by K E Osborn
“Niall O’Connell, if you truly believe our oldest son could be responsible for this, then you should leave right now, right this second. We’re all here to support Aiden. Do us a favor and get the hell out of here. I’m completely over your fucking stupid, callous opinions.” My eyes open wide as we stare at Callie in surprise.
Niall huffs loudly, storming out of the police station like a bull raging in a bullpen.
“Go, Mom.” Killian hugs Callie as Aiden’s lawyer steps out of the interview room and walks over to us. My adrenaline surges through me at the sight of him.
“For those who don’t know me, I’m Jenson Monroe, Mr. O’Connell’s attorney. Mr. O’Connell will be held here overnight, and will see a judge in the morning, where he’ll be held for arraignment.”
“What’s an arraignment?” Daniel asks.
“The judge will ask if Mr. O’Connell is the person identified in the felony charges. The judge will then discuss whether Mr. O’Connell would like to plead guilty. Before you say anything, we will be pleading not guilty, of course. Then bail will be arranged and a court date set for his trial.”
“He has to stay here overnight?” A single tear rolls down my face. I hate the thought of him alone in this place.
“Yes,” Jenson answers with one simple word.
Sarah takes my hands in hers. “Do you want to stay at my place tonight?” she offers, and I nod.
“There’s nothing any of you can do now. We have to wait until tomorrow to find out if he makes bail. In the meantime, I suggest you all get some rest. The arraignment will be held at nine in the morning at the courthouse.” Jenson turns abruptly and walks off.
We all say our goodbyes, agreeing to meet at the courthouse in the morning. I feel numb as I slide into the back of Chris’ car as he drives us back to Sarah’s. The trip is silent and filled with tension. I remain stoic the entire car ride as I try to keep my calm façade. We arrive at the house, and Sarah puts her arm around me, walking me to the sofa.
“Lie down, and I’ll make you a cup of cocoa.”
Leaning back, I take the blanket from the back of the sofa and place it over my legs. I hear Chris and Sarah talking in the kitchen, but I can’t really understand them.
My eyes feel heavy as the emotion of the day exhausts me, and welcomed sleep invades.
“Sweetie, it’s time to get up,” Sarah softly coos. I sit and make my way to the bathroom still wearing the clothes from yesterday. I fix my hair and wander into the kitchen.
“Would you like some toast?” Chris asks as he pours me a coffee.
“No thanks,” I mumble as I sit at the table.
“You should eat something. You didn’t have lunch or dinner yesterday. You need to keep up your strength,” Sarah tells me.
The thought of food unsettles my stomach. I know I’m trying to keep a cool, calm head in this, but food is something that doesn’t sit right with me at the moment. “Coffee will do, thanks.”
Chris hands it to me with a sympathetic look in his eyes. I sit at the table sipping on my coffee staring into nothingness as I feel my life tearing apart.
Aiden, my Aiden, is being held for a crime he may not have committed, while I sit here contemplating nothing. My head’s empty except for this persistent fuzziness that spins endlessly, causing me to constantly feel nauseous while an overwhelming sense of guilt flows over me.
I’m confused.
I love him, but do I trust that he didn’t do this?
Is that even possible to love someone and not trust them?
Honestly, I have no idea.
All I want is for yesterday to rewind and to somehow not exist, and for everything to go back to normal. But that’s not going to happen, is it? So, I have to get my head straight and get on with it.
We later head to the courthouse, and everyone’s waiting outside—everyone except for Niall.
Callie hugs me. “Oh, Jeni, you look pale. Are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” I lie.
However, she must realize I’m anything but as she wraps her arm around my shoulders and walks with me into the courthouse. We take a seat on the benches in the courtroom where Aiden is set to appear. A door opens, Jenson and Aiden step through. He’s still in handcuffs as he’s escorted to the bench by an officer of the court. He looks directly at me, his eyes full of something—could that be defeat?
