“You’re fine, baby,” he replied.
As Lana drifted off to sleep, he held her as close to him as he could and vowed silently that once the nightmare was over, nothing like it would ever happen again. He didn’t care what he had to do or what it would cost; he would protect her come hell or high water. He glanced over at his useless arm and tried to wiggle a finger, but it didn’t budge. He squeezed his eyes shut and forced the negative thoughts out, realizing he might have to go to New York for that consult after all.
He wondered if Lana would come with him, but in her current state of mind, it may not be something she wanted to do. He lay there until his eyes closed too and pushed out all thoughts. He just wanted a little bit of peace for them both and would figure out a way to make it last forever somehow.
5
the shadow of maureen
Heathcliff flanked Maureen’s side and held her hand firmly as the Baillif called out, “All rise!” It was finally arraignment day, and Kim would be formally charged with her crimes. Paula was seated next to Taylor, and Kayden had his arm wrapped around Lana’s shoulders, sitting next to them. Rupert and Veronica made a special trip to be in attendance, accompanied by Sam and Carmen. They were seated in the aisle to the right of the Capshaw crew, a few pews from the rear of the courtroom.
“The Honorable Judge Thomas Hartwell presiding!” The Bailiff called out again.
Maureen squeezed Heathcliff’s hand rather hard, pinching two of his knuckles together. He looked at her from the corner of his eye and saw the worry twist her face. He had no doubt in his mind that if this went to trial, it would be long and drawn out, airing out lots of dirty laundry on the Capshaws, specifically Kayden. Whatever was to happen, he would be there for her and have Kayden’s back. Lord knew he and Lana had been through enough hell where this girl was concerned, and could use all the support they could get.
Lana clutched Kayden’s good hand and couldn’t help the stew of emotions bubbling in her stomach. She felt sick, relieved, nervous—but mostly anxious. She didn’t want to see Kim’s face another day in her life, but watching her pay for her crimes? She wasn’t going to miss out on watching the book be thrown at her patchy head.
After their day in court, she could move on knowing that this would indeed be the last time she’d have to think about her. The room was packed with the townspeople of Hamby. Aunt Mae and her husband Joseph, the Spences, the manager Sherman from Fresh Picks Grocery, and even Mrs. Arnold from the jewelry boutique were there to name a few. Not a sound could be heard besides the occasional movement of feet or a small whisper from time to time.
The courtroom was eerily silent as everyone stood and waited while the Judge sat and they hustled Kim out. She was cuffed at the wrists, chained at the ankles, wearing an orange jumpsuit, and seemed as cool as a cucumber. Kim eyed Lana, then focused her gaze on Kayden and his arm in the sling. A flash of remorse crossed her face when she saw it, but Kayden avoided eye contact, placing a kiss on the top of Lana’s head.
She turned to the judge and stood next to her public defender. Paula seethed and looked as though she might jump across the pews at her, but Taylor placed a hand on her forearm.Where was Garrett?Lana asked herself as she watched Taylor stand next to her best friend, his expression equally as pissed.
“You may be seated,” Judge Hartwell commanded as he banged his gavel.
The courtroom hummed with hushed tension, a weighty expectation that misted over the packed gallery as everyone but the small jury took their seats. The scuff of shoes and soft murmurs abruptly ceased as the bailiff's clipped words, "Do you swear...", felt heavy in the air. Supporters and witnesses filledevery available bench, a quiet sea of faces etched with their own hopes and anxieties.
Lana, perched on the edge of her seat, could practically taste the anticipation, her gaze fixed laser-sharp on the defendant's table. She yearned for this charade to end, for the moment justice would be handed down to Kim, for the final, definitive stroke that would slice through this suffocating nightmare and finally set them free.
“It’s been brought to my attention that the defendant has agreed to a plea deal,” Hartwell boomed across the quiet room.
Lana and Kayden looked at each other, and the room started to buzz.What does a plea deal mean?Sam’s eyes bore into the side of her face, and she couldn’t help glancing at him in frustration.
“Yes, your Honor. The defendant has entered a guilty plea with a civil reservation under the First Offender Act of the state of Georgia,” the Public Defender continued.
The courtroom filled with humming and groans when Kim turned to Maureen and gave her a wink. Heathcliff frowned and studied Maureen’s face, which had now turned a crimson shade of red.What the hell is going on, he thought.
Judge Hartwell removed his glasses and addressed Kim’s public defender, “Are you aware of anything that would compromise the defendant’s competence that I should be made aware of?”
Lana felt the prickly feeling growing in the back of her head again.What did any of this mean? What deal did she strike, and why are they just hearing about it?That evil bitch hadn’t suddenly found a soul and grown remorse. Something was up, and it was as thick as the tension in the air.
“No, your Honor. The defendant is thinking clearly and not under the influence of any substances and is competent to enter a guilty plea at this time.”
“I’m so confused,” Lana whispered to Kayden, her eyebrows pinched in a frown.
Judge Hartwell then turned to Kayden and Lana’s attorney, a sheepish-looking man that Maureen vouched for when she hired him. He didn’t look like the hard-assed New York lawyer she painted him to be, and his demeanor hadn’t changed while in the courtroom either. Lana could feel a band of tension squeeze around her head, waiting for the other shoe to drop. She tapped her foot so hard that she was shaking her entire body.
Kayden put his hand on her knee, and she slowed but never removed her eyes from the front of the room. Darting them from the Judge to Kim and the lawyers.
“What are the terms of the agreement for entering this plea today?” Judge Hartwell continued.
He stood now in his expensive suit, his hair slicked and shiny as a bowling ball, appearing more like a sleazy infomercial lawyer. Lana glared at Maureen, who sat stone-faced, looking like a wax figure in a Madame Tussaud museum.
“The defendant has agreed to serve a term of six months’ house arrest since this was a first-time offense. She’d like to serve her time in the county of Hamby.”
“Well, that’s not going to happen. She will serve her house arrest in Shelby County.”
“Understood.”
