“Bro, this isn’t even half the bail amount. Why did you lie to Eva? She’d be so upset when she comes to know,” said a worried Nicholas as they headed to the court for the initial bail hearing before the Magistrate judge. He looked at the cheque that Sienna had issued against the jewelry that Eva handed to her. It was the exact amount Lucas had specified to Eva.
“I didn’t want to overburden her with a loan. Don’t tell her anything. I’ll have a word with Alexander later when he is released. Right now, I’m paying the rest of the amount. It’s the same with Chris’s payment. He didn’t quote it all to Alyssa. I’ll pay the rest when the case is over.”
They met Chris and discussed the case outside the court while waiting for the proceedings to start.
“So, what’s the update on the case? Did you find any leads? Will they approve of Alexander’s bail request?” asked Lucas in a low whisper.
“Yes. I’m hundred percent sure, given Alexander’s respectable past record. I’ve roped in a few noteworthy witnesses who can corroborate. I’ve found a fresh lead on the case. After last night’s discussion with Alexander, I had my suspicions about Gregory Cromwell, Director of Finance at Rotterdams and Beatrix Rotterdam’s husband. Today at dawn, I visited the scene of the crime. The evidence I found doesn’t leave any doubt that Cromwell is our man. I will present my findings at the bail hearing. Cromwell needs to be arrested immediately.”
“Isn’t Ms. Rotterdam too involved in this?” asked Nicholas.
“No, her life is in grave danger. I visited her last night.”
The proceedings were about to start and they couldn’t discuss further. They brought in Alexander and his mouth hung open at seeing Lucas, his childhood friend, waiting for him. He had detached himself from Lucas because of a stupid misunderstanding, but it seemed he was the only genuine friend he had. With Ashton and Stefan away, he knew he could count on Lucas. His eyes, however, popped out at seeing Nicholas too there with him. Didn’t he go on his honeymoon? Had he canceled his trip because of him? Nicholas grinned at him and for the first time since their teenage brawl, Alexander felt happy to see his brother-in-law.
“We’ve got you,” said Lucas as he passed by them on his way into the court. He smiled and relaxed, hoping that he would be released on bail today.
The court proceeding took an interesting turn when Chris Fitzgerald presented his evidence. One was the footprints he had found at the crime scene. He presented a video to prove that the footprints matched Gregory Cromwell’s shoes proving that he was indeed at the scene of the crime that day. He also presented a recording of Beatrix’s statement against Cromwell.
“When Alexander stepped down as CEO, Gregory had been extracting profit out of the company through fraudulent ways. Mr. Strasbourg found out everything and gathered evidence against him. I came to know about it after the wedding. I realized that Gregory Cromwell married me to get hold of Rotterdams, but it was too late. Since the day I married him, he has been after my life, torturing me to sign everything to him. I declined and tried my best to save myself and my unborn baby from him. When nothing worked, he locked me in the basement of my house, without food, expecting me to buckle. I heard him planning to murder Mr. Strasbourg and escape to South Africa. I would have died in the basement if my pet dog wouldn’t have alerted my neighbors. Please arrest Cromwell, as my life is in grave danger from him.”
There was a deafening silence as the prosecutor didn’t have any proof against Alexander except for his fingerprints on the murder weapon.
The Magistrate summoned Alexander, and he explained his side of the story. It was quite a straightforward case and an order was issued for the arrest of Gregory Cromwell.
Mr. Fitzgerald summoned Mr. McCabe, one of the board members of Rotterdams, and he praised Alexander Van Every for his clean track record. Alexander’s eyes popped out on seeing his dad, Daniel Van Every walk into the witness box. Would he insult him in front of everyone? Did Lucas involve him in the case? He had clearly told Eva not to tell his dad anything.
“I am Daniel Van Every, father of Alexander Van Every and Founder, Director of VE Global Finance.” He, too, gave him a clean character certification and corroborated with the lawyer’s claim that Alexander was indeed a much-respected, law-abiding citizen of the country. Alexander’s jaws dropped open as he never had expected his dad to support him. What could it mean? Was he willing to forget his grudges against him? Did he accept Eva into the family?
