“I only have to give them something I own? I don’t have to give back what I stole?” Carl asked.
“Yes—you do,” Beth said, pointing the spatula at him. “If you still have whatever you stole, that has to be returned too. Now get to it.”
Carl stomped out the door to Alex’s house.
“Well, that covers the stealing. What about the fact that he could’ve killed Donovan?” I asked.
Grady shrugged. “Donovan’s been meaning to clean the gutters and wash the siding on the house. Make Carl do it.”
Beth nodded. “Add cleaning his garage, painting the new nursery at Headquarters, and washing his and Lisa’s cars.”
“Who’s going to babysit him while he does all that?” Sara asked.
“We can all take turns and make sure he doesn’t destroy their house or disassemble their cars,” I said. “But Carl’s the worst painter I’ve ever seen. Let’s leave the nursery to the professionals.”
Grady grinned before wrapping his arms around me. “Someone else will need to babysit today. We have court, remember?”
“Can we go?” Nicholas asked.
“No, Nick,” Grady answered, reaching an arm out to wrap around Nicholas’ shoulder. “Just adults today.”
“No, fair.” Sara pouted.
“My mother is going to say things about me that I don’t want either of you to hear,” I told them. “Heck, I don’t want anyone to hear it, including myself.”
“Did you do something bad?” Sara asked, squinting her eyes and watching me.
“No,” Grady answered. “She did what she had to, and when you’re both adults, maybe she’ll tell you. But it’s up to her. Got it?”
Nicholas sighed, but Sara kept watching me. I could see her brain spinning with possible scenarios.
“Sara,” Beth said without turning around, “can you help Nicholas set the table please?”
Sara was distracted by her new assignment and gathered the silverware from the drawer while Nicholas ran around the bar to get the plates.
“You okay?” Grady whispered in my ear, snuggling me with his arms.
“Not really,” I answered just as quietly. “I feel like crawling into a dark cave and hiding the rest of the day.”
Grady leaned in and kissed my cheek. “You’re no coward, babe. And I’ll be with you the entire time.”
I nodded, turning my head to watch the kids race around the table and back to the kitchen for the glasses.
The garage door opened and Nana entered, setting her oversized purse on the end of the counter. “Boy, Lisa is an angry woman,” she said. “She’s ironing Donovan’s dress shirts and cussing a blue streak. She gave a few shirts scorch marks, and I think she did it on purpose.”
Grady snorted into my shoulder.
“Why is everyone up so early?” Anne asked as she and Whiskey came down the stairs. “It’s only six.”
“I haven’t been to sleep yet,” I answered. “I don’t know why everyone else is up.”
“Early bird catches the worm,” Nana said.
“Carl woke me up,” Nicholas said.
“Funny. Carl arguing with Tyler woke me up too,” Tech said.
“I woke up when I heard the SUV leave,” Grady said.
We turned to Beth who shrugged. “I don’t sleep much. And there’s not much to do in my little apartment.”
The oven timer dinged, indicating the rolls were done. Beth was ready with an oven mitt to pull them out and already had platters ready. She also poured the scrambled eggs into casserole dishes and handed off all the dishes to those of us standing around. We loaded the table and everyone helped themselves.
“You-whooo!” Dallas called out as she entered the house. “Oh, good, you’re up.”
“Sure am. The question is, why are you up this early?”
“I’m here to style your hair, of course,” she answered, looking at me like I was short on brain cells.
“And why do I need my hair styled?”
“It’s the day of the showdown with your mother. Alex found an outfit that will be perfect, and Bridget bought shoes to go with it. I know you prefer your boots, but she assured me you’d wear the Louboutins if we bought them. They are simply fabulous.”
“I really don’t care. I’m not sure why you guys do.”
“Because it will piss your mother off. The Armani suit alone will send her into a jealous rage,” Dallas said.
I thought about it a moment before agreeing with her. “That works. But you owe ten pushups.” I pointed to the sign the kids had made and posted above the credenza which in large letters demanded ten pushups per swear word.
