Duran smiled and tucked her into the car.“Have a good day?”
“Became legally independent, had a good meal, met some new friends, and am now swimming in art supplies.Pretty good day.”
“There will be a lot more court.”
“I know.Unless they all plead no contest, I am in for a fight.I think I will be able to manage it.”
Duran nodded.“I know you will.”
She smiled, and he came around to slide behind the wheel.He lifted her hand to his lips.“Now, we head home.”
She said, “Hooray!”
She was smiling and felt herself get warm and relaxed, and then she was asleep.
Emhara woke hungry, and Echel was nearby.“We have a shirt for you to sleep in, but we didn’t want to freak you out by taking off your dress.”
“How long have we been here?”
“Samsor’s house?About two hours.”He held up a tee.“Here you go.Do you need a hand getting changed?”
She stood up and unzipped the dress, letting it drop to her hips, held her hand out, and dropped the enormous tee over her head before undoing the bra and letting the dress fall to the floor.She stepped out of it and shook it straight, draping it over a nearby chair.The bra landed on top of it.
She stretched and twisted, yawning.
“Water on the bedside table.We won’t bother you tonight.Get some rest, Emhara.”
She nodded and went back to bed.“Okey dokey.”
He chuckled and nodded, leaving the room and closing the door.She was out before the lock engaged.
Echel walked to the kitchen and smiled.“She’s dressed to sleep and out again.”
Marshall and Ark were sitting at the table, and Duran was giving them the up-to-date information and showing all the filings.
Marshall looked at him.“She’s good on the stand?”
“This is her deposition.No flinching, no crying, just facts.”
“She’s cold when interviewed?”
“Calm.She’s like a lot of long-term abuse victims.Locked down.”Duran nodded.
Marshall read over the deposition and went grey.“Oh, damn.Well, I think she and Ruby will get along.They both know how to put the blame where it lies.”
Duran nodded.“And from what I recall, they both know how to pursue creativity to get their balance again.At least Emhara doesn’t skate or mess with chocolate.”
Marshall smiled.“Trust me.You will be appreciative of it if it is chocolate.”
Samsor brought coffee to the table.“Nope.She’s an artist.Do you want to see the portrait she did of her father?”
Marshall shrugged.“Sure.”
Duran and Echel smiled proudly, and then Samsor returned and showed the image.
Marshall and Ark rocked back and flinched.“Good lord.How is there no record of that in town?”
Duran went to put it down carefully.“There is.His name is Carlos.His son is Mateo, who apparently looks similar to his father.She sees through glamours; she sees the beasts.She has clear sight.”