The bail amount was exorbitant, and the Magistrate refused to lower it. Before Lucas could pay, Daniel Van Every paid the full amount. Lucas looked at Alexander helplessly, knowing that he hadn’t wanted his dad’s involvement in this.
They released him until they announced a new date for the trial when he would have to be present in court. Alexander breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at Lucas and Nicholas, feeling grateful to them for everything they had done for him. He was free now! He could go back to Eva!
“Thanks, bro. I owe you,” he said, giving Lucas a hug.
“And me? Are we now brothers or still enemies? I’ve done so much for you,” said Nicholas, and Alexander laughed, giving him a hug as well.
“Yes, we are brothers. Thanks, dude.” He forgot all his grudges against Nicholas and accepted him sincerely.
“I had the bail amount with me. Eva had arranged for some of it, but who knew the judge would quote so much?” said Lucas.
“Yes, it was a lot. Who informed dad? Did you call him?” asked Alexander with a frown, eyeing his dad who looked quite relaxed as he talked to the police officer handling the case.
“No, he contacted me today in the morning,” said Mr. Fitzgerald. “He asked me about the bail amount and wanted to help in the case.”
They all walked outside the courtroom, and his dad came towards them. He thanked Mr. Fitzgerald for his efforts, congratulating him for getting Alexander’s bail. Mr. Fitzgerald left and his dad turned towards Alexander at last.
“Thanks, dad. I didn’t think I would see this day so soon.” Alexander’s throat choked with relief to see him after the trauma he went through. Daniel Van Every’s eyes misted, and he pulled his only son into a tight hug.
“Why not? Truth always comes out eventually. They’re now involving Interpol to hunt for Cromwell. He can’t escape the law for long,” said his dad, releasing him.
“Yes, but I still need to know a few details,” said Alexander. He needed to talk to Beatrix immediately after watching the video.
“Chris will come over for a discussion in the evening,” said Lucas. “He needs time to complete his investigations and collect enough evidence before the trial.”
“They need to arrest Cromwell before fixing the date for the trial. Isn’t it?” asked Nicholas.
“I’m not sure. Let’s see what Chris has to say about this.”
“Oh, we’ll get ample time to build our case till then. I’m glad to see you free, Alexander. Don’t worry, we will soon prove your innocence in court. I came to know after reading an article about you in the newspaper today. I’m sorry that you had to go through this shit. Maybe forcing you to join Rotterdams was the worst decision of my life,” said his dad, feeling upset.
“No dad. It wasn’t. I’ve learned so much that I can confidently start my new restaurant chain.”
“That’s the spirit, my boy. I’ve released your bank accounts. Go ahead and start your dream venture,” said his dad, making him gape at him.
“I don’t need so much money, dad. I can manage with what I have. You shouldn’t have paid the bail amount. I would have arranged for it.” Lucas and Nicholas looked a little uncomfortable, but didn’t leave his side.
“Rubbish! It’s your money. Of course, you have a right to it.”
The officer in charge came over to have a word with them. He informed them about the forensic report received on the guards who had been murdered. They found the exact time of the murder, which was done using the same gun they found in his hands.
“I was attending Alyssa’s wedding then. I have a perfect alibi,” said Alexander.
“Yes. This will be useful in the trial,” said the officer. As they discussed, Alexander glanced at his dad. He looked so excited and happy, just like he used to before he admitted his feelings for Eva. Why was he so happy? Did he finally throw Eva out of his life for good? That was the only way his dad would make amends with him, right? A sense of dread washed over him, and he glanced at Lucas. He wanted to ask him about Eva. He wanted to know everything that had happened in his absence.
“Where is Eva? Is she alright? Do you have any information about her?” he asked agitatedly, grabbing Lucas’s arm and pulling him aside.