AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Sorry,” my throat starts closing as I try to hold back tears. “The guys can fill me in on the rest.” Almost running from the room, I don’t wait around for anyone to acknowledge me.
Stepping outside, forcing myself not to run to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the house, my feet take me into the yard.
Finding a secluded spot, I sink to the ground using a tree for support. The sun is starting to set in the late summer sun. First, one tear falls, then another, and another until they flow unchecked down my cheeks.
Looking at the pinks, purples, and reds coloring the sky, my tears continue to fall. My father will never see a beautiful sight like this again. Rubbing my hand over my chest to try and alleviate the ache caused by his loss does nothing to help.
Not sure how long it has been since leaving the house, but the sun has fully set, the sky a dark blue.
My name being called out lets me know my time alone is at an end. Using my shirt to dry my face, I get to my feet and head back inside.
CHAPTERNINE
Today is my father’s preliminary hearing. John Robinson stopped by the house two weeks ago and reviewed all of the evidence, and we went through Father’s office looking for some of our own. It took a bit of pleading and persuasion on my part for him to concede to my presence in court.
Preparing for the day, the list of charges against my father makes my palms sweat. He is facing vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, three counts of aggravated assault by vehicle, and destruction of property. The destruction of property resulted from a farmer’s fence being ruined as the car rolled.
I keep my makeup light, choosing a navy-blue pencil skirt, a cream-colored short-sleeved blouse, and navy-blue pumps for a conservative look. My accessories are limited to a small pair of gold-hoop earrings and a patterned scarf tied around my neck. My hair is pulled up in a simple twist. Squaring my shoulders and staring at myself in the mirror, my resolve is firm. Regardless of the outcome today, I will represent my family with pride and dignity.
Restlessness fills me as I wait for John’s car to pull into the driveway. Pacing the foyer, my heels click on the ceramic tile. Headlights flash through the front of the house. Grabbing my phone and purse and pulling the door closed behind me, I prepare myself for a tumultuous day.
* * *
Approaching the courthouse, media vans line both sides of the street as far as the eye can see.
During the hour-long car ride, John hammered into my head about how to act. In the case of the media, it is more about how tonotreact. He warned me to keep quiet, not to answer any questions, or to take the bait on comments that might be made.
The moment the press spots me, thunderous footfalls fill the air. Scattered among the stomping, shouts ring out. Blanking my face and getting prepared, some of the questions still come as a surprise.
“Kennedy… Kennedy, what do you think about your father’s guilt?”
“Kennedy… Kennedy, is it true that a plea agreement requires you to marry Mr. Carter’s son?”
“Kennedy, are the rumors true that Hastings is also responsible for the death of your mother?”
Stumbling a bit as the last question reaches my ear, I look at John out of the corner of my eye. He grips my bicep hard, dragging me closer to the courthouse doors. As he forces me closer to his body, he mutters, “Not here,” just loud enough for me to hear.
The slamming of the courthouse doors as they close behind us muffles the shouts from the reporters.
John guides me up a set of stone steps. The top of the stairs opens into a hallway lined with benches that frame various office and courtroom doors.
Coming to a stop partway down the hall, John urges me onto a bench, finally relinquishing the harsh grip on my arm.
Using a tone harsher than any my father has ever used, he bends at the waist so our faces are even.
“Stay here, don’t move an inch, and for God’s sake, don’tfuckingtalk to anyone. I don’t care if they offer you a million dollars. Keep. Your. Mouth. Shut.”
John grinds that last part out through clenched teeth. Giving him the slightest head nod, I swallow down any retort on the tip of my tongue. John looks up and down the hallway, which confuses me, and I am unsure why he did that. He seems satisfied and gives me one last glare before walking away.
He opens a door several benches down and disappears inside. The door slams loudly, echoing loudly in the mostly empty hall.
I let out a deep sigh—this is going to be a long day.
CHAPTERTEN
Our flight to Pennsylvania was uneventful, and it only took ten minutes to get from the airport to the courthouse.
Having some time on our hands, we decide to look for food while our fathers deal with the legal bullshit. Observing my father and the legal process will benefit me in the long run, but today, my friend needs me more.
