The day of the
sentencing was here and they were on their way to the
courthouse in Pleasant Ridge. Jon, Becki, and Curtis had
decided to go with them, Kaye Leigh was nervous at how
everyone including Jeff was going to react to what she was
going to say and do.
When they got
there, they found the right courtroom and went inside. The
prosecutor met them in the front.
“Kaye Leigh,
Greg Johnson.” He introduced himself.
“It’s nice to meet you in
person.” She said. “This is my husband Jeff Rutherford, my
brother Jon Williams, and our friend Becki Stevenson and
Curtis Shaunghnessy.”
“Nice to meet all of you.” Greg said.
“I asked the Judge about your request and he will give us his
response when we start.” Kaye Leigh nodded. “You guys can sit
right behind the prosecutors’ desk.” He told them
“Kaye Leigh I want you to understand
first that once they are in here they can change their minds
and ask for a trial. Second that they will be given the
opportunity to address the court, you and your family and they
will be allowed to say pretty much anything they want.” He
said.
“I understand.” Kaye Leigh said.
“Ok.” He replied smiling.
Kaye Leigh and the others sat down.
“Are you ok sis?” Jon asked.
“Yes, I’m fine.” She told him.
“I didn’t realize that they would be
allowed to address you.” Becki said. Kaye Leigh laughed.
“What else could they say Becki?” she
asked.
“That’s true.” Becki replied. “Best
they could say is I am sorry, the worst is who knows what.”
“There is no worst, once this is over
they are in God’s hands and I don’t have to worry about them.”
She said.
They brought Tim in, he was in
handcuffs. Kaye Leigh smiled at him.
“All rise this court is now in
session, Judge Mason presiding.” A bailiff said. Once the
judge was seated, they sat back down.
“This is the matter of the State of
Texas Vs. Timothy Grant. Mr. Grant you understand the charges
that are against you?” he said.
“Yes your honor.” Tim replied.
“Then how do you plead?” he asked.
“Guilty your honor.” Tim said.
“This court accepts your plead of
guilty.” He said. “Mrs. Rutherford?” He looked around the
courtroom.
“I’m here your honor.” Kaye Leigh
said standing.
“It is my understanding Mrs.
Rutherford that you have something that you would like to say
to each of the people involved in this case today and that you
have something for each of them, is that correct?” he asked.
“Yes your honor.” She replied.
“Your request is granted, you may
step forward.” He told her.
Kaye Leigh walked up to the witness
stand and sat down. She cleared her throat, took a deep
breath, and began.
“Your honor I’ve written a letter of
forgiveness to each of them and I would like to read them for
the court and then present them with something.” She said. The
judge nodded. “Tim, I want you to know that even though you
caused me and my family a whole lot of pain, I forgive you.
You also saved my life by taking a bullet that was meant for
me and you saved my child when Morgan wanted to kill it. For
these things, I will be forever grateful. I hold no grudges
against you Tim, and if the court offers you leniency like
your attorney is requesting I am more than willing to offer
you your position back at Silver Creek.” She stopped talking
had broken out in the courtroom.
“Quiet down.” The judge said pounding
his gavel. Tim had looked up at her.
Kaye Leigh smiled at him.
“So your honor I ask that you not
make Tim pay for one mistake, and for falling under the
manipulation of one other person.” Kaye Leigh stood up and
walked over to Tim, she handed him a package. “I forgive you
Tim for everything.” She said.
“Thank you Kaye Leigh.” He said. She
went and sat down next to Jeff. Everyone was looking at her.
“Mr. Grant do you have anything you
would like to say before I hand down your sentence?” the judge
asked.
“I want to apologize to Kaye Leigh
and her family. I know I caused you guys a lot of trouble. I
accept whatever punishment that I am given knowing fully well
that I deserve it plus a whole lot more.” Tim said. Kaye Leigh
took Jeff’s hand.
“Mr. Grant it is here by this courts
decision to sentence you to one year in jail, suspended. Five
years probation. You are to report first thing Monday morning
to Silver Creek ranch where you will be under the supervision
of Curtis Shaunghnessy, and Jeffery Rutherford. These
gentlemen will be making weekly reports to your probation
officer. Mr. Grant Mrs. Rutherford had given you a great
opportunity and has taken and put a lot of faith in you. Do
not mess this up.” The judge finished and pounded his gavel.
“This court will take a fifteen minute recess.”
“All rise.” Said the bailiff.
They took the handcuffs off Tim.
“Did you know she was doing this?”
Jon asked.
“No she didn’t tell me, but I am ok
with it.” Jeff said.
“Me too, just a little shocked.” Jon
replied.
“Thank you so much Kaye Leigh and
Jeff.” Tim said. Kaye Leigh gave him a hug. “I won’t let you
down.” He told them.
