Thursday - 2/17
AIDEN’S OFFICE
Shawn-D had accompanied Belle into work so they could both talk to Aiden.
SHAWN-D: So, she doesn’t actually have a case, right? I mean, she’s a total psycho, she can’t.
AIDEN: She doesn’t have much of one, that’s for certain.
SHAWN-D: You can’t be serious!
AIDEN: Like I said, it’s not much of one. According to the files you sent over, Belle, Jan has been a model prisoner. She’s been a good worker, kept to herself when she’s not working, kept out of trouble. But, there is a lot more working against her than for her. For one thing, there’s the crimes she was arrested for: two counts of conspiracy to murder, one of attempted kidnapping. She also broke the restraining order you put out against her. Plus, there’s the crimes she committed prior to going into a coma years ago, though the statute of limitations is over for most of those. Good behavior will only get her so far, and she’s only a couple years into her sentence.
BELLE: So there is a chance, then?
AIDEN: Of her being denied early release? Quite a sizable one. What would help make it even bigger is statements from her victims.
BELLE: Shawn and I both intend to be there.
SHAWN-D: We have to. Jan’s made our lives hell since high school, we’re not gonna let her keep getting away with it. Claire and Chase are still in Ireland, but when she gets back and finds out, I’m sure she’ll have something to say about this, either in person or writing. Jan did threaten to kill her, after all.
BELLE: And I’m sure Chloe and some of the other people we went to high school with can either come or write statements.
AIDEN: That’d be helpful. I’m glad to hear the both of you will be at the appeal. Do you know if anyone’s reached out to Jade Michaels?
SHAWN-D: I honestly haven’t thought about that.
BELLE: Neither had I. It was Jade’s daughter she tried to kidnap. I wouldn’t be surprised if she got a letter the same as we did.
AIDEN: That’s exactly what I was thinking. If Jade did get a letter, which is likely, and she’s willing to testify or at last write a statement, that would be a big help, too. Obviously, because of her history with Claire, neither you or I can represent her…
BELLE: But that doesn’t mean we can’t at least check in, make sure we’re all on the same page. From what Claire’s said, Jade’s changed a lot since high school.
SHAWN-D: And if she trusts her, that’s good enough for us.
AIDEN: Right. Okay, so, the appeal hearing is in late March.
BELLE: Yep, and we’re gonna start working on getting everything together so we’re ready when the big day comes. Thanks for looking over things, Aiden.
AIDEN: No problem, it’s always good to have another set of eyes look things over.
BELLE: Exactly.
SHAWN-D: Thanks, man.
AIDEN: You’re welcome. Good luck, guys.
KIRIAKIS LAW
Meanwhile, Jade was talking to Justin. She had just finished telling him about the letter she had gotten, which she let Justin read. When he had finished, Justin set the letter down and let out a deep breath.
JADE: Well?
JUSTIN: Well, I can see why you wanted to talk to me. And I have some good news, but also some bad news.
JADE: Oh no! Please tell me there’s not a chance that that…woman could actually walk free! Not after what she did, what she tried to do!
Justin put his hand up.
JUSTIN: Jade, it’s okay. Calm down. No, I don’t think Jan is going to get off. She’s got a rap sheet longer than my arm, and even with what good behavior is mentioned in this document, I highly doubt that any judge would just let Jan Spears loose into the world. That’s the good news.
Jade sighed with relief.
JADE: Thank god!
JUSTIN: Though, you will likely need to make a statement at her appeal, since a large part of why she was arrested was because she tried to kidnap Emmy.
JADE: I’ll do whatever I have to do to make sure she stays behind bars where she belongs! I faced down Dirk at his trial, and I was terrified of doing that, but in the end, with your help, I did it. I’m sure we can do the same here.
JUSTIN: I’m glad to hear it. Unfortunately, that brings me around to the bad news.
JADE: What is it?
JUSTIN: I want to be clear, I will support you in any way that I can, as your employer. However, you’re going to need to find another lawyer before the appeal.
JADE: What? Why?
Justin sighed.
JUSTIN: Because the state recently passed a new law saying that an independent lawyer, such as myself, can no longer represent their employees as it might create a conflict of interest. It’s a ridiculous, nonsensical law that was made up by a bunch of suits who have no idea how the justice system is supposed to work, let alone what the term conflict of interest actually means. Their egos make mine look small by comparison. I’m doing everything I can to fight this law, but unfortunately, as you know, the wheels of justice tend to turn slowly.
Jade sighed.
JADE: So…that’s it, then?
JUSTIN: No, Jade, that is not it. I don’t want you to give up, okay? I will do what I can to help you find a new lawyer that you can trust. I have contacts, and if none of those pan out, I know people who have more contacts. But I will promise you this, Jade, we are going to get you legal representation, and we are going to fight this.
JADE: Okay. Thanks, Mr. Kiriakis.
ISA JET
John sat in his seat, talking on his phone.
JOHN: Yeah, it was kind of an exercise in futility, not that I expected to get much out of DiMera. Shane seems to think he’s got an idea of how to get him to cooperate, so we’ll see what happens. Well, I’m glad to hear you’re doing well. Look, Doc, I’ve got a bit of a surprise for you when we get home. After giving Steve and me a tour of the new facilities at HQ, Shane took us to see someone who lived in Salem…oh, a long time ago. Before I turned up, even. This person said they know you and wanted to return to Salem, so we’re giving them a lift. Who is it? You’ll see when we get there.
John chuckled.
JOHN: I know, but you’ll just have to be in suspense until then. Yeah, but that’s what you love about me. Okay, Doc. We’ll see you in a little bit. Love you, too.
John hung up his phone.
