by S. E. Lund
I closed the door and turned to face the studio, glad that conversation was over. There's no way I could talk to Jules about my relationship with Drake, or about the trial and the video. No way. But it was nice of him to offer. He was a harmless guy who was pretty laid back about everything. I was sure he'd have some gem of new age wisdom to offer me if I did talk to him, but that wasn't going to happen. I couldn't even talk to my former best friend about it. Lara, yes. Anyone else, no.
In truth, I didn't really need to talk to anyone about it. I talked to Drake and was able to tell him the full truth and nothing but the truth. He knew everything about me, knew me inside and out, knew how my mind worked and anticipated my moods. There was nothing I couldn't say to him.
Well, except that I worried he'd never be happy again because of how his life had been ruined by Lisa and the trials.
He'd given up so much...
I would have to stay positive and not show any worry. I had to believe that given time, our lives would go back to normal and we could both be happy again. Problem was that I worried it might not be possible in Manhattan. The trial was too big a deal here and had been covered in all the papers and on the local news hour after hour. Drake's face had been plastered on every screen, his letters giggled over on gossip columns. He'd become well-enough known that reporters and paparazzi knew him on sight. Investors worried about his name on the banner of the foundation and corporation. The hospital worried about donors not giving if Drake was on faculty.
It was clear to me that things would never go back to normal for us. Who knew where we'd end up on this crazy ride of a life we had? I only knew I had to hold on to him as tight as I could and be there when we finally landed.
* * *
I left the studio around five thirty, pulling on my coat and boots and tying a scarf around my neck. The sky was getting dark and it had turned cold during the afternoon. In fact, I suspected it was cold enough to snow. That prospect filled me with dissatisfaction. The idea of spending another winter in Manhattan seemed unbearable at that moment. I was glad Drake and I had talked about the Bahamas.
I wanted to escape -- more than just the weather.
My cell dinged and I pulled it out of my pocket and checked.
DRAKE: Hey there. When are you coming back? I miss you…
KATE: How are you feeling? Did you sleep?
DRAKE: Like a log. I really needed a rest. Now, I'm ready to face whatever life throws at me.
KATE: I was just locking the door to my studio space. I'll be home as soon as John can drive me.
DRAKE: Good. I miss you.
KATE: I miss you. Sorry to leave you alone.
DRAKE: No, not at all. I needed a sleep. I just want you here in my arms. That's all.
KATE: That's all? That's what makes me happy. Being in your arms.
DRAKE: That makes me happy. See you soon.
KATE: Soon.
I smiled to myself, glad that he was feeling better and that I could now go home to him and Sophia. It seemed like the worst was, if not over, at least closer to being over, so it had to get better from this point forward.
At least, that was my hope...
Drake
The day I was scheduled to give my testimony started off well, but went downhill almost immediately.
I was woken by the sunlight streaming into our bedroom. Glancing at my watch, I saw it was already nine, which meant I had a few hours to relax and get ready for the afternoon when I would head down to the courthouse and give my testimony. I rolled over and saw Kate was already up. She must have woken when Sophie did and had already taken her downstairs.
I got up and had a quick shower, then pulled on my sweats and t-shirt, before making my way downstairs to find them at the kitchen island. Kate was wearing her nightgown and slippers, a sweater pulled around her shoulders. She smiled when she saw me, and that smile and the emotion behind it made everything worthwhile -- all the publicity and assault on my character, closing down the foundation. I could take it for the rest of my life as long as I had her and Sophia.
Sophie was currently shoveling oatmeal into her mouth, her tiny fist clamped tightly around her baby spoon. She smiled as well when she saw me, her eyes crinkling, her cheeks rosy.
"Good morning to my two girls," I said and bent down to kiss Sophie and then I went to Kate and pulled her into my arms for a warm hug and kiss.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Kate replied, a spatula in her hand. She was making scrambled eggs, and I saw a few slices of bacon in the pan. "I have some breakfast ready for you. Toast's in the oven staying warm.
