A Father's Name(71)
Tyler knew what his friend had done was stupid. He’d said as much the day he’d punched his friend. “Let me ask you, sir,” he said to the judge, “what if you and your wife were told you were pregnant, after years of trying, and then the doctor said he’d found some irregularities in her bloodwork and wanted to do further tests? What if he came back and told you she had cancer, and the best option for your wife was aborting your miracle baby and starting a treatment that could save her life? And what if she refused to do it?” His throat tightened as he laid out Jason’s story for the judge. He missed his friend so much.
His voice lowered as he continued, “What if you found some questionable therapy overseas that claimed to be able to hold her cancer at bay long enough for her to deliver and take more traditional therapies here in the states after the baby was born? What if you thought it was the only way to help save your wife? What if, in a moment of utter pain and confusion, you did something horrible and stole money, thinking you could pay it back before anyone noticed? What if you were wrong and they noticed?”
The judge nodded. “And what if your friend was accused and took the fall for you?” It was obvious that the judge had what-iffed more than that. “What if he pled no contest to the charges and hurried things along, to ensure the authorities didn’t dig too deeply into the case?”
“That’s not an admission on my part,” Tyler stated. “We’re playing what-if.”
“Your friend’s dead, Tyler.” The judge’s voice was soft, but Tyler winced at the bald statement. Jason was his brother, for all intents and purposes, and he wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to a world without Jason in it. A world without Mellie.
As if sensing his thoughts, Mr. Matthews reached across the table and patted his hand.
“He’s dead,” the judge continued, “but he confessed before he passed. Jackie and I both believe him. Setting the record straight can’t hurt your friend. Maybe it’s the only thing that will truly allow the man to rest in peace.”
“It’s what Jason wanted,” Mr. Matthews said.
“So, explain it to us. Why aren’t you filing a motion and demanding that your name be cleared?” the judge finished.
Tyler didn’t know how to make them understand. “A father’s name should mean something. A son should be proud of his father.”
The judge agreed. “And you don’t think his son would be proud of a father who made a mistake, a foolish mistake prompted by love and pain, then did everything he could to rectify it?”
“What I know is what it’s like to grow up ashamed of your father. Not being ashamed, but hating him. I don’t want that for Jace.”
“And you’re raising the boy now, right?”
“My wife’s barely recovered from her last surgery and needs another, we couldn’t take the baby, so Tyler did.” Mr. Matthews turned to Tyler. “You honored Jason’s wishes in that regard, you’re caring for his son. You need to honor his wishes in this, too. Let the judge and ADA clear your name, Ty. You can have your old life back. It’s what Jason wanted.”
Jackie said, “That baby’s lucky because he has a biological father who was strong enough and ethical enough to confess to a moment of weakness, and he’ll be raised by a man who would do anything for a friend.”
“What if Jace doesn’t understand what his father did? What if he hates him?” Tyler knew he was projecting his own feelings for his father onto Jace.
“Mr. Martinez,” Jackie said. “I know I’m going to sound young and naive, but I really believe in my job. I believe that truth should win out. That justice should be served. And I don’t believe that justice is always easy. You didn’t commit this crime. You’ve been careful all along. You’ve never directly confessed to doing it. You’ve been honest, even if ambiguous, but sir, I know you didn’t do it. Mr. Matthews confessed. His father here has been hounding my office to pursue justice in this case, and justice means clearing your name.”
“Even if I don’t want it?” he said to all three of them.
“Maybe especially if you don’t want it,” the judge said. “Everyone associated with this case has discussed the findings. ADA Kelley, myself, the police department, our forensic handwriting expert, and even your old boss at the firm. We’re all agreed that you didn’t do this, and while we could wend our way through the legal system to expunge your record, we’ve all decided on a different course. As of today, you’re no longer on parole. We’ve had it terminated early. And I’ve already spoken to the governor, and ADA Kelley will be approaching him formally to request that he pardons you.”