Page 144 of Key West Homecoming

“The court has also reviewed Mr. Kendrick’s deposition testimony, the probate filings and the financial records submitted by counsel. Questions concerning whether any criminal laws were violated are not for this court to decide today. The relevant materials may be provided to the state attorney’s office, which can determine whether further action is warranted.”

He looked toward Arthur’s table.

“Mr. Ballard, I suggest your client remain available to his counsel.”

“Understood, Your Honor.”

Emma felt no satisfaction at that. She had expected to.

Instead, she thought of Gloria.

Judge Ellsworth looked toward the clerk and then back at the papers in front of him. When he raised his eyes again, they settled on Emma.

“Ms. Kendrick, please stand.”

Emma stood.

“I don’t usually comment beyond the ruling, but I’ll say this. Your grandmother took deliberate steps to make her wishes known. The record before me leaves very little doubt about what she intended. This court will see that the estate is administered accordingly.”

“Thank you, Your Honor.”

“You may sit down.”

Emma sat.

“We’re adjourned.”

Everyone stood as Judge Ellsworth left through the door behind the bench.

The courtroom was completely quiet.

Then Rachel exhaled again, longer this time. Yolanda touched Emma’s elbow.

Emma turned around.

Edmund sat in the second row with Rebecca beside him. He looked thinner than he had the week before, but his eyes were bright. When he smiled, Emma knew he had heard something in the judge’s words that mattered to him too. Gloria had made herself clear, and someone with the authority to do something about it had finally listened.

Edmund nodded once.

Emma nodded back.

Jake sat one row behind him in a button-down shirt she hadn’t seen before. His hands rested on his knees. At first he didn’t smile. He only held her eyes.

Then his expression softened.

Emma wanted to go to him, but Connie caught her attention from the back row. She was already standing in a dark blouse with her purse over one shoulder. She lifted a hand, just enough for Emma to see, and slipped through the door before Emma could reach her.

Emma turned back to Rachel.

“You okay?” Rachel asked quietly.

“I think so.”

“You did well.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“You stood when he told you to stand. You answered when he spoke to you, and you didn’t turn around even once. That was the assignment.”