“We’re sure you won’t Tim.” Jeff
said. Tim left the courtroom to go finish his paper work so he
could leave.
“Um, Kaye Leigh you’re not going to
do that for the other two are you?” Jon asked. Everyone looked
at her.
“Of course not, I’m just going to let
them move in with us.” She said. “I’m kidding.” Kaye Leigh
laughed at the looks on their faces.
They sat back down and waited for the
next hearing.
“I have an ultrasound tomorrow.” Kaye
Leigh told Jeff.
“What time?” he asked.
“First thing in the morning.” She
said.
“I’ll be there.” He said.
“Thank you, by the way can you tell
what is on them just by looking at the screen?” Kaye Leigh
asked.
“No not really it needs to be pointed
out and most of the time then I just have to accept the word
of the doctor.” He said. Kaye Leigh laughed.
They brought Sam in, the judge
returned.
“Samuel Thomas, do you understand the
charges that are brought against you?” the judge asked.
“Yes your honor.” He replied.
“Then how do you plead Mr. Thomas.”
The judge asked.
“Guilty your honor.” He said. Kaye
Leigh let out the breath she was holding, she was not sure if
Sam and Morgan would stick with the guilty pleas.
“Kaye Leigh.” The judge said. Once
again, Kaye Leigh went up to the stand.
“Sam, it is not for us to judge here
on this earth other than in a court of law. I know that the
ultimate judgment comes once we leave this earth and I hope
and pray that you find salvation between now and then. God has
forgiven me of my sins so who am I to withhold my forgiveness
from you. I forgive you Sam and I hold no grudges.” She said.
She got up and handed him a bible. “I forgive you Sam.” She
said and went to sit next to Jeff again.
“Mr. Thomas do you have anything you
would like to say before I sentence you?” the judge asked.
“Only that I love Kaye Leigh more
than anyone ever will. What I did I done for her and for us. I
don’t want your forgiveness Kaye Leigh I want you.” Sam said.
“That’s enough Mr. Thomas.” The judge
said when Sam started to continue. “It is here by this courts
decision to sentence you to the following a minimum of
twenty-five years and a maximum fifty years in the state
prison system. Mr. Thomas you need to read that book that you
were given and find the true meaning of love and when you are
released I hope that you have found true salvation.” The judge
said and pounded his gavel. “This court will take an hour and
a half lunch break.”
They led Sam away as they were
leaving the courtroom. They went to a restaurant that was
close to the courthouse.
“Kaye Leigh I am so proud of you.”
Jeff said.
“Me too sis.” Jon said. Kaye Leigh
smiled.
“Thank you, but its not me you should
be proud of its God and Jeff.” She said. “Without Him or Jeff
I wouldn’t be here today.” Jeff kissed her.
“I love you Kaye Leigh.” He said. She
smiled tears were in her eyes again.
They got back to the courtroom and
had just sat down when Morgan was led into the room.
“You ok?” Jeff asked.
“Yes, she can’t hurt us anymore.”
Kaye Leigh said. Jeff squeezed her hand.
Once again, the judge came in.
“Mrs. Thomas do you understand the
charges that are brought against you?” he asked. She had all
the same charges, but they also brought a charge of attempted
murder.
“Yes.” She said coldly.
“It’s yes your honor. I have earned
the respect of my title.” He said looking at her.
“Yes your honor.” She snapped.
“How do you plead Mrs. Thomas?” he
asked.
“Guilty your honor.” Morgan said.
“Kaye Leigh are you sure you want to
do this one?” the judge asked. Kaye Leigh nodded. “Ok then you
have the floor.” He said. Kaye Leigh this time stood in front
of Morgan’s table. Jeff and Jon were worried about that.
“You see Morgan I am not afraid of
you, you can not control my life anymore. I never should have
allowed it in the first place, but I admit you played the game
well. I cannot hold onto the anger and bitterness that you
caused or I will be miserable for the rest of my life and I
plan to enjoy my life with my husband, children and family.
I forgive you Morgan and I know that
you probably will not accept it, but I am offering it to you.
You had asked me what made us different, the answer is I know
that gift of salvation. That is the only difference. I hold no
grudge against you Morgan.” Kaye Leigh said and handed her the
bible, then went to sit down next to Jeff again.
“Do you have anything you would like
to say before this court sentences you?” the judge asked.
“Kaye Leigh should be the one being
sentenced today; she is the one who deserves nothing not me.”
Morgan started. She looked at the bible and then threw it at
Kaye Leigh.
“I don’t want your forgiveness or
your bible.” Jon had caught the bible and glared at Morgan.
“What do you want?” she screamed at Jon.
“That is enough.” The judge said. “It
is here by this courts decision to sentence you to a minimum
of forty years and a maximum of eighty years in the state
prison system. I would suggest Mrs. Thomas that you take the
bible and read it.” He said. “This court is dismissed.”