When I pull back, Zephyr and Callum are both watching.
We all head out together in my car because apparently, we’re all coming back here after practice anyway.
Nobody talks for the first five minutes of the drive.
Then Callum says from the backseat, “So we’re just doing that now? Kissing her in front of each other?”
I grip the steering wheel tighter. “I don’t know.”
Just as Zephyr says, “Apparently.”
“Good to know,” Callum says. “Just establishing the rules.”
“There are no rules,” Zephyr says.
“Then what are we doing?”
“Be quiet,” I say tightly.
We pull into the rink parking lot. My phone buzzes just as I’m getting out.
Marcus.
“Hold on,” I tell the guys. I answer the call. “Marcus. Yeah, hold on.”
I put it on speaker. I motion for Zephyr and Callum to come closer.
“Go ahead,” I say.
“Jax. I’ve reviewed Tigerlily’s situation. I have some information for you.”
“I’m listening.”
“First, the statute of limitations. California doesn’t have one for murder, which works in our favor. The conviction can be challenged regardless of time elapsed.”
“Okay.”
“Second, coerced minor testimony. There’s precedent for overturning convictions when the primary witness was a minor under duress. Especially when there’s documented evidence of abuse and intimidation.”
“The gunshot wound,” Zephyr says.
“Her recent injuries establish a pattern of violence and control. It corroborates her claim that she was forced to lie under threat.”
I watch Callum’s jaw tighten.
“What’s the bad news?” I ask.
“The bad news is that giving her statement will be traumatic. She’ll be questioned extensively. Defense attorneys will try to discredit her. They’ll paint her as unreliable, emotional, influenced by others.” He pauses. “It won’t be easy.”
“She can handle it,” I say immediately.
“I believe you, but she needs to know what she’s walking into.”
“What’s our timeline?” Zephyr asks.
“We need to act fast. Damien’s lawyer will be building his defense. The longer we wait, the harder this becomes. I can set up a meeting for tomorrow if she’s ready.”
I look at Zephyr. At Callum. Both of them nod.