"Have you eaten?"
"No," she said and stirred the eggs around in the pan. "I've had my coffee but I wanted to wait for you to eat. Have a seat."
I did, sitting beside Sophie, who kept feeding herself, her long golden brown curls tied up with a bow, making her look like a doll. A doll with oatmeal on her face. I grabbed a napkin off the counter and wiped her chin.
"How are you feeling today?" Kate asked, placing a plate of food in front of me. "Are you up for your testimony today?"
I shrugged. "I'm feeling fine, if that's what you mean. Don't know if I'm up for it or not. I'd rather do anything other than showing up at the courthouse, to be honest. Walk across hot stones, run the gauntlet at West Point, scale the mountains at Machu Pichu. But I'll do it."
She brought her own plate of food over and sat beside me, spreading a napkin onto her lap and digging into her eggs. "Just keep telling yourself that it'll be thirty minutes and then it's over. Finished. You can put this whole episode behind you."
"Onward and upward?"
"Exactly," she replied and held up her glass of juice. "To the end of the trial and us forgetting all about Lisa Monroe and her murderous ways."
"I'll drink to that."
We clinked juice glasses.
The three of us sat eating our breakfasts, enjoying the morning. Kate and I talked about our trip to Nassau and the logistics of getting Ethan there. He'd need a wheelchair-accessible suite of rooms on the main floor if possible.
"I'll call later and reserve rooms for us. I guess Heath has already done so. Do you think Liam will be able to come, too? I bet he'd love to go scuba diving."
"I'm going to start the delicate negotiations with Maureen as soon as I'm finished with my testimony. I don't see how she can refuse, unless she's already arranged for him to come to Kuala Lumpur for the holiday. If so, I really can't ask for him to come with us. He only sees his mother on holidays."
Kate reached over and squeezed my hand. "I know. It will still be disappointing. He's at Brenda's all week every week. You only get to see him occasionally."
"Chris and Maureen are the only parents he's ever known. Being with them is important. I can't complain."
I decided to call Brenda first, and see what was planned for Liam over the holidays. I dialed her number while Kate refilled my coffee mug.
"Hey, Drake," Brenda said when she answered the phone. "How are you? Sorry to hear about the attack. It was shocking to watch on the news."
"I'm better. I've been taking it easy for the past ten days, but I have to give my testimony today at the trial. After that, I'm done with the whole business."
"That's good. What's up?"
"I was wondering what Liam is doing over the Thanksgiving holiday. I'd like to take him to Nassau with us if he's free."
There was a pause on the other end of the line.
"Hmm," Brenda said finally. "I'm afraid I don't think that will be possible."
"Is he going to Kuala Lumpur? I thought he might be going. He hasn't seen Maureen and Chris for weeks."
"No," Brenda said. "He's not going. Maureen wants him to stay in town in case she flies in for the weekend."
"Oh," I said, frowning. "But it's not certain she will?"
"No. She's thinking she might fly back to Manhattan for a few days so she can see Liam, but it's up in the air in case Chris has something going on and she has to stay."
"Huh," I said, frowning. "I could always book a room for Liam and if Maureen doesn't end up coming back, he could fly with us. We won't be leaving until the day before anyway."
I heard her exhale like she was frustrated. "Look, Drake, I'm sorry, but I don't think Maureen wants Liam to go anywhere with you at the moment."
"Why?" I tried to damp down the anger that threatened to boil up. "I thought we agreed that Liam would spend time with me on weekends when he was off school."
"Maureen thinks that with all the publicity around the trial, especially given the recent, uh, videos that have been released, it would be harmful to Liam."
"What?"
"I don't agree with her, but she's the mother. She wants you to wait until the trial publicity blows over."
I felt my blood pressure rising, but took in a deep breath, trying to not let Maureen's unreasonableness get the better of me. I didn't need the aggravation considering I had to testify in the afternoon.