Dallas looked down at her halter top, tight skirt, and high heels. “Damn.”
~*~*~
After breakfast, I was shooed off to shower and to prepare for my hairstyling. Nana said she’d make sure the kids got dressed and ready for school. Anne and the others cleared the table and wrapped leftovers on plates for those who slept in and missed the first round.
Wrapped in a towel twenty minutes later, I walked in while Grady was putting on his suit jacket.
“Why are you getting ready so early?”
“I was afraid that once Dallas took over, I wouldn’t have a chance to use the bedroom until it was time to leave,” he said. “You look nice.” He tugged on the towel, but I held it in place.
“Later.” I smiled up at him. “When this is all over.”
“Deal,” he said, leaning down to kiss me. “And I’m going to want to see you naked except for the shoes that Bridget bought you.”
“Your addiction to high heels is a little disturbing.”
“I like what I like. And as long as it’s you I want to see in the shoes, you have no reason to complain.” He smirked and walked out.
Knowing Dallas would take forever to put me together, I put on a pair of comfortable sweats and a loose-fitting scoop neck T-shirt. I was putting on socks when Dallas waltzed in without knocking and ordered me to sit in my desk chair.
“Is all this really necessary?” I sighed, sitting in the chair.
“You’ll thank me later.”
“Don’t count on it.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
This was it. I stared at the courthouse building looming before me. Armed with a leather briefcase, clad in Armani, and flashing a pair of fabulous Louboutins on my feet, I was conflicted whether I felt empowered or scared shitless. I had to admit, though, that when I looked in the mirror before leaving, I was a little impressed. I looked like an upscale New York attorney. One of those sharks who wins all their cases.
“Kelsey,” Cameron greeted me as he descended the courthouse steps. “This is Ted Challice. He’s officially your attorney since I’m not able to represent you directly. I’ve prepped him on the case, and what to expect.”
I shook Ted Challice’s hand, but I was less than impressed when his eyes scanned my body.
“Not a great start,” I said to him, and his eyes sprung back to meet mine. “Do as you were advised and hopefully this will be over quickly. If you steer off course, you’ll be fired.”
He nodded, having the grace to appear embarrassed, before turning back toward the stairs.
I glanced at Cameron who was smirking. “Can you really blame the guy?” Cameron asked. “You look amazing. Like million-dollars amazing. I wish all my clients dressed up for court. I’m lucky if some of them wear a T-shirt without stains and holes.”
“She’s a bit bitchy this morning,” Grady told Cameron. “She’ll be fine when this is over.”
“I’m not bitchy!”
Grady smirked, grabbed my hand, and placed it in the crook of his arm as he led me up the stairs. Katie and Anne giggled behind us. Behind them was, well, everyone. Only Tyler, Donovan, and Whiskey had stayed behind with Carl, Nana, and the kids. Donovan was on pain killers for his fractured arm. The others would keep Carl and Nana out of the trouble while the kids were in their schoolroom with Beth. Dallas also stayed at the house
, having convinced Nana that the showdown would be easier on me if she wasn’t there to witness it.
Cameron held the door open, and I found Maggie, Kierson, and Genie waiting in the lobby as we entered.
“Shouldn’t you guys be at work?” I asked.
“We called in sick.” Genie grinned.
I looked over at Kierson and raised an eyebrow. “All of you?”
“I didn’t pretend I was sick, if that’s what you’re asking,” Kierson said. “I did call in that I needed to take a personal day.” He held an arm out for Charlie, who slipped her hand through the bend at his elbow. She was trying to appear confident but her fingers clenched his sleeve.
I nodded a chin-up to her as I continued down the hall and around the corner. And then, I saw them. Hattie and Pops, hand in hand, were waiting for me outside the courtroom doors. My eyes started to water, and I waved both hands in front of my face, trying to dry them before I made a mess of my makeup.
