Page 86 of Shatter

She shifts her weight in her stilettos, obviously scrambling for another angle, but I don't get her the opportunity.

"You'll be hearing from my lawyer," I say as a final parting shot, slamming the door closed in her face and locking it.

They must need a new plan, because they leave, leaving me in silence.

Chapter forty-six

Harrison

One Week Later

If I said I wasn't nervous, I'd be lying.

We're at court. There's no jury, this isn't a criminal case, but there are people in the stands, waiting to plead their case in front of Judge Mercer. People from all walks of life are here, and I'm early.

Abby and I have been texting and talking on the phone, but I can tell we're both stressed. Today is make or break. Today will determine if she's finally free or not.

We agreed it was best for her to stay at her mother's mansion before trial, to avoid having the cops called again.

The judge needs to send the final message to Athena and Chris - that they can no longer control Abby.

Cassidy, Declan and Daniel are here with me too, waking up early before their shifts at The Envelope to show me and Abby support. We've been quiet, listening to other petty cases, but Cass slips her hand into mine and squeezes it reassuredly.

Judge Mercer is a stern woman in her thirties who seems fair when it's appropriate and harsh when it comes to protecting women and children.

Matty has not, in fact, slipped me or Whitmoore any intel and it's making me nauseous. I know you should never trust a crook, but I'd gotten comfortable trading favors with the underbelly of DC. I desperately hope I haven't placed my faith in the wrong man.

Finally, the heavy doors open and Matty walks in with a briefcase, Athena, Chris and Abby trailing behind him.

Whispers begin, people pointing and recognizing Abby, but still trying to be respectful of court. Luckily, phones aren't allowed in here, so no one gets a chance to record this.

Instead of following her parents, Abby sees me immediately, as if she sensed me, and smiles, walking directly to where we're sitting.

She hugs Cass, Daniel and Declan before Cass moves, quietly offering a seat next to me. My heart hammers in my chest and she plasters the side of her body to mine, snuggling under my arm.

I look up and see Athena's nostrils flare, but she knows she can't make a scene. So, I tuck Abby even further under my arm.

"I've missed you," she whispers, resting her head against my chest.

I don't reply. I simply rest my cheek against her head and breathe her in. Her head has an adorable layer of soft, dark peach fuzz from where her hair is growing back. She's always been a gorgeous girl, but seeing her so confident in her own skin is something else. If her mother knew how lovely she'd be if she was given her freedom, I'm sure she would have found a way to profit.

"Whitmoore versus Snow," the judge announces and Abby squeezes my knee as she rises, blowing a kiss over her shoulder as she makes her way down to the prosecution's table. She shakes Whitmoore's hand before sitting next to him and folding her hands in her lap politely.

Judge Mercer takes a minute to read over the paperwork.

"The prosecution is contesting the execution of a conservatorship and accusing the defense of embezzlement?"

The judge raises one eyebrow at both Whitmoore and Matty.

Whitmoore stands. "That's correct, your honor. The original conservatorship gave the Snows the fiduciary responsibility of managing my clients money until she turned eighteen. However, we have records of them moving money into personal accounts that my client does not own. In addition, the conservatorship was supposed to be dissolved when my client turned eighteen. The defense still controls the income and management of my clients funds, at twenty-five."

Athena goes to object, but Matty rests a hand on her arm and shakes his head, whispering words of encouragement.

"How does the defense plead?"

"Guilty, your honor."

There's a beat of confused silence before Athena gasps and clutches at imaginary pearls.