"Whatever," I said and exhaled, trying to let it go. "I'll still book a room and flight for him on the off chance she has a change of heart by then. The trial will be over so I hope the publicity will have died down.”
"I wouldn't waste your money," she said softly. "I don't think Maureen will change her mind. She was pretty clear on this."
"It's my money to waste," I said a little too harshly. Then, I felt bad. "Look, Brenda, I don't mean to sound mad at you. I know this isn't your choice or decision. I'm going to book for him anyway. I can cancel if things don't work out. It's no problem. Thanks for being so reasonable about all this. I'm hoping to come by and see Liam this Sunday, and take him out for brunch if that's okay with you."
"Sunday isn't a good day," she said, her voice soft. "Liam has a birthday party to go to. Maybe next weekend."
I closed my eyes, hoping there really was a birthday party and Brenda wasn't just making an excuse. "Okay. I'll call back next week to arrange a time."
"Take care, Drake."
"You as well."
I hung up and turned to Kate, whose eyes were warm, her expression sympathetic.
"Well, that sucks," I said and forked some cold eggs into my mouth. I chewed for a moment, trying to calm myself. Kate reached over and rubbed my shoulder affectionately.
"Things will calm down and you'll be able to see Liam more often."
"I hope so." I drank down my juice and tried to pull myself out of the funk I felt coming on. Beside me, Sophie chirped and I glanced at her, noticing her smile when our eyes met.
She was such a beautiful child. She was mine. I may not have Liam with me, but I had Sophie and I was determined to make her as happy and healthy as I could. While I was deprived of being Liam's father, I could be a great father to her. I turned to Kate and reached out, taking her hand and squeezing.
"I'll be fine at exactly 3:30, after my testimony is over. And then, what I want to do is turn off the television, switch off my internet, and spend the week with my two favorite ladies."
"We're all yours," she said and leaned over to kiss me.
* * *
I left the house at 2:00, John driving over to Lara's office on the way. She wanted to come with me to offer moral support while I waited for the call to enter the courtroom, and then we were going to go out after and talk about how it went, and then put the case to bed with a drink. I'd be having non-alcoholic beverage just to be on the safe side, but Lara deserved a cocktail. Then, I'd go home and implement my plan to completely disregard the case from then on.
When we arrived at her building, I sent her a text and we waited for her to come down. Sure enough, within five minutes, she stepped out of the building, looking like a million dollars in her long black coat, high leather boots, a grey pinstripe suit and white blouse underneath, her platinum blonde hair pulled back into her signature tight bun. She looked every inch a dominatrix, and I could easily imagine her intimidating business men in her dungeon.
"There you are," she said and got into the car beside me, leaning over for an air kiss. "Let's go and slay some dragons, shall we? Put all this bullshit behind you."
"Sounds like a plan."
We made small talk on the way to the courthouse, for I'd gone over the questions with her several times and felt I was ready for the prosecutor and cross examination.
I told her about Michael's offer for me to go to Southampton to set up a pediatric robotic neurosurgery unit at the children's hospital.
"Drake, that sounds like a fantastic opportunity for you. Right up your alley."
"I know," I said with a heavy sigh.
"What's the sigh about?"
I glanced away, feeling bad. "Kate. She just got back to Manhattan, back into her studio, with Ethan nearby. I doubt she'll want to move to England."
"You haven't told her? But she has to understand..."
I shrugged. "I know she won't like it. I have to understand as well that Kate's very close to her father. She loves Manhattan."
"You love doing robotic surgery, and the chance to set up a new unit at a children's hospital... That sounds like heaven for you. Surely she would realize it would be crazy of you to turn it down."
"I want Kate happy, Lara. I almost lost her. I don't want to do anything that makes her unhappy."
"I'm sure she feels the same way."
I rubbed my forehead. "I'm going to talk to her about it soon. We'll see how things go with the trial."
"Don't put it off," Lara said. "Honesty and openness is the best policy."