My heart breaks into tiny slivers. I never knew my world could be like this. A world where I had the man of my dreams, but then he would somehow be on trial and could possibly go away for a long period of time. My heart hammers in my chest as my stomach swirls in the uncertainty that today will bring for him and me. I’m here for him, of course, I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I hope that, in the end, it’s a good outcome. An outcome we can all be happy with.
The bailiff calls out, “All rise.”
The judge walks in, we stand as he enters, and he then sits.
“Be seated,” the bailiff states.
The judge steadies his shoulders and addresses the room. “We are here today for the arraignment of Aiden O’Connell. The Court advises that this arraignment is to inform you of the official charge and to allow you to enter a plea in response to these charges. There are three possible pleas… guilty, not guilty, and no contest…”
A whole pile of words are said by the judge, most of which I don’t understand or even hear, then he states, “A jury will be chosen to determine guilt or innocence where, if found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, you can be sentenced up to a maximum of ten years imprisonment.” Then the judge looks up and says, “Does everyone understand the terms of this arraignment?”
I hold in a silent gasp at the mention of ten years imprisonment. If I lost Aiden for ten years, I’m not sure I could bear it. To be honest, I can hardly stand the fact of being away from him for one night.
“Yes, Your Honor,” Jenson answers on behalf of Aiden.
“Then, let’s begin.” Aiden and Jenson stand. “Aiden O’Connell, on the charges of embezzlement of the sum of ten million dollars. How do you plea?”
My heart jumps to my throat. It feels like it’s going to beat right out of my chest.
“Not guilty, Your Honor,” Jenson speaks.
The judge slams his gavel on the desk, the hit resounding through the room, echoing off the walls making this feel even more ominous if that’s even possible. “So be it. The defendant has entered a plea of not guilty. Due to this being such a high-profile case, the trial will be brought forward by the district attorney to commence in four weeks, starting on Thursday, the seventh of February at nine o’clock. A selection of twelve jurors will be called upon to bear witness to your trial. Even though you have set a plea of not guilty, I’m reluctant to grant bail due to the amount of money embezzled, and also the high profile attached to this case… therefore, I deem no bail to be set, and the defendant to remain in custody at the county jail until the trial on Thursday, the seventh of February.” He bangs his gavel loudly again.
With it, my whole body goes limp as gasps fill the room in shock.
No bail?
Tears fill my eyes as I realize the man I love is going to jail.
He’s a strong, independent businessman—he’s not made for a jail cell.
How will he cope in a place like that?
How will he adjust from a penthouse apartment to a jail cell that has your bed and latrine in the same damn space?
He’s not precious, I know that. But this will be a culture shock for him, one he doesn’t fucking deserve. He’s stronger than anyone I know—he can hold his own—but I can’t stand the thought of him being in jail when he’s so obviously incapable of doing what they say he’s done. I try to blink away the tears that form in my eyes—I need to remain strong—for Aiden.
“All rise,” the bailiff calls out.
We stand as the judge exits the courtroom. Callie softly weeps as Aiden turns around to look at his family and friends. His somber eyes meet mine as he mouths,
‘I love you.’
‘I love you, too,’ I mouth back to him as he’s escorted out of the courtroom.
My entire body goes numb, feeling completely deadweight. My legs give out as he leaves in handcuffs, and I fall back onto the bench, utterly bereft. Sarah sits with me as I try to regain my composure, taking in some deep steadying breaths.
Aiden’s gone.
And, this might only just be the start of a much longer sentence.
Jesus. Fucking. Christ.
Eventually, I find the strength to stand as Sarah takes my hand, and we walk out and onto the street. My emotions run a fierce battle within me as I try to get my head straight.
“I’m so sorry,” Sarah declares as we reach the curb.
My eyes flood with tears. I can’t speak as words fail me as I open my mouth and close it again.
Callie walks toward me extending her arms in a gesture for a hug. I open mine and welcome her warm embrace. We stand, holding each other as she softly sheds tears for the man we both love.
Jenson storms from the courthouse, and Callie lets me go as he approaches. “Miss Taylor, Aiden is allowed one visitor tomorrow at ten. He would like that visitor to be you. Will you come to the jail to see him?”
