
“I’m not a lawyer, sir. I don’t lie.”, I answered causing everyone is the courtroom to laugh.
“Are you making fun of me?”, he shouted.
“No sir. Not at all.”, I said, innocently.
“No further questions, your honor.”, he said, storming back to sit next to Cody.
I walked out of the court room and drove back to the gym to go to work. Lexie called me later and told me that perhaps we should keep a low profile until the trial was over. Cody’s lawyer might have a private detective watching her and if they see us together even casually might be an issue.
Ten days later the trial ended, and Cody was found guilty of possession of cocaine in the amount of twenty-five grams. Although the judge had not yet sentenced him, he could get a fine and up to ten years in prison. However, other than a minor shoplifting charge he did have a clean record. Lexie told me he would get probation or house arrest.
About two weeks later, Lexie came into the gym to work out for the first time in the morning. She had been coming later in the evening once I was gone, just in case. She informed me that Cody was sentenced to six months in prison and then six more months on house arrest. He would then be on probation for thirty-six months. Lexie mentioned that his parents were still sticking with the story that the drugs were Lexie’s, and it was a wrongful conviction. So much in fact that they had cut off all communication with Lexie’s parents.
It was a Thursday night, and I had my first parent teacher conference with Tai’s teacher at seven that evening. I was allowed to bring Tai with me so she could show me some of her work displayed in the classroom. We arrived a bit early, so we took our seats on the row of chairs outside in the hallway. We waited for about ten minutes till a set of parents came out from the previous meeting. A very young woman followed them out and invited us in.
Tai showed me around and brought me to several art pictures she had done as well as some tests which she scored one hundred on. The teacher then asked Tai to go to the back of the classroom and choose a book to look at while we talked.
“I’m Miss Stacy Talbot, I am Tai’s primary teacher here.”, she stated.
“I’m Chris Williams, I am fostering Tai at this moment.”, I replied.
“You don’t look like the traditional foster parent.”, Stacey laughed.
“Oh, I own a gym in town and spend a lot of time there.”, I replied.
“Are you married, Chris?”, she asked.
“No ma’am, it’s just me.”, I responded.
“So how did a guy who owns a gym wind up as a foster parent?”, she asked, very intrigued.
I explained to her that Tai’s parents and grandmother was killed in an accident. Tai was in ICU at Methodist Memorial where my then girlfriend Tessa worked. I explained that the two of us decided to try and foster her since she had no family in the country. Then the situation occurred with Tessa and how she backed out. I simply explained that I could not let Tai down again. So here I was trying to be a father figure.
“Well Mr. Williams, you are doing a great job. She is one of the smartest students in my class. She reads extremely well and has a great handwriting for someone so young. She is also very good in mathematics.”, Stacy quipped.
“I have her working with Ms. Tran at Excel Academy. She has been with her for close to a year now.”, I explained.
“Well, keep up the good work. Tai is a pleasure to be around, and she is extremely well mannered.”, she concluded.
On the ride home I complimented Tai on her excellent review in school and told her since tomorrow was Friday, we could do a date night. She could pick anywhere she wanted to go, and we would go together then out to eat at her choice of restaurants.
“Chwis, there is a new movie called “Princess in the White Castle” at the movies. Can we go see that?”, she asked.
“Of course, we can. And where do you want to eat after?”, I asked.
“I will pick that later.”, she replied.
The next morning, Lexie came in for her regular workout and I was just about to begin so we paired up. During our workout Lexie mentioned that the precinct captain was really impressed with the way she handled the few interrogations she had participated in while she was on office duty. So much so that he wanted to offer her a position as an interrogator and case facilitator. After six months she would be promoted, and an additional benefit was the fact she would work days only unless of an emergency. She had talked it over with her parents and they all agreed it was a safer and better option. She had accepted the job and had started the day before yesterday.
I was relieved as well because Lexie faced danger every time she went out on the street. Years ago, police officers were respected but now members of law enforcement were shot and killed on a regular basis. Lexie would be in an office and shielded from that possible outcome.
“How about I take the two of you out tonight for dinner?’, Lexie asked.
“I’m sorry Lexie I can’t. I already have a date for tonight.”, I answered.
“Oh…… I’m sorry, Chris. I did not know. Has Tessa reconsidered?”, she asked.
“No, it’s not with Tessa. My date is with Tai. She is doing excellent in school, so I promised her a date night.”, I explained.
“Oh, that is so sweet of you.”, she answered.
“How about you join us. We are going to see “Princess in the White Castle” then go out to eat wherever Tai picks.”, I offered.
“Chris, I don’t want to cause any problems between you and Tai. It’s your night with her enjoy it.”, Lexie explained.
“Tell you what Lexie. You plan on going and I will have Tai call you to invite you. If she doesn’t want to then I’ll call you,”, I offered.
“I guess so……. What time is the movie for?”, she asked.
“Seven fifty at the Cinema 24. I can pick you up since it’s not that far from your house.”, I offered.