"I won't. After this weekend. I don't want to ruin it."
When we arrived, the steps to the courthouse were crowded with reporters and film crews, hoping to catch a glimpse of witnesses. I was certain to be top of their lists.
"Let me lead the way. I'll fend off any reporters," Lara said as she got out. I followed her out of the car and adjusted my coat while the John closed the door. Then, he stood beside me and I noticed that another bodyguard whose name I didn't know stood a few feet away. It gave me a momentary sense of unreality that my life had come to this -- two bodyguards, the paparazzi approaching with their microphones held out, their cameras rolling.
"Do you have anything to say, Dr. Morgan? Do you deny that the video is of you hitting the woman you're with?"
Lara grabbed my arm and pulled me forward.
"Dr. Morgan will issue a brief statement after he's finished giving his testimony. Until then, he has nothing to say. Thank you," she said, her voice firm, giving the reporters the evil eye.
Together, her arm through mine, we walked up the steps to the door and went through security.
"You're damn good at this," I said while we checked our personal items and went through the scanner.
"That's why you pay me the big bucks," she said with a laugh.
I did pay Lara big bucks to be my lawyer and previously, to be my matchmaker. We were friends on top of it and it was her unwavering support of me as a human being that I truly appreciated. She had my back. We'd been friends for years and I knew I could rely on her advice. It was never wrong.
We went inside and checked in with the clerk, who would alert the prosecutor that I was there and would be waiting for my turn to testify. Then, we sat in the long hallway outside the courtroom and waited for me to be called.
While we spoke in quiet voices, a woman came out of the courtroom and walked past us. She glared at me on her way by and I frowned, trying to place her, but I didn't recognize her. She walked down the hallway to the washroom and I turned to Lara.
"Do you know who that is? She gave me a really nasty look."
"No idea," Lara said with a shrug. "Probably just some audience member who thinks you're the devil incarnate."
"Probably."
"Well, whoever she is, this whole business is almost over," she said and gave my hand a squeeze. "After we have a celebratory drink, you can go home to your beautiful wife and baby and put all this behind you. How are you feeling? Stressed?"
"Yes, but I feel pretty
comfortable with my testimony. If the defense doesn't give me too hard of a time, it should be no sweat."
"I know Simpson," Lara said. "She's pretty good, all things considered. She'll make a few digs at you, be cautioned by the judge, and do her best to leave a smidgen of doubt in the minds of the jury that her client is not completely culpable. Her only goal now is to get a reduced sentence rather than an acquittal."
The two of us spoke together quietly about the trial and the evidence presented so far. It looked to me like it was a slam-dunk case, but I was a civilian and had no idea how the jury would respond. All I could do was tell my part of the story and leave it up to the skill of the prosecutor and hope the jury found her guilty.
When the clerk called me and the guard opened the door to indicate I was supposed to enter the courtroom, I turned to Lara and raised my eyebrows.
"I guess my time in the fishbowl is here. Wish me luck."
"You'll do fine," Lara said. "Soon, we'll be drinking at Bernie's on 7th and this will all be behind you."
With that, I entered the courtroom.
* * *
In the end, my testimony went far easier than I thought. I walked down the row to the witness box, was sworn in, and I deflected most of the questions Lisa's defense lawyer asked, denying that we had any kind of romantic relationship and were nothing more than colleagues at NYU, and that it was Lisa, not me, who pursued such a relationship. That I didn't even recognize her when we met again at NYU and when she pushed for a relationship, how I went to the administration to quit and was encouraged to stay.
While I was speaking, I noticed the woman who had left earlier returned and sat in the back row. She wasn't with Lisa's family so I figured Lara was right -- she was just an audience member who had a hate on for me.
The questions finally came to an end, and I felt fine with how I had performed. When I was dismissed, and walked past Lisa and her lawyer, I felt finally free.
I almost made it out of the courtroom without incident.
Almost.
Then, the woman from the back row stood up as I passed her and threw an object at me.