Everyone looks at me intently. I stare at Jenson blankly while I try to function enough to answer. Sarah takes hold of my hand once more. “She’ll be there,” Sarah talks for me.
Jenson studies me for confirmation, and I nod in agreement as Chris rubs my back in a comforting gesture.
Mike steps forward. “I’ll take you there myself, Miss Taylor.”
I nod again, still not managing the strength to find any words. I think I may be in shock.
Jenson looks at me intently. “Miss Taylor, Aiden needs your support. If you aren’t able to provide it, then I suggest we let someone else visit him.”
I furrow my brows.
How dare he judge me like this!
I know I need to say something, and words don’t fail me this time. “Mr. Monroe, I’m quite capable of visiting Aiden. He asked for me, and I’ll be there to support him. I don’t need you lecturing me about what I should or should not do. You don’t even know me or what I’m capable of. Who hired you anyway, you arrogant son of a—”
“As I said, she’ll be there, Mr. Monroe,” Sarah snaps at him, interrupting my rant.
“Ten o’clock, sharp. Don’t be late.” He angrily huffs, then walks away.
All the emotion of the past twenty-four hours is exhausting, so completely mentally and physically draining.
Callie kisses me on the cheek. “Let Aiden know we’re all here for him, won’t you, darling?”
“Of course.” I sniffle, holding back my tears. “Sorry for yelling at your lawyer.”
“Oh, honey, he had it coming.” She squeezes me, and then the family walks away to their chauffeured vehicle.
“Do you want to stay at my place again tonight, Jeni?” Sarah asks softly.
I shake my head. “I’ll be fine, but thanks for your support. You too, Chris. You guys have been incredible.” I give hug them both.
“Call me if you need anything… anything at all, day or night. Promise me?”
“Of course, I will. I promise.” I give her another hug.
Sarah and Chris head off as Mike takes my arm in his and walks me to the car.
“Thank you, Mike.”
“My pleasure, Miss Taylor.”
Mike walks me to the elevator, pushes the button, then he hands me a business card. “Miss Taylor, this is my direct number. If you need anything, call me. I’m only a few floors away.”
I manage a half-smile. “Thank you. I will. I’ll see you tomorrow morning?”
“Yes, Miss Taylor. Shall I come up to the apartment to personally escort you to the car tomorrow?”
“Yes, thanks, Mike.”
The elevator doors open, and I proceed to our apartment where I stand, alone. Taking a look around, the silence surrounding me is deafening. I walk to the ensuite to take a shower in an attempt to try and wash off the stains of the past twenty-four hours. As I step into our large shower, it feels empty without Aiden. The water runs over my back as I lean my forehead against the cold tiles. Closing my eyes, I imagine what he must be feeling, what it must be like being held in jail. All I can hope for is he’s being treated fairly and not being abused by the other inmates. I know he’s strong, he works out, so I’m sure he can hold his own, but there’s always that niggling doubt which is trickling around in my brain, hoping and praying he will be okay. A tear falls down my cheek as I sigh. I swipe it away and turn my face under the water.
Panic, fear, and confusion begin to surround me.
I miss him.
I love him.
I want him back.
Turning the faucet off, I step out of the shower, wrap myself in a towel and make my way to the bedroom—the empty bedroom where the sheets are still in disarray from Sunday night’s lovemaking.
Knowing what I’m going to wear, I walk to the closet and pick up his gray sweatpants and T-shirt. After dressing, I step to the bed and lie down on his side, smelling Aiden’s scent on his pillow. I hug it tightly and climb under the covers.
It’s only eleven thirty in the morning, but I’m overwhelmingly tired and drift into unconsciousness.
Without Aiden.
Just like it’s going to be from now on.
And I don’t like it.
Not. One. Little. Bit.
Aiden’s alone in a dark cell. The room is small with no windows, and bars lock him in. I stand there in front of his cell, staring at him while he sleeps on the thin, tattered mattress. His unfocused eyes stir as he sits up. Seeming to feel my presence, he looks in my direction with a face full of despair. He stands to look at me as I walk toward the bars.
