“So, Mr. Anderson would never have harmed him, because he had no intentions of hurting you.”
“Correct. He never threatened me or, for that matter, anyone.”
“One more question, Ms. Mosby.” She smirks at me. “What do you think happened?”
“I have my own suspicions, but it would all just be speculation at this point.” I nod at her.
“Thank you, Tatum.”
I walk off the stand and pass Zane as I make my way back to my seat. Ella scoots down, making room for me right behind where Zane and Sherri sit.
“Your honor.” Sherri starts as I feel Drew and Ella both reach simultaneously for my hand, gripping it and knowing what’s coming. “May we approach the bench?” The judge nods and both attorneys walk up. Zane doesn’t look at me even as much as both of us want him to.
We watch the three of them interact for many minutes before they turn around and walk back towards the tables.
“Your honor, considering the recent evidence, the state of California is dropping the charges against the defendant, Zane Anderson.”
Harding’s eyes find mine immediately and she moves over to where I am, pulling me in and hugging me. “Stu was really upset when he came home for dinner. He told me he couldn’t tell me just yet. That was it, wasn’t it? He had just found out that his partner was a horrible person.”
“Probably.”
“Darren did this?”
“I can’t prove it.” I pause. “But if they have an inkling of what he’s done. I hope they’ll take it seriously.”
“I’m so sorry. I should have said something.” She hugs me again. “I knew that something was wrong. I should have said something to Stu.”
“None of this is your fault. It’s all his.”
I feel Zane’s hand on my back as he comes up. “I’m all good to go,” He says as he looks over to Harding. “I’m so sorry.” I can hear how genuine he is, in his voice. “If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to let us know.”
I watch her eyes as she contemplates what he just said. Even with him in the courtroom, standing with me in a suit and tie, everyone knows who he is. Everyone knows who his dad was, who his family is. Everyone knows that Zane Anderson is the club Prez, who has a reputation for being worse than his dad.
“Baby, you ready to go?”
“Yeah.” I nod my head. I reach over, touching Harding’s arm before we walk away and out the door.
Reaching over, he laces his fingers with mine and I look back over, smiling at him. For the first time, ready at what my future seems to be presenting to me.
I’m not even sure if there are people in the parking lot. I mean, there should be this was supposed to be a huge murder trail, but I can only see him as he stops, pulling me back to where I’m facing him. He’s smiling as he looks down at me.
“What?” I tilt my head, looking back up at him.
“I love you.” He whispers, his eyes searching my face. “Sometimes I wonder if they sent you to me because none of it makes sense, you’re way too fucking good for me what you just did…” He pauses.
“I did it because I love you, too, you idiot.”
He smiles down at me as he leans over, before his lips connect with mine and I finally feel like I’m back home.
“Z!” Harding shouts from behind us as breaking us apart from our moment. We both turn around as a frazzled Harding walks up to us. “What did you mean?”
Zane smirks as he looks over at me, then back at her. “You need anything at all. Let us know.”
“Who do you mean by us?”
“Whoever you feel comfortable with me saying.” He laughs.
“Why?”