“That’s right, sunshine. This isn’t the time for tears,” Hattie said, wrapping her arms around me. “Did you really think we wouldn’t be here? Hmm?”
“Hattie, there’s going to be things said…”
“We were warned,” Hattie said. “And we don’t care. In fact, I don’t give a gerbil’s butt what that woman says. As far as I’m concerned, I’m your mother now. Charlie’s too, if she’ll have me. You’re all my girls, and I’m damn proud of you.”
“Ditto for me,” Pops grumbled, stepping around Hattie to steal a hug. “Now shoulders back, chin up, and let them see that they messed with the wrong filly.”
“End this, babe,” Grady whispered from beside me.
“And not for Nicholas—or for me,” Charlie said, stepping beside me. “This time, do it for you. Stand up for yourself. No mercy.”
Tears still threatened to fall, and my chin quivered. I closed my eyes and took several slow breaths in and out to reclaim my composure. My family circled me, hiding me from my enemies.
When I was ready I nodded, and they parted. I led them into the courtroom with Grady and Charlie flanking my sides. Everyone else entered with heavy, determined footfalls behind me as they filled the left side of the room, leaving half of our group standing along the outside walls.
My mother’s eyes pierced me as I stepped behind the defendant’s table and emptied the files I would need from my briefcase. Cameron stood to my right between Mr. Challice and me, and Grady stood to my left, always by my side. Hattie, Pops, Lisa, Anne, Alex, and Charlie stood in the row behind me. I looked over at Grady and smiled. With everyone here to support me, I felt strong.
“That’s my girl,” he said, seeing the fire in my eyes.
“Don’t even think about it,” Pops growled from behind me.
I turned to see my mother had been about to approach me when Pops stepped in her path.
“I’ve never hit a woman, but I wouldn’t hesitate,” he said to my mother.
“You don’t have to worry about hitting a woman,” Hattie said to Pops as she stepped in front of him. “If she dares to take another step toward my girl, I’ll flatten her like a pancake.” Hattie shook a fist at my mother.
I laughed when my mother retreated to her own table. “Bravo, Hattie.”
“Nobody messes with my sunshine,” she muttered, moving back to her bench.
Pops winked at me before he stepped back beside Hattie and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
I turned to Grady who was looking down at the table and silently laughing. “If you ever dump me, I’m keeping your family.”
“They do seem to keep you entertained.”
He barked a laugh as the door opened to the judge’s chambers.
“All rise,” the bailiff called out.
We were all still standing, but remained so until the judge was seated. “You may sit,” he mumbled toward the microphone. Everyone behind us who had a seat available, sat. The judge finally looked up and his eyes widened at the silent crowd.
“Maybe we should make this a closed courtroom,” the judge said, looking toward my mother who shook her head slightly. “But it’s the public’s right to witness as long as there are no disruptions,” he quickly added.
I turned, smiling at everyone behind me. All of my friends and family wore broad smiles. There were definitely going to be a few disruptions.
“We are here today for the custody case of Nicholas Harrison. Audrey Harrison is seeking visitation rights of said minor via suit to Kelsey Harrison. Is that correct?”
“That is correct, Your Honor. I’m Stephen Haulk for the record, representing the plaintiff, Mrs. Audrey Harrison.”
“And who do we have at the defendant’s table?” the judge asked.
“Ted Challice, representing Ms. Kelsey Harrison. Beside me is Cameron Brackins, her attorney from Miami. And on her other side is Grady Tanner, her fiancée.”
“Very well. Audrey, I heard about Thomas’ passing. In light of his death, do you wish to reschedule today’s hearing?”
“He would want me to continue, Your Honor. It was his wish that we’d have the opportunity to bond with our grandson.”
“What a load of—” I was cut off by Grady placing a hand over my mouth.
“Excuse me?” the judge asked, glaring at me.
“She was saying that her mother must be carrying a load of grief,” Cameron said to the judge which caused most of the room to giggle or chuckle.
“Right,” the judge said sarcastically, turning back to my mother. “Condolences on your loss, Audrey.”