I reach my hand out to touch him, but he seems so far away. He reaches for me, but there’s something in the background, something dark and terrifying. I call out as the darkness approaches, but nothing comes out of my mouth. I’m mute while I watch the darkness surge closer and closer.
His hand seems farther and farther away as I struggle through the bars to reach him. He turns to see the darkness, his face full of fear and terror as the blackness engulfs him whole.
I call out again, but I hear nothing as the darkness drags him away from me.
Suddenly, I wake from my nightmare, sweat beading on my forehead, my breathing erratic. Panicked, I sit up. The room’s in complete darkness. I turn on the light as tears finally freefall down my cheeks. I realize right in this moment that he needs my support, no matter what. I can’t lose him. Life without Aiden is dark, dreary, and unbearable. He’s my light, my happiness, my life. I turn to the clock and check the time, it’s the early hours of the morning. I lie down, and my breathing eases as I take his pillow and hold it tightly to me. Reaching out, I grab my phone from the bedside table and set my alarm, leaving the light on for comfort as I slowly drift back to a restless sleep.
The elevator chimes, and Mike steps out. “Good morning, Miss Taylor. Are you ready?” He sounds chirpy, but I can tell he’s anything but as he looks at me with sympathetic eyes.
“As ready as I’ll ever be, Mike.” I stand as he takes my arm in his, and we head to the parking garage. Mike peers at me with concern as he turns on the ignition.
“Miss Taylor, are you sure you’re ready to see him?”
The answer I really want to say is ‘I want to see him, just not in damn jail,’ but I contain myself and simply nod.
His only response is an audible exhale as we head toward the main gate with my anxiety pulsing through me like a torrential downpour. Mike continues to walk with me through the gate where I see Jenson talking to a security guard.
Catching Jenson’s attention, he gestures for me to follow him. Midway, my stomach lurches and flutters with fear, making me turn back to look at Mike. It must be written all over my face because with quick steps, he gently grips my shoulder. “You can do this, Miss
Taylor. You’re stronger than you know. Stay confident. Hold onto your love for Aiden, and you’ll be fine.” With his reassuring words, I take a much-needed breath and feel some of the emotional weight lift.
“Right! Here we go,” I agree as I walk toward the lawyer.
Jenson assesses me cautiously and puts out his hand in greeting. “Miss Taylor.”
I shake his hand. “Mr. Monroe.”
He hands me my visitor’s pass. “I just want to warn you that it may be daunting when we go inside. You’ll be on one side of a screen, and you’ll have to use a telephone to talk to each other. Please remember he’s in a fragile condition, and he needs your support.”
I glare at him in response. No words are needed, and he instantly looks away.
We walk into the building and pass through a metal detector while my stomach churns with anxiety. I can’t wait to see Aiden. I miss him so badly, but at the same time, I don’t want to see him locked up like this.
As we step through each doorway, an alarm sounds. With every step I take, my anxiety builds. We’re led into a small room painted a dull gray, and there’s a desk with a thick glass partition from the top of the desk to the ceiling. On each side of the glass partition is a old-style black telephone.
Jenson gestures for me to sit. I do as I’m told and wait for Aiden. Nervously, I tap my foot on the floor. I need him so badly that I’m physically and mentally hurting without him. The door on the other side of the room opens, and Aiden walks through in handcuffs wearing a dark blue top and matching pants. His hair is disheveled, but not in a good way, and he has a slight growth of stubble on his face. He appears despondent, and my heart breaks as my fun-loving, energetic man now looks defeated and disheartened. He manages some sort of half-smile when he sees me and even his half-smile lights up the room with his appeal. He’s in front of me, so close and yet so far as the guard on his side unlocks his handcuffs. My bottom lip starts to quiver, and I’m becoming emotional, but I have to be strong for him.
Aiden picks up the phone on his side, making me do the same. “Hey, baby, you look good in my shirt.” His voice is the same smoothness I’ve come to miss, but hearing the broken undertone, I can’t control the single tear that falls at the sound of it.