“How are you feeling, Killian?”
“Like she’s pulling away from me, Bridget. I get it. It’s one thing to suspect her mother knew. To have it confirmed that she had the tapes all along…that shit broke her heart. I’m sure some part of her was holding on to hope that Kennedy had some shred of decency. What kind of mother does what she did? I can’t imagine Mom ever being like that.”
“Some women aren’t cut out to be mothers. I can’t even say it’s motherly instincts because I don’t know what the issue is with her. My heart goes out to Alayah. I can only imagine what she’s feeling.”
I sighed heavily. “I’m gonna go check on her.”
I placed my beer on the counter and headed down the hall to Alayah’s room. The door was slightly ajar. I stepped in and smiled softly. Alayah was sleeping soundly with her head resting on Ellie’s chest. My niece had her little arms wrapped tightly around her mass of curls like she was trying to protect her.
It was adorable.
Ellie loved her some Alayah, and I believed her little spirit offered Alayah some peace. I stood there for a moment watching them before I went over to the bed and sat down gently as not to wake them. Resting a hand on Alayah’s leg and closing my eyes, I said a silent prayer.
Father God, I cometo you a humble servant, asking you to heal allthe broken parts of the woman I love. Her heartis heavy, and her mind is weary. Grant her thestrength she needs in moments of weakness. Bestow upon herthe courage in times of fear. Give her peace amidpain and suffering. I pray that Your restorative power flowthrough every cell of her body, every corner of hermind, and every depth of her spirit. These and allblessings I ask in Your name. Amen.”
Standing from the bed, I made my way out of the room and down the hall to my bedroom to shower and change out of my work clothes. By the time I made it back into the kitchen, Erica was sitting at the island talking to Bridget.
“Hey. What are you doing here?”
“I come bearing good news. Where is Alayah?”
“She’s in her room.”
“Can you go get her?”
“I’ll get her,” Bridget said. “I feel like this is a private moment anyway. The food is done, so Ellie and I are gonna head on home.” She came over to hug and kiss me. “Love you, little brother.”
“Love you, too.”
She disappeared down the hall, leaving me and Erica alone. I noted the smile on her face, realizing she really did have good news.
“We got them?” I asked quietly.
She nodded. “We got them. Warrants are being served as we speak. That discovery rule played a big part in this, Killian.”
She was referring to the statute of limitations. With the discovery rule, the limitations begin when the offense was discovered instead of when it occurred. I would pay money to see the looks on these people’s faces when the cops pulled up to their houses.
A few minutes passed before my sister was walking down the hall with Ellie and Alayah behind her. Ellie smiled as she ran over and jumped into my arms to say good night. She kissed my cheek before scrambling over to Alayah. She gave her a big hug, then followed her mom out of the house. Alayah made her way over and gave me a loose hug before pecking my lips. She still looked tired, but she was alert.
“Hey, Erica,” she said faintly. “What are you doing here?”
“Why don’t you have a seat, baby?”
I stood and pulled out a chair for her. She sighed as she took a seat. I took one as well.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
Erica took her hands. “Killian and I have been working very hard on this case. There has been a ton of new evidence and discoveries that have taken place, Alayah. Several people involved in your case all had a personal connection to Rodney. The judge that presided over your trial, two jury members, and the officer that was first on the scene were all part of his extended family.”
“W–What? How do you know that?”
“Extensive research, honey. I had to cash in a lot of favors, but it was worth it. It turns out, you weren’t Rodney’s first victim. There were six other girls—now adults—whose families were paid off by the judge to drop the charges. That man got away with being a predator for years because somebody was covering up for him. His mother and that whole family have been covering his ass since he was thirteen. It’s all coming to light now.
“Warrants are being served. Kennedy is being brought up on additional charges of possessing child pornography and obstruction of justice. The best part of all this: Your conviction is being overturned. You’re gonna be a free woman, Alayah.”
Alayah’s eyes widened. “O–Overturned?”
“Overturned. No retrials. No parole. You will have to go to court as part of the legal process, but you’re free.”
