"Any other questioning?” the judge asked, looking over atGalvin.
“Let us recess, and I will be back with my ruling,” the judge said, standing and leaving the courtroom when no one had any more questioning. Galvin continued to sit there, whispering to his lawyer, who was even paler from what he was being told. I halfway felt sorry for the poordruggy.
“Hey,” Jake said, turning around to face us, as we sat behind him. “I’m pretty sure Galvin will be held accountable for everything, since he has a very crappy lawyer withhim.”
“Yeah, I figured he would have had someone better represent him,” Kaleb said, leaning forward so their voices wouldn’tcarry.
“Yeah, I am surprised, but considering how the mafia isn’t happy about his choices, I’m really not expecting much from them. The big shots are very against human trafficking.They’re the ones who usually bring it down, so if Galvin gets out, he will be killed within hours,” Jake said. “He won’t even make it in prison.” A pause. “Still no word onMorgan?”
“No, nothing,” I answered, shaking my head. “He’s been keeping an eye on me and my girls, but otherwise, we can’t get close to him. He’s a step ahead, and he will make a mistakesoon.”
"Erick Martin was taken and proven guilty easily, so there will be no trial for him. He cried like a baby when his lawyer and detective got his statement,” Jakesaid.
“All rise,” said the bailiff as the door opened and the judge entered fifteen minuteslater.
* * *
Dawn
It was strange, being home without Elijah nearby. Sure, he had left before to run to the store, which would be an hour at the most. This time, he would be gone for at least four hours, possibly more depending on the verdict of the case and how long it wouldtake.
Kelly was with me, keeping me company as our girls played next to each other. I was quieter today, mostly lost in thought. I wasn’t worried, knowing Galvin wouldn’t be set free. They had more than enough evidence against him to put him away forlife.
“So, then, this guy came up to me and was like, acting all hot, when in reality he wasnotthat great looking,” Kelly said, telling me a story about a college experience she’d had at a frat party. “And you aren’t even listening. What’s up,Sug?”
“I don’t know,” I sighed. “I can’t shake the feeling something’s wrong.” I had woken up this morning with a weirdfeeling.
“I’m sure everything is fine. Kaleb and Elijah should be back this afternoon, if notearlier.”
“I don’t think it’s them. It’s somethingelse.”
“Like what?” sheasked.
“That’s just it; I don’t know,” I said,aggravated.
“Zack is home today, I think. Do you want me to give him a call and see if he can come hang out? Would that help?” Kellyasked.
“No, I’ll be fine,” I said, shaking my head. I didn’t want to bug him if it really wasn’t anything. There could be a number of reasons for myfeelings.
Pushing it to the back of my mind, I turned my attention to the girls, watching themplay.
Lily was now able to sit by herself, and she was slobbering on a toy that played music. The two didn’t pay much attention to one another, but as they grew and aged, theywould.
It was shortly after we got the girls down for a nap after lunch when the boys arrived back home. Elijah seemed worried, but he schooled his face once he saw me. Kaleb, on the other hand, was fuming withrage.
“Morgan followed us,” he said as he took a gentle seat on the couch next to Kelly, who leaned into him. “That little twat. What does he think he’s playingat?”
“He’s waiting for the time to strike, and we’ll be ready,” Elijah said, trying to soothe the nerves in the room. I was in his arms instantly, seeking his familiarwarmth.
“How long has he been following us?” I asked, looking up at him withworry.
“Weeks. We can’t catch him; he seems to be one step ahead. I don’t know what he’s playing at or trying to accomplish, but we will get him. In the meantime, we’ll be staying at home more, just to be safe. I don’t truly think he’ll try to do anything to get past the gate,” Elijah answered. “He’s not too bright, but he is smart enough to not pushme.”
“Do you think maybe he wants to know if Dawn is still staying here? Or wondering if maybe she went to the hearing today with you?” Kellyasked.
“Yeah, it crossed my mind. Of course, Morgan not seeing her with me the last few times I’ve gone out should give him more than enough to know I’m not taking chances. Maybe I should give him a call, but he may know who I work with,” Elijahsaid.
“I wouldn’t call,” Kaleb said. “He most likely knows about everything by now. He was bailed out of jail for areason.”
“So, what was the verdict?” Kelly asked, changing thesubject.
“Galvin was sentenced life in prison, with no possible parole,” Elijah answered, leading me to sit down on the loveseat. “His lawyer was just getting off a high, so he wasn’t thebest.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” Kaleblaughed.
I was just happy he would no longer be an issue I had to deal with. The lifted weight was refreshing, and I knew things were going to start looking up forus.
