Alice Decrux sat in her cell, waiting to hear word from her lawyer. It wasn't long before Mr. Bennett returned to the jail to give the news to Alice.
Alice was escorted to a small room where her lawyer was waiting for her. "I've got some good news and bad news," he started to explain as he pulled out some papers. "First the good news. I convinced the judge to drop the charges with the delivery boy. When the package of the tainted peanut brittle left your possession, you couldn't reasonably foresee that the package would have ended up where it did. The bad news, though, is that your attempt to give the peanut brittle to Mr. Jenkins will still stand, and you will need to stand trial for that."
Alice sighed when she heard that, partially in relief and with what's coming up. "So, what about bail?" she asked once she looked back up.
Her lawyer looked at her and sighed. "Given your past history, I couldn't get you out scot free. The judge set your bail at $10,000. Once you put up bail, you'll be free to leave."
Alice rubbed her forehead as she thought for a moment. "I'm going to have to go into my store funds, but I think I should be able to cover that." She looked up at Mr. Bennett and asked, "Just to make sure, I'll have it back once this whole thing's over?" Mr. Bennett nodded in agreement. "All right, I understand," she said. "Just use some of my store funds to pay for bail and get me out of here."
"Very well," Mr. Bennett said as he got up out of his chair. "I'll get the paperwork ready and you'll be out soon." He left the room, and after about ten minutes or so, he returned to the room with the paperwork ready to be signed by Alice. Alice signed the paperwork, and after getting her court date, she was processed and was free to leave the jail. As soon as she walked out, she stretched out her arms to bask in the daylight a bit. "Now, Ms. Decrux," Mr. Bennett said as he talked to his client, "You need to be present at the court on this date." He pointed to a piece of paper that indicated the day and time of the court trial. "If you don't, you'll forfeit the bail and be thrown back in jail. Do you understand?" Alice nodded her head. "Good, and do me a favor, but stay away from Mr. Jenkins, his daughter, and Ms. McCoy. I had to pull in a couple of favors to get you out, and I don't need you causing any more trouble."
"Don't worry about that," replied Alice. "I've got a store to run. Today being Halloween, I'm expecting a huge turnout for my candy sales. And I want nothing to do with Harold or Virginia."
"Very well," Mr. Bennett replied, "And I want you in my office on Tuesday to prepare for your trial. If we can do this right, I should be able to keep you out of trouble." With that Mr. Bennett climbed into his car and pulled out into the road, leaving Alice at the police station. Alice knew that the day was wasting away, so she made her way back home quickly to clean herself up and open the shop. The shop would be opening up late, but at least she wouldn't miss today's sales. The only question would be is would she really leave Harold, Virginia, and Melissa alone?