Page 356 of Wicked Brutal

Arthur is up. “Objection. Speculation.”

“Sustained.”

The attorney changes course. “If Alison and Ryan’s relationship deteriorates — even badly — you’re asking this court to believe nothing about your support would change?”

Walter’s expression hardens. “You’re asking whether I’d punish a six-year-old because my son got his heart broken.”

“I’m asking whether—“

“No.” Arthur half rises.

The judge lifts a hand. “Mr. Harrington, answer only the question.”

“Yes, Your Honor.” Walter’s jaw works. Then, level: “My answer is that my support would continue. All of it.”

“No further questions.”

Walter steps down. He doesn’t hug me — not here. He just touches my shoulder as he passes. It’s enough.

“Cassandra Harrington,” Arthur says. She walks to the stand already blinking too fast. After she’s sworn in, he gives her a moment. “Mrs. Harrington, how long have you known Alison?”

“Since she was born. And Tobias since he was born. Like Walter, I knew the family before either of them existed.”

“You’re also a mother. How does that shape what you’ve seen between Alison and Tobias?”

Cassandra takes a breath. “I know what mothering looks like.”

My eyes burn.

She looks toward the judge. “I know Jane was Tobias’s mother. She loved him. I don’t want a single word I say to sound like I’m taking that from her.” Her voice trembles. “But Jane wasn’t the only person mothering that little boy. Ally was.”

I look down.

“When Tobias was a baby, Jane and Ally moved around him almost like a team. Jane would be making a bottle while Ally changed him. Ally would be finding a blanket while Jane got him dressed. Each of them always knew what the other had already done.” She looks at me. “Ally was still a child herself. But she knew him.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“She knew his cries. When he was a baby, there was one cry for hungry and one for tired, and Ally knew the difference.”

A tear slips down my cheek.

“When he started walking and he fell, he’d reach for whoever he wanted — Jane, or Ally. There was never much of a distinction he seemed interested in at all.”

A small, broken laugh moves through me.

“There were times Jane was closer and he still went to Ally. Sometimes he walked right past his own mother.”

“How did Jane respond?” Arthur asks softly.

“She laughed. She knew how attached he was.” The smile fades. “As he got older, the problem changed. The person he went to didn’t. Sick — Ally. Scared — Ally. Needed help — Ally.” She adds, before Arthur can, “Jane was always involved. She loved and cared for Tobias every day. But Ally was right beside her. Always.”

Arthur nods. “Let’s talk about the last three weeks. How has Tobias changed since Jane’s death?”

Cassandra’s hands knot together. “He’s afraid. He asks where people are. If Walter leaves, he asks when he’s coming back. If Ryan isn’t home when he expects, he asks where Ryan went.” She looks at me. “And if he can’t see Ally—“ She stops.

“What happens?”

“He finds her.” I close my eyes. “He doesn’t like being alone at night anymore.”