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He turns around and focuses all his attention on the judge. "No, excuse you. With all due respect, your honor, the man on trial is my best friend, and I have in my hands a piece of evidence that shows he did nothing wrong here. I'm not about to just let him go down for something he didn't do."
The judge looks over at the prosecution and after they talk for a second, the lead prosecutor shrugs. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to at least see what's on the drive."
"Very well." The judge pounds his gavel once again. "Court is in recess until the prosecution evaluates the new evidence."
Before I can get a chance to talk to Carter, we're both led into separate rooms.
I just hope he isn't talking out of his ass.
I PACE AROUND THE small office. Finn, my dad, and Mr. Trayland all sit at the table, waiting for news. Even Paige wasn't allowed to come in with me, which hasn't made me feel any better. My dad was only allowed because he's family, and Mr. Trayland has a legal background.
No one has been able to speak to Carter since he came in with the apparent new evidence, and it's been three hours since then. If someone doesn't tell me something soon, I very well might lose my damn mind.
"This has to be the worst feeling in the whole damn world," I say to no one in particular.
My dad sighs. "Come sit down, Jace. Pacing isn't helping."
I throw my head back and groan quietly, but he's right. I should sit and run through my stress relief exercises. Walking around the room, I fall back into the seat and start to do exactly that, but halfway through, the door opens.
All of us stand up as the lead prosecutor comes into the room.
"Taking the new evidence into consideration, we have no choice but to drop all charges against Mr. London and clear him of all wrongdoing. On behalf of the state of Florida, we apologize for the wrongful accusation and for wasting your time."
Relief floods through me and for a second I wonder if I'm dreaming, but as Finn shakes his hand and murmurs something about mistakes being made all the time, I know I'm not.
I rush out of the room and into the lobby, where everyone is waiting for us. As much as I'd love to get my girl first, I go straight to my best friend. He doesn't even have a chance to react before I pull him in and wrap my arms around him.
"I don't know what the fuck you did, but you saved my goddamn life."
He chuckles and hugs me back. "Wyatt did all the work. I just knew where to look."
For that alone, I go to Wyatt next. He tries to dodge me, never being the kind for physical affection, but I don't give him a choice.
"What the hell was on that drive?"
Carter shrugs like it's no big deal. "There was a camera from another angle. They claimed that the footage from that night was damaged, but Wyatt was able to get it restored. You could clearly see that when Davi went over, you were nowhere near her."
I look over at Wyatt and shake my head slowly. "I've never been so glad to be friends with a computer genius in my life."
Just then, I realize someone is missing. A very important someone. Glancing around, I realize Paige is nowhere to be found.
"Where's Paige?"
Everyone looks around at each other, not knowing much of anything, but when I look at Becca, it becomes clear. My heart stops in my chest.
"No."
She smiles sadly and nods, confirming my worst fears.
"I've got to go," I tell them and immediately head for the door.
"Wait!" Carter calls. "We have to celebrate!"
I turn around and walk backward, still making my way toward the exit. "Take a shot for me! I've got more important places to be."
Leaving behind my bewildered friends, I book it out the door and grab the first taxi I see.
I need to get to the airport.