“Thank you, Your Honor,” she said before dabbing a tissue at her dry eyes.
Katie snorted loudly behind me, which caused Grady to bark another laugh before turning his head into my shoulder to hide his face.
“Is there a problem?” the judge asked.
“If I may, Your Honor,” Mr. Challice said, briefly glaring my way before turning back to the judge. “We have a motion to have the venue of this case changed. My client does not live in this county, so we feel it should be heard in the county where her child resides.”
He passed the papers to the bailiff who carried them to the judge.
“Denied,” the judge said without reading anything in the folder.
“Very well, Your Honor. Then we’d like to submit a motion for you to recuse yourself from this hearing,” Mr. Challice said, handing the bailiff another stack of papers.
The bailiff looked shocked, but took the papers to the judge and handed them over.
“On what grounds?” the judge asked.
“I’d rather not say, Your Honor.”
“And I’d rather not be insulted in my own courtroom. State the reasons you feel I should recuse myself.”
“Because you’re crooked and in my mother’s pocket,” I said loud and clear. “She’s been blackmailing you for over two decades. She has pictures of your affair with the court clerk and has kept records of every case she’s had you decide in her favor. You’re looking at much bigger issues than recusing yourself, Your Honor. You’re looking down the barrel of an expensive divorce from your wife of thirty years, and time in prison on corruption charges.”
“How dare you!” the judge said, standing and glaring at me as his face turned beet red.
“How dare I? I’m not the one breaking my marriage vows or the sworn oath taken when you were appointed into office.”
“What proof do you have to support these slanderous, outrageous accusations?”
I took the file that Grady placed in my hand and tossed it in front of me to the courtroom floor. Pictures of his sordid affair drifted out of the folder for everyone to see. Hundreds of pages of court documents scattered about.
“Bailiff! Pick up those documents. And young lady, I advise you to sit down and let your lawyer do the talking or I’ll have you arrested.”
“By the crooked sheriff?” I snorted as I pointed to the sheriff. “The same man who raped me when I was just a child?”
“Lies! She’s a
liar, Your Honor. Always has been!” the sheriff yelled.
“I can vouch for the sheriff in this matter, Your Honor,” my mother said as she stood. “My daughter has made up lies about good people her whole life. I tried to steer her in the right direction, but she rebelled and ran away. For years she prostituted herself in our very own town. The sheriff tried to help me on several occasions to get her to stop selling her body. He’s probably the only man in this town she didn’t sleep with.”
“And yet I have a video of him raping me when I was only fourteen years old,” I said, tossing the flash drive to one of the state troopers sitting in the gallery.
The trooper looked down at the drive in his hand and grimaced. “You were fourteen?”
“Arrest him.” I nodded. “I’ll testify against him.”
“Now wait a—” the sheriff started to say.
Two nearby state troopers grabbed him, cuffing him and dragging him out of the courtroom.
“You were saying, Mother?”
She looked a bit shocked, staring at the doors.
“Oh, yes, I remember. You were telling everyone that I was a child prostitute. I didn’t honestly listen to the rest of your babbling, because it was all BS. But the prostitute part was accurate. I already told everyone though, so I’m not sure what you hoped to gain by telling the court.”
“It’s a crime!” She glared.
“So is blackmail.” I laughed. “And I have evidence of you blackmailing thirty-two people, most of whom you convinced to break the law for you. Should we talk about that? Or should we start with my father? And how you blackmailed him into marrying you? Though, honestly, what was he thinking? I’d rather go to prison for vehicular manslaughter than marry into your craziness. And he ended up serving what? A thirty-six-year sentence? With you as the warden and prison guard? That was, at least, until you murdered him.”
“That’s outrageous!” my mother screeched. “I loved your father!”
“You have no concept of love,” I said, shaking my head. “You manipulate, control, and destroy anyone who comes in contact with you. You kept files on your own children,” I said, lifting the files into the air before passing them to Katie.
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