Read Corrupted for Free Online Page B

couldn’t imagine how such a long sentence was justified.
    â€œIt’s awful. We were going to pick out a tree this weekend. The first Christmas without his mother, he’ll be behind bars. ” Matthew shook his head, plainly heartsick.
    â€œAnd what about school, homework, tests? Isn’t this almost the end of the semester?”
    â€œHe’ll miss all that time in school. They say they’ll teach him in juvie, but Jason likes school, gets good grades, A’s and B’s. It’s all he has, that and this house, his toys. Me, now that his mother is gone. He’s a kid , for Christ’s sake!”
    â€œWhat about his friends?”
    â€œNot many, he’s kind of a loner.”
    Bennie set the pad aside. “Here’s the problem, legally. Appeals from the adjudication by the juvenile court are to the Superior Court, but appeals are too slow. It can take six months to a year to get a case heard on appeal, and Jason’s sentence will have expired by that time.”
    â€œSo what do we do?”
    â€œWe have to think of something else. I’ll have to get creative.” Bennie felt her blood flowing faster.
    â€œSo, you’ll take this case? I’ll pay you what it takes, I have money. My wife and me, we saved for Jason’s college fund. I’ll take the money from there.” Matthew knitted his fingers together. “I read about you, you’ll get him out. You’re smart, you’re a Philadelphia lawyer. There’s nobody else I can turn to, I went in town, there’s no juvenile lawyer or whatever you call it. Please, get him out for his mother’s sake.”
    â€œOkay, I’ll do it. But if it looks like I’m out of my depth, I’ll let you know and I’ll help you find an expert.”
    â€œThank God.” Matthew got out of his chair, and before Bennie could stop him, he hustled around the table, opening his arms. “Thank you so much!”
    â€œYou’re welcome.” Bennie rose, hugged him back, then released him. “So, let’s get started.”

 
    CHAPTER SIX
    Bennie drove Matthew down East North Street through Wilkes-Barre, where streetlights illuminated brick homes and businesses decorated with Christmas lights, but there was no foot traffic. They passed the low-slung brick dormitories for King’s College, a local Catholic university, but there were no students on the street. Bennie was beginning to realize that the density levels were so much lower than she was used to, and the weather was a factor as well. Snow was beginning to fall, and flurries swirled in the cones of light cast by the streetlights.
    â€œCold out,” Bennie said, just to make conversation. Matthew had grown quiet as they approached the detention center.
    â€œStorm’s coming. You might have to stay over at the Hilton. It’s the only place around.”
    â€œOkay.” Bennie had seen it, coming in. She didn’t think she’d have a problem getting a room.
    â€œThe wind’s whippin’ off the river. It’s icy.”
    â€œWhat river?”
    â€œThe Susquehanna. That’s what the North Street Bridge is over.”
    Bennie spotted the elevated bridge, which was four lanes heading into the darkness with the mountains behind. Ahead lay a big intersection with a modern building to the right, and to the left, a massive limestone edifice with stately columns in front, graceful arches at the entrance, and a silvery dome, illuminated at night.
    â€œThat’s the courthouse,” Matthew said, evidently reading her mind. “Turn right at the light.”
    Bennie saw the River Street sign in the snow, then turned. There were modern office buildings on her left, but on the right were small, run-down clapboard houses. She drove higher uphill, and at the very peak stood a long, boxy building, encased in shadow.
    â€œThat’s it.” Matthew’s tone was quiet.
    â€œThere’s